A universal experience of nightclub loos where alcohol has loosened lips as lippy is applied
Selected to be one of eight new plays to take part in the SE Fest 2026, 1st-12th September.
Where the Whoopi Goldberg film ‘Sister Act’ was set in a convent, Sister Land is set in the ladies’ loo of a nightclub. It’s Friday night and it’s ladies’ night. The music, by sound designer Michael Seales, is thumping in the background, writes Linda Emmanuel.
It’s a universal experience of nightclub loos where alcohol has loosened lips as lippy is applied, truths are shared and friendships develop. The soundscape invites the audience to remember youthful, joyful times of dancing the night away. Uptight Lydia (Tabitha Kenworthy) is holding Michelle’s hair up as she throws up from too many shots; good time girl Michelle (Hannah Patrick) is out to have fun. It is supposed to be a girl’s night out after all, but Lydia’s gone and invited her boyfriend, which annoyingly wasn’t part of the plan. Kind and nurturing Cassie (Jadene Renee Prospere) is supportive of Lydia, who is crying in a cubicle. Lydia then discovers life-changing news. Fiery Petra (Juliana Grossi) slept with her manager’s brother, with the result that her work hours have been reduced. So, she is now selling her knickers online for extra income. Stressed Lara (Lucy Renton) happens to be going through a life crisis of her own and disapproves of Petra’s side hustle.
During the course of the play, they counsel, admonish, support and share sisterly love with each other in the confessional atmosphere of the cubicles.
The writing is sharp, keenly observed and full of humour, evidenced by the full belly laughs at many moments throughout the play. Director Charlotte Cattrall brought out the relationships between the five performers in a truthful and generous way, and this was well appreciated by the audience.
The SE Fest 2026, hosted by Jack Studio Theatre and The Bridge Theatre, has chosen well and given emerging playwrights, theatre practitioners, and new theatre companies the opportunity to share their work. The quality of the shows chosen is as good as any you would experience at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
