Driven by her desire for a fairer society, and passionate about improving conditions for women and children, Jennie Baines arrived in Port Melbourne in 1926 and made her mark in no uncertain terms! She also left behind a powerful legacy.

Marli van der Bijl (Hamlet, Les Miserables, Hairspray) brings Jennie Baines to life in Jennie!

This entertaining new play invites you into the world of this remarkable suffragette, immersing you in the sights, sounds and streets of the working-class neighborhood she fought to protect – and the children she vowed she would save.

Proudly presented by Melbourne Writers’ Theatre.

FEATURING:
Marli van der Bijl as Jennie
Amir Rahimzadeh as George
Lucy Norton as Dorothy
Tristan Sicari as Tom

and introducing:
Ivy Glenfield as Marianne
&
Joshua Johnston as Fred

Ivy Glenfield is a 16-year-old Year 11 student at Albert Park College. She is an enthusiastic drama student and was involved in the 2023 Albert Park College production of the musical ‘Working’. Ivy was not only a performer but a writer and director for the play. Ivy is the 2024 Drama Captain at Albert Park College and looks forward to performing in Jennie.

Joshua Johnston was born in 2009 and is currently attending Albert Park College. He has always been passionate about drama and has enjoyed a childhood full of performances for his family and friends. Joshua likes to live every moment, and his exuberance for both life and drama has led to performances in Albert Park College productions, musicals and now Jennie.

Director: Karyn Lee Greig
Lighting Designer: Natalia Velasco Moreno
Sound Designer: Sharyn Brand
Set Designer: Ishan Vivekanantham
Stage Manager: Barbara Yazbeck
Dramaturg: Clare Mendes
Playwright: B. W. Shearer