THEATRE
Written by Carole Patullo, Jane Bayly, Yoni Prior, based on stories of the Sea Wolves
At various venues across Melbourne & Victoria from June 2026
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars: *** (3)
This review is published only on this blog. I presented a radio review on Arts Weekly, 3MBS, Sat 20 June 2026. KH
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| Sea Wolves Howl - cast - image supplied |
A cast of five (Carole Patullo, Jane Bayly, Carmelina Di Guglielmo, Kelly Nash, Em Jevons), four older women and one younger performer, performs this community show that is based on the real stories of a group of women who started swimming daily at Mount Martha on the Peninsula, come rain, shine, winter or summer.
These intrepid women call themselves the Sea Wolves: they hold hands, howl like wolves and step valiantly into the cold waters of the bay.
The script, based on the real swimmers’ stories, is written by two of the performers, Patullo and Bayly, with director, Yoni Prior.
Community Theatre that is designed for a target community, written from community stories, about community issues, and performed for that specific community, cannot be reviewed in the same way as other theatre. Although this production is performed by professionals, the purpose must be considered: to reflect the stories of the women who have share shared their lives and related how swimming with the Sea Wolves changed to them.
The original, target audience on the Mornington Peninsula. and particularly the Sea Wolves themselves, would have been totally engaged with the familiar stories, locations and content.
The production has no linear narrative or dramatic structure with a beginning middle and end. Rather, it is a series of short monologues by individual characters woven together with group scenes and original songs that are sung by the women and accompanied by a musician.
They chat and sing about the individual experiences that led them to the swimming, their personal lives, how they have been changed by joining the group and by swimming in the cold water daily.
They talk about the sense of belonging, of community, of the health benefits of cold-water swimming, of the support they share, of making new or difficult choices in their lives, and about dealing with aging, illness or loss.
The simple staging has been adapted to work on large stages than its original home on the Peninsula, and they use few props – pool noodles make an appearance –and corrugated plastic sheeting evokes the icy waters of the Bay.
This is a feel-good show with a welcoming, community feel and the audience at The Round was delighted to howl like wolves with the performers. Look for it in your suburb or region.
by KATE HERBERT
Cast: Carole Patullo, Jane Bayly, Carmelina Di Guglielmo, Kelly Nash, Em Jevons
Musician: Audrey Hart
Creative Team
Writers: Carole Patullo, Jane Bayly, Yoni Prior
Director Yoni Prior
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