A moving contemporary exploration of how fame, illness and family influence the way we see the world, others, and ourselves.

Renowned Australian artist Leo Bailey’s years of alcohol abuse and indulgent misbehaviour have caught up with him, his dementia necessitating round-the-clock care that no family or past friends are willing to provide. Fresh out of prison and in need of work, straight-shooting, good-hearted Therese takes up the challenge as Leo’s carer. As Leo and Therese form a close bond, they begin to hope for a future in which Leo can repair his broken relationship with his daughter. But when is forgiveness warranted, and when is a kind word or a beautiful painting too little, too late?

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s/dementia, from experience with several of my own grandparents, is a trauma for the whole family. With it comes increasingly unpredictable behaviours, difficult decisions on types of care, and an almost overwhelming foreboding of what is to come for your loved one by way of this cruel, incurable disease. Debra Oswald’s powerful interpretation of this experience in the context of a famous parent who by his own behaviour has alienated his children and ended friendships asks us to consider how artistic accomplishments and illness affects our perspectives of people who have hurt us.

Set in a mansion rapidly going to ruin, Leo’s situation is clear before any actor sets foot on stage. He’s cooped up, alone, and resentful of where his life has landed him. Direction by Damien Ryan sees scenes of life in the house feel natural and unforced, regular comings and goings through the front door that increase throughout the story and little home improvements gradually made to the set mirroring Leo’s growth journey.

Claudia Ware and John Gaden AO give memorable performances as Therese and Leo respectively. Ware’s charmingly chaotic and sincere quest to help Leo turn his life around as a way to make up for mistakes in her past is energetic and heartfelt. Her youthful hope and determination provide a perfectly balanced counterweight to Leo’s erratic mood swings and health decline that are performed with great sophistication by Gaden, laced with moments of clarity and jocularity emblematic of his prowess in the Australian theatre scene.

As daughter Margo, Rachel Gordon excels in the difficult task of communicating the confusing, layered relationship between a daughter and the father she loves but cannot forgive. Her prickly exterior occasionally gives way to the buckets of turmoil swirling beneath, from revelations of a life of mistreatment to recollections of rare happy times, protective instincts for her sickly dad and resentment towards those who look past his bad behaviour due to his artistic achievements. Albert Mwangi as tradesman Karl is a welcome new friend to the Bailey household, his chipper demeanour providing comedic relief throughout. His blossoming friendship with Leo also fuel’s Margot’s sense of injustice.

Emotional, complex and a little bit hopeful, Mr Bailey’s Minder is one of Ensemble’s best shows of 2023.

Purchase your ticket to Mr Bailey’s Minder here.

Wine Pairing

Toasting Aussie Theatre loves a good wine pairing. In cases where a story touches on the damaging effects of excessive alcohol consumption, however, offering a wine pairing would be in pretty poor taste. Enjoy this play with the beverage that works for you.

Mr Bailey’s Minder, Ensemble Theatre | Tasting Notes

Aussie Season	28 Jul to 2 Sept 2023, Ensemble Theatre
Ticket $	$38-80
Writer	Debra Oswald
Director	Damien Ryan
Theatre Type & Genre	Play, Dramedy
See it if you like	Clyde’s, stories of layered family drama and second chances