Happy Days

Comedian Judith Lucy takes the stage in Samuel Beckett’s absurdist masterpiece Happy Days, opening on Friday 5 May at Southbank Theatre.

In her debut lead role, audiences will see Judith in a role they have never seen before as she plays Winnie, a determined optimist in the face of an endless existential crisis who just happens to be buried up to her waist. Directed by Petra Kalive (Lifespan of a Fact, Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes), this 20th century classic also stars Hayden Spencer (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Willie.

The tragicomic tour-de-force, hailed as one of the best plays ever written, has never been more resonant despite being written more than 60 years ago. Through the character of Winnie, audiences will be drawn into her world of hope and despair, and ultimately be left with a profound understanding of the power of human resilience.

Artistic Director & Co-CEO Anne-Louise Sarks:

We are thrilled to bring Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece Happy Days to Southbank Theatre with Judith Lucy taking on the role of Winnie, a woman who embodies endurance and optimism in the face of an increasingly extreme world. Director Petra Kalive’s focus on the heart of the work and the incredible talents of Judith and Hayden, as well as the vision of the Happy Days creative team, bring freshness to this timeless classic.

‘Although it premiered in 1961, Happy Days is a work that’s about where we find ourselves now, and I’m excited for audiences to experience a new perspective on our contemporary life through this great play’s poetry, absurdity, wittiness, and comedy.’

Speaking about the role, Judith Lucy:

All I wanted to be when I was growing up was a stage actor. I got a little side-tracked, but this fifty-five year old menopausal lady is making her Melbourne Theatre Company debut as the lead in Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days so break out the champagne.

‘I have no idea what it’s actually about but I was attracted to the idea of playing a demented, deluded woman dealing with a hopeless, uncommunicative man on a dying planet essentially because it will require very little acting. Award season here I come!’

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Season Details

Venue: Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
Date: 1 May — 10 June 2023

For more information click HERE