Wild Abandon

It’s the final night of Lilly’s “free pass” from her marriage when, in a hotel bar, she meets Francis, a trans woman who’s tired of men wanting to test their queerness. Their connection moves fast, and defences come down, leaving them exposed to each other's worst.

Serene and Jade are past lovers who promised to meet again in this hotel room if they’re single in 5 years. Sparks fly the moment they lay eyes on each other. However, as truths unravel, old wounds are excavated, and desires are undermined by lies they’ve told themselves.

In a hotel room, Jo is waiting alone. Mik is late. When he does turn up, this Grindr hook-up rapidly goes off script as they struggle to connect. Facades crack, and maladaptive base instincts come to their defence.

Wild Abandon is a bold and sensual multi-narrative drama that interrogates patterns we are nurtured into, where every character is challenged to find love for themselves as they desperately seek it in another.

SEASON DATES Fri 11 Nov – Sat 21 Nov 2026
TICKETS: https://www.melt.org.au/events/wild-abandon/
PLAYWRIGHTS: Seán Dowling, Ian Lawson, and Merlynn Tong.

DIRECTOR: Daniel Lammin
LIGHTING: Steven May
SOUND: Wil Hughes
FIGHT/INTIMACY: NJ Price
STAGE MANAGER: Scarlett Hughes
CAST: Zac Callaghan, Julian Curtis, Seán Dowling, Jodie Le Vesconte, Anna McGahan, and Merlynn Tong.

WARNING: Please note this production is R18+ and includes coarse language, adult themes, sexual content, and partial nudity. 

Commissioned by Playlab Theatre and presented with the Brisbane Powerhouse for the 2026 MELT Festival.