The Shoehorn Sonata

Written by John Miso & Directed by Laura Gundrill

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Proudly supported by Victorian Veterans Council & State Government Victoria

The Shoe-Horn Sonata is a play by Australian playwright John Misto, one of Australia's most eminent playwrights. The Shoe- Horn Sonata is set in 1995, fifty years after protagonists Sheila and Bridie were released from a Japanese prison camp where they were held during World War II. This is the first time that they have been together since their liberation. Their reason for reuniting is to appear on a television documentary to share their wartime experiences. Both women had been captured when the ships they were travelling to escape the fall of Singapore, were torpedoed by Japanese submarines, leaving the ships' passengers to be picked up by the invading Japanese Navy. Although they used to be friends, the two women harbour a resentment for one other born out of the trauma of their captivity. At the end of the play we learn that both women have been holding on to terrible secrets for fifty years, and that it is only when they reveal these secrets to their interviewer that both women truly feel liberated. 

Colette Quin plays Sheila Richards

Colette has been involved in all aspects of dance and theatre for as long as she can remember. She became more involved in acting when she moved to Wangaratta in the early 1990s and has performed with many companies across Victoria. 

Of the play, Colette says: John Misto is an incredible playwright. His work has shone a light on the courage and resilience of the thousands of women and children that experienced the horror of this war. This story is set in two different times, with such realism that it will resonate today. If only one person leaves the performance realising the power of loyalty and love, then we have succeeded. Without The Shoe-Horn Sonata their story would be largely unknown. 

Brenda Spilva plays Bridie Cartwright

Brenda has a long-standing history of drama and performing, having started acting in primary school.  Her love of theatre has seen her perform in plays and musicals spanning 20+ years with recent performances over the last few years with local theatre companies before launching Limelight Touring Company in late 2024 with phenomenal women she has met and performed with. 

Brenda has much compassion for these women and their stories in The Shoe-Horn Sonata and is deeply conscious to be portraying the role of Bridie with sympathy and respect, honouring all women and their role during the war.

Limelight Touring Company

Limelight Touring Company is a professional independent theatre company based in Yarrawonga and Wangaratta with the focus on shining the limelight on local talent and touring shows to regional towns. Led by four local female actors, we are passionate about supporting women in theatre and bringing a professional theatre experience to local small towns.