WILD ABANDON

by Séan Dowling, Ian Lawson, and Merlynn Tong

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 the worst of each other.

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.

Photo Credit: Morgan Roberts

SEASON DATESFri 11 Nov – Sat 21 Nov 2026
VENUEUnderground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse
DURATION90
AGESR18+
PLAYWRIGHTSSeán Dowling, Ian Lawson, and Merlynn Tong
DIRECTORDaniel Lammin
LIGHTINGSteven May
SOUNDWil Hughes
FIGHT/INTIMACYNJ Price
STAGE MANAGERScarlett Hughes
CASTZac Callaghan, Julian Curtis, Seán Dowling, Jodie LeVesconte, Anna McGahan, and Merlynn Tong.

A Playlab Theatre production presented in partnership with the Brisbane Powerhouse. Playlab Theatre is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.