As a parent, you want the best for your child. You will move mountains to give them the best foundation for their life. But how far is too far? When does it switch from supportive to controlling? 

The Debate is an incredibly confronting and thought-provoking hour of theatre, written by the phenomenal Martha Lott. We are given a birds-eye view into the lengths one parent will go to give her daughter everything the parents want for her. But does the child? 

Martha’s writing is brilliant. There are some moments in the script where the content will challenge you. It is confronting, but Martha has peppered the script with some great moments of humour that are needed to break the tension. Director Nick Fagan has taken this new work and added his own sensitive hand to the staging. 

We meet a mother and daughter waiting for a meeting at school. The mother is immensely proud of the achievements her daughter has gained on the school debate team. As the play unfolds, we discover the lengths and depths the mother has gone to to allow her daughter to shine. 

Martha is sensational. Between her deep understanding of stage-craft and guidance by director Nick Fagan, no detail in her performance has been left unexplored. Martha’s lengthy monologue provided the perfect example of just how brilliant she is. One minute you felt sorry for her, the next you were recoiling in shock at some spiteful comment. Lott’s performance was captivating, mesmerising and you hung on her every word. 

Amelia Lott-Watson brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the role of Chloe. It takes a lot to stand up against Martha’s stage presence, but Amelia is up to the task. Mother and daughter in real life, Martha and Amelia clearly have a strong bond and great deal of trust in each other. It adds this unique layer to The Debate.

Once again Holden Street Theatres Inc. have produced an exceptional piece of theatre. Do take note of the content warning on Holden Street Theatre’s website for this show. This is biting theatre at its finest and a must see to theatre lovers this Fringe season.