Sebastian Drake is auditioning for the role of King Liar. Sebastian’s whole life has been leading him towards this role. Unfortunately, Sebastian’s memory isn’t all it once was, and this is where his biggest challenges lie today. 

Played by “International Star of Stage & Screen”, Paul Shearman, Sebastian Drake’s tale is one of treasured memories, fleeting joy, and cruel despair. An aging Actor, refusing to accept, or perhaps unable to remember, that his changing brain might not be up to the task anymore.

We see Sebastian Drake as an established Shakespearean Actor who is fiercely independent, which makes the cruel nature of his failing memory all the more difficult to witness. We root for him and his goal, but we also must acknowledge, just like those in his personal and professional life have, that his time on the stage is probably over. 

In its World Premier season at the 2026 Adelaide Fringe, The Last Audition is Shearman’s own original work that we might assume is inspired by events in his life or the lives of those he loves. It’s thought-provoking, sad, humorous, and will have you thinking about it in the days after viewing. 

Shearman brings us this work as a conversation starter. In an effort to turn up the volume on the challenges of aging, Shearman has used his preferred format of playwriting and performing to make us think and talk about mental health, and in particular the mental health of our aging loved ones. 

The Last Audition isn’t designed to dazzle and wow audiences. You’re not going to be blown away by incredible stage sets and powerful chorus numbers. You will, however, walk away thinking and considering your future and the futures of those you care about, and that is just as Shearman has orchestrated it.