Patrick looks out to the right. A photo of Naomi Jean holding a young Patrick, their noses touching, is projected over half of Patrick's face. The other half is in darkness.

An actor, wearing a dark t shirt and bathed in orange light, holds their smart phone in front of them - talking into it.

Naomi

Theatre and Physical Theatre • Solo show

Victoria • World Premiere

In 2015, Patrick’s mum took her own life.

Even while dealing with the shock and grief of the loss, Patrick was left with the overwhelming question: why?

How could this have happened? What were the signs missed? Who was to blame?

In this world premiere solo play from award-winning actor and writer Patrick Livesey and director Bronwen Coleman (DIRT), Livesey uses verbatim interviews as the basis for this gripping, at times heartbreaking and surprisingly funny new play about love and mental illness.

Thanks to Rosemary Walls and the Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund for their support of this work.

"One of the most highly talented young performers in Australia." - Peter Goers OAM

"Livesey is the real deal. A strong, smart, present and dynamic performer." - Mitchell Butel, Artistic Director of STCSA

Winner Mental Health Awareness Award presented by mindshare 2022 and Adelaide Critics Circle Award 2022

Please note: The Auslan Interpretation on Tuesday 8th March 7:30pm is no longer available. For alternative dates please see Performance accessibility

Presented by: Patrick Livesey

Patrick Livesey is a multi-award-winning non-binary actor, writer and producer. In 2018, Patrick wrote and performed The Boy, George, winning the NZ Tour Ready Award and a nomination for Best Performance at Melbourne Fringe. Patrick sold the rights to this work to comedian, Joel Creasey who previewed a sold-out season to Melbourne audiences in 2020. Patrick’s second play, Gone Girls, earned rave reviews at Adelaide Fringe 2020 and is programmed for Gasworks 2022 main season. With their partner, Wil King, they commissioned, produced and starred in Dirt by Angus Cameron, directed by Bronwen Coleman, for Adelaide Fringe 2021, winning four awards and a dozen five-star reviews. Their third play, Naomi was shortlisted for the 2021 Midsumma Queer Playwriting Award.

Reviews & Fringefeed Reacts

Patrick Livesey’s latest work is an astonishing, raw and gut-wrenching tribute to their mother and her death by suicide. It’s a triumph. - Craig Cook, The Advertiser
Livesey is an immense talent and does not disappoint in this gritty and heart-felt exploration of a deeply personal issue. - Mike Harrison, Global Media Post
Naomi is a candid yet sensitively presented theatre experience which radiates love from start to finish. - Charlie Kay, Mindshare
Naomi is a masterclass in acting by Patrick Livesey and is the must-see piece of theatre of the Fringe!!! - Barry Hill, Stage Whispers
This is compelling and important theatre. - Kym Clayton, The Barefoot Review

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