Theatre Review: The Lark – Glam Adelaide

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A moving, heart-felt, emotionally-driven rollercoaster by one of this country’s greatest performers

Presented by: Adelaide Festival Centre, Arts Centre Melbourne and Hey Dowling Productions
Reviewed: 26 June, 2026

“Let me tell you a story…” the haunting opening line of the exceptional play, The Lark. And what a story. Written by Daniel Keene and performed by the exceptional Noni Hazlehurst, this production is the most magnificent hour and fifteen minutes of live theatre you may see for a long time. 

It will move you, it will make you laugh, it will make you reflect on your own life and those around you. The Lark is a masterpiece of Australian theatre.

We meet Rose (Noni Hazlehurst) during one of the last days of The Lark, a rundown and dilapidated pub before it is due to be demolished. We hear stories of love, loss, family, and the colourful patrons who visited The Larkstarting from when Rose’s father purchased the pub through to her selling it late in her life.

Watching Hazlehurst perform is truly a masterclass. Her stage presence transfixes you. Working closely with director Matt Scholten, they have created a character in Rose that you instantly warm to. Everything about Hazlehurst’s performance has been carefully considered and is executed perfectly. The pace of the dialogue is brilliant, the light and shade in the delivery is well thought through and every little gesture feels authentic for the character (of particular note is the itching of the nose and fiddling of the hem of her shirt). It’s not every day you get the opportunity to see one of Australia’s leading performers at work.

The Lark is the perfect example of how when a brilliant script writer, director and performer all work in unity, theatre magic happens. This production is so masterfully put together it will leave you hanging on every move, every moment of silence and every word. 

Emily Barrie’s set design sets the scene perfectly. So much detail has gone into the aesthetics of this remarkable set. From the years of grot, grime and dirty fingerprint smudges on the mirrors and shelving behind the bar, the mismatched bar stools, right down to the wear in the carpet exactly where the foot-traffic would go on their way to the bar. From the moment you enter the Space Theatre, you are drawn into this world. Richard Vabre’s lighting design is equally as impressive. The simple, yet thoughtful design highlights the emotional undertones of the script, as well as showing the passing of time throughout the day to when the light streams through the front door stained glass, which Rose fondly reflects on throughout the show. 

The Lark is now playing in the Space Theatre for a limited season. Performances include several matinees during the week as well as evening performances. Do what you can to see this remarkable piece of Australian theatre, performed by one of this country’s greatest performers. 

Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff

Photo credit: Cameron Grant – Parenthesy