For more than thirty years, the foursome Connie, Leona, Millie and Mary have gathered every week for cards and companionship—until Mary dies. Following her funeral, Millie decides to steal her ashes and bring her along for one final card game.

Written by Paul Elliott, Exit Laughing is a fun, joyous production that explores friendship and grief in unexpected ways, delivering plenty of surprises and laughter along the way.

The dynamic between the women is reminiscent of The Golden Girls, with each characters echoing familiar archetypes: the flirtatious drinker, the sensible one, and the unhinged wildcard who may be missing more than a few screws.

Beneath their bickering, these women share a believable bond. They have carried one another through illness, changing bodies, health concerns that accompany ageing, relationship dramas, and now the reality of “dying on the vine”.

Performed with Southern American accents, Millie (Penny Church), bursting with nervous energy is an absolute cackle. She might be a nincompoop, but she draws big laughs from the audience. Her dim-witted remarks and confessions leave the crowd spluttering. The three women are all dressed in black—they have just come from a funeral—but Lorna (Julie Mathers) stands out in her strappy red heels. Determined to remain upbeat, drink in hand, her attitude is clear: life should be a party and I’m going to party. And Phillipa Coleman (Connie), serves as the more grounded presence amid the escalating absurdity.

Supported by Sarah Croake as Connie’s daughter Rachel—“I’m a theatre major”—she’s all drama from the moment she storms in, throwing her books to the floor. Bratty and demanding, she fires off cutting thoughtless remarks at her mother, a portrait of young adult angst. And Luke Baweja,  as Bobby, adds his own chaos to the unfolding drama.

Directed by Annette van Roden, she notes the play reminds us to live more fully. “Death is the catalyst, a very real reflection of what happens when you lose someone close to you. It often makes you look at how you’re living, the choices you make each day, and whether you’re allowing yourself to live as fully as you can.”

A heartwarming play, Exit Laughing brings joy and laughter to a moment of incredible sadness and encourages us to savour and enjoy life.

4 stars

Presented by Hunters Hill Theatre Exit Laughing is playing at Club Ryde Ex in Sydney until 29 March 2026.

Run Time: 2 hours (and 20 minutes interval)

For tickets visit Hunters Hill Theatre