Sistren returns to Sydney after a successful sell-out season in 2025 at Old Fitz Theatre. Written and starring Iolanthe, with Janet Anderson, the duo has refreshed their routine, adding new material. Their reputation has grown over this period, and the start to the show is almost like an anthem — a war cry of Sistren shouted into the void until Janet Anderson (Violet) appears in a school uniform, dancing to Are You Havin’ Any Fun?’ setting a joyously tone for the show before she is joined by the equally vivacious Isla (Iolanthe).
The duo are South London Year 12 best friends — one Black, one white and trans woman — but sisters until the end. Directed by Ian Michael, Sistren is a dynamic comedy-drama where no topic is off-limits. From identity, racism and gender to feminism and sexual assault, they tackle everything head-on — and just as it starts getting heavy, they break into dance. It works. The audience is enthralled.
Friendly banter turns to intense conversation, revealing buried trauma. Both are raw, honest, putting their friendship under the microscope. Quick witted, with a language of their own, they interrupt each other in the way best friends do when they have so much to say to one another.
Amongst the heavy topics they delve into, the show is about teenage girls so expect a lot of over-the-top drama, which they lean into with highly expressive facial and body movements. The divas rule the stage with queen energy as they rage, laugh and shed tears, expressing true vulnerability. Anderson was sensational in Overflow and she’s just as fierce here, but this time we see her talented comic side, authentically matched with Iolanthe, who is just as defiant and brazen.
Emma White has created a pink-fur explosion. Pink fur covers the wall, the carpet, the sides of the audience seats. Fluffy pink spills over onto the stage props — the bookcase, top of the school desks — even the clock is covered in fluffy pink trim.
This show moves at warp speed in a chaotic blend of theatre supported by sound effects (Daniel Herte), perfectly timed to punctuate laughter and video projection (TK Abioye) to share social media and text. White even uses a blackboard for a breakout lesson on the connection between cis and Black people.
Some of the jokes might be lost on the older generation but the majority of the audience is finger clapping in support and at its core is a friendship worthy of pinky swears.
4.5 stars
Presented by Green Door Theatre Company and Griffin Theatre Company Sistren is playing at the Downstairs Theatre at Belvoir Street in Redfern, Sydney until 3 May 2026.
Run Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes (no interval)
For tickets visit Griffin Theatre Company
Looking for a pre-show bite? Regina La Pizzeria and Foreign Return are located close by. For more suggestions, check out Bites & Sips.
BACCHUS AT THE THEATRE 
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