The challenge of life is forever a balancing act. How much time do you give to your art? Should you sacrifice your humanity in pursuit of your creative dreams? Unpacking regrets, purpose and priorities, playwright Izzy Azzopardi absurdist comedy-drama Sorry I’m Late interrogates ‘the fragility of time’.

Azzopardi co-stars as the pompous, condescending therapist Dorothy, examining the actions and life choices of aspiring writer Mackenzie Mills (Jessica Garnett), who appears trapped in this hellish therapy session.

“We’re unpacking your life,” Dorothy tells a confused Mackenzie, who is desperately trying to make sense of it all, her frustration edging towards breaking point.

Inquisitive to the point of abrupt rudeness, Dorothy is judgemental on every one of McKenzie’s actions, from how she wakes up to her hobbies. Azzopardi wears a pondering expression, almost as though lucid dreaming, as she drifts off while quoting Shakespeare. Dramatic, serious and seemingly lost, Dorothy is an unsettling presence as she attempts to dissect Mackenzie’s life.

Directed by Rebecca McNamee, the production moves at quick pace, jumping from one question to the next, with a spot of yoga and planking mid-session to illustrate Dorthy’s point. What that point is remains subjective, with hidden meanings woven throughout as Sorry I’m Late tackles everything from the time pressures and the cost of procrastination to the biological clock and creative use of AI.

On the wall is a clock with no hands: a clear sign that something isn’t right. Daisy Hughe’s makes clever use of the small stage, creating an shabby, old lounge room, scattered with packing boxes. Tait Gibbon ensures the clock is always ticking, subtly reminding the audience of the ever-present pressure of time, while Lila Browning plunges the stage into darkness as the story shifts from question to question.

Our use of time is subjective. However, this production will have you questioning your digital distractions, contemplating your life choices and perhaps leaving determined to do more with your life — whatever that subjective life choice may be.

3.5 stars

Presented by Jezebel Productions Sorry I’m Late is playing at The Actors Pulse Playhouse in Redfern, Sydney as part of Sydney Fringe, from 1 until 5 September 2026.

Run Time: 1 hour (no interval)

For tickets visit Sydney Fringe Book Now