IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY
By SARAH RUHL
22 April – 17 May 2025
“A flick of the finger – On, off, on off! We shall be like gods!”
In the spa town of Saratoga Springs, shortly after the end of the American Civil War and at the dawn of electricity, trailblazing GP Dr Givings specializes in gynaecological disorders.
His treatment of women suffering from ‘hysteria’ involves a revolutionary new ‘massage device’ that produces a ‘paroxysm’.
Lonely and sexually frustrated, his young wife Catherine befriends one of her husband’s patients and becomes increasingly fascinated by his electrical-powered instruments, and the strange sounds emanating from ‘the next room’.
This clever, funny, profoundly thoughtful play throws a feminist light on the emotional and physical neglect endured by women in a male-dominated society.
“This brilliant play is, to put it mildly, an eye-opener!” The Guardian
Feedback/Comments
An amazing performance with a great plot and production! I’ve already recommended it to a friend for a girls’ night out.
Funny & enjoyable
A lot of fun had with the cast as there were some great performances. The set and production was well done too. I felt the run time was a bit long for the subject material it could have been condensed into a tighter production, but otherwise thoroughly enjoyed the performances. It was my first time at this theatre and I liked the layout... comfortable seats, enough bathroom stalls and well priced drinks for Sydney standards.
Great production - a glimpse into society's lack of understanding of women's health issues back in the day.
Effortlessly funny! Enjoyed every minute !
It was very funny but also often thought-provoking piece that explores isolation amidst the absurdity
An engagingly humorous play, cleverly presenting some serious themes - sexual ignorance and frustration, intimacy, love, loneliness, loss, the impact of technological change and more. A thoroughly enjoyable performance by the New Theatre cast.
Loved everything about the show - cast, acting, humour!!!