Influence

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https://www.stirlingplayers.org.au/

Date Reviewed: 11/09/2026

Influence is a play written by David Williamson, widely regarded as Australia’s most successful playwright. Across a career spanning more than 50 years, Williamson has produced an extensive catalogue of work, much of it exploring Australian politics, social dynamics and contemporary urban life.

Written in 2005, Influence centres on right-wing radio shock jock Ziggi Blasco, bringing to mind figures such as John Laws and Alan Jones. Remarkably, the themes explored in the play remain just as relevant today as when it was first written.

Ziggi is a racist, homophobic, neo-conservative and deeply unpleasant shock jock. In this production, he is played by Brendan Clare, whose portrayal of these character traits is entirely compelling.

The play opens with Ziggi broadcasting from radio station Life 608, spouting contentious opinions and disparaging the “working poor”. Calls from loyal listeners reinforce his views, perpetuating misinformation and prejudice, and transforming fear into hatred. It is difficult not to draw parallels with today’s media landscape, where similar behaviour continues across both traditional and social media platforms.

When uncertainty arises over the renewal of Ziggi’s contract, his on-air tirades escalate. Meanwhile, his home life is anything but stable. His personal relationships are deeply flawed, and his moral compass is far from reliable.

He openly admits that his marriage is loveless, while his wife, Carmela, remains obsessed with recapturing the ballet career interrupted by the birth of their child. Carla Hardie delivers an excellent performance, portraying Carmela’s self-absorption and lack of empathy with unwavering consistency. A momentary flicker of humanity appears when she asks to see photographs of the housekeeper’s children, but it is swiftly extinguished.

Sharing the Blasco household are Vivienne, Ziggi’s teenage daughter from a previous marriage, and Marko, Ziggi’s father. Vivienne has sought refuge from life with her mother, while Marko has been deposited at the family home by Ziggi’s sister, Connie. Neither receives a warm welcome from Carmela, and Ziggi tolerates their presence only reluctantly.

Zoe Battersby, as Vivienne, is undoubtedly a rising star. Her portrayal of a teenager swinging between the depths of depression and episodes of manic confidence is outstanding, displaying insight and maturity beyond her years. It was a lovely touch for the cast to invite the audience to sing “Happy Birthday” to Zoe at the conclusion of the performance, as she celebrated her eighteenth birthday on opening night.

Andrew Horwood is excellent as Marko, a father proud of his son yet desperate to free himself from the demons of his wartime past. His desire to reveal long-held secrets threatens Ziggi’s hopes of securing a contract extension, earning him little support from either Ziggi or Carmela. Andrew brings a genuine sense of anguish and vulnerability to the role, making Marko both believable and sympathetic.

I recently saw Joanne St Clair, who plays Ziggi’s sister Connie, in Holden Street Theatre’s production of Till the Stars Come Down and admired her performance there as much as I did here. As Connie, she portrays a grounded and compassionate psychologist striving to care for everyone around her.

The cast is completed by Turea Blyth as the housekeeper Zehra, and John Koch as the Blascos’ driver and all-purpose handyman, Tony. Blyth’s portrayal of a widow struggling to raise young children on a minimal wage while working in less-than-ideal conditions is particularly affecting. Koch brings warmth and kindness to Tony, providing a welcome source of support within the otherwise turbulent household.

The production requires no scene changes. Ziggi’s radio studio occupies one corner of the stage, while the remainder is devoted to the Blascos’ spacious living room overlooking Sydney Harbour. The studio may have benefited from its “On Air” sign illuminating whenever Ziggi entered the booth, and the living room could have been styled with greater opulence. Nevertheless, the set design serves the production very well.

I thoroughly enjoyed Influence, and, as always, Stirling Theatre did not disappoint in providing a warm and welcoming theatre experience. It is a thought-provoking production that remains strikingly relevant today.

Reviewed by Deb Secombe