The Whale

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https://www.adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild/

Date Reviewed: 09/11/2025

The Whale at The Little Theatre – A Profound and Poignant Experience

Written in 2012 by acclaimed playwright Samuel D. Hunter, The Whale tells the story of Charlie, an obese English teacher confined to his apartment—physically unable to leave and emotionally too ashamed to try. The play delves into a rich tapestry of human conditions, and I’m genuinely pleased to have seen it.

While winning Brendan Fraser the Best Actor award at the 2023 Academy Awards, the movie version of this play received very mixed reviews.

The Little Theatre, nestled within the Adelaide University cloisters, proved to be the perfect venue. With just 120 comfortable seats, its intimacy amplified the emotional intensity of the production.

Charlie, in his forties, is estranged from his wife after falling in love with a male student, Alan. Alan’s death triggers Charlie’s descent into compulsive overeating. The play unfolds through a series of encounters in Charlie’s cluttered, chaotic apartment.

The first visitor is Elder Thomas, a young Mormon missionary who stumbles in while door knocking—only to find Charlie in the midst of a heart episode. Then arrives Liz, a nurse and Alan’s sister, whose complex relationship with Charlie oscillates between care and enabling. She brings him medical supplies but also fast food, urging him to seek help while also feeding his addiction.

Charlie’s teenage daughter Ellie, whom he hasn’t seen since she was a child, enters the scene with a storm of anger and cruelty. Desperate to reconnect, Charlie has found her on Facebook and telephoned her. Ellie’s abrasiveness is jarring yet layered with pain. Finally, we meet Mary, Charlie’s estranged wife, who remains fond of him despite her embarrassment over Ellie’s behaviour.

The set design was striking—strewn with piles of fast-food wrappers, soft drink bottles, and scattered medication. The couch, which Charlie has also been using as a bed, adds to the sense of disorder. For those of us who crave tidiness, it was hard not to silently wish one of the visitors would tidy up, if only a little.

Lighting and sound were masterfully executed, casting shadows that mirrored the emotional weight of the story while allowing glimmers of hope and love to shine through.

Sam Wiseman delivered a remarkable performance as Charlie, radiating warmth and quiet strength. His portrayal challenged both his students and his daughter to strive for more. Tianna Cooper’s Ellie was pitch-perfect—entitled, abrasive, and very real. I suspect many mothers in the audience felt torn between wanting to hug her and offer stern advice.

Annie Matsouliadis brought depth and compassion to Liz, while Jessica Merrick gave a nuanced performance as Mary.

As the lights dimmed and the cast took their bows, I glanced around the nearly full house and saw I wasn’t alone in shedding a tear. I had considered watching the film adaptation afterward, but this live performance was so powerful, I think I’ll let it stand alone as the emotional highlight of my weekend.

Reviewed by Deb Secombe