Ladies Down Under at the Duchess Theatre

Amanda Whittington’s Ladies Down Under is the much-loved sequel to her hit play Ladies’ Day, bringing audiences back into the world of four Hull women whose friendship, humour and resilience shine through every line. After winning big at York Races, Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda trade their factory hairnets for passports and embark on the trip of a lifetime to Australia.

The play is filled with laughter, sharp one-liners and uplifting camaraderie, but it also digs deeper into the challenges of identity, ambition and belonging. It asks the important question: what happens when your dreams come true, and how do you decide what to do next?

This February, Arcade Players will present Ladies Down Under at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton. Directed once again by Rob Byatt, the production reunites the original cast from Arcade Players’ Ladies’ Day in their roles as Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda. Alongside them, a fresh new supporting cast will join the stage, bringing energy and new perspectives to this heart-warming story.

Who are the main characters?

The play’s magic lies in its four central women. Each one is distinct, relatable and instantly recognisable.

Pearl is the steady anchor of the group. Seen as the motherly figure, she is wise and calm, always stepping in when the others get carried away. Yet beneath her composure is a personal search for belonging, a desire to find her place in the world.
Jan is sharp and practical, with a quick wit that masks her vulnerabilities. Her humour is her defence mechanism, but in this sequel audiences see glimpses of the real woman behind the jokes. Her character resonates with anyone who has ever used laughter to cover nerves or pain.
Shelley is the glamorous one, always hungry for more. She dreams of luxury, success and excitement, believing the next big thing will finally give her happiness. Her ambition drives much of the comedy, but it also exposes her fears about being left behind.
Linda is the innocent dreamer. Sweet, hopeful and sometimes naïve, she longs for love and adventure. Her optimism often gets her into scrapes, but her wide-eyed belief in possibility is part of her charm. Linda is the emotional heart of the play, reminding us of the joy in dreaming big.

Together, these characters make a powerful ensemble, offering audiences both humour and heartfelt honesty.

What is different from Ladies’ Day?

In Ladies’ Day, audiences were introduced to the women during one unforgettable day at York Races. It was a play about luck, friendship and the excitement of seizing the moment.

Ladies Down Under builds on that success by widening the scope. Now the women are in Australia, far away from Hull and the familiar routines of work. The shift in setting gives the sequel a fresh energy. The Australian landscape, with its vast horizons, bustling cities and cultural contrasts, becomes more than just a backdrop. It mirrors the sense of possibility and challenge the women face.

Where the first play was about grabbing a once-in-a-lifetime chance, the sequel is about what you do once you have it. It explores the difference between dreaming of change and actually living through it.

The heart of their relationships

The emotional strength of Ladies Down Under lies in the friendship between the four women. Their relationship is authentic because it is messy. They argue, tease, misunderstand and occasionally hurt one another. Pearl’s grounded wisdom can clash with Shelley’s relentless ambition. Jan’s sharp humour can cut too deep, and Linda’s innocence sometimes frustrates the others.

Yet when tested, their loyalty is absolute. They stand together through every challenge. This push and pull reflects the reality of friendship: it is not always smooth sailing, but true friends remain by your side through thick and thin. Audiences see their own friendships reflected on stage, which is why these characters resonate so strongly.

Character arcs and motivations

Each woman begins her Australian adventure with personal hopes and hidden fears:

Pearl is motivated by the search for a place to call home. She may look strong, but her arc reveals a woman who longs for connection and stability.
Jan wants to prove she is more than the joker of the group. Her journey is about self-respect and the bravery to reveal her authentic self.
Shelley is driven by ambition and the belief that wealth and glamour equal happiness. Her story forces her to question whether those things can truly satisfy.
Linda seeks love and belonging. Her innocence is both her gift and her challenge, leading her to experiences that test her faith in fairy-tale endings.

These arcs mirror universal struggles: the desire for stability, the need to be seen, the hunger for success and the search for love.

Key scenes that define them

Amanda Whittington’s writing sparkles in moments that define each woman:

Pearl’s quiet reflections show her wisdom, offering calm in the chaos.
Jan’s sharp one-liners give way to moments of raw honesty, when the mask slips and her insecurities come through.
Shelley’s obsession with luxury hotels and glamorous outings delivers laughs, but her disappointments show the vulnerability behind her bravado.
Linda’s wide-eyed excitement at every new experience creates both comedy and tenderness, as her innocence collides with reality.

Memorable scenes include the women camping under the stars at Uluru, confronting the vastness of the Australian desert, and navigating cultural encounters that challenge their assumptions. These moments are funny, touching and unforgettable, drawing audiences into the heart of the story.

How they have grown since Ladies’ Day

In Ladies’ Day, the women were defined by their work at the fish factory and their longing for something better. Their win at the races gave them a glimpse of possibility.

By the sequel, they are no longer dreamers trapped by routine. They are adventurers, stepping into a bigger world and confronting the challenges that come with it. Each has grown braver, more aware of who she is, and more willing to embrace change.

The play shows how friendships evolve when life changes. It reminds us that personal growth does not happen in isolation, but alongside the people who matter most.

5 reasons you’ll love Ladies Down Under

It’s hilariously funny. Amanda Whittington has a sharp ear for dialogue. The women’s banter, misunderstandings and escapades in Australia provide endless laughs.
The characters feel real. These are not perfect heroines, but flawed, funny and recognisable women. You will see yourself or your friends in Pearl, Jan, Shelley or Linda.
It balances comedy with heart. Just as you are laughing, the play surprises you with touching moments that show the depth of each woman.
The Australian setting adds adventure. From city nightlife to camping under the stars, the backdrop makes the women’s journey bigger, brighter and full of surprises.
It celebrates friendship. Above all, the play is about the bonds that hold people together. It is a feel-good reminder that no matter where life takes you, friends make the journey worthwhile.

Quick facts about Amanda Whittington

To understand the appeal of Ladies Down Under, it helps to know a little about its creator:

Amanda Whittington is one of the most-performed female playwrights in the UK, with plays staged by both professional and amateur companies nationwide.
Her writing is celebrated for giving strong voices to working-class women, often in settings rarely explored on stage.
Her breakout success, Be My Baby, has been studied in schools and remains a modern classic.
Ladies’ Day and Ladies Down Under form part of her “Ladies Trilogy,” which also includes Ladies Unleashed. Together, they follow the journeys of Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda through different stages of life.
Whittington’s plays are known for mixing humour with emotional depth, a balance that keeps audiences both entertained and moved.

By choosing her work, Arcade Players bring a story to the stage that is not only entertaining, but also important in showcasing authentic female voices in theatre.

Why audiences love Ladies Down Under

The play is beloved because it mixes sharp comedy with genuine emotional depth. Audiences laugh at the one-liners, the misunderstandings and the cultural clashes, then find themselves moved by moments of honesty and vulnerability.

Amanda Whittington has a gift for writing female characters who feel real. They are not perfect heroines but flawed, funny and relatable women who mirror the friendships we all know. That authenticity is why audiences keep coming back.

The Australian setting adds adventure, excitement and colour. Who has not dreamed of escaping the ordinary and setting off to explore the other side of the world? Ladies Down Under gives audiences that journey through the eyes of four unforgettable friends.

Why you should see Arcade Players’ production

Arcade Players are known locally for their vibrant productions that bring both classics and modern favourites to life. Their staging of Ladies Down Under is set to be one of the highlights of the 2026 season.

With Rob Byatt returning as producer, the play has continuity in vision and direction. The fact that the original cast of Arcade Players’ Ladies’ Day are stepping back into the shoes of Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda ensures audiences will see authentic chemistry on stage. Alongside them, a new supporting cast will add fresh energy and interpretations, creating a blend of familiarity and novelty that makes this production truly special.

Performed at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton, the show offers local audiences the chance to experience the magic of this play in an intimate and welcoming setting.

Join Arcade Players this February

Ladies Down Under is more than a comedy. It is a celebration of friendship, resilience and the courage to chase dreams. It will make you laugh, touch your heart, and leave you reflecting on the importance of the people who walk beside you in life.

🎭 Arcade Players present Ladies Down Under
📅 11th – 14th February 2026
📍 Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton
🎟 Produced by Rob Byatt
👭 Featuring the original cast of Ladies’ Day as Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda, with a brand-new supporting cast

Book your tickets now and join Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda on their unforgettable Australian adventure. With laughter, love and plenty of surprises, this is a night at the theatre you will not want to miss.

Ladies Down Under: A Heart-Warming Sequel About Friendship, Dreams, and New Horizons