Queensland Theatre Company presents Head Full of Love from July 7

Colette Mann & Roxanne McDonald at their best in this heart-warming tale

When a white woman flees her Sydney life she is surprised to find herself in Alice Springs, sitting on a bench with a black woman crocheting a beanie. It is in this setting that woolen thread is entwined into a touching yarn, sure to enchant audiences with warm humour and tender heartbreak that feeds the soul. Inspired by the annual Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Queensland Theatre Company presents Head Full of Love, at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre from 7^th July for a five-week season.

This intricate and wisely told tale by Australian playwright Alana Valentine (Run Rabbit Run, Parramatta Girls) is directed by QTC Artistic Director Wesley Enoch and stars Colette Mann (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Strange Bedfellows) and Roxanne McDonald (Skin of our Teeth, Parramatta Girls, The Story of the Miracles at Cookie’s Table).

It’s a long way from the big smoke for Nessa Tavistock (Colette Mann) who finds herself inadvertently part of the Alice Springs Beanie Festival pilgrimage for women as diverse and distant as the Anangu and Tjanpi weavers and Western women from all over the world. For Nessa’s happenstance friend Tilly Napuljari (Roxanne McDonald), meeting the entry deadline for her new creation allows the women to weave a relationship based on shared secrets, struggles and successes. The two women realize that despite their differences in language, surroundings and upbringing, they are not so different after all, and their stories are forever linked together, row by row, colour by colour. “As they crochet their beanies there is a healing process, and from this, a sense of self evolves. It is a wonderful metaphor for Australia today,” says QTC Artistic Director, Wesley Enoch. “Theatre is a vehicle to share the stories that we may not otherwise hear, and the way a remote community has found a way to overcome the limitations of access to healthcare is an important one to share with the greater community of Australia.”

What: Head Full of Love, by Alana Valentine

When:      7 July – 11 August
Where:     Cremorne Theatre, QPAC
Director: Wesley Enoch
Cast:         Colette Mann and Roxanne McDonald

Tickets: $33-$65 queenslandtheatre.com.au

Michaela McMillan is a UK-based mixed media artist known for her unique, narrative-driven sculptures made from recycled and found materials. Her work is deeply inspired by a childhood filled with parables and a strong ‘Good Life’ philosophy, which emphasizes sustainability and resourcefulness—values that continue to shape her artistic practice.

At the core of Michaela’s creations is her love for storytelling, paired with a deep connection to nature. Her sculptures often feature animals and human figures, skillfully assembled using decoupage, assemblage, and textile techniques. Each piece is a playful yet thought-provoking exploration of themes like identity, transformation, and the environment.

Michaela’s work has been featured in various exhibitions, including a notable show called “Our Journey” at Hub Sleaford in 2022. Her pieces are praised for their intricate details and the way they breathe new life into discarded objects, turning them into treasured works of art.

For those who are interested in discovering more about Michaela McMillan’s artistic journey and her eco-conscious approach to sculpture, her portfolio offers a fascinating glimpse into her ongoing commitment to sustainable, meaningful art.

Have you read?