STYLE: Drama
LENGTH: 75 minutes (no interval)
CAST: 3 female, 2 male
CASTING NOTES: male actors play multiple roles
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: teen, young adult, adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: Violence, Coarse Language, Adult Themes, Smoke and Haze, Loud Noises. Suitable for 15+ audiences.

THEMES & MOTIFS: Courage and Resilience, The Role of Women in War, Espionage and Resistance

In 1944, Nancy Wake’s world was forever altered in France; now, she tells her story her way! ‘The White Mouse’ follows Nancy Wake’s remarkable journey from her humble beginnings in New Zealand to becoming a prominent figure in the French Resistance during World War II, ultimately earning the title of the Gestapo’s most wanted woman. Witness her daring exploits, indomitable spirit, and unwavering courage as she navigates the perilous world of espionage. This moving production highlights one of history’s unsung heroines, honouring the extraordinary women who reshaped the world through their courage and resilience.

- Nancy Wake
- Young Nancy
- Carer; Sabine
- Henri Fiocca; Tardivat; Resistance Fighter in the Bar; John; SOE Training Officer
- Denden; Gestapo Officer in Car; Nazi

Skin of our Teeth  production Geelong 2024 | Gasworks Arts Park 2019 | Burrinja Cultural Centre 2019 | Kingston Arts Centre 2019 | Brimbank Arts Centre 2019 | Shirley Burke Theatre 2019

SKIN OF OUR TEETH PRODUCTION

“Thank you brilliant theatre makers for your thoughtful and committed telling of Nancy Wake’s story. Christine Croyden’s script is so clever in bringing to life the important story of our female war time hero ‘The White Mouse’ through the memories of the ageing Nancy played with such poise and conviction by Paula Kontelj.”

— Kathy Bedford

“Absolutely fabulous performances by all.”

— Gillian Balodis

“What a most brilliant performance. I too was deeply touched by the energy and emotional moment where old self met young self … almost a stop in time. Thank you.”
— Deb Stallard

GASWORKS PRODUCTION

“It was a pleasure to have UNDERGROUND at the Shirley Burke theatre. I personally really enjoyed it. The show beautifully conveyed the immediacy and violence of the war contrasted with the aftermath, as well as Nancy Wake’s feisty character. There were numerous comments from departing audience saying that they thoroughly enjoyed the show.”

— Sean Kavanagh, Performing arts coordinator | Kingston Arts

“There is no denying the audience at The Bowery Theatre was enthralled by UNDERGROUND. The audience comments following the performance were amongst the most glowing and enthusiastic I’ve heard for a play at the space. The play enjoys a fluid script that effortlessly moves between past and present. Tight direction and vivid characters bring the story to life. This play can be programmed to suit a number of audiences and situations, not the least being a piece of original Australian drama, that resonates today with contemporary themes of equality, bravery, humour under pressure and empowerment.”

— Richard Fitzgerald, Executive Producer | Community Learning & Participation at Brimbank City Council

“Margot was a delight in her role as older Nancy, as was Emma Annand as her younger counterpart. Ezra Bix did well with a ghost and real Henri. Billy Sloane performed with gusto and Tori McGann was compelling to watch, whether as Sabine or present day Nancy’s carer. UNDERGROUND is an engrossing text by playwright Christine Croyden.”

— David Collins, Arts Review

“Absolutely Fabulous! In a handful of scenes with five actors Christine Croyden uncovered the emotions and conflicts of the extraordinary efforts of individuals made during WW2, situations where Nancy Wake risked her life daily. Such quick decisions during the war but then she had a lifetime to reflect on them.”

— Ailsa Wilson, audience member opening night.

STYLE: Drama
LENGTH: 75 minutes (no interval)
CAST: 3 female, 2 male
CASTING NOTES: male actors play multiple roles
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: teen, young adult, adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: Violence, Coarse Language, Adult Themes, Smoke and Haze, Loud Noises. Suitable for 15+ audiences.

THEMES & MOTIFS: Courage and Resilience, The Role of Women in War, Espionage and Resistance

In 1944, Nancy Wake’s world was forever altered in France; now, she tells her story her way! ‘The White Mouse’ follows Nancy Wake’s remarkable journey from her humble beginnings in New Zealand to becoming a prominent figure in the French Resistance during World War II, ultimately earning the title of the Gestapo’s most wanted woman. Witness her daring exploits, indomitable spirit, and unwavering courage as she navigates the perilous world of espionage. This moving production highlights one of history’s unsung heroines, honouring the extraordinary women who reshaped the world through their courage and resilience.

- Nancy Wake
- Young Nancy
- Carer; Sabine
- Henri Fiocca; Tardivat; Resistance Fighter in the Bar; John; SOE Training Officer
- Denden; Gestapo Officer in Car; Nazi

La Mama HQ Festival of Mother Tongues | November 2024 - Directed by Louise Howlett

La Souris Blanche was a wonderful night at the theatre. With a captivating story that is beautifully realised and delicately performed, this work epitomises strong, clear, heartfelt theatre for a broad range of audiences. I sat with a history buff new to the theatre, two teenagers studying French and an esteemed writer. I see a lot of theatre and we all walked out equally entertained, moved, informed and spirited. 

— Caitlin Dullard, CEO La Mama Theatre Melbourne

STYLE: Drama
LENGTH: 60 minutes
CAST: 1 female identifying
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: adult, young adult

CONTENT WARNINGS: implied violence and adult themes

THEMES & MOTIFS: The Role of Women in Art, Personal Relationships, Exploration of Life and Legacy

JOY is an intimate theatrical exploration of Joy Hester’s fascinating life by Melbourne playwright Christine Croyden. Performed by actor Claire Larisse Nicholls and directed by Sara Grenfell, the play takes the audience through a series of poignant and revelatory moments and Hester’s encounters with characters such as Sunday Reed, Albert Tucker, and Gray Smith. Poltergeists and dreams break through the piece theatrically and in a haunting soundscape with an original score performed by musician and composer Rosie Westbrook.

- Joy Hester - This is a one woman show where Hester encounters important figures in her life.

Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne 2021

Skin of Our Teeth productions: Hysterica, Geelong 2022 | The Capital theatre, Bendigo, 2022 | Literary Festival, Queenscliff 2022

Theatre Works, Melbourne 2023

“The hopes and tragedies of Hester’s too-short life provide a deep well from which Croyden has constructed an eloquent and evocative piece of theatre.”

— Theatrepeople on JOY at Heide Gallery

STYLE: Comedy
LENGTH: 60 minutes (no interval)
CAST: 4 female
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: adult, young adult

CONTENT WARNINGS: Adult Themes, Drug References, Coarse Language

THEMES & MOTIFS: Family Dynamics, Grief, Sibling Rivalry

“Would you take me on if you knew I could kill with a glance?” - Medusa

In this deadpan comedy three sisters fight it out in a run down beach house on the Mornington Peninsula. If only its peeling 70’s wallpapered walls could talk, what stories would they tell of these three middle-aged sisters? After a lifetime of sibling rivalry, fat shaming and flaky parenting it’s no surprise that a boiling battle of wills erupts after their mother’s death. Resolution proves impossible until the eldest sister, AKA Medusa, arrives equipped with a large pair of gardening shears and her petrifying gaze.

A play that exposes the comedy in the family tragedy, or could it be the other way around?

Where There’s a Will is a hilarious, dark, and surprising exploration of family dynamics, where laughs and pathos are never far apart.

- Carla
- Karen
- Denise
- Mum

La Mama HQ, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2023 (Sold-Out Season) - Directed by Sara Grenfell

“Where There’s a Will’: ‘Maureen Hartley [as Mum] virtually steals her every scene – if not the show: every eyeroll and dry-as-dust remark – delivered with perfect timing – gets a laugh. Mum is the comic figure of this comedy.
...
In this play, the twist on the cliché, “where there’s a will, there’s a way”, is “where there’s a will, there’s a fight.” These sisters’ fight [over their mother’s will] is vicious, malicious, irrational, childish, careless with the truth – and funny.
...
Natasha Broadstock ... go[es] one hundred per cent with Denise’s resentful childishness – giving substance to the character ...”

— Michael Brindley | Stage Whispers

“Just a brief note to let you know how much I enjoyed the play last night, I was engrossed in it throughout, and I really liked the way it kept surprising me. It was terrific!”

— Susan Dirgham

“I really enjoyed this show. It was funny, sad, intelligent, playfully clever and thoroughly entertaining.”

— Caroline Rowan

STYLE: Non-Naturalistic Drama
LENGTH: 80 minutes
CAST: 3 female identifying, 1 male identifying
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: adult, young adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: Coarse Language, Adult Themes and Implied Violence

THEMES & MOTIFS: Women, Betrayal, Sisterhood

How to Survive an Earthquake is a reunion drama about sisters, Steph and Jane. Steph is a UN peacekeeper and trained nurse, who suffers from PTSD and has been on a mission in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. She returns home on the eve of her mother’s funeral to her estranged sister, Jane.

The action moves seamlessly from earthquake-stricken Haiti to suburban Melbourne and gradually, through a series of revelations, develops into a complex study of betrayal – not only of the genetic and metaphorical sisterhood but also of its ideals and principles.

- Steph: Older sister, UN Peacekeeper
- Jane: Younger sister
- Mum
- Jane’s Husband/ French Soldier/ UN Doctor

La Mama Courthouse, 2013 produced by Melbourne Writers’ Theatre - Directed by Glenda Linscott.

“On the surface, Ms Croyden’s reunion drama about two sisters Stephanie (Jessica Gerger) and Jane (Sarah Plummer) reuniting on the eve of their mother’s funeral wears its dark and damaged heart immovably on its sleeve… Gradually, Ms Croyden’s script, in a fantastic, revelatory production from Ms Linscott, reveals itself to be a far more richly layered, complex and compelling study of betrayal…
I haven’t seen a production in years that is so superbly matched by its creative intelligence and sophistication technically. And if the play’s final moment, within a heart-melting fade to black, doesn’t reduce you to tears, then great drama possibly isn’t your thing.”

— Geoffrey Williams, Stage Whispers

STYLE: Comedy
LENGTH: 65 minutes (no interval)
CAST: 2 female identifying, 2 male identifying
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: Teen, young adult, adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: None specified

THEMES & MOTIFS: Resilience, Identity, Celebration

When the Queen of the Birds meets two young COCKtails at the theatre she realises she’s about to fall from her perch. Together with her younger self, a chirpy songbird and notorious party girl, she embarks on a wild musical ride from Weimer cabaret to disco and back again.

‘The World without Birds is an intelligent, vivacious and thoroughly charming contemporary parable, which gleefully celebrates the tenacity and resilience necessary to survive in a fierce and ruthless world.’ AussieTheatre.com

- Queen of the Birds
- Younger Self (Chirpy Songbird)
- Two COCKtails (Young Theatre Makers and Party Boys)

Melbourne Writers’ Theatre at the La Mama Courthouse, 2017 - directed by Elizabeth Walley

“Here is a show that runs about an hour and in which the sophistication and the theatrical and lived experience of the creators (and Ms Knight) are evident. Everybody ‘gets it’. It’s a pleasure to see a polished show of mature and witty reflection on life.”

— Michael Brindley, Stage Whispers

“Christine Croyden has written a beautiful script, which has coalesced with songwriter Ella Filar’s music, and Elizabeth Walley’s direction, to become something quite remarkable…This was theatrical seduction. A rite of spring.”

— Reviewed by David Collins, Arts Review

“The World without Birds is an intelligent, vivacious and thoroughly charming contemporary parable, which gleefully celebrates the tenacity and resilience necessary to survive in a fierce and ruthless world.”

— Jack Beeby, Aussietheatre.com

STYLE: Comedy
LENGTH: 65 minutes (no interval)
CAST: 2 female identifying, 2 male identifying
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: Teen, young adult, adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: None specified

THEMES & MOTIFS: Resilience, Identity, Celebration

When the Queen of the Birds meets two young COCKtails at the theatre she realises she’s about to fall from her perch. Together with her younger self, a chirpy songbird and notorious party girl, she embarks on a wild musical ride from Weimer cabaret to disco and back again.

‘The World without Birds is an intelligent, vivacious and thoroughly charming contemporary parable, which gleefully celebrates the tenacity and resilience necessary to survive in a fierce and ruthless world.’ AussieTheatre.com

- Queen of the Birds
- Younger Self (Chirpy Songbird)
- Two COCKtails (Young partygoers)

“Here is a show that runs about an hour and in which the sophistication and the theatrical and lived experience of the creators (and Ms Knight) are evident. Everybody ‘gets it’. It’s a pleasure to see a polished show of mature and witty reflection on life.”

— Michael Brindley, Stage Whispers

“Christine Croyden has written a beautiful script, which has coalesced with songwriter Ella Filar’s music, and Elizabeth Walley’s direction, to become something quite remarkable…This was theatrical seduction. A rite of spring.”

— Reviewed by David Collins, Arts Review

“The World without Birds is an intelligent, vivacious and thoroughly charming contemporary parable, which gleefully celebrates the tenacity and resilience necessary to survive in a fierce and ruthless world.”

— Jack Beeby, Aussietheatre.com

STYLE: Drama
LENGTH: 70 minutes (no interval)
CAST: 5 female identifying, 1 male identifying
CAST AGE: 16 to 18, 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: Young adult, adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: Strong themes, Drug Use, Coarse Language, Adult Themes

THEMES & MOTIFS: The Impact of Raunch Culture, Prostitution, Self-Identity, Resilience

The night cats are out on the streets of St Kilda and another girl is pushed from a car. She picks herself up and staggers precariously into the dark on her four-inch heels. A mysterious woman offers her help under the gaze of an unlikely angel. A bewildered man crosses her path and struggles to connect with her. Confused and desperate, she’s forgotten everything she wants to remember and can only remember what she wants to forget.

The Cat’s Paw is an exploration of one young woman’s experiences in the world of prostitution, pimping, drugs and self-harm. The play is a response to raunch culture and its biggest benefactor—the ever expanding sex industry.

"The Cat’s Paw is one of those rare plays that is completely honest in its realisation of its confronting subject-matter without coming off as too moralistic... Croyden is to be commended for highlighting issues of such relevance in such a powerful drama."—ArtsHub

A French translation of this title is also available.

- Protagonist - A young woman navigating the dark world around her.
- Mysterious Woman - Offers help and guidance.
- Bewildered Man - Struggles to connect with the protagonist.
- Angel - An unlikely figure watching over the events.
- Additional Characters - Various roles that populate the world of St Kilda.

Directed by Wayne Pearn

Hoy Polloy theatre Melbourne, La Mama Courthouse 2009

Spotlight theatre at Holden Street theatres, Adelaide, 2013

“The Cat’s Paw is one of those rare plays that is completely honest in its realisation of its confronting subject-matter without coming off as too moralistic....”

— ArtsHub

“One had the sense of being given a tour of hell by a very sympathetic guide who understood its pathologies well.”

— Frances Devlin Glass, 2009

STYLE: Naturalistic Drama
LENGTH: 65 minutes (no interval)
CAST: 5 total (2 female identifying, 3 male identifying)
CAST AGE: 16+
AUDIENCE AGE: Young adult, adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: Themes of Mental Health, Death, Emotional Distress

THEMES & MOTIFS: Redemption, Confrontation of the Past, Maternal Conflict

Time is running out for Rose.

On a dark night of the soul she makes a last ditch attempt at redemption by confronting her demons.

Among them a mysterious character she played as a young actor, an ex-lover, her much-put-upon husband and the pain she feels leaving her beloved teenage son—is Rose losing her mind or seeing clearly for the first time?

- Rose
- Miss Julie
- Ex-lover
- Husband
- Teenage Son

Melbourne Writers’ Theatre, La Mama Courthouse 2010 - directed by Glenda Linscott

“An impressive set of performances aided by Croyden’s strong, soulful script – if only the season had been longer!”

— ArtsHub

STYLE: Thriller/Noir
LENGTH: 30 minutes (no interval)
CAST:1 female, 2 male
CASTING NOTES: Male actors play multiple roles
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: Young adult, adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: Adult Themes, Coarse Language

THEMES & MOTIFS: Control and Compromise, Identity and Reality, Urban Isolation

Eveline, a successful advertising executive, likes to stay in control but is used to making compromises in a job where the dollar rules.

When Julian, her colleague and former boyfriend, starts to behave strangely and the city she loves turns hostile. Eveline seeks refuge in the company of a stranger with a passion for the French actress, Catherine Deneuve, and suddenly finds herself in the grip of a puzzling nightmare.

- Eveline
- Julian
- Stranger

Short and Sweet, Arts Centre Melbourne 2011

Alchemical Theatre Project, New York 2012

Duluth Playhouse, MN 2013

Cromwell Road Theatre, Melbourne 2014

STYLE: Drama
LENGTH: 65 minutes (no interval)
CAST: 2 female identifying, 1 male identifying
CAST AGE: 16 to 18, 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: Young adult, adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: Themes of manipulation, trauma, and loss.

THEMES & MOTIFS: Love and Loss, Healing and Regeneration after Abuse, Family Dynamics

Hannah is busy piling up the limbs of a fallen tree for a burn off when she’s surprised by Claire. It becomes clear that the lives of these women are more closely intertwined with Hannah’s stepfather than they care to admit. Through a series of flashbacks we see Hannah and Claire manipulated by the charismatic stepfather until a horrific secret is uncovered. The exposure of this secret eventually allows healing and regeneration to begin.

- Hannah
- John 
- Claire

La Mama HQ, Melbourne 2012

“Croyden enjoys twisting the knife sharply and suddenly, forcing the audience to question whether it is ever possible to truly know someone until you’ve seen the journey they have taken.”

— Siobhan Argent, Artshub

STYLE: Psychological Thriller, Noir
LENGTH: 30 minutes
CAST: 1 female identifying, 2 male identifying
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: Young adult, adult
PUBLISHER: Australian Script Centre

CONTENT WARNINGS: Violence, Coarse Language, Adult Themes

THEMES & MOTIFS: Identity, Obsession, The Duality of Human Nature

Lars likes to compose autobiographical sentences about him self and perform his idiosyncratic daily rituals without interruption. But beneath his obsessive and rather enigmatic persona lies the impulse to kill. And, as a globetrotting businessman, the opportunity is never far away.

When he makes his next flight to London a bereaved father, on a tragic mission to identify the body of his missing daughter, sits across the aisle. While beside him is a young and unsuspecting woman, who could well become Lars’ next victim.

- Lars
- Young Woman

La Mama Courthouse Melbourne, produced by Melbourne Writers’ theatre - Directed by Wayne Pearn

“Rounding out the darkness with more of anthracite than pitch is Departures by Christine Croyden. Spinning the tale of Lars, a serial killer on the prowl, director David F Passmore keeps the pace brisk and engaging. Justin Moore bring menacing presence to the ‘Patrick Bateman’ style character by engaging in eye contact with the audience, while maintaining a confidant swagger.”

— Adam Rafferty, TheatrePeople

STYLE: Historical Drama
LENGTH: 80 minutes
CAST: 2 male identifying and 2 female identifying to play 10 characters
CAST AGE: 18+
AUDIENCE AGE: Adult, Young Adult

CONTENT WARNINGS: TBC - Violence, Adult Themes, Historical Trauma, Loud Noises. Suitable for 15+ audiences.

THEMES & MOTIFS: Memory and Identity, The Impact of War, Resilience in Adversity

Precious memories are at play when Otto Lampel escapes war-ravaged Prague and crosses the Atlantic Ocean to make a new life in Montreal, a city soaked with the French colour and culture that he loves. But it takes a lion, a fish and a trembling mountain before he can forget his past and discover the essence of his humanity … and what remains of his identity.

Having fled Prague at the start of World War II – the only member of his family to survive Nazi-led genocide – Lampel is so haunted by wartime horrors that he has become an unreliable witness of his own life’s values and accord.

- 2 male identifying and 2 female identifying to play 10 characters

Essential Theatre, 45downstairs Melbourne 2012 | Geelong 2012 - directed by Alice Bishop

“The show’s elegantly directed simplicity belies the rigour of Croyden’s writing.”

— Elly Varrenti, The Age + Sydney Morning Herald

“The highlights of Ms Croyden’s multi-layered, cryptic, symbolic and richly-allegorical script are many – with the stakes at play powerfully underlined...”

— Geoffrey Williams, Stage Whispers