The Parting Glass
Written by
Chris O’Connor
Directed by
Samantha Scott-Blackhall
A Production by
Gateway Arts
Dates: 3 – 13 September 2026
Standard: $45/ticket
Rating: To Be Advised
Black Box, Gateway Theatre
Themes:
- Depression
- Masculinity
- Isolation and Loneliness
- Emotional Expression
- Connection and Relationships
Each performance will be followed by a post-show discussion where we explore critical topics related to mental wellness offering valuable insights and practical advice.
Synopsis
Jim is the life of the party – the joker, the storyteller, the one who always knows what to say. He’s charming, easy-going and loves being around people. But when his eyes meet Sarah’s for the first time, something shifts. For the first time, words fail him. No matter how hard he tries to compose himself and make a good impression, he comes across as flustered and clumsy. But that’s okay – Sarah finds him cute. It might even be love at first sight.
It’s Jim’s 30th birthday – a night meant for celebration, full of friends, laughter and endless possibilities. But something isn’t quite right. Jim has always felt out of place, like he’s not meant for the world – haunted by a cloud in his mind that never clears. Today, he wants to share with you his story – one he’s never told before.
The Parting Glass is a powerful exploration of mental health, masculinity and connection in a world too loud to hear what really matters. Poignant, intimate and timely, it asks: how well do we ever really know someone – and what are we missing when we don’t ask?