Planet Luna

This performance is presented as part of the VCA Master of Theatre (Writing) Festival 2026.

Written by Pauline Sherlock, Directed by Michael Honeyman Planet Luna is an exploration of the dark side of the moon in a poetic fable with a collection of lunatics. A profound yet whimsical rhythmic ballad, metaphorically traversing the underworld of the mind unpicking the wounds of traumatic experience with a dark sense of humour. CreditsWriter: Pauline Sherlock Director: Michael Honeyman Dramaturg: Madeleine Martin DurationThis performance will run for approximately 70 minutes. Any latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of Front of House. Content InformationThis performance contains discussions/descriptions of violence, death, abuse and sexual references. Venue InformationThis event takes place in Studio 4, located in the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building. Please meet Front of House in the foyer on the ground floor. Studio 4 is then accessible via the stairs or lift.

Image: Last Judgement by Pieter Huys 1553/54

Read more about the Master of Theatre (Writing) graduates presenting this season.

Pauline Sherlock is a multidisciplinary theatre maker and performer. From her roots as a singer songwriter, she has trained and performed broadly in Acting, Theatre Clown, Bouffon, Butoh, Cabaret, Stand-up and Musical Comedy, thriving in the grotesque and specialising in comedic interaction with audiences. Completing a first-class honours degree in performance at James Cook University, Pauline has worked in independent theatre making environments including ensembles, festivals, cooperatives and has devised and staged several Solo Shows in Comedy and Fringe Festivals. Well-known for shape shifting, Pauline moves between realistic characters and the weird and wonderful with ease. ‘Planet Luna’ is Pauline’s first foray into writing a full-length ensemble theatrical work.

I would like to acknowledge the VCA staff especially Raimondo Cortese, Emily Sheehan and Chris Mead for their expert teaching and guidance in this difficult process of writing a play. I would also like to mention all the teachers and collaborators I have experienced over the years who helped form the building blocks allowing me to express myself through the art of theatre making. To my team of collaborators, Madeleine Martin, Michael Honeyman, the actors and my fellow students; thank you and what a ride! I would also like to acknowledge the struggle of this work and the importance of those who support people through and encourage them to keep at it. Art is Work!

Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to secure your seat. Due to high demand, if you have not arrived by the start of the event, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety. Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.

TICKET PRICE Free. Registrations required on Humanitix. Please note that there is often a drop-off in attendance at our free events on the day of the performance. If this event is booked out and you have not secured a ticket, we encourage you to arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the advertised start time and speak to our Front of House team. Once audience members with tickets have been seated, any remaining seats will be made available to patrons waiting at the door. Please be advised that entry without securing a ticket in advance cannot be guaranteed. If you have booked for a performance and are no longer able to attend, please cancel your booking via your Humanitix account or email us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au.

PARKING The City of Melbourne has changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine.

ACCESSIBILITY We are committed to making our events accessible and will accommodate requirements wherever possible. All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au if you have any questions. Read more about accessibility at our venues.