David Williamson's Top Silk will return to the Ensemble Theatre with a sharp, funny and deeply human courtroom drama. Discover why Top Silk promises an unforgettable Sydney theatre experience.
David Williamson's Top Silk, now playing at Sydney's iconic Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli, is a razor-sharp courtroom satire that expertly balances humour, family drama and ethical dilemmas. Under the assured direction of Mark Kilmurry, this fast-paced production features outstanding performances from Nicholas Brown, Rachel Gordon, Jamie Oxenbould, Thomas Campbell, Laurence Coy, Samir Nasser and Jeremy Waters. Williamson's trademark wit is on full display, delivering plenty of laughs while exploring the personal cost of ambition and the complexities of justice. The intimate setting of the Ensemble Theatre allows every line and every emotional shift to resonate with the audience, making the story feel immediate and deeply engaging. Cleverly staged and superbly acted, Top Silk is an entertaining and thought-provoking night at the theatre that showcases why David Williamson remains one of Australia's most celebrated playwrights and why the Ensemble Theatre continues to be one of Sydney's premier homes for Australian storytelling.
Top Silk
Walking into the Ensemble Theatre at Kirribilli always feels special. Its intimate auditorium creates an immediate connection between audience and performers, and it proves to be the perfect setting for David Williamson's Top Silk. With Sydney Harbour only moments away, the venue has long been a champion of Australian stories, and this latest production is another reminder of why it continues to be one of my favourite theatres.
Directed with confidence and precision by Mark Kilmurry, Top Silk is an intelligent courtroom comedy that skilfully balances biting satire with genuine emotional depth. Williamson examines justice, ambition and family loyalty through characters whose professional lives are constantly colliding with their personal values. The result is a production that had me laughing one moment and reflecting on difficult moral questions the next.
An Outstanding Ensemble Cast
The strength of Top Silk lies in its exceptional cast, who bring warmth, authenticity and impeccable comic timing to Williamson's richly layered script.
Rachel Gordon delivers a compelling performance as Jane Fredericks, capturing both her fierce determination and underlying vulnerability. Opposite her, Nicholas Brown is outstanding as Trevor, portraying a successful barrister whose professional ambition is constantly tested by matters much closer to home. Their on-stage chemistry creates a believable marriage filled with affection, frustration and moral conflict.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Jamie Oxenbould provides many of the production's biggest laughs with his effortless comedic instincts, while Thomas Campbell, Laurence Coy, Samir Nasser and Jeremy Waters each make distinctive contributions that enrich both the courtroom scenes and the family dynamics. Together, they create a wonderfully cohesive ensemble where every performance feels considered and authentic.
David Williamson at His Best
One of the things I admire most about David Williamson's writing is his ability to entertain while encouraging audiences to question their own beliefs. Top Silk demonstrates this perfectly.
The dialogue is fast, funny and unmistakably Australian, filled with clever observations that had the audience laughing throughout the performance. Yet beneath the humour lies a thoughtful examination of ethics, justice and the sacrifices people make in pursuit of success.
Rather than presenting simple heroes and villains, Williamson creates complex characters whose decisions are understandable even when they're flawed. I found myself constantly reassessing where my sympathies lay as the story unfolded, which made the courtroom drama all the more compelling. It was also a fantastic surprise to have the man himself seated in the audience for this performance.
Mark Kilmurry's Polished Direction
Mark Kilmurry keeps the production moving with confidence, ensuring every scene transitions smoothly while allowing both the comedy and emotional moments to breathe.
The courtroom sequences are lively and engaging without feeling overly theatrical, while the more intimate family scenes reveal the emotional consequences behind every legal argument. The pacing never falters, keeping the audience invested from beginning to end.
The elegant set design by Ailsa Paterson, combined with thoughtful lighting by Kelsey Lee and an understated soundscape by Madeleine Picard, complements the performances beautifully without distracting from Williamson's dialogue. The intimacy of the Ensemble Theatre means every glance, pause and reaction carries extra weight, drawing the audience further into the story.
A Thoroughly Rewarding Evening of Australian Theatre
Leaving the Ensemble Theatre, I found myself thinking less about who had "won" the legal arguments and more about the human cost behind every decision. That, to me, is the sign of great theatre.
Top Silk succeeds because it never forgets that behind every courtroom battle are people navigating love, loyalty, ambition and integrity. I laughed often, admired the intelligence of the writing, and thoroughly enjoyed watching such an accomplished cast bring these characters to life.
David Williamson has once again delivered a play that is entertaining, insightful and unmistakably Australian, while Mark Kilmurry and the outstanding ensemble ensure this revival feels vibrant and relevant. Whether you're already a fan of Williamson's work or discovering it for the first time, Top Silk offers a smart, funny and deeply satisfying night at the theatre.
Event Details
Event Title: Top Silk
Event Date: 31 July 2026 – 12 September 2026
Event Time: Tuesdays to Sundays at 7:30pm, Thursday matinees at 11:00am, Saturday matinees at 3:00pm
Event Location: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli, Sydney NSW
Future Show Dates: Performances continue until 12 September 2026.
Reviewed By: Ellie Seymour
Photos By: Ellie Seymour & Kabuku PR