The Authenticator at Melbourne Theatre Company tickets
About The Authenticator
Eccentric artist Fenella Harford has just inherited the stately mansion that’s been in her family for centuries. She’s a direct descendant of Henry Harford, whose Jamaican plantation was a fecund source of wealth and who, to Fenella’s knowledge, had been a staunch abolitionist. When she discovers a cache of diaries, she enlists fledgling scholar Marva and her accomplished mentor, Abi, to confirm their authenticity. But in disturbing what’s been laid to rest, the trio unleash secrets darker than they could ever have imagined.
Penned by award-winning playwright Winsome Pinnock – dubbed ‘the godmother of black British playwrights’ (The Guardian) – and directed by Zindzi Okenyo (Destiny), The Authenticator is a gripping, comedy-infused Gothic thriller.
This pacy yet pensive three-hander, starring Chika Ikogwe (Heartbreak High), Mandy McElhinney (Paper Giants: Magazine Wars ) and Brigid Zengeni (The Artful Dodger), is a refreshingly topical, entertaining theatrical experience for audiences hungry to uncover hidden histories.
Know before you go
Forum Night: Monday 9 August | Audio Described: Saturday 21 August 2pm, Tuesday 24 August 6.30pm | Tactile Tour: Saturday 21 August 2pm (Tactile tour commences at 1pm) | Open Captioning: Saturday 28 August 2pm | Closed Captioning: Saturday 28 August 2pm
Categories
Start date
2nd August, 2027
End date
4th September, 2027
Venue
The Sumner | Southbank Theatre
Accessibility
Wheelchair access is via the front entrance on Southbank Boulevard. There are lifts to all levels. The foyer offer tables and chairs at wheelchair height, and a low bar service area.
Directions
BY TRAM: For routes travelling up and down St Kilda Road (1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72) you can alight at the Arts Centre stop and walk to Southbank Theatre. Route 1 goes down Southbank Boulevard, and stops on Sturt Street just outside Melbourne Recital Centre (located next to the Southbank Theatres).
BY TRAIN: Southbank Theatre is within easy distance of Flinders Street Station. After exiting the station, walked south down St Kilda Road.
BY CAR: Wilson Parking has multiple paid options available: Roverside Quay, Southgate, Eureka or Flingers Gate car parks. Please note, these are paid carparks.
More information about The Authenticator
★★★★ "Riveting from start to finish." - All That Dazzles
★★★★ "Tense, talky (and) quietly incendiary." - Broadway World
★★★★ "Disarming but ebullient." - The Guardian UK
Writer: Winsome Pinnock
Director: Zindzi Okenyo
Set & Costume Designer: Sophie Woodward
CAST
Marva: Chika Ikogwe
Fen: Mandy McElhinney
Abi: Brigid Zengeni
Upcoming performances
Frequently asked questions
Which theatre is The Authenticator at?
The Authenticator is at Southbank's The Sumner | Southbank Theatre, which is located at 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank, 3006.
How much are tickets for The Authenticator?
The Authenticator tickets start at $80.
How do you get tickets for The Authenticator?
Check the top of this page for current availability on The Authenticator tickets on TodayTix.
How long is The Authenticator on for?
Tickets for The Authenticator are available through 4 September 2027 — check the calendar for the latest availability.
Is The Authenticator accessible?
Wheelchair access is via the front entrance on Southbank Boulevard. There are lifts to all levels. The foyer offer tables and chairs at wheelchair height, and a low bar service area.
