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The Mentor by Joshua White at Theatre Works. Amanda Muggleton as Amanda Redfern, in an ikat silk coat, fuchsia satin camisole and chunky yellow necklace, prods the pinstripe suit of Connor Morel as Jordan Ridley before teal velvet curtains.
The Mentor by Joshua White at Theatre Works. Amanda Muggleton as Amanda Redfern, in an ikat silk coat, fuchsia satin camisole and chunky yellow necklace, prods the pinstripe suit of Connor Morel as Jordan Ridley before teal velvet curtains.

The Mentor

The Mentor

by Joshua White

by Joshua White

This contemporary two-hander written by Joshua White explores the complex relationship between Amanda Redfern, a former Hollywood star, and Jordan Ridley, her young acting student. The intimate setting of Amanda's messy apartment serves as the backdrop for this character-driven drama exploring sexism and ageism, with set and costume designs inspired by the vivid personalities crafted in White's writing.

The naturalistic set design not only captured the essence of Amanda's eclectic and chaotic apartment but also created a metaphorical space that reflected her character's entrapment in the memories of her faded career. Drawing inspiration from the maximalist interiors of creatives' homes seen in The Selby's photography and the artworks of Ulla Von Brandenburg and Sara Ricciardi, the set was carefully curated to embody Amanda's isolation and stasis, surrounded by mementos and remnants of her past.

Costume design allowed for the creation of a strong visual contrast between the two characters, with designs crafted organically during rehearsals in response to the characters forming on the rehearsal room floor. Collaborating with Amanda Muggleton, who played Amanda Redfern, was a highlight as we established a flamboyant yet authentic sartorial representation of her character as a former screen siren. Inspired by the eccentric style of Iris Apfel and the women in Ari Seth Cohen's Advanced Style, the costume fittings became a creative playground where Amanda's eclectic and daring personal style was fine-tuned to complement her character's journey and the play's themes.

Role

Set & Costume Designer

Producer

Bravo Arts

Venue

Theatre Works

Collaborators

Director: Christian Cavallo
Lighting Designer: Jason Bovaird
Sound Designer: Justin Gardam
Design Associate: Samantha Hastings
Set Construction: Jim Stenson

Photography: Lucinda Goodwin

Amanda Muggleton as Amanda Redfern, in a tasselled floral brocade jacket and green trousers, lounges on a cluttered sofa with a coral chenille throw beside Connor Morel as Jordan in a denim jacket and striped T-shirt.
Amanda Muggleton as Amanda Redfern, in a tasselled floral brocade jacket and green trousers, lounges on a cluttered sofa with a coral chenille throw beside Connor Morel as Jordan in a denim jacket and striped T-shirt.
Amanda Muggleton as Amanda Redfern gestures expansively in an ikat silk coat, fuchsia satin camisole, red headscarf and chunky yellow necklace.
Amanda Muggleton as Amanda Redfern gestures expansively in an ikat silk coat, fuchsia satin camisole, red headscarf and chunky yellow necklace.
Connor Morel as Jordan flings his arms wide in a pale denim jacket over a tan striped knit shirt, a cluttered bureau and teal velvet curtains behind.
Connor Morel as Jordan flings his arms wide in a pale denim jacket over a tan striped knit shirt, a cluttered bureau and teal velvet curtains behind.
Connor Morel as Jordan, in a colour-blocked rugby shirt, reads a letter on the sofa behind a coffee table crowded with mugs, vases and trinkets.
Connor Morel as Jordan, in a colour-blocked rugby shirt, reads a letter on the sofa behind a coffee table crowded with mugs, vases and trinkets.
Amanda Muggleton as Amanda Redfern, in a cream floral kimono with a green brocade sash, holds forth to Connor Morel as Jordan in a faded black T-shirt, beneath palm-print wallpaper and teal velvet curtains.
Amanda Muggleton as Amanda Redfern, in a cream floral kimono with a green brocade sash, holds forth to Connor Morel as Jordan in a faded black T-shirt, beneath palm-print wallpaper and teal velvet curtains.

Reviews

"... my interest was immediately piqued by Casey Harper-Wood’s fabulous set design. Featuring a home that looks like a cross between Norma Desmond’s Sunset Blvd mansion and the Golden Girls suburban Miami abode; it’s grand but grounded, timeless but comfortable and practical; it looks like a house that might appear in a Pedro Almodovar film."
– Theatre Matters

"Casey Harper-Wood’s production design is also integral to The Mentor’s gentle persuasion. The set encapsulates the low ebb of Amanda’s career, as well as her strong but messy mind."
– Limelight

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Occasional notes on new work and whatever else has caught my eye.

© Casey Harper-Wood 2026

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Colophon

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I acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the unceded land on which I work. I pay my respects to Elders, past and present, and acknowledge their connection to creativity, culture and storytelling. Sovereignty has never been ceded.

Casey Harper-Wood

Subscribe to my newsletter

Occasional notes on new work and whatever else has caught my eye.

© Casey Harper-Wood 2026

|

Colophon

|

I acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the unceded land on which I work. I pay my respects to Elders, past and present, and acknowledge their connection to creativity, culture and storytelling. Sovereignty has never been ceded.

Casey Harper-Wood

Subscribe to my newsletter

Occasional notes on new work and whatever else has caught my eye.

© Casey Harper-Wood 2026

|

Colophon

|

I acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the unceded land on which I work. I pay my respects to Elders, past and present, and acknowledge their connection to creativity, culture and storytelling. Sovereignty has never been ceded.