Author Madeleine St John’s 1993 novel, The Women in Black is a beloved Australian classic that was long in the works to become a film but never eventuated. Fortunately, it has been adapted for the stage as a musical comedy of manners that will have its world premiere season on the Queensland Theatre Company stage from November 14 to December 6 at the Playhouse, QPAC.

The modern-day fairytale takes place in the F.G. Goode’s department store in Sydney, as society moves from the stuffy repression of the 1950s to the liberating openness of the 1970s. Fresh out of school, a bookish girl named Lisa joins the staff of the women’s frock department in the prestigious department store, where she meets a colourful array of characters.

The glamorous musical is brought to life by internationally acclaimed director Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies) and includes original music from superstar singer and musician, Tim Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House).