What would it be like to pair Australia’s greatest living playwright with the country’s playwright du jour?
We’ll find out soon as veteran David Williamson chats with Suzie Miller over breakfast at Noosa Alive! (July 17 to 26), the festival Williamson and wife Kristin founded many years ago. It was known as Noosa Long Weekend originally.
Scoring Miller, who is in big demand globally, is quite the coup. Scoring Williamson is a little easier as he is a Noosa area resident. Putting them together is a stroke of genius and will be quite fascinating. Two creative geniuses up close and personal in the relaxed vibe of Noosa Alive! If you can, be there, because it will be an historic event for the arts in Australia.
Suzie Miller is an international playwright, screenwriter and novelist with degrees in law, science and theatre. Based in London and Sydney, she is drawn to complex human stories often exploring injustice. She has written more than 20 full-length plays, which have been seen in more than 100 productions around the world and won multiple awards.
Her most recent play, Inter Alia, starring Rosamund Pike and directed by Justin Martin, had a sold-out, critically acclaimed premiere at the National Theatre in 2025 and opened in the West End in March this year. Inter Alia was nominated for Best New Play and Best Actress at the 2026 Olivier Awards; and nominated for Best New Play and Best Performer at the Whatsonstage Awards.
Prima Facie, the hit play that made her a global name, enjoyed extraordinary acclaim in the West End in 2022 and on Broadway in 2023. It has been translated into more than 50 languages, produced in more than 48 countries and published as a novel in 12 languages.
The National Theatre Live film of Prima Facie is its highest-grossing film of all time, winning The Southbank Sky Arts Award; and the NT Live film of Inter Alia has recently been released globally.
RBG: Of Many, One, which toured Australia for four years and is touring in 2026, will be launched soon on Broadway. Her new play Strong is The New Pretty premieres at Brisbane Festival in 2026 and a film adaptation of Prima Facie starring Cynthia Erivo is in post-production for a 2026 release. Miller’s second novel will also be published later this year.
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Miller is currently under commission for several new plays in London, New York and Australia, alongside major film and TV productions in London and the US.
The fact that she has time for a brief Noosa sojourn is a boon. But she does have a soft spot for Queensland. The family has a flat on the Gold Coast, she once lived at Lower Beechmont in the Gold Coast hinterland and she comes to Brisbane, where her daughter went to school for a time, as often as she can.
“I have such a love affair with Queensland,” Miller told me when we met up late last year for coffee at The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. “Working here with La Boite and others has really helped develop me as a playwright. I loved living at Lower Beechmont and very nearly bought a property there.”
It was her friend and producer Trish Wadley who convinced her to offer Strong is the New Pretty to Brisbane Festival.
“Suzie loves it here and that’s why we have this major gift, a world premiere,” Wadley says
Teaming her up with David Williamson was a brilliant idea. He thinks so too.
“I’m delighted to be interviewing old friend Suzie Miller,” Williamson says. “We’ll be talking about her stunning recent success in taking London and New York by storm with her recent plays Prima Facie and Inter Alia and talking about her latest play Strong is the new Pretty, about the struggle to establish a national women’s AFL competition. I think the audience will be interested to hear how hard won her success was as these successes came on the back of many years honing her craft.”
Williamson is Australia’s best known and most widely performed playwright and one of Australia’s leading screenwriters.
His first full-length play, The Coming of Stork, was presented at La Mama Theatre in 1970 and was followed by The Removalists, Don’s Party, The Department, The Club, Travelling North, The Perfectionist, Sons of Cain, Emerald City, Top Silk, Money and Friends, Brilliant Lies … the list goes on and on. His new play, Coping with Winter, is getting an outing at Noosa Alive!
Williamson’s plays have been translated into many languages and performed internationally, including major productions in London, Los Angeles, New York, Washington and Beijing. He’s also an accomplished screenwriter. He has a list of awards as long as your arm and is an engaging and friendly bloke who likes a chat.
Teaming him with Suzie Miller at a special breakfast event will offer unique insights into the world of theatre and storytelling.
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Noosa Alive! runs July 17 to 26.
noosaalive.com.au/na-events/suzie-miller-david-williamson-breakfast
OUR TOP PICKS AT NOOSA ALIVE!
Experience a Spectacular Gala Opera Dinner Dress up for an evening of fine dining and world-class music at the five-star Elysium Noosa Resort, starring acclaimed opera stars from DIVINA, with special guest Tenor Shannon Leonard – a celebration of opera’s greatest hits.
Meet the World’s Hottest Playwright Join internationally acclaimed playwright Suzie Miller, creator of the global phenomenon Prima Facie, in conversation with Australian theatre legend David Williamson at a special breakfast event offering insights into the world of theatre and storytelling.
Spend Time with Australia’s favourite Authors and Storytellers Noosa Alive! brings together an extraordinary line-up of literary talent, including actor and author Bryan Brown, Australian food icon Maggie Beer and many other famous faces.
Escape to the Noosa Hinterland Long Lunch The Long Lunch showcases the region’s spectacular scenery, local produce, wines and warm country hospitality – the perfect blend of food, entertainment and hinterland charm.
Experience Film with Food Comedy-drama Big Night is accompanied by a culinary experience of food featured in the film, prepared by three renowned local chefs.
Enjoy World-Class Music Across Noosa The internationally acclaimed Grigoryan Brothers, Slava and Leonard, widely regarded as Australia’s finest classical guitar duo, will perform.
Hear a Brilliant Musical Tribute Don’t miss Ursula Yovich in her powerful and deeply moving tribute Ursula Yovich Sings Nina Simone, combining soul, jazz, blues and storytelling.
Be Dazzled by Cabaret with SONGBIRD and OLIVIA Two cabaret events that celebrate iconic voices. SONGBIRD takes audiences on a journey through the timeless songs of legendary female artists, while OLIVIA celebrates the life, music and legacy of Australia’s sweetheart, Olivia Newton-John. Expect powerhouse vocals, nostalgia, glamour and unforgettable entertainment.
Be Among the First to See a World Premiere by David Williamson Theatre lovers won’t want to miss the world premiere of Coping with Winter, a new comedy by Australia’s most celebrated playwright David Williamson. Starring Erik Thomson, this highly anticipated production delivers Williamson’s trademark wit, sharp observations and laugh-out-loud humour as it explores family, relationships and the challenges of modern life.
Discover Tomorrow’s Stars at STARS ALIVE! and the Community Showcase Watch the Sunshine Coast’s brightest young performers compete in the festival’s celebrated talent search before taking to the River Stage for a free community showcase. From emerging singers and dancers to future stars of the stage, this family-friendly event is one of the festival’s most inspiring experiences.
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