
History through thought provoking and entertaining performances.
Essence Productions was founded by Alaine Beek in 2003. Her shows are written and produced by Alaine and her talented team of professional artists located in the West of Melbourne, Australia. Together they aim to inspire, entertain and enlighten their audiences through live performance.
Now showing in Melbourne:
(Winner of Judges Choice for Best Written Play, People's Choice for Best Written Play and People's Choice for Best Performed Play (at the Victorian Drama League National One Act Playwright 2014 Awards).
Jack And Millie
A dramatic comedy - because life is always funny.
The play is based on the author’s true story of dealing with the mental challenges and sometimes funny moments of a cancer diagnosis.
We all respond differently to life changing news. Millie, a fifty something professional at the peak of her career, is about to find out just how quickly life can change when she’s diagnosed with breast cancer.
Millie deals with her shock diagnosis by creating an imaginary friend called Jack.
Jack helps Millie make sense of a world that has been turned upside down. The play, whilst highly entertaining, also offers genuine insights into dealing with long term health issues, like breast cancer.

Written by Alaine Beek
Directed by Nigel Sutton
Cast - Alaine Beek, Ross Daniels, Phil Cameron-Smith
Duration - 80 Minutes
Suitable Ages - 12+
Jack & Millie program
2022 Tour Information:
Jack and Millie is on 2022 VCE drama playlist
New Athenaeum Dates:
30th of April, 4th, 5th, 6th of May.
With 11:00 AM matinees and 7:30 PM evening performances.
Seen the play?
Let us know what you thought by submitting a review below!