
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).
SHEPHERD KINGS
Based on the true story of the Scottish born and bred Chirnside family who built Werribee Park mansion and was one of Australia’s most powerful landowners in the 19th century. The focuses on the unique characters Thomas, Andrew, Mary Chirnside and the son Andrew Spence. It follows their rise to power but also the challenges and heartaches they faced as a real family struggling to survive and be accepted in this, for them, new country.
Shepherd Kings has been intensively researched, developed and was experienced by a test audience as a rehearsed reading in 2015 with an overwhelmingly positive response.

Written by Alaine Beek
Fully Developed Script
Cast - 1 Female, 2 Male
Duration - 85 minutes
Suitable Ages - 12+
This production is planned to be performed summer 2020/2021 at Hasties House at Werribee Park.
Funding support to get this historical Australian play off the ground is welcomed.