You Can’t Tell Anyone, A Ballarat National Theatre Production
Minerva Space
I Won’t tell, if you won’t.
Playwright: Joanna Richards
You Can’t Tell Anyone is a philosophical thriller that examines the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Thanks to a game of Paranoia, this group of teens will never be the same again. No one is safe, not even the audience.
It’s the end of school and Gwen is throwing a party. After an emotional year, her friends are keen to spend the night drinking, playing games, and arguing about literally everything. But when a party game spirals out of control, long-held tensions start to strain and snap. Are the friends messing with each other? Or is there a bigger threat pounding at the door?
You Can’t Tell Anyone was commissioned and first produced by Canberra Youth Theatre, 10 August 2023 at the Canberra Theatre Centre, Courtyard Studio.
Directed by Ruby Abbott
Ruby is a local creative artist, working as an actor, director, and producer.
Ruby has been involved in many productions in Ballarat and surrounds. She has performed several times with Ballarat National Theatre, including in Mr Bennet’s Bride (2022), Dust and Ruin (2023), A Date With Death (2024) and Dancing at Lughnasa (2024).
Ruby has previously served as an assistant director for many productions, including The Haunted Theatre (2025), Sister Cities (2024), and The Servant of Two Masters (2021).
Ruby directed God of Carnage for Ballarat National Theatre in 2026.
“I am very excited to be bringing a youth centred play to Ballarat in 2026. Our town is exploding with young talent. I hope you’re there to witness it.”
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 Concession, $20.00 BNT members, $15 Children, Group package (10 adults), $18. Ticket sales close 1 hour prior to the performance.
A bar will operate for these sessions.
No allocated seating
Running Time: 90min Hours (no interval)
Doors open 30 minutes prior to show start time. Bar available.
Content warning: This play contains mature themes and scenes that may be disturbing to some viewers. It contains strong language, references to suicide and self-harm, sexual assault, and violence. Recommended for mature audiences only.
Ballarat National Theatre
Ballarat National Theatre are a BMI Community Partner
Find out more about BMI Community Partnerships below.
This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.
