Liz Hicklin, 95, Debuts 'Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend' at Melbourne Fringe

At 95, Liz Hicklin makes her theatre debut with 'Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend,' a 50-minute play co-written and directed by ABC radio presenter Jacinta Parsons. The production runs from 15 to 18 October at the Festival Hub Trades Hall as part of Melbourne Fringe. Staged as a game show, it features Pete Smith, 87, as the voice of Hicklin's inner critic, and co-director Sarah Sutherland as Sylvia Plath. The narrative traces Hicklin's romance with Ted Hughes before his marriage to Plath, including a letter from Hughes's mother announcing the marriage and move to America. Hicklin, from Manchester, shared a background with Hughes, who hailed from Mytholmroyd, Yorkshire, and spent time with his family in Heptonstall. She witnessed the writing of poems like 'The Thought Fox' and 'Dick Straight Up.' The play explores the impact of their relationship and broader life experiences, including a walk across the Yorkshire moors. Hicklin hopes audiences take away that life continues at any age. The production is part of the final days of Melbourne Fringe.