The beginning of a 17-year odyssey.

Set in 1937, Kid Stakes is the chronological beginning of Lawler’s trilogy, the start of a theatrical odyssey set on Lawler’s home turf, in Depression-era Carlton. It’s where we first meet Roo, Barney, Olive and Nancy, long before they realise how entwined their lives will become.

Roo and Barney are cane croppers from Queensland who spend their off-season back in Melbourne. They meet Olive and Nancy, two milliners and soon-to-be bartenders, with whom a young romance blossoms and Roo’s first gift of a kewpie doll to Olive is made – the start of a 17-year tradition. Meanwhile, a young child next door, Bubba, watches on; as does Olive’s wise, cantankerous mum, Emma.

Embodying the boldness and vitality of youth, Kid Stakes is a comedy with a big heart, capturing a moment of transition for both the characters and the society in which they live.