The Flea is the story of how an irritating little non-entity named Charlie Swinscow – a telegraph boy – got under the skin of the mighty Queen Victoria and threatened to bring down the entire British Empire.

In this true story about the notorious Cleveland Street Scandal, in which Victoria’s grandson and a motley of English aristos are suspected of being regular visitors to a certain gay brothel, newcomer Sofie Divall plays two roles – that of Emily, Charlie’s mother, and Queen Victoria – with equal finesse.

Sofie Divall in New Theatre’s The Flea. Photo © Chris Lundie

Returning to Australia in 2024 after four years studying theatre at Oberlin College US, Divall, (nee Rejto, daughter of cellist Peter Rejto) took time off from two waitressing jobs to audition for a part in the company’s forthcoming production. She was not only successful but won the lead part in what is the Australian premiere of English playwright Jack Fritz’s The Flea, which had its English premiere at The Yard Theatre, London in 2023.

Her work in this nearly three-hour play The Flea is a tour de force. She has the ability to own the role she plays, bringing a sense...