THOM PAIN (based on nothing) by Will Eno

Thom Pain (based on nothing) – a one-man show like no other – comes to The Mill Theatre as part of our Co-Production Series. Written by Will Eno, this 2004 solo work has been performed around the world, translated into over a dozen languages, and was a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

In a rambling, hilarious, and heartbreakingly honest monologue, Thom Pain shares stories of a bee sting, a boy and his dog, and a tumultuous encounter with love — exploring the absurd, the painful, and the ordinary moments that make life extraordinary. Critics have called it “dazzling,” “treasured,” and “speechless in any case,” a meditation on disappointment, futility, and the fragile beauty of human experience.

For this production, Canberra’s own Joey Minogue takes the stage, producing and starring in this deeply personal, intimate work. A rare chance to experience one of the most acclaimed monologues of the 21st century, performed live in the bold, supportive space of The Mill.

Presented as part of the Mill Theatre Co-Production Series, a program which provides an avenue for creatives to present their own work in the Mill Theatre space.

Cast

Thom Pain: Joey Minogue

Production Team

Playwright: Will Eno

Director and Mentor: Maddie Lee

Production Assistant and Acting Coach: Mark Lee

Stage Manager: Bea Grant

Co-Producers: Joey Minogue and Lexi Sekuless

The plays from Oh, the Humanity and other good intentions are presented by special arrangement with Paradigm Talent Agency.

TICKETS

General admission tickets are $40 exclusive of GST and Humanitix booking fees. In 2026 The Mill had to increase tickets by passing on GST to patrons (we are very sorry to do this but the BAS payments are rotten!)

Here's the breakdown:

GST (Goods and Services Tax): A standard 10% GST is applied to all ticket prices, in line with Australian tax requirements.
Booking & Payment Processing Fees: These cover the costs of securely processing your transaction and managing ticketing services.
- Purchases via Humanitix: 4% + $0.99 per paid ticket (excluding GST)
  - Example:
  - $50 ticket → $2.00 processing fee plus $0.99 = $2.99 (excl. GST)
  - 10% GST on $52.99 = $5.30
  - Total customer fees: $50 + $2.99 + $5.30 = 58.29
- Purchases via Square: A flat 2.2% transaction fee applies to all payments
  - Example:
  - $50 ticket → $1.10 processing fee
  - 10% GST on $51.10 = $5.11
  - Total customer fees: $50 + $1.10 + $5.11 = $56.21

Concession tickets for Full-Time Students, Health Care or Pension Card holders are $35 exclusive of GST and Humanitix booking fees.

Mill Subscribers get tickets at reduced prices. You can subscribe here for the same deal!

Tickets are fully transferable up to one day before the event only. No refunds are available.

Tickets are for entry only and are available online until one hour before the show. From that point, box office tickets in person are available for purchase.

The information below goes into a lot of detail but if you have further questions, please email us at hello@milltheatreatdairyroad.com. A small team can see that inbox and we respond very quickly. The Mill is a very quirky space and we want to welcome you!

SEATING & ACCESS

All tickets are general admission and no seats are reserved so the earlier you arrive, the better position you will have. If you have any access needs and require reserved seating you must email us before the show please hello@milltheatreatdairyroad.com
Seating is in an L-shape to create a dynamic and intimate playing space.
The venue is fully accessible for wheelchairs with a ramp from the P3 parking spot and same level access from entry into building 3.3 into the theatre all the way to the accessible seating positions inside the Mill. We have two wheelchair seating positions both with very different views. Please contact us at hello@milltheatreatdairyroad.com so we can talk through the options, including adding companion card tickets. One option is on the short side, the other option is on the long side. All accessible bookings will be reserved.
Every seat in the house has a great view, and a different view. Patrons walk through the set to find your seats, adding to the intimacy of the space. This means, late arrivals or patrons who leave the theatre before intermission or the end will NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE THEATRE.

ARRIVAL & PROTOCOLS

ENTERING

Please head to the Box Office on arrival. You really must do this please. If you have already purchased a ticket, the Front of House team checks off the name of every booked attendee. Please do not try to walk directly into the theatre.
If you haven’t purchased a ticket, you can get one onsite an hour before show time. However, it is a very small theatre and we have started selling out and we do not hold any seats.
The doors open approximately 15 minutes before show time. The Front of House team will let you know when you can enter.

LOCK OUT

Due to the unique layout of the venue, the audience walks through the stage to take their seats. This means we cannot accommodate anyone slipping in late for the beginning of the show or for the return after intermission. This also means, if you need to leave during the show, we cannot allow you back in. If patrons are rude or resistant about this fact then it makes for both an unsafe and unpleasant time for everyone. Please think about this before you book and before you arrive.
The Front of House team rings a bell and counts the audience to ensure you won’t miss out but please don’t tempt fate otherwise you will be locked out and we cannot let you in. We even call any audience who might be running late to make sure you won’t miss the show!

LOCATION

The Mill Theatre is in Building 3.3, the Screencraft and KeepCo building which is a short walk from Capital Brewing. There are two easy ways to approach the Theatre:

PARK in P3 at the back of the precinct. From there you will see building 3.3 which has a large Screencraft sign. The public entrance is just up from that sign (not underneath it!). Once inside, walk about 5 metres and the theatre is to the right, next to Mojo Guitars.

WALK from Capital Brewing or the Less sculpture into the KeepCo building, pass Ramen Daddy and at the end of the corridor we are on the left.

PARKING

All parking in the precinct is free with several accessible parking spots in all the parking locations. The best spot to park is P3 at the back of the precinct. If you park elsewhere please be warned that signage and way-finding around the precinct is extremely difficult. Arrive in plenty of time to possibly get lost, possibly be in a bad mood, and remedy that with a drink at our bar before enjoying a smashing show!

Please note from April 20 that some roadworks will be taking place at Dairy Road. You will be guided to follow a detour which is marked out in this map. You can also see the two best places for food and drink on this map! Spitfire Pizza and Ambrosia Bar!

Contact the host of THOM PAIN (based on nothing) by Will Eno

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