The musical concerns the lives of four people, aged from early 20s to early 40s, sharing an apartment in the inner-Sydney suburb of Glebe: Alex, an ageing, out-of-work gay actor; Elaine, a psychiatric social worker who has left her marriage; Julia, a scatty student finding refuge from a broken family; and Joe, a country boy exploring the bright lights of the city.
It was inspired by the writers' own experience of living under similar conditions in London.
[1] Safety in Numbers premiered at the Q Theatre in Penrith, outer western Sydney on 18 May 1982.
[4] A second production was performed in Perth by the Hole in the Wall Theatre, from 24 March to 23 April 1983.
This was directed by Jenny McNae and featured Michael Turkic, Denise Kirby, Dennis Clements and Caroline McKenzie.