When I noticed little icicles dangling from the handlebars under blue fingers on my morning ride to work, I decided it was time to start catching the tram. I like to travel ipod free in this ipod overrun world, so mornings are often spent listening to the details of TV shows, annoying boyfriends and last minute homework attempts. I like to stay standing and mobile, moving through the crowds to ensure I keep a safe distance from the tram’s worst sniffling or coughing offender. It seems there are many other eavesdroppers in this crowded city, because in July, St Martins staged a theatre project based on real conversations heard on Melbourne’s public transport system.

The cast spent a considerable amount of time traveling on trains, buses and trams to eavesdrop on unsuspecting passengers conversations. Project director of The Eavesdropping Project, Melinda Hetzel, believes the cast uncovered a surreal snapshot of Melbourne through their travels. ‘Public transport is a strange open forum, passengers think no one is listening, but the cast reported on various overheard conversations that were culturally specific, poignant and often quite hilarious.’ This was a show I’m sure many Melbournians related to.