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🎭Honour

📍Red Stitch, St Kilda

🗓️ 15 February to 16 March

🎟️redstitch.net

Honour is a defining work by one of Australia’s most celebrated playwrights, Joanna Murray-Smith. Red Stitch’s production of this landmark play will celebrate its 30th anniversary, following its original premiere at Playbox Theatre, Melbourne, in 1995.

At its core, Honour explores the devastating impact of infidelity and separation, distilling the chaos of these emotions into an elegant, razor-sharp theatrical experience. The play asks: What happens when everything that once defined you—every role, every relationship—suddenly unravels? What does a mature, intelligent, and loving woman do when her life begins to slip away?

Featuring Red Stitch Ensemble member Caroline Lee as Honor and Peter Houghton as George, Honour presents a timeless examination of self-identity and betrayal. Directed by the multi award-winning Sam Strong, this production promises to bring a fresh, compelling perspective to Murray-Smith’s powerful narrative.

PETER HOUGHTON

Peter Houghton is a highly accomplished Australian actor, director, and playwright with a diverse career in theatre and screen. He has performed in a wide range of notable productions, including Macbeth, Misalliance, The Trial, Travesties, Shakespeare in Love, and Sweet Bird of Youth (Melbourne Theatre Company), as well as Tartuffe, Ruby Moon, and A View of Concrete (Malthouse Theatre). His recent stage work includes Hamlet at 45 Downstairs.

As a playwright, Peter is known for The Pitch (Malthouse, National Tour, UK Tour), The China Incident (National Tour), and A Commercial Farce (Malthouse). His directorial credits include Art and Soul, True Minds, The Odd Couple, The Architect, and Boy at the Edge of Everything (Melbourne Theatre Company), as well as Footprints on Water (Griffin Theatre).

Peter has received multiple Green Room Awards for his acting, directing, and writing, including for his work in The Pitch, Endgame, and Footprints on Water. His production of Boy at the Edge of Everything won a Drama Victoria Award for Best Production. In addition to his stage work, Peter’s screen credits include Molly, Killing Time, Howzat – Kerry Packer’s War, and Utopia.

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🎭The Wind in the Willows

📍Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens

🗓️ 21 December to 25 January

🎟️shakespeareaustralia.com.au

This summer, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens will once again become a riverside playground for families, when The Australian Shakespeare Company’s The Wind in the Willows returns to celebrate its 38th year of outdoor theatre magic from 21 December 2024 – 25 January 2025.

Featuring Kenneth Grahame’s unforgettable characters—Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly, and the ever-daring Mr. Toad—this critically acclaimed production promises laughter, music, and delight for audiences of all ages.

A cherished summer tradition, The Wind in the Willows is packed with surprises, transforming young audience members into honorary “rabbits” with just a wiggle of the ears. Led by the Head Chief Rabbit, the young rabbits are encouraged to sing along, shout out, and dive fully into the story’s adventure. Families can look forward to a lively, interactive performance that captures the magic of outdoor theatre, with a few playful surprises reserved just for adults.

Celebrating over three decades in Melbourne, this production has become a staple of affordable family entertainment in Australia. Blending storytelling, music, and audience parHcipaHon, The Wind in the Willows has captivated generations and remains a must-see summer event.

Audience members are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, favourite snacks, and drinks to enjoy a relaxed, picnic-style event. The performance will move between various scenic spots within the gardens, making it an adventure for the whole family and a unique way to experience theatre under the Melbourne skies.

Scott Jackson

Scott Jackson has a bachelor’s degree in Acting from Federation Uni and has continued training in Stage Combat mainly in Australia with SAFDi and Captivate Action.

He has worked for the Australian Shakespeare Company for over 12 years as a performer, working on Romeo & Juliet (Mercutio) A midsummer Nights Dream (Demetrius) Hamlet (Guildenstern) As You Like It (Le Beau/ Silvius), and Shakespeare’s Best Bits twice (Snout, nominated for a Green Room award). Scott was the Fight Choreographer for the ASC’s new production of Romeo & Juliet in 2023 and currently working on Macbeth as Fight Choreographer. He will be reprising his role as Mr. Toad in Wind in the Willows this summer 24/25!

Scott’s Immersive and Improvised Theatre experience includes: large scale tour of Dirty Dancing. Underground cinema’s Hotel, Kingdom, Call of Duty Black Ops, Edgar Ellen Poe’s world of A Midnight Visit, and Applause Entertainment’s Murder Mystery at Labassa Mansion. Scott Also works for Essence Theatre Productions at Werribee Mansion performing the role of Mr. Bertin in The Dress.

Scott has also been a company member of Melbourne Playback Theatre Company since 2017.

Scott's other credits include: A dogs Tale TV Series WIN TV (Chris), Two Gents (Proteus) for Sheoak Productions, Romeo and Juliet (Romeo) and King Lear (Oswald) for Ozact Theatre Company, Macbeth (Ross) for Melbourne Company of Players and numerous other productions.

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Australian Shakespeare Company present The Merry Wives of Windsor at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, running from 21 December 2024 - 25 January 2025.

With the city’s Botanic Gardens as a stunning backdrop, audiences will be treated to a unique theatre experience brimming with comedy, intrigue, and classic Shakespearean wit.

In this merry romp, the audacious and delusional Sir John Falstaff attempts to woo two married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, only to find himself ensnared in a clever scheme devised by the quick-wiPed wives. The result? A hilarious series of pranks and plot twists that will leave audiences in stitches.

With its timeless themes and laugh-out-loud mischief, The Merry Wives of Windsor promises an evening of unforgettable fun for all - whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or experiencing the Bard’s work for the first time.

Glenn Elston

Glenn Elston OAM is the Artistic Director of the Australian Shakespeare Company. He pioneered outdoor theatre in Australia, a whole-family experience, which is now a thirty-year-long summer tradition.

Under Glenn’s direction the company has grown from a group of 12 in 1987 to the largest independent theatre company in Australia.

Glenn’s productions include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, Much Ado About Nothing, Richard III, Henry IV Pt 1, Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth and As You Like It. He has written and directed for the stage, The Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland, Jungle Book – The Next Chapter, Toad’s Birthday Party, Caribbean Pirates at the Polly Woodside, Alice in Never Neverland, Lady Chatterley’s Lover and a Picnic with Cole Porter.

For the past 16 years, he has also co-presented Walking with Spirits, a celebration of the ancient Aboriginal tradition of Corroboree at Malkgulumbu (Beswick Falls) and produced two major tours through Northern Australia.

Glenn has produced and co-produced a variety of local, national and international shows including, The Sir George Martin in Concert, David Strassman, Hair – The Musical, Two Up with Wendy Stapleton and Glenn Shorrock, Julian Clary, Piaf, Torch Song Trilogy, and Barbara Cook.

Recently his production for children, Jungle Book The Concert Show, toured regional Australia as well as being performed at The Athenaeum Theatre in the 2010 and 2011 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. In 2010 Jungle Book The Concert Show also toured to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It was during this time that Glenn also presented indigenous performer Noel Tovey’s Little Black Bastard at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival. The show received six five-star reviews.

WARNING: This podcast contains mildly explicit language.

For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime F@#k Christmas is a new all-star variety show that gives the middle finger to capitalism and the overconsumption of the holiday season. Featuring aerial elves, a tap-dancing turkey, an off-brand Father Christmas and the carol hosts from hell, this wild and hilarious post-punk Christmas extravaganza lands at Malthouse from Wednesday 27 November to Sunday 15 December.

Somewhere between a hallucinogenic, camp Christmas fantasy and a perverse, apocalyptic nightmare, F@#k Christmas unwraps toxic secular addictions while making room for alternative celebrations. Created by Fat Fruit (F Fabulous, Fart Fabulous, The Legend of Queen Kong), Susie Dee (Animal, Looking Glass, Big Heart, SHIT) and with a family of queers, rebels and runaways to boot - audiences are invited to kick back for an unforgettable yuletide variety shou that agitates the festive season.

But it's not just about bashing the holiday. Synonymous with past works from the creative team, real representation is front and centre as the Merlyn Theatre is transformed into a certified safe space for queer, non-binary, and trans audiences to celebrate an alternative Christmas together. A motley crew of performers crossing the worlds of music, dance, circus and cabaret come together to redefine what the holiday season means to them, sharing in a whole lot of fun, joy and merry catharsis.

The all-star ensemble features the familiar faces of returning F@#k Fabulous alum including exuberant tap performer and choreographer Gabi Parton; comedic actor and improv performer John Marc Desengano; Jess Love who will enthrall audiences with singing, hula-hooping and side-show stunts; one half of Glitter and Snatch, Wai-Zea Man performing bungee skills; the skating menace that is Joh Fairly; aerialist and contortionist Seth Sladen; Nicci Wilks on her giant hula hoop; and proud Kamilaroi man and award-winning circus artist, Dale Woodbridge Brown.

Bec Matthews, Co-creator, Musical Director and Performer

Bec is a Percussionist, Drummer, Performer, Teacher, Musical Director, Sound Designer, Noisemaker, Theatre Maker and Mischief Maker with a Bachelor of Music (orchestral percussion) from the Victorian College of the Arts.

Bec toured as a permanent member of the Circus Oz ensemble from 2010 to 2014, is co-creator of the multi award-winning act Yana Alana and Tha Paranas and Musical Director, Sound Designer and Access Coordinator for Queen Kong and the HOMOsapiens.

Bec is one half of Independent Arts Company Fat Fruit, who focus on creating work with and for queer communities. Past shows include Fuck Fabulous, Fart Fabulous, The Rainbow Tree and Testing, Testing, One Two.

Bec is a regular collaborator with The Flying Fruit Fly Circus in the capacity of Sound Designer, Musical Director and Song Writing Mentor and has worked with MTC, VCA, Reuben Kaye, Women’s Circus, Melbourne Workers Theatre, Hayes Theatre, Musica Viva and The Funatorium.

Sarah Ward, Co-creator and Performer

Sarah is a cabaret artist and one half of independent arts company Fat Fruit. Sarah was awarded a Helpmann for her cabaret character Yana Alana and along with her creative team have 11 Green Room Awards. Sarah is a recipient of the 2022 Australia Council For Arts Fellowship Grant and is currently focusing on researching and implementing relaxed performance models.

Sarah has spent the past 4 years collaborating with Deaf artist Asphyxia to make music accessible to d/Deaf audiences. Sarah performed in the Dee and Cornelius play SHIT, which received 4 Green Room Awards and Best Independent Theatre Production at the Sydney Theatre Awards. She has toured with Circus OZ, La Soiree, Finucane and Smith, Retro-Futuristmas, Yummy, Arena Theatre Company, Hayes Theatre, Melbourne Workers Theatre and The Women’s Circus. Sarah was also a co-creator of cult cabaret act, Sista She, which was popular for creating feminist, queer, hip-hop.

🎭 TINA - The Tina Turner Musical

📍Princess Theatre, Melbourne

🗓️ Now playing - until 9 February 2025

🎟️ tinathemusical.com.au For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical celebrates the life and legacy of one of music’s most iconic performers. The Australian production brings the electrifying story of Tina Turner to life, showcasing her rise from humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to global superstardom as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll."

This powerful musical delves into Tina's struggles with personal and professional adversity, including her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner, her groundbreaking solo career, and her inspiring journey to reclaim her voice and independence. Packed with Tina’s chart-topping hits such as "Proud Mary," "What's Love Got to Do with It," and "Simply the Best," the show delivers a soulful soundtrack that resonates with audiences.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and featuring a stellar Australian cast, the production combines dynamic choreography, stunning set design, and Tina’s signature style to capture her indomitable spirit. This is more than a tribute; it’s a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the enduring power of music. TINA is an unforgettable theatrical experience that honors a legend and inspires audiences to follow their dreams, no matter the odds.

Giovanni Adams Giovanni Adams is an NAACP Award-winning actor and playwright. He is thrilled to be making his Australian premiere in TINA.

He last appeared in Tiny Beautiful Things at Pasadena Playhouse and as Watson in Anna Ziegler’s Photograph 51 at South Coast Repertory. He originated the role of Colis in Kemp Powers’ Little Black Shadows at South Coast Rep and was in the world premiere of Powers’ One Night in Miami (Rogue Machine Theatre; LA Drama Critics Circle Award and NAACP Theatre Award for Best Ensemble, 2013).

He has participated in the Pacific Playwrights Festival, Bay Area Playwrights Festival and the Writer’s Workshop Retreat at Center Theatre Group to help develop new works. His other stage credits include Mount Misery (Cutting Ball Theater), The Recommendation and Bela Lugosi’s Dead (IAMA Theatre Company) and Miss Julie and King Lear (Yale Repertory Theatre).

He wrote and directed Gayme On, premiering at Outfest 2021. His solo play Love is a Dirty Word premiered in Los Angeles and received an NAACP Theatre Award as well as LA Stage Alliance Ovation and LA Drama Critics Circle awards recognition, 2016. He wrote and starred in a short film adaptation of the play called 2 Black Boys, which premiered at Outfest Fusion, 2020.

His film and television credits include Perry Mason, Nina, Criminal Minds, Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous, Grey’s Anatomy, and Gary UnMarried.

Adams has lectured on personal essay writing and storytelling at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. He was born in Jackson, Mississippi and received his BA from Yale University.

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🎭 Broadway Bar

🗓️ 29 November

📍The Motley Bauhaus, Carton

🎟️ saltytheatre.com.au/broadway-bar

Step into an enchanting evening of Broadway melodies,nostalgia and a rip roaring good time!

The spotlight is ready for all, as performers and spectators unite to celebrate their shared love for Broadway classics. Will you take the stage and share a song?

The evening is hosted and accompanied by Stacey-Louise ‘Staccas’ Camilleri who encourages everyone to “embrace the chaos” and live their Broadway Diva dreams.

Whether you’ve been performing all your life or have only ever sung in the shower, the stage (and applause!) is yours for the taking. If you’re a lover not a singer, simply come on in and enjoy the welcoming and joyful atmosphere. Let’s celebrate our love musical theatre together!

Mark your calendars! The evening kicks off at 7pm and ends sharply at 10pm.

No need to bring sheet music, just your voice, your cheer and your confidence.

Ashley Taylor Tickell

Ashley (she/her) originally hails from Toronto, Canada and now calls Melbourne home. She has 30 years of experience across the theatre, television and film sectors, both on stage and screen and off with her work being seen across the globe. As a member of the Arts Wellbeing Collective, Ashleys supports artists to grow their craft and discover their personal strengths and self-confidence in an empowered environment, to enable them to reach greater potential through new creative opportunities and training. Her work with access and disability consultants has given her a better understanding of how to create an inclusive and safe space in the workplace. Some of Ashley’s producing credits include: Heartache, Milkshakes and Broadway, Don’t Tell Mama NYC (Producer/Writer); The Grinning Man (Australian Premiere); METAMUSE Season 2 for Vass Productions and Luca Dinardo; Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical (Australian Premiere, Director/Producer); and three seasons of Voldemort and The Teenage Hogwarts in Victoria and Adelaide (Australian Premiere). A strong advocate for new works, Ashley connects with artists in Australia as a mentor and dramaturg to support and assist them in the development of new works. She also works with creatives globally to debut their musicals in Australia. Ashley is committed to being an advocate for women in leadership and BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and disabled creative artists as well as identity-conscious casting.

Stacey-Louise ‘Staccas’ Camilleri

Stacey-Louise Camilleri is a Greenroom Award nominated actress who is a seasoned musical theatre and cabaret performer. Recent stage credits include Felicity in Double Homicide, Barb Holland in Stranger Sings - The Parody Musical (Salty Theatre), Elizabeth in If/Then (Theatrical) and a season of her most recent cabaret ‘Women Who Play’ at The Butterfly Club. Stacey-Louise is also a musical director, pianist, flautist, percussionist, ukulele player and the co-host of the popular podcast ‘Dissecting Disney Ditties’. She works as an audition coach and has run workshops on writing cabarets. Currently she coaches students at Centrestage Performing Arts School. She has written syllabi for two musical theatre diploma courses and led ensemble voice classes.

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🎭 Dear Evan Hansen

🎟️ dearevanhansenmusical.com.au

Australian Tour 🗓️ Now Playing

📍 Sydney: Roslyn Packer Theatre

🗓️ December 2024

📍 Melbourne: Arts Centre

🗓️ February 2025

📍 Canberra: Canberra Theatre Centre 🗓️ April 2025

📍 Adelaide: Her Majesty’s Theatre

Socially anxious Evan Hansen is forced to make a decision. Play along with the charade, receiving the attention he’s always craved. Or speak out and risk losing it all.

The Australian premiere of Dear Evan Hansen is the raw, moving and inspiring story of a socially anxious highschooler who is suddenly thrust into the spotlight when he inadvertently invents an important role for himself at the centre of a tragedy.

Intimate and deeply personal, this multi-award winning coming-of-age tale carries the reputation as one of the most profound stories in contemporary musical theatre. Called a “breathtaking knockout of a musical” by The New York Times, it brilliantly illustrates our desire for authentic human connection in a hyper-connected, digital world.

Featuring music from the Grammy and Academy Award winning geniuses Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Dogfight), the six-time Tony Award® winning production, including Best Book by Steven Levenson, journeys to the core of teenage loneliness with a tenderness and wit that will set your heart alight.

Martin Crewes An accomplished actor with a Bachelor of Arts from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (1990), he has brought to life numerous iconic characters on stage. Notable theatre credits include Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia! (Michael Coppel), Monsieur Andre in Phantom of the Opera (Opera Australia), and Steve Blauner in Dream Lover (Dream Lover Australia). He has also starred as Giuseppe Zangara in Assassins, Claude in Hair, and Frederick Trumper in Chess, showcasing a versatile range that spans from classic musicals to contemporary productions. Additional performances as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, Jim Ryan in The Man from Snowy River Arena Spectacular, and Marius in Les Miserables have cemented his reputation in musical theatre.

His screen work includes television roles such as Charles Milne in Ten Pound Poms (Eleven Film), Lewis Bligh in A Place to Call Home (Seven Network/Foxtel), and Bob Forrester in Casualty (BBC). In film, he has appeared as David Knight in Everything in Between, Dr. Wright in Patrick, and Kaplan in Resident Evil. His performances have earned him a Green Room Award for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role, Musical Theatre (Sweet Charity and Hair), and a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Doctor Zhivago, underscoring his impact across theatre and screen.

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🎭 24 Hour Musical

🗓️ 16 November (One Night Only)

📍 Cranbourne Community Theatre

🎟️ windmilltheatre.com.au

This is where I would usually tell you a bit about the show my guests are involved with. But I don’t know. Neither do they. Not at the time of recording anyway. It’s a “mystery flight” musical. They won’t know what show they are working on until 24 hours before opening night.

Amelia June

Amelia is an actor and improviser, working with Impromptunes The Completely Improvised Musical, making up musicals completely on the spot. Amelia has performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Perth Fringe, Adelaide Fringe and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Some of Amelia’s other recent stage credits including Cynthia Weil in Beautiful, Belle in Disenchanted, Dr. Piper Ross in Extinction, Amy in Company, Linda in Blood Brothers, Kate Monster/Lucy in Avenue Q, Maureen in RENT, and The Laramie Project (Victorian Drama League’s Best Actress in a Minor Role). When not performing, Amelia is a social worker at a secondary school working predominantly with neurodivergent and disabled students and their families. She really, really hopes it’s not anything by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Peter Verhagen

Peter is a professional theatre technician and designer, and serves as a music director.

Technical Production Credits: Cats (Santa Maria College), Robin Hood, Camp Rock (YouthARK Theatre), High School Musical Jr (Catchment Players), Be More Chill, Dogfight, Bar One, Lightbox Live (Lightbox Productions), Spring Awakening (RMIT Creative), American Idiot (Phoenix TC), We Will Rock You, Rock of Ages (SLAMS MTC), The Wedding Singer (David Venn Enterprises), Alice By Heart (FabNobs), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (OSMAD), Jersey Boys, Seussical, School Of Rock (Windmill)

Music Direction: Camp Rock (YouthARK Theatre), High School Musical, Matilda (MLMC), Be More Chill, Dogfight, Bar One, All Together Now (Lightbox Productions), Chicago (Phoenix TC), Heathers (GJ Productions), Jersey Boys, Windmills World of Musicals, School Of Rock (Windmill)