Showtime with Andrew G | Theatre Podcast Australia

Lipstick, Lawncare, and Letting Go of the Rules

Melbourne’s cabaret scene has no shortage of talent, but one performer continues to stand out with their bold blend of vintage glamour and modern self-expression: Ivor Rosebud. By day, Lachlan works as a professional landscaper. By night, he steps into the heels and persona of Ivor, a drag performer whose work reflects both a deep connection to the past and a fearless embrace of individuality. 🎭Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett 🗓️10 April to 11 May 📍Meat Market North Melbourne 🎟️eventbrite.com.au
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Dieter is the queen of chaos—renowned for her outrageous original songs, powerhouse vocals, and flair for debaucherous mayhem. For over a decade, she has stunned, seduced, and shocked audiences and critics around the globe. Inspired by the wild spirit of Berlin’s 1920s Weimar kabarett, Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is a riotous, gender-bending celebration of freedom, difference, and delicious excess.
More than just a show, Club Kabarett is a rebellious, joy-drenched experience—an electrifying collision of circus, music, and dark glamour. It’s a place where the beautiful, bizarre, and bold come out to play, and audiences are astounded by a spellbinding cast of world-class misfits: contortionists, sword-swallowers, fire-breathers, aerial artists, and more—all set to the sultry soundtrack of Bernie’s signature vocals and her debauched, gin-soaked haus band.
 
IVA ROSEBUDIva Rosebud is the electrifying alter ego of queer artist Lachlan Bartlett — a dazzling fusion of vintage glamour and fearless contemporary edge. With a background that spans cabaret, musical theatre, drag, burlesque, and performance art, Iva commands the stage with a magnetic mix of raw emotion, razor-sharp wit, and otherworldly aesthetics.
Drawing inspiration from old Hollywood icons and modern queer rebellion, Iva Rosebud blurs the lines between eras and genres. Her performances are equal parts nostalgic reverie and avant-garde spectacle—a bold, unapologetic celebration of identity, sensuality, and self-expression. With every smouldering glance and perfectly placed high kick, Iva invites her audience into a world where authenticity reigns, glitter is currency, and the rules are made to be broken.
From sultry jazz lounges to spotlight-drenched festival stages, Iva’s presence is unforgettable—provocative, poetic, and always unpredictable. Whether whispering torch songs in sequinned gowns or unleashing a fierce, high-energy lip-sync with a wink and a snarl, Iva Rosebud leaves audiences utterly breathless and begging for more.
Fierce, fabulous, and entirely in a league of her own, Iva Rosebud isn’t just a performer—she’s a movement. A mirrorball of emotion, mischief, and magnificence. Step into her spotlight, and you’ll never see the world the same way again.

Theatre, Saxophones & Sustainability: Hannah Gwatkin's Creative Life

Theatre, Saxophones & Sustainability: Hannah Gwatkin's Creative Life
 
When it comes to performers who live and breathe creativity, few embody it as fully as Hannah Gwatkin. A singer, dancer, actor, saxophonist, and all-around creative powerhouse, Hannah’s journey through the performing arts is as inspiring as it is heartwarming. In a recent conversation, she peeled back the curtain on her artistic path, revealing how a single moment in childhood shaped her future – and how she continues to evolve and inspire young audiences today.
 
🎭Josephine Wants to Dance📍Australian Tour - Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland & Western Australia🗓️ & 🎟️ monkeybaa.com.au
Based on the beloved picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, Josephine Wants to Dance leaps from page to stage in this delightful musical adventure for the whole family.
Josephine is not your average kangaroo. While her brother Joey insists that kangaroos only hop, Josephine dreams of pirouettes, pliés, and performing under the spotlight. She practices in secret, pointing her toes and leaping through the air with grace and determination.
When a professional ballet company arrives in the quiet country town of Shaggy Gully, Josephine is captivated by the dancers in their pink tutus and silk ballet slippers. She longs to be part of their world — but what chance does a kangaroo have in a human ballet?
Then disaster strikes: the prima ballerina sprains her ankle, and the understudy is out of action with a splinter. With opening night in jeopardy, the troupe is desperate. Could Josephine be the one to save the show?
Bursting with humour, charm, catchy tunes, and a powerful message about staying true to yourself, Josephine Wants to Dance is a must-see celebration of individuality and the joy of dancing to your own beat.
🤠For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime
HANNAH GWATKINHannah Gwatkin is a dynamic Australian performer whose vibrant talents span cabaret, musical theatre, and environmental activism. A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, she holds a Bachelor of Musical Theatre and a Diploma of Music (Contemporary Performance). Also a gifted saxophonist, dancer, and vocalist, Hannah brings versatility and passion to every performance.
Her stage credits include A Chorus Line (Mad About Theatre), Spring Awakening, Big Blue Sky: A Peter Garrett Story (NIDA), and The Boy from Oz: The Arena Musical (Overtur). She has toured internationally as a lead vocalist with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and featured in the acclaimed production Not Today (Rogue Projects).
Hannah’s original one-woman show, Eco-Worrier: A Climate Cabaret, has earned rave reviews at Sydney Fringe and Anywhere Festival. Armed with a saxophone, loop pedal, tap shoes, and ukulele, she delivers a witty, musical plea for climate action. Critics have praised her for sharp satire, inventive character work, and a standout moment as a mud-crab serenading the audience about ocean pollution.
Outside the theatre, Hannah runs Little Footprint Parties, an eco-conscious children’s entertainment business promoting sustainability through joy and creativity. Her work continues to inspire audiences around Australia.

The Most Unpredictable Murder Mystery on Stage

What happens when you mix classic murder mystery tropes with the unpredictability of live comedy? You get Murder Village—a fully improvised whodunit where the audience decides who dies, who did it, and how the story unfolds. In this episode, Andrew G chats with David Massingham, a seasoned improviser and the creative force behind the show. David shares how his love for improv began back in high school in Queensland and how that early passion evolved into a decade-long career performing and teaching across Australia.
🎭MURDER VILLAGE: AN IMPROVISED WHODUNNIT 🗓️ 27 March to 6 April 📍Member’s Lounge, Arts Centre Melbourne 🎟️ https://improvisedwhodunnit.com or https://comedyfestival.com.au
 
Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit is a live, unscripted comedy set in a 1953 English village teeming with suspicious characters and sudden deaths. Each show invites the audience to vote on the victim and murderer before the performance, while the cast—drawn from Melbourne’s top improv talent—crafts the rest on the fly. Expect vicars, nosy spinsters, and red herrings galore in this clever homage to Agatha Christie. Created by David Massingham, the show debuted in Brisbane in 2016 and has since become a hit across Australia. With no script and no safety net, every night is a completely new mystery filled with wit, intrigue, and plenty of hilarious twists.
DAVID MASSINGHAM David Massingham is a Brisbane-born, Melbourne-based improviser and sketch comedian with over a decade of experience delivering laughs. A RAW Comedy state finalist, David was a core ensemble member of Improv Queensland (formerly ImproMafia), performing in acclaimed shows like Not 4 Kidz, The Pineapple Club, and GRIMM, and creating original works including Agatha Holmes and Tales from the Wireless. Nationally, he’s graced the stage at Theatresports National Championships and Clash of the Impro Titans.
Since relocating to Melbourne in 2016, he’s become a regular with Impro Melbourne and The Big HOO-HAA! David also created and directs Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit, a sell-out hit across Australia. His solo sketch shows have earned critical praise at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and beyond.
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Comedy, Chaos & Finding A Weird Little Corner of the Stage

There’s something instantly likeable about Frankie McNair. Maybe it’s the way she throws herself headfirst into joyful chaos, or how she talks about comedy like it’s a big group hug for all the weirdos. Either way, her story is a reminder that you don’t need a five-year plan or a perfect setlist to make it in comedy — just a love of being silly, some guts, and a great community around you.
 
🎭The Booth Variety Spectacular & Formal Apology Hour!📍Member’s Lounge - Arts Centre Melbourne🗓️running until 20 April🎟️https://comedyfestival.com.au

Step back in time to 1969 and witness live television descend into chaos!
The final episode of The Booth Variety Spectacular & Formal Apology Hour was meant to be a grand farewell, but instead, it became one of Australian TV’s greatest disasters—and now, you’re part of the studio audience.
Tabitha Booth is desperate to hold onto her title as the ‘Queen of Late Night,’ but fresh-faced newcomer Isaac Haigh is eager to take her place. Can she exit with dignity, or will she sabotage her own farewell to cling to the spotlight forever?
Join award-winning Melbourne International Comedy Festival Best Newcomers Frankie McNair and Isaac Haigh as they bring an immersive alt-comedy spectacular to life, packed with Hollywood glam, puppets, breakdowns, surprise guests, and Melbourne’s top comedians.
This is the niche comedy crossover you never knew you needed—but absolutely don’t want to miss!
 
Frankie McNair (she/they) is an award-winning comedian, actor, and screenwriter. Winner of “Best Newcomer” at the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Frankie blends stand-up, absurd sketch comedy, and queer joy. Frankie has appeared on Thank God You’re Here, Just For Laughs Sydney, and her independent mockumentary "The Telling of the Untold Story of Tabitha Booth" debuts on Aunty Donna’s YouTube channel Grouse House in March 2025. Frankie creates work that is both deeply heartfelt and deeply silly.
 
Isaac Haigh (he/him) is an award-winning comedian, filmmaker, and composer. His most recent accolades include winning the Best Newcomer Award at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. His work has been recognized across several prestigious Australian festivals, including Tropfest, St Kilda Film Festival, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and Melbourne Fringe. Isaac infuses his work with a comedic, ostentatious edge and continues to push boundaries in comedy and film, offering audiences a fresh, entertaining and immersive experience.
 
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Young, Talented & Theatre Obsessed

Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up loving theatre—and then find yourself starring in a big musical before you’ve even left your teens? We sat down with Ruby Proy and Jack Thompson, two standout performers bringing Ariel and Prince Eric to life in Windmill Theatre Company’s The Little Mermaid Jr., and trust us—their stories are just as inspiring as their onstage performances.
 
🎭The Little Mermaid Jr
📍Rowville Performing Arts Centre 🗓️9 - 12 April
🎟️windmilltheatre.com.au
 
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., is splashing onto the stage at the Rowville Performing Arts Centre these April school holidays. This enchanting one-act musical brings the beloved underwater world of Ariel and her friends to life, reimagining the magic of the iconic Disney film and Broadway adaptation in a vibrant, family-friendly format.
Perfect for audiences of all ages, the story follows Ariel, a curious and adventurous young mermaid who dreams of living on land. With unforgettable songs like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl,” this heartwarming tale of courage, love, and self-discovery offers a perfect introduction to the magic of live theatre—especially for younger children, with a run time of just one hour.
The production features a dynamic cast of 57 young performers aged 10 to 18, showcasing a remarkable level of talent, energy, and commitment. Ruby leads the cast as Ariel, bringing experience from productions such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, School of Rock, and Mamma Mia, along with television credits. Starring opposite her is Jack as Prince Eric, whose stage presence adds depth and charm to the role.
RUBY PROY
A passionate performer from a young age, Ruby has built an impressive resume, including roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Panorama), School of Rock, The Wizard of Oz, and Mamma Mia at Padua College. She has also worked in television, appearing in Savage River (ABC) as Young Miki and set to appear in The Survivors (Netflix) as Teenage Olivia. Beyond acting, Ruby is a singer-songwriter and fronts her own alternative pop band, MissFortune. Now playing her dream role, Ruby is excited to bring Ariel’s story to life and share this magical experience with audiences.
 
JACK THOMPSONAn accomplished young performer who has been on stage since the age of six. Jack’s credits include Alice by Heart, Heathers: Teen Edition, Shrek Jr., Newsies Jr., The SpongeBob Musical (earning a Lyrebird Youth Award), and Beauty and the Beast (Windmill Theatre Company). He recently made his directorial debut with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. and has worked behind the scenes on productions like State School Spectacular 2023. A dedicated performer and theatre enthusiast, Jack is excited to bring Prince Eric to life in this magical production.
 
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The Voice, the Circus, and a Musical Called Flop with Arthur Hull

You’ve probably seen his name popping up lately—Arthur Hull, 2024’s Australian National Busking Champion and all-round artistic powerhouse. From singing his heart out on The Voice to touring a musical love letter to Broadway’s biggest disasters, Arthur’s career is anything but ordinary. And that’s exactly how he likes it.
 
🎭Flop - part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival
🗓️8-20 April
📍Melbourne Arts Centre 
🎟️https://comedyfestival.com.au
The neon lights don’t always shine bright on Broadway, but in FLOP, Arthur Hull uncovers hidden gems from some of the worst musicals ever written. From critical flops to forgotten obscurities, he’s on a quest to prove that every show has at least one song worth celebrating.
Despite the countless misfires, FLOP is a heartfelt love letter to the world of musicals. With his signature charm, Arthur brings a unique spin to everything from soaring ballads to high-energy dance numbers, effortlessly showcasing his passion for the genre—even when riffing on the most gloriously misguided tunes.
 
ARTHUR HULLIn 2024, Arthur Hull was awarded first prize at the Australian National Busking Championships and received wide praise for his performances on Channel 7’s The Voice, reaching Adam Lambert’s Top 3.
He also created his first solo show FLOP - the best songs from the worst musical ever written - which is now on tour after becoming a surprise hit at the Melbourne and Adelaide Fringe Festivals.
 
In 2023, Arthur graduated from the world famous Flying Fruit Fly Circus. During his time with the circus he performed at Sydney Opera House, Wanderer Festival and venues around the country.
 
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Flipping the Script: How These Creatives Took Control of Their Theatre Careers

Sometimes, the best ideas are born over burritos and margaritas—and that’s exactly how the 23rd Theater Co came to life.
Riley, Flynn, and Charlie, three freshly graduated creatives from JMC Academy, weren’t ready to sit around waiting for auditions to roll in. Instead, with a nudge from their teachers and a shared love for storytelling, they decided to build something of their own: a theatre company focused on originality, community, and giving other grads a real shot at making theatre happen.
Their first production? Rope, a moody, suspense-filled thriller by Patrick Hamilton that unfolds in real time. Think Hitchcock vibes with a Gen Z twist—and a whole lot of heart behind the scenes.
🎭 Rope by 23RD Theatre Co
📍 Irene Mitchell Studio, South Yarra
🗓️ Until 22 March 
🎟️ stmartinsyouth.com.au

A British psychological thriller that draws inspiration from the notorious Leopold and Loeb case, which also served as a muse for Alfred Hitchcock's 1948 film.The play delves into the dark depths of human nature and morality, centering on two young men, Wyndham Brandon and Charles Granillo, who believe they have committed the perfect
crime—murdering an innocent victim and hiding the body in a chest while hosting a
dinner party. As the evening unfolds, the tension escalates in a chilling exploration of
power, guilt, and psychological manipulation.
RILEY ATWELL
Riley Atwell Is A Melbourne-Based Actor And Co-Founder Of 23RD Theatre Co, who recently graduated JMC Academy with a Bachelor of Creative Arts. “Rope” Is Riley’s Producer Debut And He’s Very Nervous And Keen For Everyone To See The Production. It’d Be An Understatement To Say That He’s Simply Enjoyed This Whole Process; Because He’s Adored Every Second And Feels Nothing But Inspiration To Continue This Producer Journey Beyond “Rope” With The 23RD Theatre Co. For Many More Shows For Many More Years To Come.
 
CHARLI SAMPSON
Charli Sampson (they/she) is an ambitious gay actress diving into the realm of producing to gain a new avenue of
experience. During her high school years Charli worked backstage at dance school concerts and dance competitions, when she herself wasn’t on the stage. Gaining an interest for the other side of theatre, the production side. After graduating from JMC Academy with a Bachelor of Creative Arts for Acting they became one of the founding member of the 23rd Theatre Company, working behind the scenes as a producer on the companies first ever production, “Rope”. They are also rehearsing for the Australian Shakespeare Companies Graduate Players program production of “A Midsummer Nights Dream” as Hermia, which will tour to Prague in May of this year.
 
FLYNN LHUEDE
Flynn Lhuede is an actor exploring the realm of producing and is constantly looking to learn and improve as much as he can. Flynn recently graduated JMC Academy with a Bachelor of Creative Arts for Acting and is one of the founders of the 23rd Theatre Company. While working on this production of “Rope” as Charles Granillo, a producer and treasurer, he is also rehearsing to play Oberon in “A Midsummer Nights Dream” for the Australian Shakespeare Company’s Graduate players which will tour to Prague later this year.
 
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Strings, Stage & Storytelling: The Many Talents of Rose Chambers

Rose Chambers, an emerging talent in the Australian theatre scene, shares her journey as an actor, singer, and violinist. Currently studying at the Victorian College of the Arts, she reflects on her childhood experiences in theatre and music that shaped her passion for performing arts. Rose discusses her role as Lisa in the upcoming production “Ladies in Black,” a musical set in 1950s Sydney that explores themes of female empowerment amidst societal constraints. She acknowledges the changes in women’s roles since the 1950s and emphasises the importance of narratives like Lisa’s that inspire contemporary audiences. Rose expresses her excitement about portraying a uniquely Australian story, the musical’s rich cultural roots through the music of Tim Finn, and the supportive ensemble of women she shares the stage with. The conversation encapsulates her dedication to celebrating and showcasing Australian talent in theatre.
 
🎭Ladies in Black🗓️ 7-22 March📍Beaumaris Theatre 🎟️ beaumaristheatre.com.au
 

Ladies in Black is a vibrant musical set in 1950s Sydney, following the lives of a group of women working in a department store.
The story focuses on Lisa, a young woman navigating the complexities of adulthood, romance, and her aspirations, as she befriends a diverse group of colleagues, each with their own unique stories. Through their experiences, the musical explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the changing social landscape of post-war Australia.
With a lively score and heartfelt moments, Ladies in Black celebrates the power of transformation and female empowerment.
ROSE CHAMBERSRose is so excited to be part of bringing the story of Ladies in Black to life with the wonderful Beaumaris Theatre Community. She is 22 Years old and originally from the Geelong region. She currently studies a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts as well as graduating in 2023 from the full time Musical Theatre course “Showfit”. Rose has been part many theatre productions such as “Bare: A Pop Opera”playing “Ivy Robinson” (2024, DIY Collective), “Fiddler on the Roof” playing “Hodel” (2023, Footlight Productions Geelong), “Closer than Ever” as a featured soloist (2023, Stage Arts Geelong), “Urinetown” playing “Robbie the Stockfish” (2019, Centrestage Geelong) as well as previous high school productions. Rose is also a violinist with a background in classical and Celtic styles. Rose is so grateful to have the privilege to bring Lisa (Lesley) Miles to life as well as performing in a native Australian accent telling a true and wholesome Australian story.
 
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SHOWTIME: Come From Away with Matthew Henderson

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🎭 Come From Away🗓️Opens 7 March📍Geelong Arts Centre🎟️ centrestage.org.au/event

Winner of four Olivier Awards—including Best New Musical in London—and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, this smash-hit show brings to life the astonishing true story of 7,000 air passengers from across the globe, stranded in Canada in the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that welcomed these "come from aways" with open hearts.
Presented by the multi-award-winning production company CentreStage, a talented local cast and creative team unite to retell the extraordinary events in Gander during that pivotal time. Experience a joyful narrative filled with soaring music, as spirited locals and international visitors forge friendships that last a lifetime. Real-life characters—including the first female American Airlines captain, a quick-thinking town mayor, the mother of a New York firefighter, and an eager local news reporter—come together at the moment that changed history, celebrating hope, humanity, and unity.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this heartwarming and inspiring musical, featuring unforgettable songs like “Welcome to the Rock,” “Me and the Sky,” and “Stop the World.”
MATTHEW HENDERSONMatthew has worked extensively within the entertainment industry over the last twenty years establishing himself as a respected and highly sought-after Stage, Company, and Production Manager. Credits include: Australian tours of The Boy From Oz, Fame, Shout!, Miss Saigon, Jerry Springer The Opera, Disney’s High School Musical, We Will Rock You (Australia & Japan), and Opera Australia’s Madame Butterfly. Matthew spent over fifteen years with The Walt Disney Company on The Lion King (Australia & China), Mary Poppins (Australia & New Zealand), Aladdin (Australia & Singapore), and Frozen (Australia). Matthew’s Producer credits include Australian tours of Steel Magnolias starring Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver, Spring Awakening, Xanadu, Falsettos, tick, tick … BOOM!, and The Bridges of Madison County. Matthew co-produced Holding the Man in London starring Jane Turner and Simon Burke, marking his West End debut. Matthew recently directed the acclaimed production of RENT for BLOC Music Theatre, Ballarat, and previously directed Mamma Mia! at Her Majesty’s Theatre which picked up 13 Music Theatre Guild nominations including Best Director and took home Best Production.

SHOWTIME: Truth with Emily Havea

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🎭 Truth📍Malthouse Merlyn Theatre🗓️ Until 8 March🎟️ malthousetheatre.com.au
Truth is a provocative play that delves into the interplay of honesty, deception, and perception in society. Set against a contemporary backdrop, the production challenges audiences to confront the blurred lines between objective reality and personal narratives. 
Through innovative staging and compelling performances, Truth invites us to question societal conventions, explore hidden biases, and embrace the transformative power of self-reflection in a world where truth is ever-changing in our lives.
 
EMILY HAVEA
Emily Havea is an Australian actor, singer, and performer known for her versatility across theatre, television, and film. With a commanding stage presence and a passion for diverse storytelling, she has appeared in major productions, including Fun Home, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Wentworth. A strong advocate for representation in the arts, Emily continues to break barriers, captivating audiences with her dynamic performances and commitment to authentic storytelling.