Showtime with Andrew G | Theatre Podcast Australia

SHOWTIME: Rope with Riley Atwell, Flynn Lhuede, and Charli Sampson

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🎭 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.

SHOWTIME: Ladies in Black with Rose Chambers

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🎭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.

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.

SHOWTIME: Avenue Q with Zoe Crisp

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🎭 AVENUE Q
🗓️Opens 22 February (preview 21 February)
📍National Theatre, St Kilda
🎟️ AvenueQ.com.au

Hilarious, outrageous, and packed with heart, Avenue Q is the latest must-see musical sensation that’s about to take Melbourne by storm! This Tony Award-winning hit blends puppetry, comedy, and unforgettable songs to tell the story of recent grad Princeton as he navigates love, work, and life’s big questions—with a little help from his quirky neighbors. With its sharp wit and relatable charm, Avenue Q is the ultimate night out for theatre lovers. Don’t miss this side-splitting, feel-good smash—grab your tickets now before they’re gone!
 
ZOE CRISP
Zoe graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2021 with a BA in Music Theatre, having previously attained her Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2018. Notable roles from her time at WAAPA include The Bakers Wife (Into The Woods), Anna (Spring Awakening) and a Kit Kat Dancer (Cabaret).
In 2020 Zoe performed in an original cabaret titled Growing Pains, where she received WAAPA’s Julie Micheal Cabaret Award for “best originally devised cabaret”.
Most recently Zoe made her professional stage debut in the ensemble of Carousel: A Concert (Enda Markey Presents) where she also understudied the role of Carrie Pipperidge. She has also appeared in a handful of children’s theatre productions around Melbourne including Project Mindset (National Theatre for Children) and Story Quest (Echelon Productions). Other notable credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert! (Platinum Entertainment), The Beep Test (Neylon and Peele), and We Will Rock You (Platinum Entertainment). Zoe is delighted to be joining the cast of Avenue Q as Kate Monster!

SHOWTIME: Jesus Christ Superstar with Michael Paynter

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🎭 Jesus Christ Superstar🗓️Opens 16 March📍Princess Theatre🎟️ jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au

The iconic global phenomenon Jesus Christ Superstar is now playing in a breathtaking new production that has captivated audiences and critics alike. Following its award-winning US and UK tours—earning an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival—this must-see musical is wowing Australian audiences.
Leading the cast is one of Australia’s most respected musicians and acclaimed recording artists, Michael Paynter (Melbourne & Brisbane) and international stage sensation Robert Tripolino (Perth) as Jesus. Joining them are powerhouse performers: dynamic musical theatre star Javon King as Judas, soul and blues icon Mahalia Barnes as Mary, globally renowned comedian, singer, and writer Reuben Kaye as Herod, and rock-theatrical star Peter Murphy as Pilate.
With music and lyrics by the legendary Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber—winners of Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony Awards—Jesus Christ Superstar reimagines the final weeks of Jesus’ life through the eyes of Judas. Featuring one of the most celebrated scores in musical theatre history, audiences will experience iconic hits like "I Don’t Know How to Love Him," "Gethsemane," and "Superstar."
Don’t miss your chance to witness this electrifying production!
 
MICHAEL PAYNTERMichael Paynter has been a dynamic force in Australian music since his early days in Melbourne clubs in 2004. An international recording artist with Sony Music Worldwide, he achieved top 20 singles and multi-platinum success with “Love The Fall” featuring The Veronicas in 2010. Michael has shared arena and stadium stages with legends like John Farnham, Hall and Oates, and modern acts such as Miley Cyrus, Seal, The Script, and 5 Seconds of Summer. As a sought-after session musician, he performs with Icehouse, Jimmy Barnes, Bachelor Girl, and Killing Heidi, while also co-leading ARIA Award-winning production team MSquared in Australia.

SHOWTIME: Avenue Q with Andy McDougall

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🎭 AVENUE Q
🗓️Opens 22 February (preview 21 February)
📍National Theatre, St Kilda
🎟️ AvenueQ.com.au

Outrageously funny, brilliantly irreverent, and bursting with heart, Avenue Q is the must-see musical sensation about to take Melbourne by storm! This Tony Award-winning smash blends puppetry, comedy, and unforgettable songs to follow recent grad Princeton as he stumbles through love, work, and life’s big questions—with a little help from his hilariously quirky neighbors. Packed with sharp wit and undeniable charm, Avenue Q is the ultimate night out for theatre lovers. 
 
ANDY MCDOUGALL
Andy has been a part of puppetry in Australia for the past 30 years. Graduating as part of the inaugural Post Graduate Diploma in Puppetry from the VCA in 2004.
He’s worked in countless Film, Television and Theatre Productions across the country and internationally. He has also studied with some of Australia’s top puppeteers and companies.
His previous credits include shows such as Eeyore/Rabbit/Owl (Disney’s Winnie the Pooh – The New Musical Stage Adaptation), Oliver (Fagin), Witches Of Eastwick (Darryl Van Horne),  Rock of Ages (Lonny), The Addams family (Gomez), Sylvia (Tom/ Phylis/ Lesley), The Producers (Max Bialystock), (Nicky/Trekkie/ puppet designer), Walking with Dinosaurs the Live Experience (Hatchling lead/Baby T‐Rex, The Creature Company), Little Shop of Horrors (Plant Puppeteer and Designer)

SHOWTIME: Macbeth with Nicole Nabout

🎭 Macbeth 📍Royal Botanic Gardens - Southern Cross Lawn🗓️ 31 January to 28 February🎟️ shakespeareaustralia.com.au

The Macbeths are back—driven by an unrelenting thirst for power and an obsession with the throne.
“Their passion for each other is absolute in every way—both metaphysical and erotic. The lust for power fuels their mutual desire, heightening the storm of chaos.”
A prophecy from three witches ignites Macbeth’s burning ambition as he returns from war—an ambition that sets his wife ablaze with ruthless determination. Together, they plunge into a world of manipulation and madness, where murder is merely the first step toward their insatiable hunger for control.
Invading armies, blood-soaked betrayals, dark magic, storms, and the ghosts of the past—every force that has ever fought for power converges in this tale of fate and fury.
“Macbeth, accusing himself of weak malice and insufficient slaughter, summons an apocalyptic ambition—one that will tear the universe apart, destroying this world and the next.”
 
NICOLE NABOUT
Nicole Nabout is an acclaimed Australian actress known for her dynamic performances across television, film, and theatre. She gained recognition as Nada al Farhouk in The Librarians (2007) and has appeared in Jack Irish (2016), Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012), and Newton’s Law (2017). Her film credits include Three Dollars (2005).
A seasoned theatre performer, Nicole has played Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Australian Shakespeare Company and has worked with major theatre companies across Australia. In 2025, she takes on the iconic role of Lady Macbeth in Macbeth at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
With a powerful stage presence and a diverse body of work, Nicole continues to captivate audiences with her commanding performances.

SHOWTIME: Avenue Q with Harley Dasey

For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime
 
🎭 AVENUE Q
🗓️Opens 22 February (preview 21 February)
📍National Theatre, St Kilda
🎟️ AvenueQ.com.au

Hilarious, outrageous, and packed with heart, Avenue Q is the latest must-see musical sensation that’s about to take Melbourne by storm! This Tony Award-winning hit blends puppetry, comedy, and unforgettable songs to tell the story of recent grad Princeton as he navigates love, work, and life’s big questions—with a little help from his quirky neighbors. With its sharp wit and relatable charm, Avenue Q is the ultimate night out for theatre lovers. Don’t miss this side-splitting, feel-good smash—grab your tickets now before they’re gone!
HARLEY DASEY
Harley Dasey is an emerging Australian performer and multi-instrumentalist from Gidgegannup, Western Australia. A graduate of the Elder Conservatorium of Music and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Harley has carved a unique path in musical theatre, combining his talents as an actor, vocalist, and musician.
Harley has performed internationally as a featured vocalist at Universal Studios Japan, captivating audiences with his dynamic stage presence and vocal versatility. In 2024, he shone as Princeton in AG Theatre’s acclaimed production of Avenue Q at The National Theatre in St Kilda, bringing humor and heart to the iconic role.
Known for his ability to seamlessly blend acting with his musical skills on guitar, saxophone, and percussion, Harley continues to make a name for himself in Australia’s performing arts scene. Passionate and driven, he is an artist to watch as he embraces diverse roles and projects.

SHOWTIME: Honour with Peter Houghton

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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.