Showtime with Andrew G | Theatre Podcast Australia

Amateurs: A Mockumentary Love Letter to Community Theatre

In the latest episode of Showtime, host Andrew G  chats with Justine Garnes and Danny Gibbons from Little Lamington Productions about their upcoming comedy series Amateurs. The mockumentary celebrates the unpredictable, heartfelt and hilarious world of community theatre, capturing the chaos, camaraderie and quirks that define this cultural space.
The idea for the series grew out of Justine and Danny’s own experiences in amateur theatre, where they first met performing in Clue. Car rides to rehearsals sparked conversations about the eccentric characters and relatable moments that fill rehearsal rooms, and from these stories came the concept for Amateurs. The show uses a mockumentary format, inspired by series like The Office and Modern Family, to highlight authentic behind-the-scenes moments such as audition mishaps, forgotten lines and costume disasters.
The tagline “all passion, no payday” reflects the dedication of community theatre participants who devote their time and energy purely for love of the craft. The characters in Amateurs are drawn from real-life archetypes, from the returning parent trying to balance family with performance, to the diva who treats local productions like Broadway. These portrayals balance comedy with empathy, showing the humanity behind the quirks.
The episode also highlights the importance of community theatre as a social hub where friendships and acceptance flourish. To support production, Little Lamington Productions is hosting a trivia and karaoke fundraiser, reflecting the spirit of volunteerism and grassroots creativity that fuels amateur theatre. Amateurs promises to be both affectionate satire and a love letter to the theatre community.
 
🎟️  Support Amateurs on Kickstarter
 
Amateurs is a new mockumentary comedy series from Little Lamington Productions that shines a light on the unpredictable world of community theatre. Created by Justine Garnes and Danny Gibbons, it draws on their experiences performing in local productions and captures the quirks, chaos and camaraderie that make amateur theatre unique.
The show embraces the tagline “all passion, no payday”, celebrating volunteers who pour time and energy into productions purely for love of the craft. With a mockumentary style inspired by favourites like The Office, Amateurs finds humour in behind-the-scenes moments such as audition mishaps, costume disasters and personality clashes.
Both affectionate and satirical, Amateurs balances comedy with empathy, portraying relatable characters while highlighting the friendships and sense of belonging that community theatre fosters. It is a tribute to the resilience and joy of making theatre together.
 
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DANNY GIBBINS is a writer, director, producer and performer with a strong background in community and independent theatre. He began his creative journey at Firbank Grammar School, where he performed leading roles in musicals, wrote original productions, and toured England with the Madrigal Choir. Over the years Danny has developed a diverse writing portfolio, creating works for festivals and theatres including Matilda’s Project at Midsumma, Bristleface, A Prince’s Quest, Beyond the Barriers, The Staffroom and The Sneeches. His achievements include recognition at the Malvern Theatre Writers competition and mentoring roles in the Malvern Theatre Emerging Leaders program.
Danny has directed and produced a range of independent works such as A Prince’s Quest and The Staffroom, and continues to be active as a festival producer and mentor. As a performer, he has appeared in productions including Clue and Beyond the Barriers, and most recently as a host and entertainer, embracing his role as the “Ringmaster of Fun.”
JUSTINE GARNES is a versatile performer with extensive experience in musical theatre, live entertainment and children’s performance. Originally from Essex, she trained in acting, dance and theatre at Colchester Institute, earning a Musical Theatre BTEC Diploma, and further developed her skills at the Guilford School of Arts in London. Her training also includes ISTD dance qualifications in ballet, tap and modern jazz, alongside strong musicianship with piano, ukulele, and advanced vocal and music theory accreditations.
Her career spans a wide range of performance settings, from professional cruise entertainment with The Radioettes on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas to fronting corporate and wedding bands such as the Smooth Whiskey Band. She has performed internationally in acclaimed harmony groups including The Radioettes and Fox Wiggle & Sass, showcasing her vocal ability in three-part harmony.
On stage, Justine’s credits include Pilar in Legally Blonde, the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and leading roles across productions in the UK and Australia.

Inside the Craft of Darren Gilshenan: Comedy, Tragedy and Everything Between

Darren Gilshenan has built one of the most versatile careers in Australian performance, moving between theatre and television with equal success. A graduate of NIDA in 1988, he credits his training with giving him the discipline and adaptability to take on a wide range of roles. He spent a decade with Bell Shakespeare, describing Shakespeare as the ultimate training ground where stamina, clarity and emotional truth were constantly tested.
Comedy became another defining part of his career. His award-winning role as Truffalino in The Servant of Two Masters demanded physical energy, improvisation and a fearless connection with audiences. That same versatility carried into television, where he became widely recognised on the sketch program Full Frontal. The quick turnover of characters and material required him to draw on his stage training to deliver performances with speed and conviction.
Not all roles were light. His portrayal of Davies in Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker coincided with personal grief, leaving him physically affected by the demands of the character. It revealed both the risks and the value of acting, showing how performance can help process pain but also weigh heavily on the performer.
Gilshenan’s current project, Job at Red Stitch, explores the mental toll on internet content moderators. The two-hander is intense and confronting, but he sees it as one of the most important plays of his career. He relates its themes to the generational shift between his own outdoor childhood and his son’s online world.
What he values most in Job is its ambiguity, which forces audiences to reflect rather than accept easy answers. For Gilshenan, theatre’s power lies in sparking dialogue and exposing hidden truths, and his career continues to demonstrate that commitment to challenging and meaningful work.
🎭 Job🗓️  17 September to 12 October📍 Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre 🎟️  redstitch.net
Job is a taut psychological drama that pits patient against practitioner in a battle of power, truth and survival. Jane, reeling after a viral workplace incident, is desperate to return to her Big Tech job and regain her sense of control. The decision lies with her therapist, Loyd, whose responsibility is to judge whether returning will heal her or drive her deeper into harm. As their sessions unfold, the balance of power shifts unpredictably, exposing hidden motives, blurred ethics and the fragile line between care and control. What begins as a routine evaluation spirals into a gripping contest of wits and wills, probing the toll of digital culture and the human cost behind corporate ambition.
Following its acclaimed Broadway season, Job makes its Australian premiere at Red Stitch, starring Jessica Clarke and Darren Gilshenan in a two-hander that promises intensity, provocation and theatrical electricity.
 
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DARREN GILSHENAN graduated from NIDA in 1988 before spending a decade performing with the Bell Shakespeare Company, followed by three years on the sketch comedy Full Frontal. His television credits include Sunny Nights, Ten Pound Poms (Series 2), Bay of Fires (Series 2), Thou Shalt Not Steal, Colin from Accounts (Series 1 and 2), Population 11, Nautilus, Upright, Harrow and Stateless, for which he won the 2020 AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Drama Series.
On film he has appeared in Pickpockets, Audrey, Take My Hand, The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race and A Savage Christmas. He also starred in the web series Plausible Deniability produced by Random Pictures, earning Best Actor at the IndieX Film Festival, where the series also received the award for Outstanding Achievement: Best Web Series / TV Pilot.
His stage work includes acclaimed performances in The Caretaker, The Hypochondriac and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, the latter earning him a Best Actor nomination at the Sydney Theatre Awards.

Cold War, Love, and Loyalty: Leighton Garwin Brings Anatoli to Life

What do you get when a marine biology student accidentally walks into a musical theatre audition? In Leighton Garwin’s case, you get nearly fifty shows, a voice that can jump from pop to opera, and now a starring role in the powerhouse musical Chess.
On the latest episode of Showtime, Leighton reveals how a twist of fate turned into a lifelong passion for performing. He opens up about struggling to communicate as a kid and how music became his way of saying what words could not. From the dark intensity of Jacqueline Hyde to the golden glow of 42nd Street, every role has pushed him further, shaping the versatile performer he is today.
Now, as he takes on the complex character of Anatoli, Leighton faces one of his toughest challenges yet. Chess is not only a demanding score but also a story of Cold War politics, love, and loyalty that still feels razor-sharp in today’s world.
This is a conversation about chance, passion, and the power of theatre to hold up a mirror to our lives. If you think musicals are just about catchy tunes, Leighton Garwin is here to prove you wrong.
🎭 Chess🗓️  12 September to 21 September📍 The Round, Nunawadding 🎟️  theround.com.au 
Few musicals hit as hard as Chess. With a score that soars from rock anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, this Cold War drama throws love, politics, and ambition onto the same board and lets them collide.
Set during an international chess championship at the height of East–West tensions, the show follows the explosive rivalry between an American chess superstar and a Soviet grandmaster. What begins as a battle of intellect quickly spirals into a struggle for power, fame, and control, with governments pulling the strings behind the scenes. But amid the political manoeuvring lies a love triangle that raises the stakes even higher. When Florence, caught between loyalty and desire, is forced to choose sides, every move on the board comes loaded with personal and political consequence.
With music by ABBA legends Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and lyrics by Tim Rice, Chess delivers some of musical theatre’s most iconic numbers, blending passion with razor-sharp storytelling. It is a tale of power plays and human vulnerability, of games that reach far beyond the chessboard.
Chess is not just a musical. It is a high-stakes thriller set to unforgettable music, daring audiences to question where loyalty ends and love begins.
 
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Leighton is no stranger to the stage, with close to 50 productions to his name. Favourite roles include Danny in Grease, Warner in Legally Blonde, Jesus in Godspell, and Roger in RENT.
Outside of performing, Leighton works in medical administration and as a freelance writer. He holds a degree in Contemporary Music from JMC Academy and a diploma in Professional Writing and Editing from NMIT, combining his love of music, theatre, and storytelling.

Theatre as empathy and collective healing

In this episode of Showtime I sit down with the incredible Carissa Lee, an actor, writer and cultural researcher whose work bridges theatre, television and academia.
Carissa takes us back to her early days growing up in a small South Australian town where a passionate drama teacher first introduced her to Shakespeare and professional training. That encouragement lit a spark that has never gone out. She shares the thrill and nerves of stepping on stage, the profound impact of seeing her first professional play, and how discovering diverse playwrights, especially Indigenous voices like Jack Davis, expanded her view of what theatre could be.
We talk about the creative risks she has taken, from playing Charles Manson in a four hour play to balancing the emotional intensity of her latest role in What’s Yours? at Red Stitch Actors Theatre. Carissa opens up about portraying fertility struggles, the importance of community in theatre, and the power of shared laughter and tears with an audience.
This conversation is about more than acting. It is about empathy, resilience and the way stories connect us.
🎭 What’s Yours🗓️  1 August to 24 August📍 Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre 🎟️  redstitch.net
Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre will present the world premiere of What’s Yours, a funny, heart breaking and hopeful new play by Melbourne playwright Keziah Warner. Opening Friday 1 August 2025, the production is directed by Isabella Vadiveloo (Wolf Play) and is the second work in the 2025 season to be developed through the company’s INK new writing program.
Written for ensemble member and Helpmann Award winner Christina O’Neill (Hour of the Wolf, Bloom, My Brilliant Career, Calamity Jane), What’s Yours explores the fallout from a single, impossible request.
Jo and Simon were in love for eight years before their relationship ended. Simon then fell for Jo’s best friend, Lia. A decade later, after several failed IVF attempts, Simon and Lia ask Jo, who has happily chosen a life without children, to donate her eggs.
The request forces each of them to confront what they want, what they can give and what they owe to one another.
With warmth and wit, Warner has crafted a moving portrait of fractured friendship and complicated love. What’s Yours offers a fresh perspective on the childfree by choice movement while celebrating resilience, autonomy and the enduring power of women’s connection.
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CARISSA LEE is a Noongar actor, writer and cultural researcher whose work spans theatre, film, television and academia. Born on Wemba Wemba Country, she has built a career that reflects both artistic excellence and a strong commitment to cultural storytelling. Carissa has performed with some of Australia’s most respected companies including Melbourne Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre, Ilbijerri Theatre and State Theatre Company of South Australia. Recent highlights include performing in Maurial Spearim’s comedy Inside Out at the Yirramboi Festival and Nazaree Dickerson’s moving Noongar family play Ngarngk.
Her screen work is equally diverse, with appearances in ABC programs Planet Lulin and Sammy J, the web miniseries Behind the Seams, and the independent horror film The Dysphoria. Known for her versatility and presence, Carissa brings depth and authenticity to every role whether comedic, dramatic or experimental.
Beyond the stage and screen Carissa holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne and works as a cultural safety researcher, dramaturg and editor through her fellowship at Swinburne University of Technology. Her practice weaves together performance and research with a strong focus on creating work that honours Indigenous perspectives and fosters greater cultural understanding.

Lessons from a Lifetime in Theatre

In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G speaks with Annie Blood, someone whose connection to Australian theatre spans more than six decades. Annie’s love for the stage began backstage at the Alfred Hospital revue in the 1960s, sparking a lifelong passion for live performance. Over the years she has worked as a director, stage manager, production manager and actor, embracing the collaborative spirit of theatre. Annie reflects on her approach to honouring a playwright’s vision while keeping productions relevant for modern audiences, sharing insights from challenging works like The Shadow Box and the evolving professionalism of community theatre. She also discusses her current project, Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels, marking its 100th anniversary with wit, authenticity and social commentary. Annie’s story is one of dedication, adaptability and love for the art form, offering a heartfelt reminder that theatre’s magic lies in its ability to bring people together through shared human stories.
🎭 Fallen Angles🗓️  15 August to 30 August📍 Brighton Theatre Company, Brighton🎟️  brightontheatre.com.au
Set in the dazzling world of the 1920s, Fallen Angels is a sparkling Noël Coward comedy about love, temptation and friendship under pressure. Julia and Jane are two best friends who believe they are happily married, until news arrives that Maurice, a charming former lover to them both, is returning to town. What begins as mild curiosity quickly spirals into a champagne-fuelled storm of anticipation, jealousy and self-reflection. As they prepare for his arrival, the women’s petty squabbles and rekindled passions lead to hilarious misunderstandings and escalating chaos. When Maurice finally appears, their carefully composed lives unravel in a flurry of razor-sharp banter and social satire. First performed in 1925, the play was groundbreaking in its frank exploration of female desire and agency. A century later, Fallen Angels still sparkles with wit, delivering a cheeky, fast-paced look at relationships that is as fresh and funny today as it was on its debut.
🤠For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram @AndrewGShowtime
ANNIE BLOOD’S involvement in community theatre began in the early 1960s as an inexperienced stage crew member and performer in the Alfred Hospital Revue. While working in the Physiology Department and studying English and Psychology at Monash University, she joined The Monash Players, sparking a lifelong passion for theatre, particularly backstage roles. After time spent in the UK and Europe, she settled in South Australia in 1976, where the vibrant community theatre scene became her creative home. Over the next three decades, Annie embraced almost every aspect of theatre, serving as President of Burnside Players, Artistic Director of Mayfair Theatre Company, and Production Manager for Matt Byrne Media. She also acted in memorable character roles, stage managed numerous productions, and directed plays for companies including Burnside, Elizabeth, The Hills, and Mayfair. Her career reflects deep dedication, versatility, and a love for the collaborative spirit that defines community theatre.

The Passion Project Helping Thousands Find Their Next Stage Role

Dawn Riddale, once a musical theatre performer, is the founder of Melbourne Theatre News and Just Auditions, two platforms that have transformed how Melbourne’s community theatre scene connects. Before they existed, show and audition details were scattered and hard to find. Dawn and her fiancé Craig created centralised hubs where performers, theatre companies and audiences could easily share and access information.
Just Auditions Victoria now has over 13,000 followers and has expanded to other states with varying success, depending on local participation. Dawn stresses that active community involvement is essential to keep the platforms vibrant and up to date.
She also values Melbourne’s unique theatre culture, including traditions like sharing a “sherry” before a show, which she believes helps strengthen connections.
Marketing remains a challenge for many community and independent theatre groups, and Dawn advocates for clear, timely promotion that includes all the essential details.
Run entirely by volunteers and free to use, these platforms are a labour of love. Dawn hopes more people will help manage them so they can continue supporting and connecting theatre lovers for years to come.
 
http://justauditions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/justauditions/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/melbournetheatrenews/
🤠For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime
DAWN RIDSDALEDawn Ridsdale is an accomplished performer, director, and theatre maker with over 20 years in Australian community theatre. She has appeared in productions including The Wiz, Don’t Dress for Dinner, David Copperfield, Cosi, A Murder is Announced, It’s My Party (And I’ll Die If I Want To), The Odd Couple (female version), and Waiting for God. Her directing and production credits include Don’t Dress for Dinner, Dimboola, and That Scottish Play. Dawn has also worked as a stage manager and production coordinator, bringing a wealth of skills to every project. Her passion, versatility, and dedication make her a valued member of the theatre community.

Resurrecting a Forgotten Voice: The Musical Legacy of Wilbur Weissman

The Forgotten Song Book is a bold new Australian musical that brings the lost legacy of Broadway composer Wilbur Weissman back to life. Created by 23-year-old talents Dylan McBurnie and Emerson Hurley, the show is part concert, part biography and all heart. Set to live piano and performed by two captivating singers, it resurrects Weissman’s long-forgotten songs from the 1930s and 40s while exploring timeless themes of artistic legacy and the fear of being forgotten. With a sharp eye for historical detail and a deep love for classic musical theatre, Dylan and Emerson craft a powerful and intimate experience that connects past and present. Their creative chemistry and stripped back production style make the show raw, honest and unmissable. The Forgotten Song Book is more than a tribute. It is a reminder that every artist, no matter how overlooked, has a story worth telling. It is nostalgic, fresh and deeply moving.
🎭The Forgotten Songbook🗓️  25 July to 27 July EXTREMELY LIMITED SEASON📍 Chapel Off Chapel 🎟️  chapeloffchapel.com.au
When twenty three year old historian and composer Emerson Hurley first discovered the music of Broadway composer Wilbur Weissman, he was surprised to find that almost nothing remained of Weissman’s once celebrated legacy. A prolific figure during the 1930s and 40s, Weissman had written songs that were performed alongside the greats of Tin Pan Alley. Yet, like so many artists of his era, his name and work had vanished into obscurity. Determined to change that, Hurley embarked on a passionate research project, combining his twin loves of music and history to uncover the life and work of this forgotten composer.
The Forgotten Song Book is the result, a heartfelt and entertaining tribute that brings Weissman’s songs back to the stage for the first time in decades. With a newly written script shaped by meticulous historical research, the show blends humour, nostalgia and emotional insight to share Weissman’s story through his own words and music.
Performed by Melbourne theatre favourites Karla Hillam and Jonathan Guthrie Jones, and accompanied live on piano by Hurley himself, the show is directed by Mikey Halcrow. Together, they bring to life a charming and moving musical revue that captures both the spirit of Broadway’s Golden Age and the enduring power of song.
Whether you are a lover of classic show tunes or simply curious about the forgotten stories behind the spotlight, The Forgotten Song Book is a fresh and deeply human journey into the past. It is more than a revival. It is a celebration of creativity, resilience and the legacy of an artist whose voice deserves to be heard once again.
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DYLAN MCBURNIEDylan is a Melbourne-based stage manager, producer and sound engineer with experience spanning Australia and Europe. A graduate of Adelaide College of the Arts, they completed secondments with both the Adelaide Festival and State Opera South Australia. In Melbourne, their musical theatre credits include Urinetown and Songs for a New World with Soundworks Productions, Dogfight with Theatrical, Ruthless with Stagebugs Productions and the upcoming American Psycho. Dylan is also the resident stage manager at Home Grown Musicals. Beyond the world of theatre, they produce stand-up comedy and are a Bruce Award–nominated performer.
EMERSON HURLEYEmerson is a Melbourne-based composer and pianist with a background in history and a passion for storytelling through music. He holds a diploma from the Melbourne Conservatorium and is trained as a historian, blending academic insight with musical creativity. Active in Melbourne’s jazz scene as both a soloist and ensemble performer, Emerson has also worked as a music director with JTM Productions, collaborating with Karla Hillam and Jonathan Guthrie-Jones on productions including Some Enchanted Evening and 007: Shaken Not Stirred. Deeply inspired by the Great American Songbook, his compositions pay tribute to the iconic songwriters of Tin Pan Alley. The Forgotten Song Book marks his debut musical and is a culmination of his twin loves—Broadway and the rich tapestry of historical storytelling.

From Hobart to Harvard: Emily McDougall Shines as Elle Woods

Emily McDougall is lighting up the stage as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the National Theatre, but her journey started far from the bright lights of Melbourne. Born and raised in Hobart, Emily’s love for musical theatre began at just 10 years old in a school production. That early spark turned into a fierce passion, eventually taking her to Federation University, where she trained, performed and even co-wrote a musical inspired by the emotional aftermath of the pandemic. Now, as Elle, she brings depth, warmth and strength to a character she has loved for years. Emily’s journey is one of resilience, creativity and heart. She speaks openly about the highs and challenges of working in the arts, and how staying connected to community, training and joy helps her navigate a demanding industry. Through Legally Blonde, she explores the power of breaking stereotypes, embracing complexity and telling stories that inspire audiences to see themselves on stage. Whether she is writing original work or bringing Elle Woods to life, Emily reminds us that theatre is not just about performance. It is about passion, growth and creating moments that last long after the final bow.
🎭 Legally Blonde📍National Theatre St Kilda🗓️ 12 to 27 July🎟️ booktickets.com.au
Legally Blonde the Musical is lighting up Melbourne with high energy, big laughs and even bigger heart. Based on the hit film, this feel good stage sensation follows Elle Woods, a fashion loving sorority queen who swaps pink heels for legal briefs when she enrols at Harvard Law to win back her ex. But along the way, Elle discovers her true strength, smashing stereotypes and proving that being true to yourself never goes out of style.
Packed with catchy songs, slick choreography and a whole lot of charm, Legally Blonde is more than just a pretty pink musical. It’s a joyful celebration of self confidence, resilience and friendship. From courtroom showdowns to Delta Nu dance breaks, every moment is bursting with colour, humour and heart.
This Melbourne production brings a fresh and fabulous take on the Broadway hit, featuring a standout cast of rising stars and scene stealing child performers. Audiences of all ages are loving the infectious energy, dazzling design and empowering message that you don’t need to change who you are to make a difference.
Whether you're a die hard fan or new to Elle's journey, Legally Blonde is the must see musical event of the season.
 
🤠For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime
EMILY MCDOUGALL is a dynamic musical theatre performer originally from Hobart, now based in Melbourne. She discovered her love for performing at just 10 years old in a school musical, a moment that sparked a lifelong passion for the stage. Emily trained at Federation University, where she honed her craft across acting, singing and dance, and also co-wrote an original musical exploring themes of grief and disconnection during the pandemic. Her approach to performance is grounded in authenticity, emotional depth and a deep respect for storytelling. Emily is currently starring as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the National Theatre, bringing warmth, strength and nuance to a character she has long admired. Offstage, she remains active in the arts community through ongoing training and creative collaboration. Emily is passionate about work that challenges expectations, celebrates complexity and inspires audiences to see themselves reflected on stage.

Three Little Pigs, One Big Message: Love, Laughter and Family

What do you get when you mix fairy tale pigs, big vocals and stand-up comedy timing? A children’s musical that’s as clever as it is hilarious. In this episode of the Showtime podcast, Andrew sits down with Zack, Isabelle and Ben, the trio behind The Three Little Pigs, to chat about turning a well-worn story into a high-energy stage hit. With fresh characters, catchy tunes and a whole lot of heart, this production proves that kids’ theatre can be just as bold, brilliant and entertaining as anything on the main stage.
🎭 Legally Blonde📍National Theatre St Kilda🗓️ 12 to 27 July🎟️ booktickets.com.au
Stiles and Drewe’s The Three Little Pigs is a clever, high-energy twist on the classic tale, created by the award-winning team behind Mary Poppins and Honk!. Packed with catchy songs, colourful characters and playful humour, this short musical is designed to delight children and entertain the adults who bring them.
In this version, the three pigs each have unique personalities—a fitness fanatic, an eco-warrior and a brainy designer—and their journey away from home becomes a fun, fast-paced lesson in resilience and teamwork. The Big Bad Wolf brings just enough mischief to keep things exciting without being scary.
With a running time under an hour, the show is perfect for young audiences, offering big laughs, toe-tapping tunes and a heartwarming message about family and finding your strength. It is a joyful introduction to theatre that proves children’s musicals can be just as smart and satisfying as any grown-up show.
 
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ZAKARIA VASILIOU is a comedian and musical theatre performer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre) from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). His debut stand-up show Twinky Twinky Little Star played to sold-out audiences at the Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, earning rave reviews and an Adelaide Fringe Emerging Artist Award.
On stage, Zak has performed in a range of productions including Mongrel (dir. Maude Davey), The Hello Girls (dir. Jason Langley), Sweet Charity (dir. Jayde Kirchert), Chicago (dir. Adrian Barnes), and Ivy and Bean (dir. Sarah Williams).
He is thrilled to return as Q in Stiles and Drewe’s The 3 Little Pigs after originating the role in the 2024 Australian premiere directed by Tahra Cannon. Known for blending sharp comedic instincts with heartfelt storytelling, Zak brings energy, humour and originality to every role he plays.
ISABELE DAVIS Davis is a Melbourne-born, Shanghai-raised singer, songwriter and performer. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre at WAAPA in 2019, she has dedicated her creative energy to writing, releasing and performing original music across Victoria. Her recent theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet and Outback Adventures (M.S.C), Share House: The Musical (Arts Centre Melbourne), and Ordinary Days (Be You).
Isabelle is also the voice of Talia Wick on Find Me, the theme song for the award-winning audio drama The Realm Tree. She recently released the first two singles from her debut album An Inconvenient Youth, with the full album set to launch in August this year.
Isabelle is excited to return to The 3 Little Pigs this July, sharing her love of storytelling, music and live performance with young audiences once again.
BEN HAMILTON is delighted to return to the stage in this vibrant production of The Three Little Pigs. He is currently studying full-time at Showfit, where he continues to develop his skills in singing, acting and dance, and deepen his passion for musical theatre.
Ben has a natural flair for entertaining young audiences and regularly works in children’s entertainment, bringing energy, fun and creativity to every performance. His warm presence and playful spirit make him a hit with kids and families alike.
He is thrilled to be part of this joyful and imaginative show, and looks forward to sharing the stage with such a talented cast and crew. The Three Little Pigs is a story full of heart, humour and important lessons about family and resilience, and Ben is excited to help bring it to life for audiences these July school holidays.

Heart and Humour: Jackson Cross Brings Emmett to Life

Jackson Cross shares his creative journey from Geelong’s vibrant arts community to the main stage at Melbourne’s National Theatre. Now starring as Emmett in Legally Blonde, Jackson reflects on how a high school music teacher helped him rediscover his love for performing and embrace his identity as a queer artist. After years playing in an indie rock band, he returned to theatre with fresh purpose, combining musical skill with emotional truth.
Revisiting the role of Emmett, Jackson brings honesty, warmth and quiet strength to the character. He sees Legally Blonde as more than a feel-good musical. It is a celebration of confidence, kindness and defying expectations. His personal experiences with ADHD and self-discovery mirror the themes of the show, making his performance feel real and deeply relatable.
With a passion for curiosity, a love of learning and an infectious sense of joy, Jackson speaks openly about the power of community, creativity and staying true to yourself. His story is a reminder that theatre is not just about performance. It is about connection, growth and giving others the courage to shine in their own way.
🎭 Legally Blonde📍National Theatre St Kilda🗓️ 12 to 27 July🎟️ booktickets.com.au
Legally Blonde the Musical is lighting up Melbourne with high energy, big laughs and even bigger heart. Based on the hit film, this feel good stage sensation follows Elle Woods, a fashion loving sorority queen who swaps pink heels for legal briefs when she enrols at Harvard Law to win back her ex. But along the way, Elle discovers her true strength, smashing stereotypes and proving that being true to yourself never goes out of style.
Packed with catchy songs, slick choreography and a whole lot of charm, Legally Blonde is more than just a pretty pink musical. It’s a joyful celebration of self confidence, resilience and friendship. From courtroom showdowns to Delta Nu dance breaks, every moment is bursting with colour, humour and heart.
This Melbourne production brings a fresh and fabulous take on the Broadway hit, featuring a standout cast of rising stars and scene stealing child performers. Audiences of all ages are loving the infectious energy, dazzling design and empowering message that you don’t need to change who you are to make a difference.
Whether you're a die hard fan or new to Elle's journey, Legally Blonde is the must see musical event of the season.
🤠For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime
JACKSON CROSS is a passionate and energetic performer with a deep love for storytelling. He began his theatre journey at Federation University, graduating with the class of 2022. Since then, he has developed a strong interest in new works, regularly participating in workshops and developmental projects. His credits include performances in several new Australian musicals, including The White Rose by Oliver Thomson and Isabella Dymalovski, Fresno by Jeremy Harland and Josh Connell, A Wake to Remember by Samantha Wong, and the Green Room Award winning Blue to the Horizon by Sarah Wynen.
Over the past two summers, Jackson has performed with Melbourne Shakespeare Company in their outdoor seasons, playing Lorenzo in The Merchant of Venice and Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing, while also contributing musically to both productions.
He is now excited to return to the role of Emmett in Legally Blonde with Theatrical, the very first role he ever performed on stage, now revisited with new perspective and enthusiasm.