Cherelle Flemming🥈 - Whats The Show

Holiday Inn – A Holly Jolly Christmas Classic

12/12/2025 Cherelle Flemming🥈

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn Rating

★★★★★

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The Holiday Inn at Riverside Theatres Parramatta is a must-add to your Christmas schedule. Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, a Christmas classic will drift you into the magical Christmas season and inject you with festive cheer. If you’re not yet into the swing of the Christmas festivities, this spectacular musical will surely heighten your Christmas spirit.

The director Sally Dashwood has created a fabulous adaptation of the 1942 American musical beautifully capturing its warmth and charm. Dylan Pollard, as Music Director, sensationally delivered the fabulous musical score written by Irving Berlin along with the cast of seasoned professional singers and musicians. The show is fueled with many of Berlin’s well-known jazzy showstopping numbers such as “Blue Skies” and features the heartwarming Christmas carol we all know and love —”White Christmas.”

The choreography by Veronica Beattie George was a highlight throughout. The jazzy score leant itself to incorporating plenty of fabulous tap routines and partner dancing. The small ensemble of five gifted performers worked tirelessly to enhance and elevate the show. They executed the choreography with the greatest of talent and finesse, showcasing intricate tapping sequences, partner lifts and turns, and dazzling tricks. Their high energy and enthusiasm never faltered and they illuminated the stage from the moment the show began.

The leading character, Jim Hardy was delivered by Rob Mallet. His vocals were outstanding and I thoroughly enjoyed his rendition of Blue Skies and White Christmas which are two of my all-time favourites. The leading lady, Linda Mason, was played by Mary McCorry. McCorry’s performance was mesmerising; she not only stunned the audience with her angelic vocals but harnessed her 1940s Hollywood character with utmost conviction. Also at the side of Jim Hardy, and the somewhat ‘gelling agent’ between characters, was Louise Badger. This amusing character was presented by Paige Fallu. Fallu was utterly engaging and skillfully comedic; she held the audience in the palm of her hand.

The larger-than-life diva, Lila Dixon, was played by Paloma Renouf. Renouf injected heart and energy into this sassy role and she delivered a captivating performance alongside her fabulously talented dance partner, Ted Hanover, presented by Max Patterson. Patterson was absolutely electric on the stage. His dancing, predominantly tap, was utterly superb and he oozed pizzazz and stage charisma.

As beautifully quoted in Holiday Inn, “Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” And so I urge you to rally your friends and family and take a pause to relish in the splendour of The Holiday Inn and – be happy! Don’t miss out on this heartfelt, holly-jolly classic musical.

To book tickets to Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, please visit https://riversideparramatta.com.au/whats-on/irving-berlins-holiday-inn/.

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It’s A Wonderful Life

16/11/202516/11/2025 Cherelle Flemming🥈

It’s A Wonderful Life Rating

★★★★★

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As I walked into the Genesian Theatre, I was greeted with dazzling Christmas decorations and the soundtrack of ‘White Christmas.’ The festive mood spirited the eager audience into the magical world of Christmas, ready to feast upon The Genesian Theatre Company’s stage adaptation of the classic movie It’s A Wonderful Life.

In addition to the sparkling Christmas atmosphere, the theatre is absolutely gorgeous. After residing in their premises at Kent Street Sydney CBD for 70 years, the Genesian Theatre Company relocated to Rozelle in 2025. They have spectacularly renovated a 120-year-old heritage building with state of the art sound and lighting equipment and very comfortable seats (which were much appreciated.)

The story of It’s A Wonderful Life spans over three decades from the 1910s to 1945, depicting flashbacks of the main character George Bailey, presented by Oliver Macfadyen. Macfadyen is a brilliant lead, showing the greatest sincerity and humanity in his character. George is watched over by his guardian angel Clarissa, who is delightfully played by Natasha Todd. Todd was utterly angelic as she guided George Bailey into realising how meaningful and important his existence is, and that it truly is ‘A Wonderful Life.‘ Also faithfully by George’s side, is his adoring wife Mary Bailey, played by Amahlia Day. Day oozes poise and grace into her role and is a picture-perfect image of a 1940s housewife.

Working alongside George in his family loan business ‘Bailey Building and Loan’ is his Aunt Dilly. Aunt Dilly was presented by Karen Firmstone. Firmstone generated a heartfelt rendition and a highly enjoyable performance.

Paul Adderley excelled in his complex task of presenting two very contrasting characters: the first, Mr Gower, who is supportive and kind to George; and the other Mr Potter, a shrewd, heartless business who nearly causes the demise of our beloved George.

Dimitri Poulos and Genevieve Sky play the other angels who are guiding Clarissa on her own path to gain her wings. Their performances were steadfast, and yes, angelic and they showed great talent in portraying multiple characters throughout the play. Werrdan Khoury was another admirable actor who showed great diversity and comedy skill in his portrayal of multiple roles, the main role being Sam, the longstanding friend of George Bailey.

The staging was cleverly designed to immerse the audience into George Bailey’s business premises. Allocated entries and exits for his business effectively created its own world and space. Ethan Chan’s lighting design was flawless and atmospheric. His techniques were intuitive to the action and cleverly created a movie-like illusion. The music and sound effects were both flawless throughout the performance. Michael Schell utilised panning effects and clearly demonstrated the theatre’s quality sound equipment.

The 1946 Hollywood Christmas classic remains just as charming nearly 80 years later and the Genesian Theatre Company has honoured its long lineage. The director, Kathy Petrakis, has delivered a spectacular rendition of It’s A Wonderful Life and injected the hearts of the audience with love and Christmas cheer. I encourage you to step into the festive season and embrace this timeless, heartwarming classic. It’s a perfect way to kick off your Christmas festivities and will definitely fill your cup with warmth and Christmas spirit.

To book tickets to It’s A Wonderful Life , please visit https://genesiantheatre.com.au/events/its-a-wonderful-life/.

Photographer: HomePix

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A Masterpiece of Music and Theatre: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

10/11/202509/11/2025 Cherelle Flemming🥈

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame Rating

★★★★★

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The Hunchback Of Notre Dame Musical is now one of my all-time favourite musicals thanks to The Hills Musical Theatre Company. I absolutely loved this powerful production, held at Model Farms High School Auditorium in Baulkham Hills, and thoroughly enjoyed the laid-back cabaret seating with BYO drinks and snacks. Luke Derrick has executed outstanding direction in this fabulous musical, ably assisted by Hannah Aouchan, Assistant Director, along with superb musical direction by Peter Thornton and Gabrielle Lanham. The entire orchestra needs a special mention for animating this magnificent musical score with impeccable professionalism. The music is all-encompassing and written to tingle every nerve and fibre in your body. Notably, a very challenging score, but The Hills Musical Theatre Company triumphed in every aspect.

The absolute shining star, Quasimodo, was played by the brilliant Andrew Schwimmer. Schwimmer blew me away with his one-of-a-kind vocals and held me captive throughout his incredible performance. Schwimmer’s performance was a delight to behold and I don’t believe a better Quasimodo could be found worldwide. The star leading lady, Aya Adel, was resplendent in her role as Esmerelda. She was reminiscent of a Disney Princess. I found her performance thoroughly engaging and sincere. Wonderful singing, fabulous dance movement, and Adel showed strong conviction to her boldly defiant character.

Dom Claude Frollo was presented by Simon Buchner, who oozed this villainous character with the greatest of sincerity. Buchner’s dedication to his challenging character was steadfast and believable. In contrast, there was the heroic, earnest, and charismatic Captain Phoebus De Martin, who was played by Lenard Chang. Chang conveyed a splendid rendition of his role, charming the audience throughout the show.

The leader of the Gypsies, Clopin Trouillefou, is brought to life by James Waters. Waters injected fathomless spirit and energy into this complex, multifaceted role and delivered a polished and engaging performance.

The enormous ensemble and choir were absolutely brilliant. From start to finish, they exuberated enthusiasm and steadfast dedication. Their harmonies sounded fittingly ethereal and lines were delivered with clear enunciation. The choreography for the ensemble was executed with neat precision and their commitment was unwavering. The choreography by Emily Taylor was perfectly appropriate—simple and impactful, utilising resonating repetition that beautifully enhanced poignant moments.

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame Musical encompasses a stellar professional cast and is definitely one you don’t want to miss. The musical score is phenomenal and the story is as powerful today as ever. Seriously, this production leaves the Disney rendition for dead. Do not miss your chance to see this fabulous performance by The Hills Musical Theatre Company.

To book tickets to The Hunchback Of Notre Dame , please visit https://hmtc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/153157.

Photographer: Grant Leslie Photography

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Spreading Festive Cheer To Novocastrians

07/11/2025 Cherelle Flemming🥈

A Very Newy Christmas Rating

★★★★★

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The festive season has officially begun at Newcastle’s Civic Playhouse. The decorations are hung and the trees are glowing, creating a perfect Christmas atmosphere for A Very Newy Christmas to spread jolly Christmas spirit to local Novocastrians. A Very Newy Christmas is proudly presented by UpStage at the Playhouse and One for the Road Productions, with creative direction by Bronwyn Sartori.

A Very Newy Christmas is a fabulous original play by Newcastle’s talented Playwright, Nat Newman, who has created a highly entertaining script overflowing with humour and a decent sprinkle of Christmas cheer. The script is bursting with pride for our fantastic city of Newcastle, where we are lucky to reside in.

The plot of A Very Newy Christmas revolves around newly divorced Betty (Denni Mannile) and Trish (Connie Voisey-Barlin). They are navigating their newly single paths after decades together and rediscovering their own identities. Both Mannile and Voisey-Barlin presented a truly heartfelt, convincing performance never straying from dedicated authenticity in their well-developed characters. We see Betty struggling with newfound feelings for the easygoing, fun-loving younger man Joey, admirably delivered by Tony Gleeson. Tony’s onstage chemistry with Denni felt sincere and natural and I also thoroughly enjoyed his back and forth antics with his classic Australian larrikin colleague, Simmo, who was enthusiastically delivered by Daniel Bourke.

As Betty and Trish struggle to maintain amicability between themselves, they are also struggling in their relationships with their shared adult children Pax (Nicholas Pavan) and Annabel (Stephanie Lee). The family breakdown has inflicted major changes and stresses upon Pax and Annabel. As a result, they too are questioning their life choices and meaning. Nicholas Pavan gave an honest portrayal of Pax and clearly depicted his anxiety as he grapples to process the changes to his family.
Pax’s sister, Annabel, was marvellously played by Stephanie Lee, who illuminated the stage. I recently had the pleasure of watching Stephanie in another production and both times I have found her performances captivating. She has a delightful stage presence and an innate talent for acting.

Luke Consani gave an earnest presentation of the elusive, somewhat cryptic, character Myron, who spread goodwill and wisdom to those he encountered. He may even have possessed a little Christmas magic, but I’ll leave that up to your interpretation.

A Very Newy Christmas had the theatre packed and the audience roaring with laughter throughout. This was one of the best turnouts I have seen in some time at the Playhouse and it was truly wonderful to see the support and interest the play has invoked. A Very Newy Christmas is a must-see for every Novocastrian, shedding light on real-life issues and comedy central to everyone in our community. With oodles of inside jokes for Newcastle locals and a good dash of Christmas spirit I would love to see this on seasonal rotation.

To book tickets to A Very Newy Christmas , please visit https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/a-very-newy-chrissy.

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