Debra Campbell🥈

Author badges: 🥈 Silver Reviewer (33 reviews) Debra Campbell is the founder of Beyond Dance - proudly supporting Beyond Blue (@dance2forblue), which has raised many thousands of dollars for mental health. Debra is passionate that the Arts in all its forms can truly help one enjoy important time for themselves. She has lived a life of dance, theatre and visual art and believes therefore there are no ‘bad’ shows, there is ‘good’ in every show – “they are all different and will give you different experiences and feelings, so it is always worth venturing out to see one”. Returning to writing from her former years, Debra looks forward to meeting new artists and highlighting their creativity for everyone to appreciate. https://fundraise.beyondblue.org.au/fundraise-for-beyond-blue/posts/beyond-dance https://fundraise.beyondblue.org.au/t/dancetwoforblue

Les Misérables

15/04/2026 Debra Campbell🥈

Les Misérables Rating

★★★★★

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Upstage Theatre Company have surely upstaged some here with their current amazing production of Les Misérables. It is certainly up there with the best I’ve seen.

https://www.upstagetheatrecompany.com

It may be difficult to find a better amateur production playing in suburbia right now and there are many excellent ones around. However you cannot go past the professionalism of this show. Highly skilled orchestra. Expertly designed and placed story-telling stage sets. Lighting working cohesively together with sound. Costuming complimenting every other aspect of the show. And, of course, an extensive cast who will have you feeling every ounce of the emotional turmoil lived in nineteenth century France.

Chains and crimes of the imprisoned and bleak futures of so many in peasantry are woven into a narrative for a musical like no other. A musical where everything is told by song. And such powerful songs at that. This is what theatre lovers simply call ‘Les Mis’

It goes unsaid Les Misérables is known the world over and back again. Step by step and song by song, settle down in your seat and take it all in…. This is live theatre at its best!

‘Jean Valjean’ is played by Ryan Purdy with instinct for his lead character magnificently realized on all levels. There’s no question when he opens with the words ‘What Have I Done?’ he’s got this!

Adrian Glaubert playing ‘Javert’ gives his ‘bucket list’ role everything, with noticeable presence on stage and depth in a psychological complexity required.

‘Fantine’ played by Jessica La Mari performs every inch of this coveted role superbly, her ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ gave me goose-bumps, and had the audience silenced before erupting in applause like there was going to be no other chance.

‘Eponine’ played by Alyssa Jandayan. Obvious young ambition here is going to see this girl on stages for a long time. Her ‘On My Own’ opening Act II nailed both song and expression.

‘Marius’ played by Nickolas Brown has really stepped up to greater heights since I saw him in his lead debut in The Pirate Queen; many more leads to come I think! Equally talented Olivia Falls playing ‘Cosette’ looked stunning with that famous long blonde crimped hair and again her costuming to compliment was spot on.

Felicity Eastwood as Madame Thenardier’ coupled with Matt Jakowenko as Thenardier’ are brilliant together, bloody brilliant!!! They’ll undoubtedly have you hating these loathsome characters, but their theatrics will have you in stitches.

Mike Armada gives ‘Enjolras’ a charismatic quality in one of his ‘dream roles’.

Accompanying roles played by Anthony Cirocco (Bishop/Fauchelevant) Daniel Chalmers (Foreman/Combeferre), Nick Sheridan (Courfeyrac), Joel Blashki (Joy/Jean Prouvaire), Chloe Neal (Claquesous), Brock Downie (Bamatbois/Montparnasse), Tom Acaro (Babet), Kenny Cheng (Brujon/Feuilly/Lesgles) are all very commendable and when paired with dramatic lighting effects, the fight scenes especially were well planned and executed.

It would be remiss not to mention the ensemble making the scenes extremely real and full of life, be it sad or happy, angry or tragic. Each individual wholly giving it their all in character all the time: Alannah Woods, Berny Hughes, Celeste Marinelli, Jessica Davy, Christine James, Stephanie Thao My Nguyen, Mia Knudson and Pippi Clarke whom I recognized immediately from her role in Upstage’s ‘Chicago’; there’s always incredible talent in the ensemble. Not just background actors, the ensemble make a show what it is on a grander scale and these people certainly did that 100 times over. ‘Master of the House’ for comedy and ‘Lovely Ladies’ for dancing were our favourites to watch you all – excellent!!

This production has talented youngsters among the cast too. I saw Maggie Lord as ‘Young Cosette’. This is a special role and I fondly remember my own daughter learning ‘Castle on a Cloud’ so it brought tears to my eyes watching Maggie sing it so beautifully – thankyou. I love how live theatre can do this and that personal re-visit made my day! (No doubt Daphne Tchantcho sharing the Young Cosette role also gives a memorable performance). Adding Alexis Hill to the junior cast as ‘Young Eponine’ she gave compelling confidence acting it out with her onstage mum, and 11year old Reuben Koronczyk was definitely the right fit to play ‘Gavroche’; funny, naughty and herosome all in one show! Shining as young ensemble members are Helayna Cirocco, Oscar Cirocco and Noah Glaubert – must be great to be amongst the stars in a show with your Dads on the same stage. Theatre gives children unique opportunities.

Congratulations to Director Cody Riker and team, Lana Kleesh (Movement Director), Anna Castle (Vocal Director), Scott J Hili (Prod Designer, Set and Costumes), Sam Victoria (Lighting), Malcolm McCaffery (Conductor), Simone Lim (Properties), Pete Oliver (Sound) – you have all produced a MUST-SEE!

As said by Upstage Theatre Company’s President Tim Warren-Smith, thank you for supporting community theatre. It truly means the world!

Ticket link: https://www.upstagetheatrecompany.com/

ON NOW: 10 – 19 April 2026

Les Misérables is playing at the impressive Tony Sheumack Centre, Beaconhills College, a huge relatively new school theatre with fantastic viewing from well tiered seats. I was grateful the Upstage welcoming team had someone guiding us from carpark and offered a free tea or coffee straight away on arrival coming in from the dismal rainy day outside – so thoughtful, and they had a great canteen for snacks.

Upstage Theatre Company’s next production is Jesus Christ Superstar in Sept/Oct. Auditions and information: Instagram @upstagetheatreco

To book tickets to Les Misérables, please visit https://www.upstagetheatrecompany.com/.

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Fun Home

24/03/2026 Debra Campbell🥈

Fun Home Rating

★★★★★

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Fab Nobs Theatre have pulled one out-of-the-box with their production FUN HOME. A rare opportunity to witness.

I hadn’t seen Fab Nobs before. Little Bayswater theatre amongst factories indeed a surprise! Easy to get to, easy to park and close to home YAY! ‘Fab’ canteen bonus including bar and cheaply priced snack ‘platters’ YUM! Individual tables set up in front of stage, tiered seating in back, good views from both – stage raised.

Set was a huge detailed one-room wall-to-wall cartoon drawing. Made sense after learning this is a true story about a lesbian cartoonist and her father. Her father, Bruce, is also gay, but has not had the forthcoming option of social acceptance. Hence he married a woman, had three kids with her (including ‘Alison’) and he lived a life of secret wanting whilst being a high school teacher also running the family funeral business from home – the FUN HOME. Add a sizeable coffin on set and get ready for silly fun with singing and dancing AND point-blank serious conversations and self-talk.

When reading the synopsis, I became particularly interested to see how this storyline held within it a Tony winning ‘musical’. Suicide tragedy in a ‘musical’ is always questionable to me. I don’t know why. This is in fact the second show I’ve seen in as many weeks strongly containing such devastation, though the other was a sombre play. Noteworthy in both cases, audience was full!

We often hear that ‘right now’ is the best time to be gay. Acceptance is prevalent as it should be and teenagers tell me ‘cool to be gay’ is common. I’m so pleased for gay people that this is the current possible reality, to live freely, but when cartoonist Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir was staged, it would have certainly been a more confronting topic in 2013. Now, over 10 years later, most of us likely think nothing of meeting, knowing and loving gay people. Either way, FUN HOME is highly relevant, back then and today.

The way in which this story is scripted for Bruce’s and Alison’s journey is through adult Alison remembering her past, while drawing what she ‘recollects’ in her mind and trying to ‘caption’ each picture. It’s extremely cleverly done; making thoughtful sense of what it was like in real life for them, for many.

Alison’s mother, two brothers, Alison’s love interest when she gets to college, and an intermittent love interest for Bruce make up the cast.

‘Alison’ played by ROSA McCARTY. Rosa is fantastic in this role. She works alongside ‘Small’ and ‘Medium’ Alisons like they are one. Different time zones, but the way in which Rosa ‘doesn’t’ interact almost says she will. She wants to. She is truly there, back then, inside a memory like time-travel.

‘Small Alison’ (as child) played by 11yo MILA ORCHARD. This girl has natural acting ability way beyond her years. She trains min.10 hours weekly refining her craft. She’s a singer. She’s a dancer. Already receiving awards and nominations, watch this space as Mila grows up! She can already conquer a solo song like a pro.

‘Medium Alison’ (in college) played by EMILIE HOYNE. When finishing her Primary Education degree, Emilie seeks to be a performing arts teacher. Any school would be lucky to have her! I hope she also stays present in theatre. Discussions with her on-stage parents in this role required the utmost maturity and exceptional skill. Singing ‘Changing my Major’, we loved her comical enthusiasm. Amazing talent!

‘Bruce’ (Alison’s father) played by MICHAEL GRAY. Last time I saw Michael acting on stage was in a very different production (Legally Blonde) so this role encompasses his extraordinary versatility. A gay man himself he notes in the Fab Nobs informative program that he feels a deep connection to Bruce’s inner life. I imagine he has the character genuinely at heart and wanting to do Bruce justice as he gives an award worthy performance – I hope it is realized. Michael is opera trained with an extensive array of principal roles past. I look forward very much to seeing more of his work.

‘Helen’ (Bruce’s wife) played by NATASHA BASSETT. Well done! Natasha brought this challenging character’s turmoil forefront in being the ‘straight’ spouse.

‘Roy’/others (Bruce’s gay interest) played by SHANE PRITCHARD. Shane has long listed credited shows. He could play anyone I’m sure. He’s extremely believable and this role may have extended him outside usual comfort zones.

‘Joan’ (Alison’s love) played by ANNA BEARSLEY. Anna has immediately noticeable stand-out confidence, so I read with no surprise she has multiple nominations for MTGV/Lyrebird Awards. Big future ahead for this girl!

‘Christian’ (brother of Alison) played by RAPH HJORTH. Stage School Australia where he started can be proud of this student and his continuing vocal training shows in stamina to sing and dance at same time. Good job Christian!

‘John’ (youngest brother) played by ELLIOTT HAYES. Age 9, 4th Fab Nobs production. He may very well grow up here; great place cultivating talent having opportunity early in very special productions. Elliott had fantastic reactiveness with his on stage siblings (probably had lots of fun at rehearsals too).

Congrats Director Richard Perdriau, Musical Director Olivia Sweeney, Choreographer Amber Orchard, President Sally McKenzie and all their creatives and behind the scenes team. We thoroughly enjoyed FUN HOME – even my hubby was nostalgic on ‘airplane’ memories. Thank you everyone!

As someone said, got tissues?

To book tickets to Fun Home, please visit https://www.fabnobstheatre.com.au/fun-home/.

Photographer: Craig Wetjen (John Travers Photography)

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The Sound of Music

25/03/202623/03/2026 Debra Campbell🥈

The Sound of Music Rating

★★★★★

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Saturday and I’ve already seen two shows, both same but with different child casts.

NOVA Music Theatre’s latest production of The Sound of Music is unforgettable, accompanied by an astounding orchestra (Peter Grant OAM).

Opening night I see with my piano teacher friend who long ago auditioned for ‘Louisa’ in a professional production. She did well she said but didn’t secure the role, however she has extensive knowledge of all things music, so I look forward to her feedback (LOVED!!!).

Second visit was matinee with mum-in-law; special to sit with someone who saw the legendary original movie in a theatre and this is her next experience – seeing that movie as a stage show for first time! (like me, LAUGHED and CRIED).

A large chorus of Nuns walk solemnly through a full-house to stage. Harmonious opening and in every scene they feature, a wonderful group of singers of all ages.

Playing the coveted role of ‘Maria’ is Lauren McCormack. I’ve seen and appreciated her talents before. Easy breezy beautiful voice on a mountain backdrop instantly recognisable she sings the title song with thankful eyes and true heart for both her character and this huge role honoured to her. Every note, step and expression from first meeting the children as kind and caring, to when she scolds the Captain with fierce protectiveness, is genuine from start to finish.

Playing ‘Captain von Trapp’ is Tristan Everett. He must bring strength in many emotions; controlling, stern, sadness, love, care, anger, worry, and leadership in taking his family out of Austria to safety away from the Anschluss. Tristan is just the right fit, no wonder he has done 30+ musicals.

‘Mother Abbess’ played by Meagan Gaffney – what can I say to even do her justice? Meagan has a vocal career in part as Principal Artist for Opera Australia and her ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ is breathtaking. I can add even the little girl with pigtails sitting in front of me was absolutely still. When this song closes there’s not a person in this room who hasn’t felt it to their core. It was indeed a privilege to hear Meagan sing a song that was an integral part of her musical family upbringing. Thank you!

In many moments with Mother Abbess and Maria are ‘Sister Margaretta’ (Julie Wright), ‘Sister Berthe’ (Bec Muratore) and ‘Sister Sophia’ (Samantha Mason); all fun and I loved watching eye movements and facials communicating often without speaking.

‘Baroness Schraeder’ played by Lauren King (once amongst lucky kids in the Qantas Australia advert), she is fantastic in this posh role and dressed appropriately rich.

‘Max Detweiler’ is played by John Leahy brilliantly! In theatre for over twenty years his lines are delivered with gut experience and comedic interaction. NOVA could not have cast better.

Max Geddes who plays ‘Rolf’ is exceptional; never falters from full commitment every time I see him in a production, showing off his training from graduating at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Samara Trimble playing opposite him is on par as eldest child ‘Liesl von Trapp’, stepping up in this much sought after role to dance beside him and with a gorgeous voice – Samara currently a VCASS student. Their ‘Sixteen going on Seventeen’ is to be commended also in cute choreography (Wayne Robinson) well suited to limits of doing this loved scene on stage. When Rolf jumps on his bike after he lands that famous kiss from Liesl (in moving arabesque) and Liesel squeals with delight, it’s Woo-Hoo for these two!

There are of course some very foreboding moments over and above the love stories. Thunder! Stormtroopers! Swastika flags loom frightening reality. Insightful and scary to when the real von Trapp family survived. Credit due to sound tech, lighting and set construction.

One lighter and more lovely stunning scenery change is when the kids are teaching themselves to dance; a pictured backdrop suddenly goes up revealing a ballroom of exquisitely costumed guests waltzing in the von Trapp mansion. Hats off to costume designer Stephanie Lumb and Director/Set Designer Noel Browne/Brenton van Vliet.

Pamela Braithwaite as ‘Housekeeper’ great accent, along with Ben Geddes as ‘Butler’, Hannah Brodribb as ‘Maid’, David Sly as ‘Gauleiter’, Richard Budge as ‘Baron’ and Michael Capon as ‘Admiral’, they all superbly act their parts.

Finally, the adorable children; those fabulous roles of the other six von Trapps; Gretl played by Harriet Staples/Ivy Hall (both super cute, loved sleeping on stairs), Marta played by Anthea Ellis/Scout Kwong (both super young actresses, loved pink parasol line), Brigitta played by Ella Wursthorn/Arabella Brockhurst (both super expressive, loved you telling Maria your father loved her), Kurt played by Aiden Cooper/Charlie Rainey (both super star actors, loved antics in The Lonely Goatherd), Louisa played by Prudence Rosel/Olivia Simos-Garner (both super convincing, loved advice to Maria) and Friedrich played by Daniel Spillane (outstanding stage skills no doubt on cast-call for many shows to come).

Ensemble applause: Tamsin Ashdown, Amber Gedge, Marina Batikha, Pavlo Bittikha, Lusia Kho, Lauren Bolzonello, Neave McGeehan, Stephen Brennan, Ben Milkins, Madeleine Brown, Davied Nicholls, Stephen Burton, Robyn Parker, Felicity Byrnes, Hannah Powell, Ewan Charlton, Vini Ramesh, Carrie Chiu, Fional Rosel, Miranda Choo, Brian Sweetman, Nicole Cooper, Phoebe Whitehead, Oscar Geddes, Cindy Yan and Kate Judge – extra clap for Kate’s ‘bowing woman’ – played well through to finale, very funny!

‘So Long, Farewell’ this musical will always be one of ‘My Favourite Things’.

To book tickets to The Sound of Music, please visit https://www.theround.com.au/soundofmusic.

Photographer: Gavin D Andrew Photography

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Ireland The Voyage

16/03/202607/03/2026 Debra Campbell🥈

Ireland The Voyage Rating

★★★★★

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From the producers of Celtic Illusion, comes a powerful new theatrical experience in Ireland: The Voyage, an epic celebration of Ireland’s history, heart, and heritage brought to life through authentic voices, live music, and world-class Irish dance. Emotional, exhilarating, and deeply immersive, Ireland: The Voyage invites audiences to feel the pulse of a nation – it’s triumphs, its tragedies, its music, and its unbreakable spirit, in a live experience you will never forget!

I was fortunate to be able to delve into this world of all things Ireland currently touring around our country.

Firstly, in my years in dancing (over five decades) I’ve only ever seen Irish dancing twice in my life before (shameful I know!). Once at a high school talent show, and once when I organised a display floorshow at one of our dance fundraisers (everyone commented afterwards how good it was).

This style of dance has sustained as entertainment for decades in theatres around the world, on cruise ships, feature festivals and more. And certainly now I can fully understand why. Whether or not you are Irish, love Irish dancing or music, or just enjoy any stage performances generally; Irish vibes are contagious and captivating!

This show however is much more than just an Irish jig to a whistling tune; it is a real journey of shared stories, history and spirit.

We learn in detail from our host Giselle about the interesting Irish instruments being played in the traditional Irish band, which remains in full view throughout the show on stage. Each band member is also introduced by name with a little of their Irish background and musical accomplishments. They are all simply brilliant musicians and together bring this show wholly to life.

Irish songs sung both in English and traditional language by Giselle O’Meara are truly unforgettable. Her superior voice carries off each and every note like a fine instrument you could easily listen to for hours. Not loud and showy, but gentle and sweet; welcoming and inviting us to just enjoy!

I closed my eyes a number of times purposefully to listen and take it all in. Not only am I learning along the way about Ireland, a place I loved visiting 25 years ago, I am growing a great appreciation for this music and sound.

Shining stars are evident in the Irish dance champions – a trio mesmerize us with unbroken unison of speed and grace, extraordinary flexibility and control in traditional Gaelic; skillful solo features of rapidly increasing intricate footwork are an honour to witness, and later in the show we will clap along to particular beats in joyful harmony encouraged.

This beautiful show was such a lovely relaxing night out, and my Mum who came with me went home to try and find the great Irish love song ‘Grace’ to add to her playlist.

Thank you so much to the cast, musicians and team at Base Entertainment for this chance to broaden my knowledge of Ireland whilst at the same time tapping my foot along to some incredible music and songs from this voyage on stage transporting us all in the lucky audience to the Emerald Isle afar.

Ticket link: https://www.irelandthevoyage.com/

INSTAGRAM: @ireland_thevoyage

Tour includes cities and towns all over Australia and New Zealand.

Cast:
Giselle O’Meara (Champion Irish dancer and former lead vocalist for Michael Flatley’s global phenomenon Lord of the Dance Arena Tour)
Sara O’Hara (World Top 20 Irish Dancing Championship)
Liam Mcweeny (former quadruple Australian National Champion Irish Dancer)
Corey White (runner-up Australian International Oireachtas)

Musicians:
Tim Gleeson (guitar and Irish drum, the bodhrán)
Cormac O’Hanlon (concertina)
Ciara McGoldrick (low and high pitch whistles)
Muireann O’Dwyer (harp)

To book tickets to Ireland The Voyage, please visit https://www.irelandthevoyage.com/australia.

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