Garrick Theatre - Whats The Show

A Chang-Chang, Changity, Chang, Shoo, Bop Musical Melody

19/04/2026 Carmen Jenner🥉

Musical Melody Rating

★★★★★

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For all those Hollywood buffs out there, you may struggle to restrain any uncontrollable toe tapping and humming during the Garrick Theatre’s latest production, the ‘Musical Melody’. Anyone would understand if you burst into song during ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair’ (South Pacific), ‘Le Jazz Hot’ (Victor/Victoria) or ‘We Go Together’ (Grease).

However, there would be plenty of complaints if anyone interrupted Katie Nowland’s operatic performance of ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man’, in a spellbinding rendition of the Show Boat tune. Other highlights include energetic performances of ‘The Tapioca’ (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and ‘Carrying The Banner’ (Newsies).

It was wonderful to see some familiar faces return to the stage, including Carly Ranger and Lily Wakeling from the Garrick’s Sweeney Todd 2025 production, as well as Kody Fellows (Narnia). From ‘Cursed’ returned Steph Hickey, Erin Shay Horrigan, Ethan Dal Molin and Ben Vaughan-Sanders (who will also be performing in the upcoming ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ production).

To debut on the Garrick’s seasoned stage are Kyla Retirado and Priom Bhattacharjee in their first forays into community theatre, alongside Fringe Festival regular James Carduff.

Who can forget to mention host Ian Staunton’s British banter in between acts? No doubt I’m not the only one who hopes to see him return to the Garrick’s well-trodden stage, in a blaze of theatrical glory.

Musical director Juliette Basini and director Tamar Basini also joined the cast with song and dance performances. Under their direction and choreography, the mother-daughter duo brought their love of Hollywood classics to the stage with ‘Kiss Me, Kate’, ‘Meet Me In St. Louis’, ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘The Pajama Game’, ‘Singing in the Rain’ and ‘The Boy Friend’.

Community theatre would never have the opportunity to sparkle without the creativity of those working behind the scenes. So, let’s shine some light on Astro Stewart (Stage Manager), Nera Camponovo (Production Liaison), Mark Nicholson (Lighting), Joe Hoedemaker (Lighting), Declan O’Brien (Sound), Paris Romano Jenner (Props & Photography), Kieran Smith (Photography), Roisin O’Neill (Choreography), Katie Nowland (Vocal warmups), Tamar Basini (Costumes) and Juliette Basini (Photography and Graphic Design). A special mention goes to theatre President Ali McNamara’s help with direction, and Yvonne Star and her front-of-house team.

The Musical Melody takes you on a chang-chang, changity, chang, shoo, bop journey through the ages. With only four shows, it’s no wonder it’s already sold out, featuring an incredibly talented cast whose delightful routines left the audience grinning from ear to ear.

Established in 1932, the Garrick Theatre is Perth’s longest-running community theatre group. Annual memberships are available, and if you’re a cherished member, then you would already know that next on the agenda is The Playboy of the Western World, with performances starting on 4th June 2026.

To book tickets to Musical Melody, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/garricktheatre/.

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Hansard

27/09/2025 Sarah Schmitt🥉

Hansard Rating

★★★★★

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Hansard is a sharp, fast-paced play by English playwright Simon Woods. Lively and bitingly witty, it still delivers a devastating message that feels just as urgent today as when it is set.

The story unfolds in 1988, the year Margaret Thatcher’s controversial Section 28 legislation was passed. It was a week of national upheaval in the UK as the act sought to “prohibit the promotion of homosexuality,” in direct response to a children’s book, Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin, which introduced young readers to different kinds of families. Its introduction ignited fierce protests and unrest across the country.

The play follows Conservative MP Robin Hesketh and his liberal wife Diana, whose ideological sparring is a demonstration on how politics can invade our homes and corrode even the closest bonds. The scene is set on a summer morning. Robin returns from parliament to his Cotswold home of thirty years, where Diana, hungover from a night on the gin, greets him amid the chaos of foxes tearing up his prized lawn and garden. What begins as a razor-sharp, playful exchange quickly darkens, as Diana challenges Robin’s defence of Section 28. In minutes, their banter spirals into something raw and searing, unearthing old wounds and unleashing devastating truths.

This is a remarkable production. It’s a true marathon for its two leads, Grant Malcolm and Suzannah Churchman. Across nearly two hours without intermission, their performances never falter. Together with director Barry Park, they masterfully balance biting humour with heartbreaking vulnerability, pulling the audience from raucous laughter into hushed, breath-held silence as the play drives towards its shattering conclusion.

The set design is thoughtful, working seamlessly with the flow of the play, and the cast is supported by a great team behind the scenes. Tarek Jabado is the Stage Manager, and Andre Beidatsch is the Assistant Stage Manager. Lighting design is by Mark Nicholson, and the costume design by Merri Ford.

Hansard is currently showing at the Garrick Theatre in Guildford and runs until October 11.

To book tickets to Hansard, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/garricktheatre/.

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The Canterbury Tales

03/08/2025 Carmen Jenner🥉

The Canterbury Tales Rating

★★★★★

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When Geoffrey Chaucer published The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century, it’s unlikely he envisioned that a wig would take on a character of its own. Considering he is the father of English literature, he probably didn’t imagine a dream dance sequence featuring the Macarena either. But that’s part of the charm when a classic is reimagined into a modern comedy.

The sheer joy of community theatre not only encourages poetic licence, but it thrives on unhinged creativity, especially when it’s a production put on by the Garrick Theatre Club, Perth’s longest-running community theatre. Directed by Gail Lusted, she carefully selected a large cast that included a mix of seasoned and up-and-coming actors. Not only does the introduction of young actors from Teens at Garrick (TAG) breathe fresh life into this centuries-old classic, but it also exposes them to the techniques of the veterans, as evident from those who have evolved into seasoned performers in this production.

This adaptation by Lindsay Price of Chaucer’s anthology roughly follows the original storyline, where a group of pilgrims travelling from London to Canterbury hold a storytelling contest to pass the time while on the road. Put aside any preconceived ideas if you made it to the end while studying this voluminous classic at school. The rules have been blissfully bent for this interpretation, and regardless of whether you’re a thespian or an audience member, it’s impossible not to delight in the unexpected during this high-energy romp.

Exploring the themes of love, greed, jealousy, patience, betrayal and death through their storytelling, the mishmash of pilgrims form a dysfunctional family as they make their arduous journey.

All seven pilgrims deliver outstanding performances and include The Prioress (Carol Young), The Miller (Jason Robert Lester), The Reeve (Kristine Lockwood), Wife of Bath/Bertha (Ali Louise), The Franklin/Allison (Paris Jenner), The Cook (Juliette Patricia Botha) and The Pardoner (Peter Neaves).

If you’re a fan of the Garrick, you might recognise some of the cast from other productions, including Poe, Dreams of Madness. As each pilgrim acts out a story, the cast’s versatility is impressive as they play multiple roles and genders, while seamlessly transforming on stage or backstage in the blink of an eye, thanks to their clever costuming, props and characterisation.

Much like a drummer in a band, Hostess Erin Shay Horrigan (almost) keeps the raucous cast in line through her cheeky narration.

The equally talented acting troupe features Angus Le Cornu-Brown (Maude/Mary), Catherine Smith (Fox/Joanne), Ender Holt (King shared with Benny/Harold], Zane Holt (Absalon/Simekin/Jacob), Will Afanasiew (Astrologer), Piper Gibson (Dame Pertelote/Allain/Aurelius), Benny Peter Jordan (King shared with Ender), Olivia Keary (Dorigen/Agnes), Kaiden Breen (Chaunticleer), James Scully (Nicholas/Knight), Freda McColgan (Queen/Eveline), Riley Thomas (Auiragus/Waitress) and Eden Flynn–Radcliffe (Hilda/Eve/Aueline).

There wouldn’t be a production without a dedicated crew working tirelessly behind the scenes, that includes Eden Flynn-Radcliffe (Assistant Director/Choreographer and Props Manager), Chelsea Knight (Mentor Stage Manager), Isabella Melbin (Trainee Stage Manager), Virginia Moore-Price (Lighting Design/Bio Box Operator), Connor Barclay (Apprentice Lighting and Sound Operator), Ricky Penrose and Ian Lusted (Stage Crew) and Evelyn Holt (Costume/Wardrobe).

Keep a special eye out for the innovative set design, which features subtle changes between scenes, thanks to Paris Jenner and her set design and construction crew, which includes Ali Louise, Jack Pinder, Breanna Cooke, Ian Lusted, Piper Gibson, Eden Flynn-Radcliffe and other TAG members.

Established in 1932, The Garrick Theatre Club continues to entertain with its year-round performances, accompanied by complimentary tipples, snacks and old-world charm.

Canterbury Tales runs August 1st, 2nd, *3rd, 8th, 9th, *10th, 14th, 15th and 16th , evening shows at 7.30pm and *matinees at 2.00pm

Tickets: under 18s $15, Members $22, Concession $23, Adult $28

Book: https://garricktheatre.com.au/shows/

To book tickets to The Canterbury Tales, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/garricktheatre/.

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Sweeney Todd, Proudly Presented By The Garrick Theatre

08/06/202507/06/2025 Carmen Jenner🥉

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Rating

★★★★★

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Opening night of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” burst onto the stage at the Garrick Theatre on Thursday night 5th June 2025. Well, almost. The only apparent nerves came from the bio box (aka projection box), when a fuse suddenly blew just before the opening act, plunging half the stage into darkness. “Is there an electrician in the house?” was on the minds of the crew frantically finding a temporary fix. It was a testament to the cast and crew who handled the almost disastrous situation with professional ease.

Take Two. It’s often easy to forget that you’re watching community theatre at the Garrick. And Sweeney Todd was no exception. The breadth of musical talent wouldn’t be out of place on any main stage, except I was glad that it wasn’t, as the intimate Garrick Theatre is the perfect setting for such a macabre production.

In case you’re not familiar with the story, the gripping musical thriller by Hugh Wheeler is set in 19th-century London and centres around a barber seeking retribution. He takes up residence above Mrs Lovett’s struggling pie shop, who soon becomes his accomplice, and together they embark on a grim venture. Featuring adult content, the play explores the themes of love, loss, revenge, justice and corruption.

The talented cast is led by Finley award-winning Mark Thompson (Sweeney Todd) alongside the impeccable operatic notes and wonderful characterisation from Katie Nowland as Mrs Lovett. Their bittersweet union is intertwined with desire and revenge as together they delve into the dark side of human nature.

Returning to the musical theatre stage, Jeremy Beerkens plays Anthony, who is besotted with Johanna, played by the effervescent Lily Wakeling, whose exquisite voice has featured in Les Misérables, Peter Pan and Mary Poppins.

In complete contrast to Johanna’s ethereal presence, is her creepy guardian, Judge Turpin (played by Peter ‘Pear’ Carr, who has starred in over 100 productions around Perth) and his slimy side-kick Beadle (played by Ben Anderson) will make you wonder who the true villain is.

More outstanding performances include Corban Featon (Tobias), Nera Camponovo (Adolfo), Russell Fellows (Jonas), and Grace Edwards (two-time Finley winner) as the beggar woman and Lucy, and debuting at the Garrick. The support from the ensemble further brought the story to life, including Indya Lange, Breanna Cooke, Thomas La Cava, Carly Ranger, Genevieve Del Casale, Tim Sadleir, Louise Tucker, Kieran Smith, Andrea Zencich, Nikita Nankiville, Max Leunig, and Brandon Masters.

The tiny and minimalist stage, designed by Mark Nicholson (set design and construction/lighting designer), allowed the cast to shine against a simple backdrop, further amplifying the spookiness of the historic theatre established in Guildford in 1932, making it Perth’s longest-running community theatre. If only the walls could talk – and sometimes they do if you believe the haunting rumours.

The brilliant costumes by costumier Merri Ford enhanced the visuals while conveying the atmosphere of 19th-century London, further emphasised by the historic surroundings.

As with any community theatre production, it’s all hands-on deck with the multi-talented production crew, featuring Jason Blaine (Stage Manager), Ali Louise (Assistant Stage Manager and Assistant Props), Brody Lawrence (Stagehand) and Hamish Ford (Sound Operator) working tirelessly in the background.

Musician Ben Clapton debuts his role as musical director with “Sweeney Todd,” bringing the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim to life through the vocals and harmonies, creating an impactful and emotive storytelling experience. Paris Jenner also took on a debut role as a lighting operator, and was in charge of photography and props, including those suspicious pies.

Up-and-coming Director Rebekah Hannah drew out layers of light and dark from the talented cast, with plenty of humour balancing out the sinister moments from the production adaptation by Christopher Bond.

Running for almost three hours, the performance was so compelling and well-paced that it didn’t feel long; instead, it left me wondering what would happen next to the characters. Although it’s unlikely a sequel is on the cards, something tells me the Garrick Theatre’s rendition of “Sweeney Todd” will have its praises sung far and wide.

To book tickets to Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, please visit https://garricktheatre.com.au/shows/.

Running dates: June 5, 6, 7, 8*, 12, 13**, 14, 15*, 18, 19, 20 & 21. Evening shows at 7.30pm, *matinees 2pm and a special spooky midnight performance on at 11.55pm on the 13th June.

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