David Bowie was an icon in every aspect of his art. Through music, shows and myriad personas, the iconic rockstar remained relevant for decades as an icon of glamorous, theatrical spectacle. The show Loving The Alien juxtaposes itself with this history, interweaving songs and anecdotes to tell a story not of Bowie The Rockstar, but of Bowie The Narrative. In the process, creator and performer Karlis Zaid aims to answer the deceptively simple question: who was David Bowie?
The show’s stripped-back aesthetic complements this quest well. It’s unusual for a show about one of the most ostentatious rockstars to ever live to take place in a black box with four smartly dressed performers, their instruments and some slightly more elaborate lighting design. This may explain why the audience seemed awkward at first, but Zaid and co-star Aurora Kurth did an excellent job at easing us gently into the show’s world. Their easy banter created a nerdy superfan vibe, and the vocal performances were dramatic while still feeling natural and fun. The cast’s passion was their greatest asset, there were more laughs and vocal reactions from the audience as the show went on and by the end, we were all out of our seats, clapping and singing to ‘Heroes’.
The songs themselves, performed by Andrew Patterson on keys and Aaron Syrjanen on guitar, are lovingly crafted arrangements that feel familiar and welcoming while still offering surprises. ‘Sound and Vision’ is retooled into a smooth ballad, ‘Changes’ and ‘Let’s Dance’ start softer and build to great climaxes, and ‘Fame’ and ‘Ashes To Ashes’ used beautiful harmonies to highlight how well Zaid and Kurth’s voices work together. They’re also placed very well throughout the runtime, not always chronologically but mirroring the stories told in between to create a subtle emotional arc. The last two songs in particular hit with a sombre tone that feels earned and cathartic. Nothing feels out of place, though with a repertoire as strong as Bowie’s it would be difficult to put a foot wrong.
The lack of visual references makes it clear that the show is for people who are already fans of David Bowie. We know the songs, and we may know some of the stories, so it’s up to Zaid and his team to put them in a new context. The story of Bowie’s life is told in quite broad sweeps and given the show’s theme of finding the man underneath the image, it may have been nice to examine and with more of Bowie’s personas – the only one who gets significant discussion is Ziggy Stardust. However, the show is clearly not trying to be a straight biography. When specific events are focused on, they’re often less known or more controversial details about Bowie’s life, such as an exploitative contract he was under or the role he may have played in the breakdown of his marriage to his first marriage. Due to its personal nature and willingness to explore all sides of Bowie’s narrative, the script steers clear of hagiography and ensures that most people will learn at least one new fact about their favourite rockstar.
Loving The Alien lives up to its name by inviting us into a heartfelt, thought-provoking dive into Bowie’s story. The love and care is clear in the music, performances and writing, and while it may not be the Bowie tribute you may expect, fans will find a lot of joy and pathos in it. Whoever Bowie was, as a person and performer, this show demonstrates why we still care, and why it will always be important to celebrate uniqueness and otherness wherever it flourishes.
Mary Poppins would have to be one of the most well known stories from everyone’s childhood. To see it in a musical, no matter how many times you’ve seen it before, is always special! Producing this showstopper at the moment is Mountain District Musical Society.
Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Mary Poppins is an enchanting blend of an irresistible story, breathtaking dance numbers, and unforgettable songs – including classic favourites such as A Spoonful of Sugar, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Feed the Birds, and Step in Time.
Playing 13-22 June 2025 at Karralyka in Ringwood within a beautiful theatre, this show was a complete 5-star viewing. So good that my Mum who went with me said she would go again and she doesn’t even have young grandkids or know anyone in it as encouragement to see. This is a jubilant show for all ages.
Mary Poppins (played by Hannah Simos-Garner) is so practically perfect in every way of course! Hannah never loses her ability to keep in character with Mary’s ‘spit spot’ personality and even when she takes her bow at the end of an energetic finale she remains the ‘prim and proper’ person she is after having cast her magical talents over an amazing stage set and supported by a gifted cast.
Bert (played by Jason Sainsbury-King) is, I think, the best character in Mary Poppins; I’ve always loved him. He’s the sort of person we all want in our life; dependable, living in the moment, never gives up and steps in time with others and on his own. Jason gives a unique adaptation of Bert on stage – he’s funny and so engaging with the audience that we think at times we are about to jump in the show with him. “That was a little bit scary” he says as he pops out of the audience in one part and we all laugh; I again think how wonderful he is. And yes, some scenes are a touch scary, but it’s all done with crazy wonder, like a broken toy ‘Valentine’ (played by Hamish Williamson) squeezing through the cupboard to become life size in front of us with a bewildered ballerina, doll, bear, jester and more …
Downstairs at his desk at home or doing his important work at the bank, Mr George Banks (played by Cale Maclaren) is a stand-out. Cale’s experience shows off Mr Banks stout actions and soft side very well as the relied-upon cornerstone of the Banks family. Mrs Winifred Banks (played by Kelliann Brady) shines when she gets the chance to address her husband’s employers and you realise the story of ‘Mary Poppins’ is really about them, their family and what is actually important in having one.
The Banks children, Jane and Michael, are roles much sought after and the kids’ audition slots are usually quickly booked out. I’ve seen many an exceptional youngster reading out the letter to their ideal nanny in my time, but I applaud tenfold the two I saw tonight in Jane (played by 10 year old Mila Orchard, practically a veteran of theatre already) and Michael (played by 9 year old Charlie Laughton, a cello and piano player plus singer and dancer).
Mila has grown up in her family’s dance school and her training in not only dance, but vocal and acting is proven here. She holds the floor quite a lot with extensive dialogue and doesn’t forget about her actions in smaller details either. Charlie as Michael Banks has all his mischievous and comically naughty expressions down pat. I’ll bet he had tons of fun doing this show practicing them as he’s very genuine in his antics. Both of these kids are unforgettable as Jane and Michael, well done!!! (Note: the children’s roles are shared and you may see equally talented Clementine Lidstone and Elliott Hayes at a different show).
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My favourite scene was without a doubt the unveiling of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious… go to see this nonsensical word come to life that has become synonymous with ‘Mary Poppins’ and its themes of joy and magic; in this show it is PURE JOY! Hugely well co-ordinated dancing by all, from the cutest littlest cast member Emersyn (also playing one of those cheeky penguins in the park scene), to Mary Poppins (Hannah belting it out confidently), in a spectacle on stage that will have you not wanting it to end (luckily they do an encore).
Following a close second to my favourite was naturally with my dance background ‘Step in Time’. How can you not love this rhythm. The ensemble get to show off here and they are brilliant!! Energy plus some!! What great choreography and geez the stage awareness by everyone – so much is going on; “yes, good job, woo hoo” I’m saying all the way through as they partner up and nail their formations. Tap dancing is a rarer skill displayed these days but you’ll definitely get a fix at this one. I’m always listening out for comments from the audience and after the show I heard a young boy say he wanted to learn to dance like the chimney people (his Mum said “you liked the noise?”) – how gorgeous and it’s worth having your kids be noisy to learn tap.
My Mum’s favourites were Mrs Brill, Robertson Ay and Ellen (played by Felicity Eastwood, Jacob Sellenger and Laura Steel), three hired help in the Banks household who will have you in fits at their harmonious but hilarious chaotic shenanigans.
I have to mention a few others too (did I say this show is AMAZING):
The meaningful and heartfelt ‘Feed the Birds’ solo by Marina Martin whereupon you never look at flocking pigeons in the same way again and there was a tear in my eye when Mr Banks favoured her plea – the look on Marina’s face said it all; kindness is king.
A shout out to the formidable nanny come-back of Miss Andrew’s ‘Holy-Terror’ ways hitting vocal notes that had the audience awe-struck and was once again portrayed perfectly by Sarah Power (her make-up made the character look fierce but in a comical way which I thought was better for kids viewing, so well done by the costuming team).
Mrs Corry (played by Nicole Kapiniaros-Anson) and her brightly-haired daughters – fabulous costuming and fabulous voices and dramatic involvement – loved them and the wigs! And for everyone all around them, BRAVO, you’re all on it, in it and living live theatre to the full.
I also liked watching the girl with the yellow kite dancing and all the kites flying on stage. Theatre shows can bring us such lovely reminders of memories we hold dear from our own childhood days or those of watching our own children discover. The looks of excitement in flying a kite is one – caught by the smiley ensemble members who make the show what it is overall, they add the backing board for those lead roles to be in a realistic moment.
I could go on and on, but Bert finally closes the door at 17 Cherry Tree Lane, leaving a happy family inside and having said a happy farewell to Mary Poppins before she flies across the sky, but also leaves the audience skipping out and having ‘a spoonful of sugar’ or ‘chim chim cher-ee’ happily singing in our heads.
Congratulations Mountain District Musical Society. For information on future shows of MDMS, please visit: https://www.mdms.org.au/
CAST:
MARY POPPINS – HANNAH SIMOS-GARNER BERT – JASON SAINSBURY-KING GEORGE BANKS – CALE MACLAREN WINIFRED BANKS – KELLIANN BRADY JANE BANKS – MILA ORCHARD / CLEMENTINE LIDSTONE MICHAEL BANKS – CHARLIE LAUGHTON / ELLIOTT HAYES MRS BRILL – FELICITY EASTWOOD ROBERTSON AY – JACOB SELLENGER ELLEN – LAURA STEEL ADMIRAL BOOM – MICHAEL GIBSON MISS LARK – ELLEN LANE MRS CORRY – NICOLE KAPINIARIS-ANSON BIRD WOMAN – MARINA MARTIN MISS ANDREW – SARAH POWER NELEUS – HAMISH WILLIAMSON BANK CHAIRMAN – STEVE ATKINSON KATIE NANNA / MISS SMYTH – ELEANOR HORSBURGH PARK KEEPER / JOHN NORTHBROOK – RYAN JACOBS VON HUSSLER – NICK TOOVEY POLICEMAN – DAVE SLY
ENSEMBLE & ARTISTS:
CALLUM HALSTEAD ADDISON WILLIAMSON ALLEGRA JACOBS LEXI ZACHARIASSEN OLIVIA SIMOS-GARNER EMERSYN ORCHARD ISABELLE DA COSTA RUBY QUINN CHLOE FONG ISLA EVERETT EMILY ABRAHAM SONIA AGJEE JENNA AL BUSAIDI CHARLIE BARNETT ALEX CORR AMELIE EVERETT MELISSA HILL TYLER LEVY LUCY BRADY JESSICA CLARK BEC CORNELL KRISTY CORNELL NICOLE ROTENSTEIN ALI STEWART CADENCE VALK STEPHANIE VIENET
Director: Anne Dewar, Musical Director: Vicki Quinn, Choreographer: Amber Orchard, Stage Manager: Craig Dewer, Production Manager: Lyn Alexander, Set Design: Chris White, Lighting Design: Yaz Sesta, Sound Design: Peter Philip / David Drew, Program Design: Emily Dewar, Projection & Video Design: Brenton Van Vliet.
The amateur theatre group of MDMS has commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for people of all cultures, beliefs, identities and abilities. Community theatre at its best so don’t miss BEAUTY AND THE BEAST next year with MDMS.
Venue: Karralyka Theatre is at 22A Mines Rd, Ringwood and is easy to get to with plenty of parking. Comfortable seating and good viewing whether you sit front or back rows.
One of the greatest musicals of all time, now playing June 6 – June 15 at The Round: My Fair Lady (based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion) tells the story of Cockney flower-girl Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins who takes a bet that he can pass her off as a lady within 6 months. Made famous by Julie Andrews & Rex Harrison, My Fair Lady won many awards and broke many records since its Broadway debut in 1956. The music is universally known and loved and includes timeless songs such as: Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, With A Little Bit Of Luck, The Rain In Spain, I Could Have Danced All Night, On The Street Where You Live and Get Me To The Church On Time.
The write-up on Babirra Musical Theatre’s website sums it up; this is an all-time favourite, but not one you see being produced often anymore. Suitable for all ages, Babirra have gratefully given the script, set and costuming their expertise and it’s especially a no-brainer for your grandparents to go see. Tickets would make a great gift for them too: https://babirra.org.au/
Having followed the journey of leading lady, Siobhan Judge, playing ‘Eliza Doolittle’, and with my own daughter having taken singing lessons with Siobhan for a while, I predicted she’d probably be fantastic! Exactly that she is; in every scene and every song! Siobhan grew up in the Australian Girls’ Choir and later graduated from Monash University; taking the role of ‘performing arts teacher’ at Melbourne Girls College. Apparently the students love her and I bet she will have carloads from the school grabbing group bookings to be WOWed by seeing both her extraordinary vocal talents in fine tune and acting skills up close in this demanding role. The show is also Siobhan’s debut with Babirra and that’s saying something about how well she plays Eliza – she was made for it and I’m sure she gave this impression in auditions from the start.
So, after being awe-struck by Siobhan’s ability, equally another star performer in the show is Tim Maloney playing her on-stage father ‘Alfred Doolittle’. The belly-laughs from him and from us were non-stop as he commanded our attention from the very first words he spoke and I knew straight away he was going to be a stand out in this production. I learn from the program that Tim has done over 80 musicals, yes 80! No stranger at all to getting full attention from the audience, he shows off that he wholeheartedly loves performing and we loved watching him. In fact, by the end of the show, we were smiling as soon as he stepped out of the wings before he even did anything at all and we were cheering out loud when he took his bow, yet we did not know him prior. Bravo!
‘Henry Higgins’ is a masterful character and masterfully played by Mark Monroe. This character is a bit of a mix up and he’s interesting fun, but mostly (given the dialogue in today’s era) you might want to tell him to be ‘more like a woman’ rather than vote for his desire to have women behave more like men! Mark is excellent though, I laughed at how he paced up and down puzzled by Eliza and her outbursts or trying to control her and teach her to speak properly like a ‘lady’. His colleague on set is of course ‘Colonel Pickering’ played by Tim Murphy, another gem on stage as the kinder of the two gentlemen for the most part. Both are eager to see however if Eliza, with 24/7 linguistic education from Henry, can go from being a ‘common flower girl’ on the street where they met her, to fool those in high society that she might be a ‘duchess’ or maybe even ‘royalty’.
‘Mrs Pearce’ (Henry Higgins’ housekeeper), played by Fiona Carter, isn’t certain she agrees or not with such an idea, but she convincingly helps to care for and look out for Eliza, and Fiona was wonderful in her genuinity.
I waited with anticipation for where Henry says ‘I think she’s got it’ and ‘The Rain in Spain’ from Eliza’s new found pronunciation consumes the auditorium with her operatic flair. I asked Siobhan after the show if going from a tricky ‘Cockney’ accent to a most ‘posh’ English one was hard to perfect. She smiled and said being ‘posh’ was easy, but the Cockney took some practice – she readily had to let go of any embarrassment in rehearsals with extended ‘ahhhhs’ and many an elongated e. I daresay much of the cast had to spend quite a bit of time running lines similarly with the accents required and it’s paid off well as this show wouldn’t be what it is without the vocabulary detail.
A ‘test’ outing at the races is one of the most entertaining scenes (complete with loud galloping sound effects), and brings to the stage a loveable enthusiastic ‘Freddy’ played irresistibly by Charles Conway and a not so enthusiastic character in Henry’s very proper mother, played beautifully and engagingly by Patricia McCracken. I always ask someone at interval how they are enjoying the show and two appreciating ladies answered ‘yes, they are all very strong aren’t they and we love the mother, she’s our age’ haha, Patricia had deservingly won their hearts. I think this a special part of live theatre; connecting with certain actors, not just within the show but for you personally.
Exceptional work from the whole cast, ensemble was energetic and polished; enjoyed so much the dancers in the imaginary scene and watching the ballroom. Congratulations to all!
Finally, I note I don’t usually review shows where I know lead cast members, but it was indeed a pleasure to see Siobhan pull off ‘Eliza’ knowing this role was a dream come true for her. A group of theatre-lovers, such as BABIRRA, provide individuals the chance to do something they are passionate about, but who may not necessarily want (or choose) to pursue a professional career in that tough industry. A big thank you to the committee and volunteers of ‘amateur theatre’ whose efforts make this happen, and, in the process, give us (the audience) the chance to see more shows.
Babirra Music Theatre is a long well-established musical production company and has always encouraged involvement and participation from the local community, both in performing and behind-the-scenes. Don’t miss this show MY FAIR LADY, or their next: GREASE!
Venue: The Round, 379 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading, is, I think, the very best suburban theatre in Melbourne and likely the biggest newer one – opening in 2023. Easy to get to, park at and with arguably the most comfortable seats and extensive (vegan inclusive) canteen you’ll enjoy in a theatre venue anywhere, plus great coffee before, during and after interval with tables and chairs to wait and chat with the cast afterwards. Very easy access for wheelchairs and assisted-walkers – ‘retirement village’ buses were lined up at the matinee we went to and cars can pull up in a drop-off zone straight outside the door. Enjoy!
CAST:
Eliza Doolittle played by Siobhan Judge Prof. Henry Higgins played by Mark Monroe Colonel Pickering played by Tim Murphy Alfred Doolittle played by Tim Maloney Mrs Higgins played by Patricia McCracken Mrs Pearce played by Fiona Carter Freddy played by Charley Conway Zolton Karpathy played by Matthew Davies
FEATURED ENSEMBLE Jamie, friend of Alfred, Lord Boxington – Steven Keane Harry, friend of Alfred – Brent Denison Higgins’ butler – Mark Curran Higgins’ footman – Paul Ash Mrs Hopkins & Mrs Eynsford-Hill – Ann Hubbard Queen of Transylvania & Lady Boxington – Catherine Bolzonello George, Bartender – Garry Barcham
ENSEMBLE: Esther Bruerton Owen Davies Isobel Edmondson Michael Fang Emma Gilding Mia Grasso Beth Hanlon Steph Herbert Abby James Christine James Alysa Kimpton Yvette Lipovetsky Aaron McBride Tommy Murphy Lotte Papson Liam Rosewarne Avalon Waterfall
Director – Alan Burrows Musical Director – Marty Macaulay Choreographer – James Kaiser Assistant Director – Mark Cluning Set Design – Barry Pearce Costume Designer – Ely Tapp Co-Production Managers – Jo Brincat, Steve Cavell Hair/Make-up, Wigs – Louise Reeder, Maren Holm Set Construction – Garry Barcham and Team
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Gavin D. Andrew Design: @luke.jay.designs
You can only hope that you already have a ticket or that they add an extra show, because only a short way into their latest run, Beaumaris Theatre have already sold out on their production of ‘Ladies in Black’. A story of the women working in a Sydney department store in the 1950s, full of gorgeous costuming and highlighting that era’s seriousness together with frivolous fun!
I took my Mum along to this one, I thought it was her era, but she was quick to remind me she was not that ‘old’ and she would’ve only been 10 then LOL. She did however love the show and much of the script was very relatable as success in many women’s equality movements wasn’t strongly successful until much later.
In fact, even my own Mum sent me to ‘secretarial school’ in the 80s, something that Lisa (played by Rose Chambers) knows her father will insist on if she cannot get her mother to help convince her father she should be allowed to go onto university. The 50s beliefs for traditional families stayed locked on men being smart enough for further studying and careers, whilst women were to focus on getting married, having kids, cooking / cleaning and perhaps get a ‘girl’s job’ (like being a secretary or working in a store). This musical is about that life in the 50s for women.
Lisa’s character is centre of the story as she prepares to work at ‘Goodes’ for the holidays whilst she waits for her final schooling results to see what university courses she can apply for. She is smart and might even get a scholarship. Lisa wants to be a poet. “A poet?!?” is the normal response with a snicker from most when she mentions it.
However, things will change when Lisa meets the ‘crazy continental’ European supervisor in the designer-dress department, Magda (played by Bek Champman), a connoisseur of elegant fashions from around the globe. Magda takes an interest in Lisa and her vision to become more of herself. Both actresses are very entertaining to watch as Magda (pronouncing a great accent as she speaks), influences Lisa’s girlish look and ideas into the possibility of new beginnings.
Lisa’s co-workers ‘Fay’ (played by Amy Gridley) and ‘Patty’ (played by Jacqui Moore) have their own stories going on in the background and one particularly funny moment on the side with Patty’s on-stage hubby Frank (played by Dan Bellis who also happens to be Jacqui’s partner in real life – luckily I’d say given their positioning).
You will laugh along with the rest of the audience to ‘The Bastard Song’ whilst you might mentally try and guess the next rhyming word to ‘bastard’, describing Patty’s on-stage hubby. By the end of the show, will he continue to be a bastard?
The show is very well cast and is another directed by the lovely Debbie Keyt with her team Rhonda Vaughan (Musical Director) and Camilla Klesman (Choreographer). This is my third review for Beaumaris Theatre and I also see other shows there; they are all fabulous. The set on this one is also fabulous, fab fashion of gorgeous dresses sets the tone immediately we walk in. We don’t notice that the beach scene isn’t at the beach because Magda steals the limelight in her one-piece to sit on her deckchair, flattered by her husband Stefan (played by Daniel Ischia) and good friend Rudi (played by Justin Royce). She is definitely NOT ‘mutton dressed up as lamb’.
I loved the opening of ‘I Got It At Goodes’ with the department store girls harmonious in singing and dancing with their shopping bags, Miss Cartwright (played by Kirsty Hall) is thoroughly every bit the boss in-charge, the surprise fun of ‘I Just Kissed A Continental’ and ‘I Can’t Be That Man’ was a tug on tears in feeling for that hubby who couldn’t be who he wanted to be. ‘Tomorrow Becomes Today’ was a meaningful solo for Lisa and again as the well-applauded finale song, though I must be honest, I did want to hear ‘The Bastard Song’ just one more time hehe (just in case they want to encore it as a popularity vote at the last show).
Shout out to everyone ducking and weaving in the song of ‘Pandemonium’ – great stage awareness and you all realistically engulfed the pandemonium at sales time! (Both my girls work in retail, and this is exactly what they describe from the other side of the counter).
I probably don’t need to say much more… what can I say… Ladies in Black at Beaumaris Theatre is SOLD OUT!!
Don’t miss the next show of Beaumaris Theatre and get in early!! They have ‘Knife Edge’ coming up in May, ‘The Witches’ in August and ‘Blackadder II’ in November.
Venue: Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd, Beaumaris, Melbourne, Victoria. The theatre is a small one but they always use the space well and hence good seat viewing from everywhere. Extremely welcoming front of house team, free tea / coffee and reasonable pricing in the canteen for interval, plus it’s easy to park in the surrounding streets.
Congratulations to everyone on the amazing effort for ‘Ladies in Black’
CAST: Lisa – Rose Chambers Frank – Dan Bellis Myra – Gabi Bergman Magda – Bek Chapman Fay – Amy Gridley Miss Cartwright & Joy – Kirsty Hall Mr. Miles & Stefan – Daniel Ischia Patty – Jacqui Moore Mrs Miles – Roisin O’Neill Miss Jacobs & Mrs Crown – Katrina Pezzimenti Rudi, Lloyd & Fred – Justin Royce Barmaid – Fiona Williams Customer – Cheryllyn de Vries
