Debra Campbell

& Juliet (& A Free Lip Balm!)

& Juliet

& Juliet Rating

★★★★★

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Easy drive and easy find, we join a HUGE crowd to see ‘Romeo & Juliet’….. whoops, no, that would be ‘& Juliet’ – phew, we are in the right place! (must’ve sped-read the brief haha)

“Welcome” – handed a cute pink ‘teen style’ Booklet Program. FANTASTIC with FREE lip balm!! Great impression already – reminded me of Dolly Magazine (if you’re old enough to know what that is). Yes, a Collector Poster inside too; ideal for autographs.

Now I’m going to start this review repeating the best recommendation I heard on opening night from the lucky friend I took along. She had just seen the professional production of ‘& Juliet’ on Broadway two weeks ago. Her words straight out when we exited the theatre were “well comparing to what I saw in New York that was right up there, didn’t lack anything”. So, in other words, comparatively to what we compare is the best place in the world to see shows, the team at Windmill Theatre Company have created a show that well deserves praise and recognition.

Grab a ticket for your entire family now to have the very best time with a Shakespeare classic gone POP!

Playing until June 21, 2026
Ticket link: https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/juliet-windmill-theatre-company

There have been so many adaptations of William Shakespeare’s ROMEO & JULIET, into plays, into ballets, into movies, you name it, but no-one would have ever thought that songs we’ve all danced away to at every wedding since they hit the charts for Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Bon Jovi and Backstreet Boys, amongst others, would be used to re-write the ending (and journey of self-discovery) of probably the most famous romance of all time.

 

& Juliet
& Juliet
& Juliet

 

Adding to the electric pop music is a set that doesn’t stop with the action. Each piece of the story has props, towers, beds, balconies, small, big, whatever is needed and often combined with giant geometrical shapes in ever-changing patterns of light. Movement and use of strobes, spots, softness and subtleties make it probably the best high visual lighting I’ve seen create this sort of impact in an amateur production ever. It’s good!!!!

Tudor style is entranced into the crazy colourful costuming where sequins glitter, puffed sleeves expand, armour is polished, roller shoes are on and popularized hairstyles of space buns and bubble braids fly around the stage in demanding jazz and hiphop choreography (with a partner flip or two) that makes total sense of chaos! This musical is contagious FUN. You’ll wish you’d worn your medieval velour dress hiding in the back of your costume cupboard (at least that’s what I thought I should’ve pulled out LOL).

To bring this new story to life in boastful expression you need a new type of ‘Juliet’. Rachel Dwyer has grabbed this lead role with all she has and doesn’t let go. She’s every bit the fierce determined strong young woman and sings with those same qualities like a popstar. This is a very different ‘Juliet’ and she’s amazing!!

Alongside Juliet is her friend ‘April’ being controlled by ‘Anne’ narrating (Shakespeare’s wife with her preferred version of the story her husband is writing for Juliet). A virtuoso voice, Samantha Hammersley definitely suits her name as she hammers out both these roles with the utmost skill and precise timing 100% plus some.

‘William Shakespeare’ himself is played by David Torr and pulled off with ease bickering with his wife about changing his star-crossed lovers’ story, and particularly Romeo’s death (or not, with ‘take that’ attitude)

Inclusivity is paramount in any show and here it was in ‘I Kissed a Girl’ flawlessly performed by Addie Casamento playing ‘May’ and Sean Rentero playing ‘Francois’.

That one goddess showstopper vocal queen; hmmm… a few here, but my jaw dropped with the power of Katelyn Anitema playing ‘Angelique’

Goofy funster at the heart of the show; well done in acting it up to Tom Liszukiewicz playing ‘Romeo’.

The Boy Band comeback – as this is my era I can’t not mention the laughter from everyone where I was sitting on “am I sexual?” – Adam Kirk obviously enjoying his role as Lance Do Bois – brave line, BRAVO!

Sam Lyons and Finley Oldmeadow playing ‘Lord and Lady Capulet’ were very in with their characters and Finley’s bit role (giving opinion to ‘Shakespeare’) showed they can switch up any lines.

Ensemble stars – Afua Adjei, Benjamin Lee, Caitlin Furlong, David Vien, Gabbi Watson, Imogen Galbraith, Liam Canavan, Mack Williams, Michael Zinner, Nabs Adnan, Olivia Exposito, Olivia Fletcher, Shanae Thomas-Williams, Tineque Law, Sujanthan Satkunarajah, Alice Cooper, Breanne Ashwood, Colin Hartly, Kyan Esler, Merryn Purdy, Sean McBride, Sienna Levy, Sophie Cashin and Tom Fitzgerald.

Congratulations to this dynamic team. I am really looking forward to seeing more from Windmill Theatre Company.

Director: Sienna Iscaro
Music Director: Rachel Gorman
Choreographer: Guada Banez
Assistant Director: Mathew Arter
Assistant Choreographer: Joel Richardson
Producer: Peter Verhagen
Production Designer: Danny Ginsberg
Sound Designer: Tom Conroy
Lighting Designer: David Brown
Costume Designer: Amy Planner
Set Design: Ed Giling, Sean van Geyzel
Props Manager: Alison Robbie
Stage Manager: Karen Bates
Intimacy Coordinator: Josh Richardson
Program Designer: Luke Martin

More info: https://www.windmilltheatre.com.au/

Theatre Venue: Bunjil Place 2 Patrick NE Dr, Narre Warren is a magnificent theatre in outer Melbourne south east, lots of parking, next to a major shopping centre Fountain Gate. Exceptional canteen/cafe and tons of restaurants nearby.

To book tickets to & Juliet, please visit https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/juliet-windmill-theatre-company.

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42nd Street

42nd Street

42nd Street Rating

★★★★★

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Shuffle off to Nunawading in Melbourne to see 42nd Street PLAYING NOW at The Round. By far my favourite luxury theatre in the suburbs with one of my favourite community theatre companies, you will be toe tapping from start to finish.

This is a tap dancing show so it’s definitely my kind of show and if you’ve ever tapped, wanted to tap or just love the golden age of tapping on Broadway, this is also your show!

Produced by Babirra Music Theatre I already know it’s going to be stupendous not only because their productions are always of the highest quality, but also because they are celebrating their 70th year this year and that deserves very special shows indeed. Note here they do Disney’s ‘Frozen’ The Broadway Musical next. You can receive a discount for booking at the same time this show of ‘42nd Street’ (on now ‘til 7 June) AND ‘Frozen’ (on October 1-11).

Ticket link: https://www.theround.com.au/42ndStreet

The curtains open and a silly but clever voice reminder tells us to turn our phones off, that’s the first laugh and it’s followed by many more.

This is an old-fashioned musical set in 1933 but it never gets old. With ‘42nd STREET’ up in lights on the backdrop we’re “doing a show” with a cast said to be the “best in town”, and they are.

Chelsea Hyde takes the lead as naïve ‘Peggy Sawyer’, shy and cute with advanced tap skills and all-round talent. No wonder she got discovered for this role similar to her character seeking stardom.

Killer vocals are astonishing from the incredible Nicole Kapiniaris-Anson suitably playing the accomplished ‘Dorothy Brock’.

Richard Thomas as ‘Julian Marsh’ is exceptional in his acting and tops every sung note.

‘Billy Lawlor’ is played by Oliver Pinkett and I really felt he was a constant standout. When I see in the program he has dance trained for over 15 years, that’s no surprise.

 

42nd Street
42nd Street
42nd Street

 

Comical moments where Dorothy jetés off stage is so funny after she’s purposely portrayed a lack in dance ability, the multiple kisses between Peggy and Julian are well done in fun and ‘Maggie Jones’ (played by Suzie Ryrie) convincing ‘Abner Dillon’ (played by Tim Maloney) to let Dorothy go, is just one part when these two add their own touch of humour. ‘Bert Barry’ (played by Jeremy Russo) was another and the favourite character of my husband who continued to laugh at basically anything he did or said.

I loved the scene using light behind a giant white curtain creating shadows big and small and I also loved the lunch with Maggie and Peggy. Five stars here to Jordan French, Hayley Wootten, Annabelle Windsor and Madeleine Magetti for making this extra engaging with great interaction on stage.

The rest of the girls tapping their hearts out and stepping up in ‘bit’ parts performed every tiny morsel of their role with the biggest personalities and SMILES! Abby James, Alivia Stewart, Ella Moeller, Jade Phillips, Chelsea Fensom, Nina Goeghegan, Holly Bromley, Sheona Gregg and Erin Jankelowitz, were all an absolute JOY to watch every second. The umbrella dancers were gorgeous, and particularly on the fab costuming I note those very unique giant flowers!

Rob Blowers, Joshua Houston, Bradley West, Sean Wharley, Simon Evans, Jack Moeller, Alex Anderson, Caleb Waterworth, Andrew Steen, James Kaiser, Jacob McKenna and Chris Anderson – all AMAZING!! So fantastic to see so many guys up there tapping on those steps (especially in the top hats) and being the extra dancers, singers, actors throughout, or as in Rob’s case expertly playing ‘Pat Denning’. Smaller roles are not lesser roles, they are the lifeblood beneath.

I imagine the excellent set construction took some effort with use of many different projected digital backdrops working so seamlessly that sometimes it was hard to see where the digital imagery started and the tangible set pieces began. Loved the massive dimes too, but the folding train was a showstopper!

Above all, you are going to hear extraordinary music by the live Orchestra and see some extraordinary dancing throughout the entirety of this show; certainly more tapping than you’ll see at anything else.

Yes, if you love tap dancing you simply can’t miss 42nd Street; if you love musicals you simply can’t miss 42nd Street; and finally, if you love supporting local community theatre whatever it be, you simply cannot miss 42nd Street.

Do yourself a favour, grab your old time musical loving friends and make it the best night (or matinee) out. I thank the wonderful Babirra Music Theatre team for giving me that chance today.

President – Jaison Hoernel
Director – Alan Burrows
Musical Director – Marty Macaulay
Choreographer – Susan Lewis
Costume Designer – Ely Tapp
Set Designer – Chris Anderson
Production Manager – Jo Brincat
Production and Props – Steve Cavell
Stage Manager – Arlene Miller
Lighting Designer – Deryk Hartwick
Sound Designer – Marcello Lo Ricco

Orchestra – Shirley White, Brad Slater, James Bradley, Catherine Buxton, Michelle Brown, Joel Dullard, Matthew Holzinger, Jenter Zilm, Sam Fitzgerald, Sean Lambert, Sienna Couzens, Jonty Smith, Ryan Parks, Bryn Bowen, Darryl Barron, Cody Legett, Sean McBride.

To find out more see: https://babirra.org.au/

To book tickets to 42nd Street, please visit https://www.theround.com.au/42ndStreet.

Photographer: Matthew Chen

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SAINTING JOAN: A New Rock Musical

Sainting Joan

Sainting Joan Rating

★★★★★

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‘Sainting Joan’ playing now!

Saint Peter’s Basilica is filled to the brim with spirits as preparation for the sainting begins. Nearly five hundred years after the English burned her at the stake, the French hero is getting officially recognised. Jealous kings and corrupt judges play devils advocate to Joan’s legacy, while the spirits of her friends and allies remember her courage, impact, and general bad-assery.

This impressive piece of new work written by VCA graduate, ABIGAIL BANISTER-JONES (also playing the lead role of Joan), is a jovial and somewhat educational look at the life and times of Joan of Arc. A significant person in history, I knew little of Joan before seeing this rock musical in St Kilda opening with a full audience!

A fire rock-musical production of original songs and dialogue engages the audience to feel transported to the canonisation of Joan after her actual death date. Will they or won’t they make Joan a saint? Should they or shoudn’t they? Ghosts of Joan’s time, including Joan herself, take us on the journey of poor peasant girl to a mighty leader saving France.

A cast of 8 talented Melbournians rock out to music with an impressive band of drums, guitar, bass and keyboard playing at the back of the stage in full view the entire show. At first, I thought that might be distracting but as there are no ‘scene’ changes you will quickly become involved in what is going on in front of you and just enjoy the music coming from the rear complementing the overall story perfectly.

 

Sainting Joan
Sainting Joan
Sainting Joan

 

Costuming is fantastic. A predominantly red, black and white colour scheme is used extremely well. The red sheer over Joan in her time of passing I thought was exceptionally done and how the actor underneath didn’t lose the fine fabric amongst a lot of movement was well rehearsed.

I absolutely loved the folding arms circling trio looking spooky with a complete change in their facial expressions to relate to the doom of Joan and how she does what she does explained by the threesome in words and song and facials was thoroughly entertainingly entrancing to watch. My favourite scene for sure.

The choreography is to be commended lots of very clever combinations and performed with precise spacing from everyone, big cheer!

The King is expertly played on all counts as is Archbishop (my favourite character overall), typical of the era are their accents and hierarchy displayed, and with some fast and extensive lines I really thought these two together were great fun particularly in the more comic moments. My friend I took along loved the General and as a singer herself noted some beautiful harmonies here too.

‘God is not French!’ had us all laughing along with a ton of other witty quotes and unexpected outbursts.

Bravo to the entire cast and creative team behind what I can see could become a sold out season.

Please do go and support this small theatre and its productions:

https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/sainting-joan

Playing 20-30 May at the Explosives Factory. Entry is via a laneway, upstairs and they offered bar drinks and snacks before the 80min show with no interval. The 80 minutes flew by!

WRITER/DIRECTOR – Abigail Banister-Jones

MUSIC DIRECTOR/ARRANGER – Lachlan Obst

CHOREOGRAPHER – Francesco Mandarino

COSTUME DESIGNER – Hannah McGlinchly

LIGHTING DESIGNER – Stuti Ghosh

STAGE MANAGER – Lowana van Dorssen

CO-PRODUCER – Janvi Sikand

CAST

JOAN OF ARC – Abigail Banister-Jones

KING CHARLES – Emerson Hansford

ISABELLE – Bek Schilling

ARCHBISHOP – Cassie Ogle

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE – James Colbourn-Keogh

GENERAL DUNOIS – Gemma Caruana

PRINCE LOUIS – Riley Street

ROBERT DE BAUDRICORT – Brittany Ng

BAND

KEYS – Lachlan Obst

GUITAR – Timothy Chivers

BASS – Lou Hogue

DRUMS – Victoria Mertonidis

To book tickets to Sainting Joan, please visit https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/sainting-joan.

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Les Misérables

Les Misérables

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!

 

Les Misérables
Les Misérables
Les Misérables

 

‘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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