Showgirl Grit, Cabaret Wit: The Soul of a Siren

Confessions of a Drama Queen

Confessions of a Drama Queen Rating

Click if you liked this article

This is burlesque with bite. I walked into Confessions of a Drama Queen expecting fishnets and feathers — but what I got was something far bolder: a woman reclaiming her life, body, and sexuality, on her own terms and in her own glorious style. Yes, it’s sexy but also soulful, self-aware, and delightfully risque — equal parts sparkle and steel.

Behind the lashes, lingerie and big belt vocals of Songbird Siren is Megan Walshe. A seasoned Sydney burlesque bombshell who’s earned her stripes wowing crowds—from sultry lounges to cruise ship catwalks. She was also a finalist in the MX Burlesque NSW 2024 competition, with the scars and strut to prove it.

The structure of this one-hour show is deceptively loose and fanciful — a lively blend of skits, strips, vaudeville flair, memoir melodies, and clowning, all seamlessly stitched together. Occasionally, live piano flirts with a syncopated rhythm, adding a wink to the unfolding scenes. Songbird leads us through a raucous, rhinestone-strewn maze of glamour, heartbreak, and hilarity. The journey is a playful yet pointed provocation.

Confessions of a Drama Queen isn’t just cabaret. It’s a backstage pass to the gritty reality of performance life in Sydney through the eyes of a kick arse woman who spins sugar from the sour. It’s a tale of grit and staying power, of clutching your calling tight even when the world buries it beneath bills, rejections, and relentless grind. So while you get the naughty — tassels and tease galore — you’ll also be caught in the sweat and stamina.

 

 

There’s something deeply compelling and ironically voyeuristic in our fascination with what goes on behind the scenes: the heartbreak and the side hustles that fund the dream. While recounting her 27 no-skill jobs—from fairy floss spinner to Macca’s drive-through worker— she performs a fabulous ABBA medley that turns her struggle into something defiant, delivered with flair and self-deprecating humour.

Two clowns (Alexis Hutchinson and Carla Field) provided sharply timed satire as her assistants, and a third silent-yet-essential presence, Jared Jekyll, quietly and comically tidied the trail of costumes and props left in her wake. Together, they conjure a world of slapstick and sincerity with pitch-perfect absurdity whilst effortlessly layering the commentary onto the main story.

Throughout the show, Songbird unfolded her personas much like Gypsy Rose Lee’s life, marked by reinvention and resilience behind the glamour. From desperate musical theatre graduate to cheesy cruise ship numbers, then a very clever slow transition from strip club kitten to full-blown Showgirl Glamazon. This final form shimmered with self-possession. Her performance of “Never Smile at a Crocodile” was a standout. A song I’d never thought much of became, in her hands, a metaphor for staying away from those who diminish you or refuse to see you. She sang it with such tender poise and knowing, it struck a quiet, powerful chord.

Hayes Theatre Co has carved a reputation as Sydney’s home for bold new work — where musicals get gutsy and cabaret sharpens its edge. Their Winter Cabaret Season champions fearless voices in an intimate jewel box that consistently punches well above its weight, giving Sydney’s most adventurous performances the audience they deserve.

Confessions of a Drama Queen is less a performance and more a full-body reveal — a sparkle-soaked chronicle of survival and sheer showbiz grit. Equal parts showstopper, confessional, and comeback story, it’s the backstage juice we’re all secretly dying to hear. Don’t miss it — sass up, sparkle on, and get ready for a truth-telling strip with heart.

To book tickets to Confessions of a Drama Queen, please visit https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/confessions-of-a-drama-queen/.

Photographer: @Apart.Photography

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

No Love Songs: Poignant And Impactful

No Love Songs

No Love Songs Rating

Click if you liked this article

1

“No Love Songs” was my first visit to the newly opened Foundry Theatre located inside The Star Casino’s glamorous building. The quaint size and layout of the theatre creates an immersive and intimate experience for the audience and I look forward to spectating many more shows in this fabulous new venue. The acoustics and viewing would be fantastic from any seat in the theatre which makes it, in my opinion, a very inviting theatre. 

The “No Love Songs” musical is based on the book written by Laura Wilde and Johnny McKnight which was inspired by real-life experiences of Kyle Falconer and his partner Laura Wilde. The featured songs are written by the musician Kyle Falconer.

The musical stars the incredible Keegan Joyce and Lucy Maunder and is co-directed by Andrew Panton and Tashi Gore. Music direction is expertly provided by Mark Chamberlain.

“No Love Songs” is a harmonious Yin and Yang balance of grief and joy, sublimely written to strike the audience with the juxtaposition of tears and laughter. The script is superbly written with natural flowing dialogue and a generous sprinkle of witty comedic gags, all of which were delivered impeccably by the stars Lucy Maunder and Keegan Joyce. 

The script delves deeply into themes of depression, loneliness and relationships. It highlights the importance of bringing light to the hardships of parenting and in particular post natal depression. Shedding light on these ‘once unspoken’ topics, yet still not spoken enough about, is vital for urging more conversations, actions and reassurance. 

The writer has truly achieved a very natural realistic depiction of struggling young parents in their personal relationship together and with their child. I’m certain most can relate to the struggles couples face: keeping in combined rhythm, picking up the missed beats for each other and being cautious not to drop the drumsticks altogether into a fathomless pit of no return. 

It was a stellar performance by Lucy Maunder and Keegan Joyce, two immensely talented industry professionals. The acting diversity of both is applaudable and easy to understand their great successes to date and undoubtedly in the future. They delivered unfaltering honest character portrayals coupled with brilliant vocals and musicianship. Neither could be faulted in their brilliant hard hitting performance. Their casting was a commendable choice and they admirably portrayed a convincing real-life couple. 

Staging, costumes and props were minimal which felt authentic to the script. Unnecessary props and elaborate staging would have likely depreciated the poignant impactful themes. The music may not leave you singing as you leave the theatre or asking Google to play the soundtrack but I don’t feel like that was the intention. The obvious intentions of the “No Love Songs” musical is to be conversation striking, thought provoking and impactful and these intentions are mastered to perfection. 

No Love Songs is on tour around the country. For date/time sessions for your local area and to book tickets to No Love Songs, please visit https://www.nolovesongs.com.au/.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Every Note Speaks What Words Can’t

No Love Songs

No Love Songs Rating

Click if you liked this article

1

What is it about a love song? It awakens something in us we can’t put into words. Love is the ultimate subject—it defines us, moves us, and makes us count. It comes in many forms, each as complex and transformative as the next.

Through bold storytelling and evocative melodies, No Love Songs swiftly shifts from the thrill of a new love to the profound, painful reality of losing yourself within it. Overflowing with enormous compassion and warmth, it delves into the raw intricacies of identity, relationships, and loss.

Inspired by the real-life experiences of co-writers Laura Wilde and her partner Kyle Falconer, the show draws from Falconer’s second solo album, No Love Songs for Laura (2021). Co-written by Johnny McKnight, delves into the relationship dynamics between Lana, a new mother, and Jessie, a songwriter at a crossroads. Beyond exploring career ambitions and new parenthood, it fearlessly addresses the often-unspoken challenges of postnatal depression. While this may seem like a confronting topic (and it is) the show’s heartfelt authenticity and humour make it both engaging and ultimately hopeful.

The success of this show hinges on the power and skill of its two actors, who bring a deeply personal journey to life through a duologue of contrasting perspectives that navigates the complexities of parenthood. Through soliloquies and inner monologues, the audience gains insight into their internal struggles, highlighting the deep yet often amusing gap between what they feel and what they express.

An undeniable spark lit up the stage whenever Keegan Joyce and Lucy Maunder performed together. Opposites truly attract—Joyce’s self-effacing, endearing charisma perfectly complemented Maunder’s bold, brassy power. Both hit every note effortlessly, their palpable chemistry making each moment feel relatable and electric, leaving me to wonder if they were a couple in real life.

The Foundry is the perfect new space for this inaugural musical – intimate enough to capture moments of stillness, yet expansive enough for the vocals to soar. The minimal yet impactful musical accompaniment—guitar, keyboard, and percussion—acts as the third character, subtly deepening the emotional layers of the story without overshadowing the intimate moments. The songs were catchy, not Top 40 hits, but expertly crafted to integrate and enhance the narrative. At times, the atmosphere strayed into rock opera territory, amplifying the intensity but there were also poignant, quieter moments that could have been pared down just a bit to sustain the overall momentum of the performance.

What stood out most was that Lana and Jessie felt like real people, pouring out their hearts, songs, and stories while stumbling through a world full of challenges beyond anyone’s full understanding or control. Their dynamic felt less like a performance and more like a confession.

As the audience shuffled out, an elderly gentleman turned to me—a complete stranger—his voice heavy with emotion, and said, “I now understand what my mother went through.” I paused, absorbing the weight of his words, and replied, “Me too.” At that moment, it became clear why Wilde and Falconer wrote this show.

Postpartum depression remained a taboo topic until the late 20th century, with stigma lingering despite growing awareness in the 2000s. This story has rarely been told publicly – let alone shared on stage- but it resonates powerfully across generations. By sharing these deeply personal experiences, we help others, and ourselves, to connect, heal, and feel less alone. When there is no villain, no antagonist, no clear balance – sometimes, that makes both life and theatre equally difficult and beautiful.

This is not your usual escapist musical filled with hearts and roses. It’s an aching, engrossing love letter to the messy, wonderful, awful chaos of being human. Great stories unravel hearts and open minds. Raw, cathartic, and unflinchingly authentic, No Love Songs delivers just that.

No Love Songs is on tour around the country. For date/time sessions for your local area and to book tickets to No Love Songs, please visit https://www.nolovesongs.com.au/.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Gold, Gods, and Glory: Discovering the Inca Empire at the Australian

MachuPicchu

MachuPicchu Rating

Click if you liked this article

Stepping into the Australian Museum’s Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition feels like crossing a threshold into another time—one brimming with gold-laden rituals, powerful gods, and a civilisation both mystical and masterful. More than just a collection of artefacts, this exhibition weaves storytelling and sensory experiences, immersing visitors in the grandeur and mystery of the Inca Empire and Andean cultures.

Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city perched high in the Andes, has fascinated history enthusiasts and travellers alike for centuries. The ruins of this once-thriving civilisation provide a window into a world that feels both distant and timeless, offering an intriguing blend of the known and the mysterious. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Inca Empire, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of its enigmatic world.

Rather than a traditional exhibition, this experience unfolds like a theatrical production, with each room revealing a new act in the story of the Inca civilisation. One of its strongest elements is the narrative structure, which, like a well-directed play, uses light, sound, and pacing to draw visitors into the story. Moody lighting, atmospheric soundscapes, and interactive displays combine to create a powerful sensory journey. This approach makes each artefact feel integral to the grand drama. Visitors don’t just observe—they step into the heart of ancient Inca culture, moving through curated displays that highlight both the grandeur of Inca society and the deep spirituality woven into its everyday life.

 

Gold, symbolising the sun, and silver, representing the moon, were central to Inca culture and both were seen as divine. The exhibition’s stunning jewellery and ceremonial garb beautifully illustrate the Inca’s reverence for these precious metals, which were believed to guide the deceased into the afterlife. Among the highlights is a gold necklace featuring tiny frogs, each intricately created to showcase the beauty and precision of Inca craftsmanship.

A standout moment is the sacrificial ceremony display, handled with care and respect. Through evocative art, narration, lighting, and artefacts, it delves into this often-misunderstood aspect of Inca spirituality, while also drawing connections to modern-day rituals that echo these ancient practices. The warrior section further enriches this narrative, using video art and historical artefacts to bring the myths of the Inca to life.

The interactive journey of Ai Apaec offers a visual feast, with finely crafted drinking spouts symbolising the Inca’s spiritual connection to the divine and their understanding of life, nature, and the cosmos. In contrast, a section on Inca erotic artefacts provides a straightforward exploration of this aspect of their society, presented with historical integrity.

The Machu Picchu room offers a concise yet informative look at the iconic site through photographs and text. While it focuses more on historical context than on artefacts from the location, it serves as a thoughtful conclusion to the exhibition’s broader significance. Given the immersive storytelling and rich cultural displays, this section complements the experience rather than defining it.

 

Throughout this journey, visitors can use an audio guide, which enhances the experience with additional insights. Given the level of detail in the displays, this is highly recommended for those wanting to delve deeper into Inca history. For an add-on fee, you can experience a cutting-edge virtual reality visit to Machu Picchu, where you’ll see, hear, and feel the mysterious city in the sky.

The Australian Museum consistently excels at curating exhibitions that are immersive and educational, bringing history to life in ways that captivate audiences of all ages. Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is a shining example of this, demonstrating the power of storytelling through historical displays that seamlessly blend education, emotion, and artistry into an unforgettable experience.

With ticket prices covering entry to the rest of the museum, this exhibition is more than worth the visit. Whether you’re drawn to the mystery of lost civilisations or simply appreciate exquisite craftsmanship, it brings the legacy of the Inca Empire and Andean cultures to life in an immersive and profoundly meaningful way.

To book tickets to MachuPicchu, please visit https://australian.museum/exhibition/machu-picchu/

Spread the word on your favourite platform!