Comedy Legend Stephen Curry Is The King Of The Castle In Monty Python’s Spamalot!!!

Feature-MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT

MELBOURNE & SYDNEY: Drew Anthony Creative is thrilled to reveal the sensational new cast for the upcoming east coast season of MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. Legendary Australian actor and comedian Stephen Curry will make his musical theatre debut, stepping into the regal shoes of King Arthur. Sharing the spotlight with Stephen will be powerhouse vocalist and theatre performer Jaz Flowers, who will star as the enchanting Lady of the Lake for the Melbourne season – while the celebrated musical theatre star Marney McQueen assumes the mystical role for the Sydney performances. The production will also feature the sharp comedic wit of rising stand-up comedian and Tik Tok sensation Nick White, tackling the formidable role of Man of Many Characters.

Stephen Curry is a household name in Australian entertainment, etched into the national psyche since his breakout role as Dale Kerrigan in the cinematic classic The Castle. A versatile and celebrated character actor, his recent screen triumphs include standout roles in Population 11, Bay of Fires, and Ten Pound Poms, as well as an appearance in the blockbuster Thor: Love and Thunder. His distinguished career across the small screen spans beloved titles such as Fisk, Rake, Cloudstreet, and The Secret Life of Us. Stephen’s masterful portrayal in The King earned him the trifecta of an AFI Award, a Silver Logie, and an ASTRA Award for Best Actor. Further accolades include a Film Critics Circle Award for his work in Hounds of Love and a prestigious 2024 Silver Logie nod for Bay of Fires.

Award winning performer, Jaz Flowers will take on the role of the mystical diva, The Lady of The Lake at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from September 16 until October 4. Jaz is best known for her Sydney Theatre Award-winning and Helpmann-nominated portrayal of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. Her stage career includes acclaimed roles as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers The Musical, Oz in We Will Rock You, and April in Hot Shoe Shuffle. Jaz’s other credits include a Helpmann-nominated performance in Fame The Musical, as well as roles in Shane Warne the Musical and Cabaret. She was also a featured artist on The Voice on Keith Urban’s team.

Charismatic Australian performer Marney McQueen, who recently delivered a stellar performance as Celine Dion in the hit show Titanique is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most versatile performers. For the season at the Sydney Event Centre at the Star Sydney from 15 – 18 October, and the Coliseum Theatre in Western Sydney from 22 – 25 October, Marney will bring her comedic and vocal prowess to the role of The Lady of The Lake. Marney’s extensive career has seen her tour the world in both musical theatre and comedy. Her theatrical credits include her debut in the Australian premiere of Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical, starring as ‘Velma Von Tussle’ in Hairspray, and appearing as ‘Nina’ in Dreamlover alongside David Campbell.

One of the fastest-rising figures in Australian comedy, Nick White has built a massive following with his unique blend of sketch comedy, characters, and impressions making him an ideal choice for the demanding role of Man of Many Characters. After originally training as an architect, Nick transitioned to comedy full-time in 2022 and has since amassed an enormous following on social media, and performed at some of the world’s most iconic stand up comedy venues. This role will also be Nick’s musical theatre debut.

“I am absolutely thrilled to unveil such an exceptionally gifted company of performers. This production is both hilarious and inspiring, and this cast is perfectly poised to breathe life into these wonderful characters,” said producer/director Drew Anthony. “Following our stellar run in Perth, the initial reaction to this show on the east coast has been astounding. People are clearly looking for the brighter side of life right now! I encourage everyone to secure their seats soon as possible!”

Further cast announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT features Eric Idle’s book and lyrics alongside a score by Idle and John Du Prez, offering a hilarious and irreverent parodic of musical theatre filled with show-stopping vocals and tap-dancing knights. A contemporary landmark, SPAMALOT won three Tony Awards after its 2005 Broadway debut.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from 16 September until 4 October. The show will play at the Sydney Event Centre at the Star Sydney from 15 – 18 October, before transferring to Coliseum Theatre in Western Sydney where it will play from 22 – 25 Oct 2026.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public for Melbourne on Friday 19 June and for Sydney on Monday 29 June via www.ticketmaster.com.au.

This production is recommended for audiences 12 years +.

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Nothing Rotten Here

House Of Rot

House Of Rot Rating

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‘House Of Rot’, Hayes Theatre, Potts Point, is a stunning piece of cabaret by Dino Dimitriadis and Victoria Falconer. Inspired by the documentary, ‘Grey Gardens’, about an aunt and cousin to Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis. These two wealthy women suffer a dramatic decline from wealth to poverty and become eccentric recluses. Paul Capsis and Adam Noviello have a blast playing these two lost souls. Capsis is Big Edie and Noviello is little Edie.

The opening number doesn’t feature the two protagonists. Victoria Falconer gives a beguiling rendition of ‘Windmills Of Your Mind’. What a voice! Her vocal skills and piano playing panache have the audience in wonder. ‘Windmills’ also closes the show. It’s such a poignant song for this cabaret. Falconer shines again when she performs a violin solo piece, which is deeply evocative.

Capsis and Noviello talk at the audience a lot. It’s their theatrical trick. This technique is particularly effective for their banter. When Capsis utters “that he misses boredom”, everyone erupts with laughter. Capsis’ comic timing is a skill to behold.

This cabaret has an eclectic mix of songs. ‘I Touch Myself’ ( a nude Noviello playing piano), ‘Tea For Two’, ‘Young And Beautiful’ and ‘I Am What I Am”. When the Capsis and Noviello combination really soars is when they perform a duet of Sondheim’s ‘Send In The Clowns’ and The Cranberries’, ‘Zombie’. It’s such a daring duet that works. Noviello is very tall and slim. (A contrast to the small, stockiness of Capsis). He glides across the stage in a haunted, rebellious fashion. When Adam sings, one can tell that he loves to really launch his voice. It’s powerful. Capsis does more than match this younger performer. It’s obvious these two actors know how to bring the best out of each other.

 

 

‘House Of Rot’, is a special production in a special space. The set with it’s black chairs, black walls and black floor, is striking. The actors are dressed in stylish black ensembles, as well. It all looks very slick.

Hayes Theatre in Potts Point, is quickly establishing itself as the place to be in Sydney. It’s a cosy theatre, which is perfect for the claustrophobic existence of these two recluses. Loneliness, aging and isolation are all put under the microscope.

Any time Paul Capsis goes on stage, there is an expectation that the show will be world-class. Being able to get up close and personal with the performers on this show, is thrilling.

‘House Of Rot’, is a 70 minute romp. The time frame doesn’t make you feel cheated. Quality triumphs over quantity every time. I’m sure Paul Capsis gets a standing ovation whenever he struts his stuff. He did his best to look genuinely surprised when the audience rose as one to salute him, Noviello and Falconer. I love Hayes Theatre too, for its intimacy. Musical theatre is joyous in a cosy space. The acting fraternity feel the same. At every Hayes performance, it’s easy to spot actors in the audience. They adore the place.

You’ll have to be quick to grab a ticket. This production will sell-out. ‘House Of Rot’, provides one of the most amazing theatrical experiences of the year.

To book tickets to House Of Rot, please visit https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/house-of-rot/.

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The Roommate

The Roommate

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We are taken to the Mid-West of the USA with a very tidy kitchen setting where everything has its place and would for the next umpteen years. Enter Sharon, wonderfully played by Lucy Bell with great comedic timing. Dressed in conservative jeans and the right blouse, her restlessness is evident. Her life is about to be turned inside out and upside down by someone who will reflect the questions she has started to ask herself. Who is she? Like water in a kettle the steam has to be released.

Jen Silverman’s dialogue is vital and clever highlighting one person’s search for freedom and another person demonstrating the price we may pay. The audience was in for a ride.

Robyn, her new roommate, a dry, sardonic and New York weary woman, shows up with obvious secrets trailing behind her. Wonderfully played with a great New York accent, she slowly reveals who she is as Sharon bluntly asks all the wrong questions. In hip New York clothing and announcing that she is alternative, two states and personalities meet. Boxes with Robyn’s hidden past pile up in the neat kitchen stirring Sharon’s curiosity propelling her forward to unleash her inner self. Even the milk has to change as Sharon is introduced to a different way of living and being.

 

 

The actors immediately present an uneasy chemistry between the two women revealing to Sharon that her learning French, pretending that she may go to Paris is all about seeking freedom but there is a price to pay. Sharon reflects all that Robyn isn’t and the audience senses that she is seeking the opposite. Searching for a conservative community and escaping her past life, she collides with Sharon and the two set off on a venture and adventure.

As Sharon moves forward and Robyn goes backwards, the kitchen unravels, rubbish is on the floor and boxes and memories are unpacked. Sharon reveals her personality and the audience laughs with her, not at her, and there is a sense of ‘go girl’ as she reveals her alter ego. At the same time, the audience observes with sympathy and empathy as Robyn is focusing on containing her previous way of life but is drawn to Sharon’s exuberant movement in to a new way of being and thinking.

The acting convinces the audience how Robyn is perfect as the foil to Sharon and the repartee between them is fast, funny and poignant at the same time. Distant children only visible on the phone add some sense of both women’s history and issues. Without giving the ending away, both move forward and there is a wonderful twist at the end.

To book tickets to The Roommate, please visit https://www.ensemble.com.au/shows/the-roommate/.

Photographer: Brett Boardman

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A Joyous New Musical

Uked!

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8

Uked! by Jane Cafarella, is a sing-along, play-along, bring your ukulele along, new musical at Bondi Pavilion Theatre. Like all charming romantic comedies, Uked! ensures you have a rollicking fun time.

The audience is introduced to Karla (Josephine Birch) who got dumped on her 50th birthday, by violin-playing Brian. We meet Karla in her lounge room. It’s a lovely set design by Tom Fahy, complete with a daggy sofa, large screen and life-size You-Tube display. Determined not to wallow, Karla embraces the quest to master the ukulele. This quest sees her accessing numerous You Tube channels that teach how to play the ukulele. Birch is one of those performers with instant likeability. She plays Karla with such warmth and an endearing goofiness. Here’s a woman who is single and has to look after her ailing Mum, whilst trying to find love. It’s a story many single people can relate to, as loneliness is increasing in our society.

Ian Stenlake (Stingers, Sea Patrol, 39 Steps), plays a multitude of ukulele teachers and a potential love interest. Characters such as Tiny Tom (yes, a Tiny Tim send-up), Spruiken Uken Luke, Baba Bill and Pierre Vert. Stenlake has a fabulous voice and brings these online tutors to life with distinctive accents and personalities. Stenlake oozes charm. It’s obvious he’s having a ball. I know actors don’t like being compared to other actors, but Stenlake can certainly match Hugh Jackman in talent and charisma.

As Karla learns songs, the audience can indeed play-along and sing-along, as the large screen displays lyrics and the chords. Gorgeous songs such ‘Happy Together’, ‘Mr. Sandman’, ‘Love Is In The Air’ and ‘Cabaret’, all feature along with many other toe-tapping tunes. Musicians, Kristin Harris and Jamie Sturgess bring a bounciness to the music. When all four performers pluck their ukuleles, it’s sheer magic.

 

 

This musical is relevant. It brings our reliance on the internet into complete focus. Many of us search for love via the Web, which of course, can be a tricky space to navigate. Karla learns the hard way that not all people are authentic. Yet, in typical Karla style, she moves on and discovers true love may be closer than she thinks.

Jane Cafarella’s ‘Uked’, is full of laugh-out-loud one liners. Karla announces that she went on a g and t diet and lost 2 days! There’s NUTS (Newstead Ukulele Troupe) and GRUBS (Guilford Regional Ukulele Band). It’s playful!

Ever since I saw Billy Connolly plucking his ukulele on stage, decades ago, I have been in love with this quirky instrument. The fact that Uked! is an interactive show adds to the enjoyment. If you don’t have a ukulele, you can buy one or hire one at the box office. David Spicer, the producer of the show, will make sure you have a ukulele in-hand.

Ali Bendall has directed this production with a sense of collaboration. All the performers have a wonderful ease with each other. Uked! draws parallels with ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, ‘Once’ and ‘Mamma Mia’. Overcoming heartbreak to reach a happy ending, is worthy of celebration.

The Bondi Pavillon Theatre’s semi-circle seating plan ensures everyone has a fabulous seat. Uked! is show you could see again and again, it’s that charming.

To book tickets to Uked!, please visit https://www.bonditheatrecompany.com.au/shows/uked-the-first-play-along-ukulele-musical.

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