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MY FAIR LADY – Closing Week!

12 June 202511 June 2025 Debra Campbell

My Fair Lady Rating

★★★★★

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See it by Sunday!

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!

Ticket link and details to be involved via https://babirra.org.au/

Instagram: babirra_music_theatre

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

To book tickets to My Fair Lady, please visit https://www.theround.com.au/whats-on/my-fair-lady-babirra.

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Comic-Con: A Con for connection, and a love letter to local artists.

3 June 2025 Nicole V

Oz Comic-Con: Adelaide Rating

★★★★★

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Oz Comic-Con is not only for comic book fans (although the con does boast a comic book lounge, equipped with bean bags and comic books to borrow), but for fans of any following. As you walk around the showground, you may spot Deadpool and Wolverine hanging out, but you could run into John Wick, the Doctor and his TARDIS, Darth Vader or Captain Rex, Freddy Fazbear, Hatsune Miku, and countless others.

There’s a consistent buzz of excitement in the air while like-minded people meet others from within their fandoms during the community space meetups; exchanging fan theories, trading cards, and keyrings at the trading post; giving tips on how to improve your cosplay game at the workshop stage; and meeting the voice actors from popular shows such as “Hazbin Hotel”, “Genshin Impact”, “Fire Emblem Heroes”, and more. If you ever get lost, the volunteers roaming the space are all very friendly and more than happy to help.

The big names (in alphabetical order) for Oz Comic-Con, with schedules for autographs, photo opportunities, meet and greets, and Q&A’s, consisted of: Brandon Rogers (“Helluva Boss”; “Hazbin Hotel), Catherine Tate (“The Catherine Tate Show”; “Doctor Who”), Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad”; “The Mandalorian”), Laila Berzins (“Genshin Impact”; “HunterXHunter”), and Ratana (“Genshin Impact”; “Fire Emblem”). The lines to meet these talented actors and voice actors were so thick, the tables for the talent were not visible, only their official Oz Comic-Con signs on the wall above their heads. Seating for the Q&A’s filled rapidly for each new guest – if you wanted to see your favourite actor, you had to be sure to line up early!

Along the outskirts of Artists Alley, there is a Comic-Con store, for all your previous Comic-Con guests’ autograph needs; a space for tabletop gaming, where a collection of games, including “Catan” and “Rummikub”, are available to play with your friends; the Australian eSports League has a setup of PC and consoles to show off your skills; learn to play “Magic: The Gathering” trading card game with friends or strangers; and show off your dance moves on the Just Dance stage. The South Australian chapter of “Ghostbusters” can be found roaming, keeping everyone safe, while Daleks stand on guard next to the main stage, whether they were ready to pose with fans, or pose a threat, remained unclear.

Roaming Artists Alley, be sure to give yourself time to look at each booth, otherwise your neck may snap from trying to take in everything at once! The booths range in size, giving a marketplace, or bazaar-like, experience, with t-shirts, oversized biscuits, anime and manga collectables, Funko Pop Characters, local-made honey and mead (yes, at the same booth), handmade tankards and leather goods, framed insects, handmade jewellery, Melbourne’s Dr. Pickles tattoos, and even the ADF and Beyond Blue, talking to curious customers about how to join or volunteer with them.

The smaller booths consist of six rows of local artists showcasing their talents and merchandise on single tables – some with shelving, some with displays almost six feet high, and some with simple printouts – ranging from keychains to art posters to novels and much, much more. Artists were local, most being from Adelaide, but some hailed from interstate, excited to meet fans and introduce their work to new people. All the artists are more than excited to talk about their work, answering questions and having a casual conversation in general.

Kylie Chan, Queensland author of the “Dark Heavens” series, said she found herself excited to be meeting the next generation of fans. Owen Heitmann, Adelaide comic creator, explained that people come to cons to see and buy what they know, so the con provides an opportunity for local artists to expand their network, without having to rely on social media – a statement that both Keelan Ash of killustrate_illustrations and Lushie from Lushie’s Art both agreed with.

Oz Comic-Con is more than a home base for fans to emerge and converge, it’s an opportunity for local artists to show themselves to a wider audience, and it’s a fun, safe space for exhibitors, attendees, guests, and volunteers alike. Service pets are allowed, the spaces are wide enough for electric wheelchairs and scooters to roam freely (the throngs of people may be the largest obstacle), and the Code of Conduct means Oz Comic-Con protects those of all ages and dis/abilities.

Popular culture is alive, thriving, and … popular! Don’t miss out on a chance for those collectables, and a chance to meet like-minded fans.

To book tickets to Oz Comic-Con in your city, please check for dates and times @ https://ozcomiccon.com/.

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Les Misérables: Unstoppable Icon

3 June 2025 Paul Ellicott

Les Miserables Rating

★★★★★

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Celebrating 40 years since its’ debut, Les Misérables is now the world’s longest running musical; Within moments of The Arena Spectacular’s opening, it is clear why. While legendary producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh correctly notes the production would succeed with only work lights on an empty stage, The Arena Spectacular boasts 110 world-class actors, musicians, and crew, from 17 nationalities (including one dog), incorporating sensational lighting, a lavishly constructed stage, and phenomenal costuming and makeup.

Complete the picture with a full orchestra and LED screens, in a venue and with effects more associated with rock concerts than musicals, and you have an intensely immersive show, monumentally embodying a ‘more is more’ mantra. While simpler productions of Les Misérables retain the resonance to rouse, the scale and spectacle here create a dazzling and impactful rendition of an unstoppable icon.

The quality of The Arena Spectacular exceeds expectations, even those informed upon the caliber of the cast and creatives involved; While Bradley Jaden provides a virtuoso performance as Javert the evening I attend, his alternate in the role, Michael Ball, was a member of the original Royal Shakespeare Company production performed in London in 1985, as Marius Pontmercy. The expressively hilarious Marina Prior gives grimy gaud in the role of Madame Thénardier, having played Cosette in the original Australian production back in 1987; A trim looking Matt Lucas charismatically reprises the role of Thénardier opposite her, 15 years after he first performed that role in the 25th Anniversary show at the O2 Arena in London – providing fine comedic relief while also hinting at his character’s attrition from surviving through hardship.

However, it is Lucas’s alumni from the 25th anniversary production who steals the show the night I attend; Tony award winner and Grammy nominee Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean gives a tour de force performance, with exceptional vocal ability unsurprising of a renowned opera singer with resume outside of the musicals, in addition to beautifully nuanced character delivery, showing equal measures of strength and sensitivity in what is essentially the story of his character’s struggles and redemption. Boe’s interplay with other Cast is excellent, the scenes with Bradley Jaden’s Javert especially memorable. Jaden deserves notice for performing Javert with sufficient sympathy, charisma, and recognition to bring likability to such an antagonist; His character’s turmoil and ultimate unravelling are hard-hitting.

Mary-Jean Caldwell is aching and ethereally lovely in the role of Fantine the evening I attend; The fact this pitch-perfect performer understudies that role, otherwise being credited as Factory Girl in the Brochure, suggests an embarrassment of riches to draw from in the cast. As Marius Pontmercy, Jac Yarrow (or was it Harry Grant Smith?) is another standout, showing strong vocals and great connection, especially in scenes with Beatrice Penny-Touré’s Cosette, and Beth Curnock’s Eponine.

Youngsters Christopher Joseph and Scarlett Sheludko also excel in their respective roles of Gavroche and young Cosette. I did not see the latter, who is reminiscent of a young Lea Salonga, in the curtain call – and suspect that was due to it being after her bedtime. The overall standard of the entire Cast, including the Ensemble, is excellent; All bring presence, dedication, and authenticity in their roles – which they are beautifully made-up and attired to perform. I would be remiss not to mention the Orchestra, under the direction of Adrian Kirk, who tell their sonic story phenomenally.

I do wonder whether the LED screens could have been utilized more throughout the show; While the amplified images of the performers built intimacy and connection which may have otherwise have been lost for audience members in the back rows, the LEDs could have been used to create stage effects (i.e., the rain conspicuously missing during ‘A Little Fall of Rain’) or otherwise fill in plot points referred to but unseen in the production (i.e., Valjean’s feats of strength and bravery). The stage setup, while textured and dynamic, also limits movement of the main characters to a narrow channel, overall. However, such criticisms are picky; The enduring impression and execution of Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular are triumphant, upholding the legacy of a beloved cultural touchstone, creating its own place in history. The audience were moved to tears throughout, and from their seats in ovation at the conclusion.

To book tickets to Les Miserables, please visit https://lesmisarenatour.com.au/.

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The Class Of 85 – Bach Akademie Australia

3 June 2025 Cherelle

The Class Of 85 Rating

★★★★★

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Last night I experienced something absolutely incredible: “The Class of ’85” by the Bach Akademie Australia featuring the divine voices of mezzo-soprano Hannah Fraser and soprano Susannah Lawergren.

The remarkable performance was held within the exquisite grandeur of St James’ Anglican Church Sydney, which was consecrated in February 1824 and named in honour of St James the Great. It is the oldest standing church in Sydney and reminiscent of a bygone era. The walls are adorned with plaques in memory of people from hundreds of years ago. I felt engulfed in the memories and rich history and I couldn’t resist pondering on all the events that might have taken place in the majestic building.

Initially, I was longing for the pipe organs standing before me to come to life but I was quickly comforted by the rare sound of a live harpsichord accompanying the orchestral melodies played by ten immensely talented musicians. One of the amazing violinists, Madeleine Easton, is the Artistic Director and founder of Bach Akademie Australia, she has graced international stages and was even invited to perform at King Charles’ coronation, performing on her 1682 Giovanni Grancino violin.

“The Class of ’85” is a tribute and exploration of four of the world’s most significant composers- Bach and his contemporaries Handel, Rameau, and Scarlatti. It is almost unfathomable that Domenico Scarlatti, George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach were all born in the same year-1685 and only within a few hundred kilometres of each other. These remarkable musicians have continued to shape the world hundreds of years later with their incredible compositions.

But how did three such remarkable musicians, all born in the same year, become so noted in the same Baroque period? Was it that they influenced each other, or urged the other to succeed, or was it a simultaneous opportunity seized to create in the same musical movement? Either way, they are still impacting the world hundreds of years later and their influence on music and the arts has remained overwhelmingly steadfast. They have left behind a legacy that will surely live on indefinitely.

The vocal performances of Hannah Fraser and Susannah Lawergren were absolutely spellbinding. The perfect resonating acoustics in the church added to what I felt was an ethereal experience. My feelings were obviously shared by the entire audience whose chins were arched and heads visibly swaying, rendered overcome with emotion. So much so, that there was a compelling desire to close your eyes as to absorb the music in its entirety.

The entire church was engulfed by the beauty and spectacular experience. A pin drop could be heard. Not a soul spoke or whispered; it was as if a spell had been cast upon the room and only broken by intermittent applause.

I feel so humbled and honoured to have been invited to review this incredible performance: a cultural experience that has surely marked myself and other audience members for life. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to experience your excellence and witness a musical performance of the highest imaginable calibre.

To learn more about the Bach Akademie Australia, please visit https://www.bachakademieaustralia.com.au/.

Photographer: Keith Saunders

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