I was lucky to snag an invitation to a sneak peek performance of [title of show] before it officially opens on Thursday, September 5th, and I have to say—I went in with no expectations and minimal context, and I left with my belly aching from laughter! This is a show that knows exactly what it is—a hilarious, self-aware romp through the chaotic world of musical theatre, and it embraces that absurdity with open arms.
The premise is as meta as it gets—a show about writing a show while performing the very show you’re writing. It’s the kind of inception-level madness that really makes you question where reality ends and the performance begins, and honestly, I loved every minute of it. The script is loaded with insider jokes that playfully tease everything from popular musicals and dreaded auditions to writer's block and the challenges of turning your passion into something marketable. If you’re in the industry, you’ll find yourself nodding along at the sheer relatability.
The brilliance of this production comes not only from the script but also from the fantastic cast that Director Ashleigh Cates has assembled: Mark Rickell, William Chen, Genevieve Tree, Skyah Fishpool, and Alex Angus. These cast members bounce off each other's energy with ease. Their delivery feels so natural and conversational that it blurs the lines between scripted and improvised—if there were any deviations from the script I couldn’t tell, and honestly, it didn’t matter because everything was downright funny. How they managed not to break character is beyond me—I would’ve been cracking up at my fellow actors' antics.
From the very first track, "Untitled Opening Number," the vocal harmonies are stellar, and Genevieve truly soars with her belting abilities. William Chen brings a likeability to Jeff that is hard to resist. You'd think he starts his day with a shot of pure adrenaline, given the energy he pours into every scene. His dynamic with Mark Rickell as Hunter is particularly compelling, especially in their duets "Two Nobodies in New York" and "Part of It All." These moments highlight not only their beautifully-balanced vocals but also their sharp comedic timing. Mark never falters in his characterisation, embodying Hunter with a mix of relentless optimism and slight vulnerability. His portrayal insists that no matter the odds, they keep chasing their dream, and it’s this drive that adds depth to his performance. Skyah Fishpool, as Susan, infuses the role with an irresistible, funky sass and undeniable flair that makes her role truly unforgettable.
The musical numbers are a rollercoaster of emotions, from the ridiculous "An Original Musical"—where Mark portrays the foul-mouthed 'Blank Paper'—to the stunning, tear-jerking solo "A Way Back to Then" performed by Genevieve as Heidi. Her vocals are absolutely breathtaking, truly capturing the essence of a Broadway star with every note. By the end of the number, you could feel the collective lump in everyone's throat—her performance was that powerful.
The duet between Skyah and Gen, "What Kind of Girl Is She?," stands out as a highlight, poking fun at the competitive nature often found between performers. Their other duet, "Secondary Characters," is a chaotic number that sees the girls hijacking the stage while the boys are offstage eating, adding to the show’s unpredictable charm. And then there’s "Die, Vampire, Die!"—a number that is equal parts hilarious and brutally honest. Skyah’s vocals are on fire, and the choreography, complete with a surprise death drop, is brilliant. This entire number is a masterclass in balancing humour with introspection, a recurring theme throughout the show.
A special shoutout is in order for the talented live pianist and sole musician, Alex Angus, who not only provides the musical backbone for the show but also joins in the on-stage madness as "Lara." The choreography by Jaide Camilleri is chaotic in the best way, especially during “Monkeys and Playbills,” where the girls in green morph suits comically embody the boys’ inner thoughts.
The minimalist set—featuring just four chairs and a keyboard, in line with the show-within-a-show concept—shows us that you don’t need elaborate scenery to create magic on stage. It allows the raw talent of the cast shine through. And believe me, with this group, that’s all you need. The lighting and sound design are on point, perfectly complementing the action on stage without overshadowing the performers.
Under Ashleigh's astute direction, this show is a testament to what can be achieved with a lot of heart, soul, and a sprinkle of craziness. [title of show] is an absolute treat for anyone who has ever fallen head over heels for musical theatre. So if you’ve ever found yourself belting out “Defying Gravity” in the shower or had a lively debate over the best Sondheim musical, this show is definitely for you. So do yourself a solid—grab a ticket, embrace the chaos, and prepare to laugh out loud. You absolutely won’t regret it!
Now playing from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th September at The Theatre @ 210 Petrie Terrace
Tickets available here
Photographs by Aylish @Artist_Focused
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