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A Tale of Small-Town Dynamics and Big Conversations On a sweltering Australia Day, I had the pleasure of seeing Mates Theatre Genesis Inc.'s production of ' The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race' , a heartwarming and insightful Aussie comedy written by Melanie Tait. Set in the fictional town of Appleton, where tradition reigns and gossip travels fast, the play offers a sharp exploration of gender equality, small-town values, and the strength of women. It's equal parts humorous and emotionally intense, laced with enough nostalgia and niche Australian references to captivate even the most reserved audience members.   The narrative centres on Penny Anderson, played with natural authenticity by Amanda Lay. After years away, Penny returns to Appleton, having built a career as a doctor. As a single, childless, and educated woman, she now feels like an outsider in her hometown. Her return causes a stir when she learns that the prize money for the town's annual potato race is five times greater for men than for women. Determined to challenge the status quo, Penny embarks on a quest for equality, igniting a campaign that faces hostility from the close-knit community rooted in long-standing traditions.   Amanda captured Penny's frustration and determination beautifully. It felt as though she wasn't even acting—just living the experience of a woman navigating the return to a place where old opinions die hard. Penny's intelligence and good intentions are frequently dismissed as arrogance, and Amanda portrayed that outsider energy perfectly; a sentiment that resonated deeply with me as a city girl who also relocated to a small town. I could easily relate to Penny in her solitude, especially when she admitted that she "sucked at sports" and was often excluded, preferring to work independently.   The ensemble cast shone in their roles, each bringing a distinct personality to the stage. Diana Gogulski delivered a compelling performance as the no-nonsense Bev Armstrong. Bev is stern, proper, and sometimes harsh, particularly toward Penny. Diana's standout moment came during a poignant monologue where Bev shares the weight of her husband's stroke, her son's struggles, and her own declining health. She expertly depicted a character whose tough exterior conceals a complex and vulnerable heart. Peta Townend as Nikki Armstrong, Penny's fierce cousin and a single mum working two jobs to raise her four sons, was a force of nature. Outspoken, tough as nails, and endlessly resilient, Peta's performance stood out in a cast full of talent. Claire Marchesi as the bubbly Barb Ling brought vibrant energy and humour reminiscent of Kath from ' Kath & Kim' . She delivered a gut-wrenching monologue about infertility, which was heartbreakingly sincere and added depth to her otherwise cheerful character.   Rhea Basha, who joined the cast late, played Rania Hamid, a refugee who brings kindness and wisdom to Appleton. Her friendly demeanour and excellent accent made her performance memorable and heartfelt. Plus, she added a crucial perspective to the play's themes of acceptance and community. Paul Hynes provided comic relief as the radio announcer and various other characters. His versatility was impressive, particularly during the news montage where he switches between different accents and personas with ease.   The script, dripping with nostalgia and witty humour, doesn't shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths about small-town life. One powerful line stayed with me: "People always notice when women try to get anything they don't have." The play doesn't sugarcoat the challenges faced by women or the darker themes of racism, sexism, homophobia, addiction, alcoholism, and financial hardship.   Yet amidst these tensions, the play remains incredibly funny, with witty one-liners like the brutally honest declaration: "80% of the time, kids suck." The show balanced humour and pathos brilliantly, with recurring jokes (like the town's seemingly endless supply of men named Billy) providing much-needed levity. The flashback scene to 1988 was a playful addition, complete with Supré-inspired 80s outfits that took us back in time   Given that this was a community production, the creative team deserves immense praise for their resourcefulness. Adelle O'Connell's direction brought out the absolute best in the cast, creating a cohesive and dynamic performance. The costumes, provided by the cast themselves, added authenticity to their characters. The set, sound, and lighting were simple yet effective, allowing the performances to take centre stage. The handmade props were a charming touch, and the involvement of volunteers behind the scenes demonstrated the heart and dedication of this theatre company.   The play wraps up beautifully, with a heartwarming resolution that ties everything together. Despite the family feuds and escalating tensions, ' The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race'  ultimately champions the power of community and change. This was my first experience with Mates Theatre Genesis Inc., and I was struck by the warmth and kindness of the company. On that hot Australia Day, they delivered a performance that was as delightful and layered as a good serving of potato bake. Thank you to the entire team for such a memorable experience.

Title:  Grand Horizons Presented By:  Nash Theatre Genre:  Contemporary Comedy Synopsis: Fifty years into her marriage to Bill, Nancy unexpectedly announces that she wants a divorce. While Bill appears unfazed, their two adult sons are shaken to their core, forced to confront everything they believed about their parents' seemingly happy lives. As the family navigates this seismic shift, each member must reckon with their own imperfect past and discover new, unexpected ways to express love. Audition Date:  Sunday, 23 February 2025 Audition Time:  2:00 PM Audition Location and Address: New Farm Nash Theatre Play Shed, 4 Amity Street, New Farm Audition Requirements: Cold read of excerpts from the script Good comedic timing Must be capable of playing above your age Available Roles: Nancy (70+ years) Bill (70+ years) Ben (Son, 40-45 years) Brian (Son, 35-40 years) Jess (Daughter-in-law, 30-35 years) Tommy (One-night stand, 25-30 years) Carla (Girlfriend, 65-70 years) Performance Dates:  9-31 May 2025 Performance Location: The Brunswick Room, Merthyr Road Uniting Church, 52 Merthyr Road, New Farm Production Website:   Nash Theatre Website Other Information: For additional enquiries, contact Director Phil Carney at 0418 719 300.

Title:  The Trail to Oregon! Presented By:  Emma Hanson Genre:  Musical Comedy Synopsis: Join an all-American family as they embark on a journey down The Oregon Trail. Full of hilarity, historical figures, and unexpected twists, The Trail to Oregon!  is a delightfully irreverent musical featuring educational songs and a historically accurate portrayal of the iconic trail adventure. Audition Dates: 27 March 2025 (Individual Auditions) 28 March 2025 (Individual Auditions & Dance Call at 3:30pm) 29 March 2025 (Individual Auditions & Dance Call at 3:30pm) 31 March 2025 (Callbacks) Audition Time:  15-minute individual sessions and a group dance call from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Audition Location and Address: Backbone, 28 Tallowwood Street, Seven Hills, QLD Audition Registration:   Click Here to Book Audition Audition Pack:   Monologues & Resources Audition Requirements: Individual Auditions:  Prepare two songs (one musical theatre piece, preferably contemporary/modern, and one that highlights your comedic ability). Bring a CV and headshot. Participate in cold reads and improv exercises. Bring a backing track on a device compatible with Bluetooth or AUX. If your phone requires an adapter, please bring it along. Group Dance Call: Learn choreography for " Gone to Oregon " (mandatory) and " Speedrun " (optional but encouraged) from the provided video resources. Wear appropriate dance attire and shoes. Monologue Requirement:  Select one from the provided document for acting. Available Roles: Father:  Tenor, presenting as male. Overconfident and cheerful leader. Mother:  Alto, presenting as female. Nurturing figure with a sassy side. Daughter:  Mezzo-Soprano, presenting as female. Rebellious teenager. Son:  Mezzo-Soprano, presenting as any gender. Ditzy 7-year-old with a curious spirit. Grandpa/Cletus Jones:  Baritone with strong falsetto and country twang, presenting as male. Unhinged old man and dedicated bandit accomplice. The Bandit King ‘McDoon’:  Baritone, presenting as any gender. Obliviously evil, gruff, and open about his sexuality. Ensemble Track (GENERAL STORE GUY, HORNY OX, LOBSTER):  Baritone, presenting as any gender. Versatile performer for comedic roles. Performance Dates: Preview:  26 June 2025 (Matinee - Relaxed Performance) Show Dates:  26-28 June 2025 Performance Times: Thursday: 7:00 pm Friday/Saturday: 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm Performance Location:  BackDock Arts, 103 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 Rehearsal Dates:  From 5 May 2025 Rehearsal Times: Mondays & Thursdays 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sat 14 June (Rehearsal & Headshots) Recommended Age:  Open to 16+ Creative Team:  Directed by Emma Hanson Production Website:   Emma Hanson Website Other Information:  Not all performers will be required at every rehearsal. Schedules will be designed to minimise time commitment. Please provide any personal or work-related conflicts in your audition application. If you have any questions or concerns about dates or requirements, please get in touch via Emma Hanson's website.

< Back MUSICAL THEATRE: Evil Dead the Musical - Ghostlight Theatre Co. 31 Jan 2025 Season: January 31st - March 9th, 2025 Title: Evil Dead: The Musical Presented By: Ghostlight Theatre Co. Genre: Rock Musical, Horror, Comedy Synopsis: The bloodiest musical of all time has made its way to Brisbane! Evil Dead: The Musical is an immersive experience presented in the spine-chilling EvilCorp Horror Maze. The show follows five college students who venture into an abandoned cabin in the woods and unwittingly unleash an evil force, transforming them into demons. Based on the Evil Dead franchise, this rock musical by George Reinblatt, Frank Cipolla, and Christopher Bond brings a comedic spin to this cult classic. Prepare for a gory, hilarious, and terrifying night, where audience members in the designated splatter zone will be drenched in fake blood! Performance Dates: 31st January to 9th March, 2025 Performance Location and Address: EvilCorp Horror Maze, 226 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006, Australia Ticket Link: Buy Tickets Warnings: Fake weapons Sexual references Violence Strobe lighting Haze machines Dark spaces Lots of fake blood Recommended Age: 18+ (Due to mature content) Duration: Approximately 2 hours, including interval Production Website: Ghostlight Theatre Co. Website Other Information: Audience members in the splatter zone should expect to get covered in fake blood. No wheelchair access available. Previous Next

Upcoming Performances 28 Feb 2025 COMEDIC THEATRE: Disney Off Ice - Observatory Theatre Season: February 28th - March 9th, 2025 Read More 28 Feb 2025 CABARET: Absolute Trash - Glitter Martini, Arcana Season: February 28th, 2025 Read More 28 Feb 2025 THEATRE: The Birthday Party - Sunnybank Theatre Group Season: February 28th - March 15th, 2025 Read More 27 Feb 2025 REVUE: The Lloyd Webber Evolution - Empire Theatre Season: February 27th, 2025 Read More 26 Feb 2025 THEATRE: Popcorn - Ipswich Little Theatre Season: February 26th - March 15th, 2025 Read More 22 Feb 2025 RADIO PLAY: Gunsmoke - Nash Theatre Season: February 22nd - March 15th, 2025 Read More 22 Feb 2025 REVUE: Jersey Guys - Metropolis Touring, Princess Theatre Season: February 22nd, 2025 Read More 21 Feb 2025 DRAMATIC THEATRE: Night Must Fall - Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Season: February 21st - March 1st, 2025 Read More 21 Feb 2025 DRAMATIC THEATRE: Ode to Women - The Curators Artists Studio Season: February 21st - March 15th, 2025 Read More 19 Feb 2025 CHILDREN'S THEATRE: The Very Hungry Caterpillar - CDP Kids, Empire Theatre Season: February 19th - 20th, 2025 Read More 19 Feb 2025 REVUE: Morning at the Musicals - Redcliffe Entertainment Centre Season: February 19th, 2025 Read More 19 Feb 2025 CABARET: Postmodern Jukebox - TEG Dainty Season: February 19th - 20th, 2025 Read More 18 Feb 2025 CHILDREN'S THEATRE: Proudfoot and Friends - HOTA Season: February 18th, 2025 Read More 15 Feb 2025 DRAMATIC THEATRE: Veronica's Room - Centenary Theatre Group Season: February 15th - March 9th, 2025 Read More 14 Feb 2025 CABARET: The Vintage Belles - Ipswich Civic Centre Season: February 14th, 2025 Read More 14 Feb 2025 DRAMATIC THEATRE: Mary Shelley - The Lind Theatre Season: February 14th - 22nd, 2025 Read More 14 Feb 2025 REVUE: Broadway Your Way - VOX Theatre Arts Season: February 14th - 21st, 2025 Read More 14 Feb 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: Credulous - Verum Arts Season: February 14th - 22nd, 2025 Read More 14 Feb 2025 CABARET: Sip, Sparkle, Skull - Redland Performing Arts Centre Season: February 14th, 2025 Read More 13 Feb 2025 THEATRE: Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice - Queensland Theatre Season: February 13th - March 9th, 2025 Read More 13 Feb 2025 CABARET: Millennial Romeo - Charli Burrowes, PM Collab Operations Season: February 13th, 2025 Read More 11 Feb 2025 COMEDIC THEATRE: The End Of The Wharf As We Know It - The Wharf Revue, Soft Tread, QPAC Season: February 11th - 16th, 2025 Read More 8 Feb 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: Sister Act - Crossroads Live, Shake & Stir, QPAC Season: February 8th - March 2nd, 2025 Read More 8 Feb 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals - Javeenbah Theatre Season: February 8th - 22nd, 2025 Read More 7 Feb 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: Falsettos - Phoenix Ensemble Season: February 7th - March 1st, 2025 Read More 7 Feb 2025 CABARET: A Naughty Little Cabaret - Toowoomba Choral Society Season: February 7th - 8th, 2025 Read More 7 Feb 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: The Boy From Oz - Beenleigh Theatre Group Season: February 7th - 22nd, 2025 Read More 7 Feb 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: Fame the Musical - Spotlight Theatrical Co. Season: February 7th - March 1st, 2025 Read More 7 Feb 2025 THEATRE: Checkmate - Tugun Theatre Company Season: February 7th - March 1st, 2025 Read More 7 Feb 2025 COMEDIC THEATRE: Alexa Turn on the Lights - Cluster Arts, Redland Performing Arts Centre Season: February 7th, 2025 Read More 7 Feb 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: Long Gone Lonesome Cowgirls - 3bCreative Season: February 7th - 16th, 2025 Read More 5 Feb 2025 BALLET: Sleeping Beauty - Fever, Princess Theatre Season: February 5th - 6th, 2025 Read More 2 Feb 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: A Little Night Music - Ipswich Musical Theatre Company Season: February 2nd - 15th, 2025 Read More 1 Feb 2025 CHILDREN'S THEATRE: Mary Poppins Jr. - Roar Academy, Redcliffe Musical Theatre Season: February 1st - 2nd, 2025 Read More 1 Feb 2025 DRAMATIC THEATRE: The Crucible - Gold Coast Little Theatre Season: February 1st - 22nd, 2025 Read More 1 Feb 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: Macbeth - The Barden Party, Backdock Arts Season: February 1st - 15th, 2025 Read More 31 Jan 2025 BURLESQUE: Sinner - LDC Productions Season: January 31st, 2025 Read More 31 Jan 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: Evil Dead the Musical - Ghostlight Theatre Co. Season: January 31st - March 9th, 2025 Read More 31 Jan 2025 BURLESQUE: Headliners - BTM Productions, Princess Theatre Season: January 31st, 2025 Read More 29 Jan 2025 MAGIC: Penn & Teller - QPAC Season: January 29th - February 7th, 2025 Read More 24 Jan 2025 COMEDIC THEATRE: The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race - Mates Theatre Genesis Season: January 24th - February 1st, 2025 Read More 18 Jan 2025 MAGIC: Theatre of Magic - Empire Theatre Season: January 18th - June 28th, 2025 Read More 3 Jan 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: Grease - QPAC Season: January 3rd - February 1st, 2025 Read More 2 Jan 2025 MUSICAL THEATRE: Six - QPAC Season: January 2nd - February 9th, 2025 Read More 28 Dec 2024 CIRCUS: Blush Circus for Grown Ups - QPAC Season: December 28th 2024 - February 1st, 2025 Read More 14 Nov 2024 CABARET: Blanc de Blanc Encore - Strut and Fret, West End Electric Season: November 14th, 2024 - February 16th, 2025 Read More

< Back CABARET: Absolute Trash - Glitter Martini, Arcana 28 Feb 2025 Season: February 28th, 2025 Title: Absolute Trash Presented By: Glitter Martini Genre: Circus, Comedy, Cabaret Synopsis: Absolute Trash is an iconic celebration of all things garbage, blending circus, comedy, and the sparkling world of up-cycled art. Watch a "bin chicken" with big dreams, and performers more flexible than any political stance on climate policy. Hosted by Natrasha Binit, the Queen of Trash, this hilarious and thought-provoking performance will leave you laughing and pondering all things waste. Expect aerial silks, acrobatics, and comedic skits that balance skill and humour. Performance Dates: Friday, 28 February 2025 Performance Times: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Performance Location and Address: Arcana Theatre, 46 Evesham St, Moorooka QLD 4105 Ticket Link: Eventbrite - Absolute Trash Ticket Costs: B Reserve Tiered Seating: $49 A Reserve Floor Seating: $54 Table 1 - Bar Table w/ Stools (6 Stools): $354 Table 2 - Bar Table w/ Stools (6 Stools): $354 Table 3 - Bar Table w/ Stools (6 Stools): $354 Table 4 - Cafe Table w/ Chairs (4 Chairs): $236 Table 5 - Bar Table w/ Stools (6 Stools): $354 Table 6 - Bar Table w/ Stools (6 Stools): $354 Table 7 - Cafe Table w/ Chairs (4 Chairs): $236 Add-ons: Bottle of Wine (Multiple Varieties): $65 - $68.96 Antipasto Platter: $139 Hot Platter: $149 Fruit Platter: $89 Warnings: Course language, sexual references Recommended Age: 15+ Duration: 1 hour Production Website: Glitter Martini - Absolute Trash Previous Next