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The Sapphires Queensland Theatre Company Bille Brown Theatre 28 April – 24 May 2026 Written by: Tony Briggs Directed by: Wesley Enoch Musical Director: Nathaniel Andrew Choreographer: Yolande Brown Set and Costume Designer: Richard Roberts Lighting Designer: Ben Hughes Video Designer: Craig Wilkinson Sound Designer: Isaac Ogilvie Photography: David Kelly “You can’t be from Australia, you’re not white” Written by Tony Briggs and directed by Wesley Enoch, The Sapphires follows four Yorta Yorta women whose girl-group harmonies take them from local talent quests all the way to Vietnam to entertain troops on the frontlines. Inspired by the real First Nations women behind The Sapphires, the work carries a legacy of family, music, survival, and hard-won joy. Many know The Sapphires from the 2012 film, but the stage version offers its own particular thrill, with live songs that will make you dance in your seat. This is a story full of joy, but it is never joy without context. Even as the story moves through racism, war, grief, and fear, it keeps its groove. The weight lands when it needs to, but so does the laughter, the flirting, the sisterly squabbling, and the daggy dancing. Before the show, a small black-and-white TV sits centre stage, flickering with images of history, pop culture, and war. It is a clever little time capsule to place us inside the broadcast world of the 1960s. This retro TV and Craig Wilkinson’s scrim projections create a space caught somewhere between a live gig and a television transmission. Richard Roberts’ set features a glossy black floor, raised performance space, four-piece band, and a glittering The Sapphires sign overhead. It is flexible enough to shift from family home to beachfront, army barracks, concert stage, and war zone. While Roberts' costumes bring the period to life with colour, sparkle, and those glorious white go-go boots. As the story shifts to Vietnam, the theatre pulls us into the environment: haze in the air, rain noise around us, the smell of cigarettes, helicopters approaching from behind, bombs splitting the music, gunfire cracking through. One moment we are clapping along like we are part of the crowd, and the next, we're hit with the reality of exactly where that concert is happening. Isaac Ogilvie’s sound design does superb work here, particularly in the climactic final moments of Act One. The four women form the heart of the production, and they complement each other beautifully. Taeg Twist brings warmth and strength to Gail McCrae, the group's self-appointed mother hen. Gail is talkative, loud, protective, stubborn and often found rolling her eyes at the world. Beneath that tough-as-nails facade is a woman who's made it her mission to hold everything together, whether anyone asked her to or not. Her singing voice is incredible, but it’s her acting that truly grounds the emotional stakes. When she belts out the heartfelt tune "People Make This World a Better Place," with images of the real Sapphires flashing on screen, it's a heart-stirring moment. Ruby Henaway is a riot as Cynthia McCrae, strutting into every conversation like she has already decided she is the star of the show. Cynthia is hilariously bold, unashamedly herself, and allergic to behaving. Henaway has epic pipes, but when Cynthia sings through her hurt, you catch the ache hiding beneath all that confidence. Aurora Liddle-Christie is lovely as Kay McCrae, the sensible one of the sisters. She's got her own traumatic past, so she carries herself with a slightly different rhythm from the others. There is a quiet complexity in the way she presents herself to the world, and Liddle-Christie handles that tension with grace. She keeps the group grounded while still being a total goofball, managing to stand out without letting the louder personalities overshadow her, at least from my perspective. And finally, there is Tehya Makani as Julie McCrae, the baby sister with a voice that can stop a room. Julie starts as a frightened, grumpy, uncertain young woman, but she's sharp enough to spot a good chance when it comes along. Her performance of "Respect" is a proper arrival moment, showing off serious star power and the exact amount of attitude the song demands. Together, these four performers are wonderful. Their characters are all very different, yet they share the same family fire. You can see it in the way they look at each other onstage with genuine pride in their eyes, the kind that makes you believe these women have fought, laughed, judged, loved, and survived each other for years. Their a-cappella sisterly moment, "Ngarra Burra Ferra", is particularly beautiful. In a production full of big numbers, that quieter moment lands with emotional force. The romantic threads are surprisingly tender too. Each of the girls gets some version of longing, flirtation, disappointment, or hope, and none of it feels like filler between songs. Jack Bannister is wonderfully endearing as Dave Lovelace, the Aussie talent scout who is, frankly, a bit of a numpty. His attempts at dancing are truly white-man-in-public, but in the most affectionate way. Bannister gives Dave enough awkwardness to be funny and enough sincerity to be likeable, especially in his interactions with Gail. Garret Lyon is a charming nuisance as Jimmy, Cynthia’s ex-boyfriend and a man with very little chill. His interest in Cynthia is stalker-like to the extreme, yet Lyon somehow keeps him charmingly hopeless rather than alarming. His dancing is a highlight in itself, and every time he appears, the show gets a little extra boost. Chris Nguyen is delightful as Joe, a fourteen-year-old Vietnamese boy hustling to support himself and his family (often through pilfering). His dynamic with Julie is sweet, with both characters still teenagers trying to navigate adult circumstances. The parallel between Joe’s family and the Sapphires’ family, both with seven sisters and one brother, is a small and touching connection that helps humanise the Vietnamese experience within the broader wartime setting. While the war's effect on actual Vietnamese citizens isn't deeply explored, it's still present enough to make an impression. Cameron Leonard nails the comic awkwardness as an American soldier Robby, even making an entrance while dangling upside down in a parachute. It is silly, memorable, and exactly the kind of lighthearted character that this production knows how to use well. Nathaniel Andrew’s musical direction gives the 1960s soul classics real warmth and drive, and having the band live onstage keeps the energy immediate. The four-piece band, with Andrew also on guitar, supports the performers beautifully without overpowering them. Songs including "Heatwave", "The Shoop Shoop Song", and "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" are crowd-pleasers for a reason, and this cast knows how to sell them. I left with a bunch of those tunes stuck in my head, which usually means the jukebox-style musical hit the mark. Yolande Brown’s choreography sits beautifully in the world of the piece. It is stylish, character-driven, and full of groove without looking over-rehearsed to death. The girls move as a unit, but not like four identical backup dancers. Each performer brings her own rhythm, attitude, and little flashes of personality, which makes the group numbers feel true rather than pasted on top. Ben Hughes’ lighting shifts smoothly from stage glamour to intimacy and wartime tension. One moment, the girls are glowing under concert lights; the next, the world around them feels exposed and unstable. Wilkinson’s projections are equally effective, moving from starlit nights and vibrant colours for performances to combat footage and broadcast history. The “travel vlog” style sequence is a clever way to cover scene and costume changes while keeping the pace moving, and the production rarely lets its energy sag. By the time the megamix arrives, the show has fully earned its celebration. Using the aisles gives the finale an immersive lift, and the audience response was exactly what you would expect from a practically sold-out season of a feel-good Australian classic. What makes this production so effective is its tonal balance, and Wesley Enoch’s direction steers that balance with a sure hand. The Sapphires is set during the Vietnam War, with depictions of racism, violence, abortion, family conflict, and the frightening reality of young women surrounded by men with guns in a foreign country. On paper, that sounds heavy. Onstage, it is still serious, but it is also kept colourful, romantic, cheeky, and alive. Enoch allows the sparkle to sit beside the danger without letting one cancel out the other. Queensland Theatre Company’s The Sapphires is big-hearted, moving, and full of soul. It celebrates the women behind the story while giving a new generation of First Nations performers the chance to step into that legacy with pride. It sings as a concert, aches as a family story, and stays with you as a love letter to Blak women who knew their worth long before the world caught up.

Title: Jane and Kel Go To Hell Presented By: Javeenbah Theatre Company Genre: Comedy / Dark Comedy / One-Act Play Reading Synopsis: Jane and Kel are housemates and best friends with bad jobs and questionable judgement. When Jane loses her job, she needs a new housemate to help cover rent. After interviewing several candidates, Roy seems like the perfect fit—except he is secretly a demon. Roy drags Jane into Hell, forcing both characters into a surreal and comedic journey through chaos, consequence, and friendship tested beyond the mortal world. Audition Self-Tape Due: Video Submissions due May 23rd, 2026 Audition Requirements: Please submit a recording of you reading a monologue of your choice. This show is a dark comedy, so please choose something that might fit this theme. Monologue must be no longer than a minute. Please submit via email to mikmurph@gmail.com Audition Registration: Submission via email Audition Pack: Jane and Kel Go To Hell Audition Pack Performance Dates: June 20th - 21st, 2026 Performance Times: Saturday - 7PM Sunday - 2PM Performance Location: Javeenbah Theatre, Stevens St, Nerang QLD 4211 Rehearsal Dates: Decided amongst cast availability. Rehearsal Location: Javeenbah Theatre, Stevens St, Nerang QLD 4211 Warnings: Themes of Hell / afterlife Mature humour and language Dark comedic content Performer Age: 18+ Creative Team: Directed by Mikaela Murphy Production Website: Javeenbah Theatre Company Other Information: This is a rehearsed play reading, not a full staged production The script focuses on character-driven comedy in a surreal, supernatural setting Available Roles/Character Breakdown: JANE (Lead) (Female, playing age between 20-35) A burnt-out journalist struggling with depression, purpose, and modern adulthood. Intelligent and deeply cynical, Jane feels trapped between wanting meaningful work and surviving in a shallow, contentdriven world. KEL (Lead) (Female, playing age between 20-35) Jane’s chaotic, loud, fiercely loyal best friend. Kel masks her own fears about failure and adulthood with humour, recklessness, and pop culture obsession, but deeply cares about protecting Jane. KIM (Supporting) (Female, any age 18+) Kel’s quiet, intelligent university classmate. Awkward but kind-hearted, Kim becomes an unexpected source of stability and practical thinking as the supernatural events escalate. Kim also doubles as the characters SKYE, TINA, and LYLE*. ROY (Supporting) (Male, any age 18+) The seemingly perfect new housemate; polite, thoughtful, and unsettlingly nice. As the play progresses, Roy’s behaviour becomes increasingly uncanny, revealing something far darker beneath his calm exterior. Roy also doubles as the characters WAITER, TILLY, and LYLE*. TROY (Supporting) (Male, any age 18+) Kel’s immature but oddly sincere ex-boyfriend. A wannabe rapper with zero self-awareness, Troy provides much of the play’s comic relief while occasionally stumbling into genuine emotional insight. Troy also doubles as the characters DEVIN, TRAIN GUY, and LYLE* . *LYLE is the karaoke host at Fat Louie’s. Lyle acts as a recurring comic presence throughout the play. Different actors play “Lyle” throughout the show.

Title: The Play Forge 2026 Presented By: Phoenix Arts Academy Genre: One-Act Play / Youth Theatre Intensive / Drama Workshop Performance Synopsis: The Play Forge is a 5-day intensive theatre program for high school students, culminating in a performance of a one-act play. Participants experience the full play-building process from rehearsal to performance, developing skills in acting, stagecraft, character development, movement, voice, and production roles. The program also includes opportunities for students to work in technical and backstage areas, supporting a final staged performance at the end of the week. Audition Date: Monday June 29th, 2026 (auditions held on Day 1 of the program for succesful applicants) Audition Time: From 9:00AM (within workshop schedule) Audition Location and Address: Phoenix Ensemble, Beenleigh Show Grounds, James St, Beenleigh QLD 4207 Audition Requirements: Auditions conducted in-person on the first day of the program Students will be given scripts and role details the week prior Participants may be cast in acting or technical/production roles Expression of interest required prior to acceptance Audition Registration: Expressions of interest open - May 15th, 2026 Close - June 12th, 2026 Formal registration and payment deadline - June 21st, 2026 Audition Pack: The Play Forge Audition Pack Performance Dates: Friday July 3rd, 2026 Performance Times: 7PM Performance Location: Phoenix Ensemble, Beenleigh Show Grounds, James St, Beenleigh QLD 4207 Rehearsal Dates: June 29th - July 3rd, 2026 (5-day intensive program) Rehearsal Times: 9AM - 3PM daily (final day includes technical rehearsal and evening performance) Rehearsal Location: Phoenix Ensemble, Beenleigh Show Grounds, James St, Beenleigh QLD 4207 Warnings: Intensive schedule over 5 consecutive days Final day includes full technical rehearsal and live performance Participation fee required ($200) Students must bring their own food each day Performer Age: Years 7–12 (high school students only; older students may be given preference) Creative Team: Director - Julianne Clinch Producer - Kym Brown Production Website: Phoenix Ensemble Other Information: Participants may take on both on-stage and technical roles Includes training in stagecraft, movement, voice, script work, and production skills Includes project t-shirt, scripts, and some costume/prop items Each participant receives one complimentary ticket to the final performance Limited places available; selection based on expression of interest Available Roles/Character Breakdown: Not specified in advance — roles are assigned during the first day of the program after auditions.

Discover the latest in Brisbane theatre auditions and reviews on Stage Buzz Brisbane. Your go-to source for all things theatre in the Queensland capital. WELCOME TO STAGE BUZZ BRISBANE This dynamic hub for South-East Queensland thespians is your go-to source for audition updates, performance reviews, and engaging content that celebrates the vibrant local theatre scene. From spotlighting talented actors to providing valuable tips, it's a community-driven platform that brings the magic of the stage to the forefront, fostering connection and celebration among theatre enthusiasts in the region. NICE TO MEET YOU Embrace the enchanting world of South-East Queensland's theatre scene right here on Stage Buzz Brisbane! We're your go-to hub for all things theatrical: upcoming performances adult audition alerts youth auditions performance reviews exclusive spotlight interviews with local talents rehearsal/performance venue database Whether you're a seasoned thespian or a passionate supporter of the arts, join us on this exciting journey as we celebrate the magic that unfolds on our local stages. At Stage Buzz Brisbane, we believe every production deserves its moment in the spotlight. If you know of any upcoming productions or hidden gems that have slipped under the radar, don't hesitate to reach out and share your insights or let us know about the productions that deserve extra applause. Together, let's shine a light on the vibrant and thriving community theatre culture in South-East Queensland. Let the curtains rise, and let the show begin! Contact

< Back THEATRE: Brand New Ancients - TAFE Queensland 27 May 2026 Season: May 27th - 30th, 2026 Title: Brand New Ancients Presented By: TAFE Queensland Genre: Contemporary Theatre / Spoken Word Drama Synopsis: Brand New Ancients is a powerful contemporary work by poet and playwright Kate Tempest that reimagines Greek mythology within the lives of ordinary modern people. Blending spoken word poetry with theatrical storytelling, the play explores themes of family, identity, violence, love, and the search for meaning in contemporary urban life. Presented by TAFE Queensland acting students, this production showcases emerging performers tackling a bold and emotionally charged modern classic. Performance Dates: May 27th - 30th, 2026 Performance Times: 7PM Performance Location and Address: Norman Price Theatre, Building C, 66 Ernest St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia Ticket Costs: Adult - $25 Concession - $15 Ticket Link: Buy Tickets - Brand New Ancients Warnings: Strong language, adult themes, references to violence Recommended Age: Recommended for mature audiences Cast: TAFE Queensland Acting students Creative Team: Written by Kate Tempest Presented by TAFE Queensland Performing Arts Production Website: TAFE Queensland - Brand New Ancients Other information: Brand New Ancients is renowned for its fusion of poetry, performance, and contemporary mythology, offering audiences a visceral and emotionally immersive theatrical experience. Accessibility arrangements vary depending on the performance venue. Patrons requiring wheelchair access, accessible seating, or additional assistance are encouraged to contact the organisers prior to attendance. Previous Next

< Back THEATRE: Twentee - Scrapped Collective, Anywhere Festival 27 May 2026 Season: May 27th - 31st, 2026 Title: TWENTEE Presented By: Scrapped Collective as part of Anywhere Festival Genre: Comedy / Theatre Synopsis: Full of energy, chaos, and reality television crews, TWENTEE follows Tee’s battle with her self-proclaimed “twenty-life-crisis.” After luring her old high school friendship group together with a bizarre collection of ransom letters, Tee attempts to reunite everyone for her twentieth birthday celebration. But can old friends truly put their differences aside, or will something much worse emerge from the production team of MTV? Audiences are invited into Tee’s world of MTV fever dreams, stinky socks, ransom letters, 2000s memorabilia, and Charles Levonte shrines in this erratic and exhilaratingly funny original work. Performance Dates: May 27th - 31st, 2026 Performance Times: 7PM Performance Location and Address: Woolloongabba Substation, 45 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, 4102 Ticket Costs: $30 pp Ticket Link: Buy Tickets - Twentee Warnings: Coarse or crude language, loud noises Recommended Age: PG Duration: Approximately 50 minutes Creative Team: Writer – Tianna Major Director – Brianna Wilkie Produced by Scrapped Collective Production Website: Anywhere Festival - Twentee Other information: TWENTEE is an original Australian work created by emerging Brisbane theatre-makers Tianna Major and Brianna Wilkie. The production forms part of the 2026 Anywhere Festival program, known for presenting performances in unconventional and creative spaces across South East Queensland. Food and drink are not included with admission; however, cafés and restaurants are located nearby within the Woolloongabba precinct. Woolloongabba Substation is an industrial-style performance venue. Accessibility arrangements may vary depending on event configuration, so patrons requiring wheelchair access or additional accessibility support are encouraged to contact the festival or venue prior to attendance. Previous Next