Once We Lived Here

Once We Lived Here is an Australian Musical by Mathew Frank and Dean Bryant. This warm, touching musical has some very dark themes, but is ultimately a feel-good experience in the capable hands of director Andrew Baker and the new company Western Sky Theatre.

The Blue Room’s stage is transformed into a quintessentially Australian, rural property, with Rhiannon Walker’s set design featuring sunburnt colours, wood and tin. Katrina Johnston’s lighting design is beautifully emotive.

The performances are simply outstanding, superbly sung and acted with depth and a tangible sense of family. 

Sharon Kiely is wonderful and believable as terminally ill matriarch Claire. Taryn Ryan plays farmer’s daughter Amy with disarming raw passion and Megan Kozak is really likeable as her sister and city slicker Lecy.

Their brother Shaun is played with depth by Joshua Firman and family friend and love-interest Burke is played with larrikin charm by Ryan Dawson.

Once We Lived Here deals with some very serious issues including drug use, depression and suicide, so may not be suitable for all audiences, but this excellent story-telling with a uniquely Australian voice. An exciting debut production for fledgling company Western Sky and a pleasure to see a full-length musical at The Blue Room.

Kimberley Shaw