Stage Briefs

Sydney Theatre Restrictions

The big theatre re-opening in Sydney is under threat, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 on the northern beaches.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced today that until Wednesday evening, December 23, 2020, no indoor hospitality venues can have more than 300 patrons.

The State is also reverting to the one person for every four-square metre rule and restrictions on singing have been re-introduced.

This follows confirmation that 30 people contracted COVID-19 on Saturday, and a further 15 on Sunday through community transmission.

Adelaide Fringe Launches 2021 Program and Announces Ambassadors

The countdown to the 2021 Adelaide Fringe has begun, unveiling its program for the 2021 festival.

Tickets are now on sale for close to 800 events across 13 different genres in 285 venues, including a variety of open-air and outdoor amphitheatre performances and a number of digital experiences for people to enjoy from home.

Tickets available from: www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix

McLachlan Cleared Of Assault

A Melbourne Magistrate has cleared actor Craig McLachlan of 13 assault and indecent assault charges relating to his behaviour during the Melbourne season of The Rocky Horror Show.

According to ABC news Magistrate Belinda Wallington described the four women complainants as “brave and honest witnesses.”

"I was not persuaded that there was evidence of collusion between the complainants. I was not persuaded that there was evidence of motive or that the complaints were made for reasons for career ambition or for any other such reason."

The New Boy Next Door

Another lead role has been scored by a WAAPA graduate from Perth - this time for Platinum Entertainment's season of The Boy From Oz in the Crown Theatre.

Ethan Jones is taking on the role of Peter Allen, the role which made Todd McKenney famous and scored Hugh Jackman a Tony. 

The triple threat and pianist scored the role - just months after suffering the disappointment of losing work, when the Sydney production he was cast in (9 to 5) was cancelled.

Hedwig Casting Debate

The cancellation of the Sydney production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch due to a casting controversy generated more than 500 comments from the readers of Stage Whispers.

A debate raged for over a week about whether actors should be cast according to their gender, sexuality or race.

We were saddened to read a report in the Daily Mail that Hugh Sheridan  - the star of the cancelled production -  spent a few days in hospital due to stress.

Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre Premieres New Australian Musical

THE WORLD PREMIERE of a brand new Australian musical, written during the COVID lockdown – BAMT is proud to premiere Misfits School of Arts.

Written by Dennett Hudson and Tim O'Connor, Misfits School of Arts is all about the joys and perils of pursuing a life in the arts that reminds us that in a world where not everyone fits, it’s okay to be a misfit.

Squabbalogic To Present Mystery Musical #5

Squabbalogic returns to the stage on December 5, 2020 with a special fundraising concert in support of their new works in development for 2021.

Applications Open for The Marten Bequest Scholarships

Applcations are now open for The Marten Bequest Scholarships, which offer talented young artists the chance to explore, study and develop their artistic gifts through travelling either interstate and/or overseas.

The scholarships provide financial support under the categories acting, architecture, ballet, instrumental music, painting, poetry, prose, sculpture and singing to help talented Australian artists achieve their dreams. 

Chess The Musical In Concert - Melbourne and Perth

Featuring the music of Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA), lyrics by Tim Rice & Björn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, the CHESS THE MUSICAL will play at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in two exclusive performances on Saturday 24 April 2021, followed by two performances in Perth on June 5, in conjunction with Perth Symphony Orchestra.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch Cancelled

One of the headline acts of the Sydney Festival has been cancelled after an open letter of complaint was lodged about the casting.

Hugh Sheridan was set to star in the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Enmore Theatre.

An open letter was sent to the Sydney Festival by a group self-described as the Australian transgender community, allies in the LGBTQI+ and wider community.