Stage Briefs

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.

The Wedding Singer to Tour in 2021

David Venn Enterprises (Bring It On The Musical) will bring the Broadway musical The Wedding Singer to Australian audiences in 2021. 

From April 2021, Melbourne (from Apr 30), Gold Coast (from June 16) and Sydney (from July 10) will be treated to the feel-good, romantic musical. Remember cassette players, ATARI, slap bands and outrageous hair? It’s time to dust off your 80s best and get ready for some all-out fun!

Cross Encounters Presents A Stone’s Throw at Melbourne Fringe

A Stone’s Throw is the first ever physical theatre piece combining Chinese and Australian performers under a Chinese director, with distinctive improvised and composed music featuring Chinese and Western elements.

Vale Jeanne Little

Flamboyant entertainer Jeanne Little has passed away at the age of 82.

Writer Kieran Carroll pays tribute.

2020 Balnaves Fellowship

Belvoir has announced that Yuin woman Jorjia Gillis iss the 2020 Balnaves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fellow.