Showtime with Andrew G | Theatre Podcast Australia

Step behind the curtain with Hannah Simos Garner and Jason Sainsbury King as they bring a fresh spark to the beloved roles of Mary Poppins and Bert in MDMS’s magical new production. From tap shoes to flying umbrellas, they reveal the energy, emotion and teamwork it takes to reimagine a classic for today’s audiences. With heartfelt reflections, playful chemistry and a touch of theatrical magic, this episode of Showtime is a joyful r...

Laila Thaker’s journey is one of identity, resilience and powerful storytelling. A proud Torres Strait Islander (Meriam/Wagadagam) and Indian (Ratlamwali) performer, Laila opens up about reconnecting with her heritage and carving out space in the Australian arts scene. In this heartfelt episode of Showtime with Andrew G, she reflects on growing up between cultures, finding her voice through theatre and using her platform to represe...

From reluctant choir kid in Tasmania to leading man in Melbourne, Josh Direen’s journey to the stage is anything but typical. In this episode of Showtime, Josh opens up about playing Roger in Rent, the role that’s pushed him emotionally, vocally and artistically. He shares how his classical training shaped his performance style, why he nearly walked away from theatre altogether, and what ultimately pulled him back in — community. J...

Pete Murphy opens up about his role as Pontius Pilate in the Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Having previously played Jesus in a Scandinavian production, Pete brings a rare dual perspective to the show, allowing him to explore the story’s emotional depth from two vastly different vantage points. In this production, Pilate is portrayed not as a straightforward villain, but as a conflicted, deeply human figure torn between...

Emily Toby lights up the latest episode of the Showtime podcast with heart, humour and honesty as she takes us behind the scenes of her starring role as Sophie in Mamma Mia with Windmill Theatre Company. A gifted triple threat, Emily shares how her passion for performing was sparked in community theatre and has since grown into a dynamic career that includes teaching at the Australian Girls Choir and studying at university. She ope...

Mahalia Barnes reflects on a life steeped in music, from her formative years growing up in a legendary Australian music family to her bold leap into musical theatre with Jesus Christ Superstar. With no formal training but an unshakable passion for soul and blues, she carved out a distinct artistic voice grounded in authenticity, collaboration and emotional connection. Mahalia speaks candidly about the pressures of legacy, the disci...

When Carol Shelbourne stepped into a rehearsal room for the very first time at 38, she had no idea she was about to begin a lifelong love affair with the stage. Nearly 100 shows later, she’s become a familiar face in Melbourne’s vibrant community theatre scene, known for her warmth, wit and magnetic presence. In this episode of Showtime, Carol joins Andrew G to share the unexpected twists that led her from the UK to a full and joyf...

Julia Grace, whose recent performance in Red Stitch’s The Comeuppance has drawn praise for its emotional depth and raw honesty. Our conversation unpacks her creative journey, one that began not from a grand childhood dream of stardom but from a simple desire to connect. As a kid, Julia admits she felt out of place during school lunchtimes and was often looking for somewhere she felt she belonged. That search led her to audition for...

In 2005, Greta Punch walked into a Holiday Actors audition just to support a friend—but ended up landing a role in The Music Man. That spontaneous moment sparked a lifelong love for theatre, shaping her identity through creativity, connection, and community. For Greta, the stage became more than a place to perform—it became home. Paul Venzo’s journey began with uncertainty, unsure if he’d fit in. But the welcoming spirit of Holiday...

Stars and the Moon is a one-of-a-kind Melbourne-based theatre company dedicated to redefining what inclusive performance looks like. Established in 2021 by Eitan Meyerowitz, the company was created to provide performers of all abilities with the opportunity to shine on stage. What makes Stars and the Moon unique is its innovative “castmate” system, where each role is shared between two performers—one with a disability and one witho...

Claire McCulloch’s journey into acting is one defined by courage, rediscovery, and an unwavering love for storytelling. From an early age, Claire felt a natural connection to performance. Whether staging impromptu shows in the living room or standing on a stage under the open sky, the act of telling stories made sense to her in a way that nothing else did. Despite her early confidence and comfort in front of an audience, fear held ...

Melbourne’s cabaret scene has no shortage of talent, but one performer continues to stand out with their bold blend of vintage glamour and modern self-expression: Iva Rosebud. By day, Lachlan works as a professional landscaper. By night, he steps into the heels and persona of Iva, a drag performer whose work reflects both a deep connection to the past and a fearless embrace of individuality. 🎭Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett 🗓️10...

Theatre, Saxophones & Sustainability: Hannah Gwatkin's Creative Life

When it comes to performers who live and breathe creativity, few embody it as fully as Hannah Gwatkin. A singer, dancer, actor, saxophonist, and all-around creative powerhouse, Hannah’s journey through the performing arts is as inspiring as it is heartwarming. In a recent conversation, she peeled back the curtain on her artistic path, revealing how a single ...

What happens when you mix classic murder mystery tropes with the unpredictability of live comedy? You get Murder Village—a fully improvised whodunit where the audience decides who dies, who did it, and how the story unfolds. In this episode, Andrew G chats with David Massingham, a seasoned improviser and the creative force behind the show. David shares how his love for improv began back in high school in Queensland and how that e...

There’s something instantly likeable about Frankie McNair. Maybe it’s the way she throws herself headfirst into joyful chaos, or how she talks about comedy like it’s a big group hug for all the weirdos. Either way, her story is a reminder that you don’t need a five-year plan or a perfect setlist to make it in comedy — just a love of being silly, some guts, and a great community around you.

🎭The Booth Variety Spectacular & Fo...

Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up loving theatre—and then find yourself starring in a big musical before you’ve even left your teens? We sat down with Ruby Proy and Jack Thompson, two standout performers bringing Ariel and Prince Eric to life in Windmill Theatre Company’s The Little Mermaid Jr., and trust us—their stories are just as inspiring as their onstage performances.

🎭The Little Mermaid Jr

📍Rowville Performing Arts...

You’ve probably seen his name popping up lately—Arthur Hull, 2024’s Australian National Busking Champion and all-round artistic powerhouse. From singing his heart out on The Voice to touring a musical love letter to Broadway’s biggest disasters, Arthur’s career is anything but ordinary. And that’s exactly how he likes it.

🎭Flop - part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

🗓️8-20 April

📍Melbourne Arts Centre 

🎟️https://co...

Sometimes, the best ideas are born over burritos and margaritas—and that’s exactly how the 23rd Theater Co came to life.

Riley, Flynn, and Charlie, three freshly graduated creatives from JMC Academy, weren’t ready to sit around waiting for auditions to roll in. Instead, with a nudge from their teachers and a shared love for storytelling, they decided to build something of their own: a theatre company focused on originality, communi...

Rose Chambers, an emerging talent in the Australian theatre scene, shares her journey as an actor, singer, and violinist. Currently studying at the Victorian College of the Arts, she reflects on her childhood experiences in theatre and music that shaped her passion for performing arts. Rose discusses her role as Lisa in the upcoming production “Ladies in Black,” a musical set in 1950s Sydney that explores themes of female empower...