Miss Westralia

Miss Westralia is a gorgeous home-grown musical about a wonderful Western Australian woman. This updated show, which premiered at the Blue Room Theatre in 2019, is completing a regional tour, which included performances in Geraldton, the home town of Beryl Mills, the first Miss Australia and heroine of this show.

The original production was very strong, and this remounting includes new material and songs - and is more slick and polished than its predecessor – a superb effort from original producers Blonde Moment and co-producers Western Sky Projects. Featuring a remarkably complex set for a touring production - Kelly Fregon’s design has a clear West Aussie feel - a lovely reminder of roots in a show where much of the action takes place in the USA.

A quartet of superb performers, all of whom (at least briefly) play multiple roles. Amy Fortnum is excellent as central character Beryl - creating a plucky, admirable and forthright young woman, with a vision and attitude ahead of her time. Singing beautifully, she is embraced by the audience - which is integral to the success of this show.

Morgan Cowling plays a number of roles, including a delightfully catty Miss Victoria, but really shines in her major role of Beryl’s mother Kitty. Charting a wonderful character journey, Morgan’s singing is absolutely outstanding, and her comic timing is superb.

Ruby Voss is great fun as a Southern Belle Miss America, with a nasty side. A well-balanced performance of twenties American sophistication that is a perfect contrast to Beryl’s naivety and intelligence.

Covid border closures meant that Lincoln Elliot, originally slated to play Frank Packer and other roles, was replaced as rehearsals began by stand-by Cal Silberstein. A very worthy replacement, he brings great energy and verve to the production and creates a Frank Packer that is nicely layered and has depth.

Accompanied by a single piano, the music is great and feels full. At the performance I viewed, Joshua Haines was playing for the first time, and delivered an excellent performance.

The third incarnation of Miss Westralia that I have seen (the first being a shorter Fringe World version), it has been a joy seeing this show grow and gather strength. I hope that there is an even stronger future for this wonderful Western Australian story.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: Dragonfly Media, Geraldton