Stage Briefs

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.

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!

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.

The Wind in Sydney's Willows

From Wednesday 6 to Sunday 24 January 2021, the amazing Mr Toad and his bonny, boisterous pals will be heading to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden for the 18th consecutive year to entertain littlies and biggies in Glenn Elston’s outdoor production of The Wind in The Willows.