ABOUT THE SHOW

Sybylla Melvyn is finding her voice.

Growing up in the 90s – the 1890s, that is – life doesn’t throw a lot of options at a girl. But life didn’t reckon on Sybylla. Forced to choose between romance and her own genius, her family and a future she defines, she’s decided she’s having it all.

Miles Franklin’s novel My Brilliant Career gets a bold new makeover that transforms one of the most enduring literary figures into a musical heroine for this very moment, with a live soundtrack that’s equal parts contemporary pop, folksy bush band and raucous pub rock. An adaption with edge, this re-imagining captures the playful and effervescent spirit of a young woman ready to take on the world.

A live theatre experience sure to blow the ceiling off, My Brilliant Career is led by the phenomenal Kala Gare (SIX) with an ensemble cast of actor/musicians including Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, Lincoln Elliot, Victoria Falconer, Raj Labade, Drew Livingstone, HaNy Lee, Ana Mitsikas, Christina O'Neill and Jarrad Payne. The fresh take on a literary classic has been adapted by music theatre’s beloved Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank alongside Sheridan Harbridge, directed by our own Artistic Director Anne-Louise Sarks with Set & Costumes by Olivier award-winning Marg Horwell.

Developed by Monash University, Melbourne, as part of the Jeanne Pratt Artist in Residency program, which culminated in a development staging directed by Petra Kalive with dramaturgy by Anna Barnes. Further development funded by City of Stonnington and Melbourne Theatre Company’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program.

Paul and Wendy Bonnici & Family, Tony and Janine Burgess, Kathleen Canfell, Fitzpatrick Sykes Family Foundation, Jane Hansen AO and Paul Little AO, Larry Kamener and Petra Kamener, The Margaret Lawrence Bequest, Helen Nicolay, Tania Seary and Chris Lynch, Craig Semple, Dr Richard Simmie