A new musical from Australian writer and performer Ian McFadyen will make its world premiere in Redcliffe this month.
Redcliffe Musical Theatre will bring REALITY to the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from 8-9 September, in a hilarious production described as The Block meets Neighbours.
Ian, creator of the classic Australian series The Comedy Company, said the idea for REALITY began years ago when he was asked to write a musical about Australians’ love of home improvement.
“I thought it was interesting because no one had ever set a musical just in the Australian suburbs,” he said.
The story follows lifelong friends Jennifer and Steven Rogers, Raelene and Dan McLean, and their children Maddie and Ash, who are persuaded to take part in a home renovation show, only to have their lives and relationships turned upside down.
“As the families become drawn further into the unreal world of reality TV, the light-hearted humour of their lives slowly descends into chaos and depression,” Ian said. “But don’t despair. They ARE saved in the end.”
Director Madeleine Johns said that Redcliffe Musical Theatre and the Moreton Bay region were incredibly lucky to have “such an icon as Ian McFadyen residing in our midst”.
“While it’s not my first time directing a new work, it is my first time working with a professional TV writer and producer, and I can truly appreciate how funny and how clever this script is – Aussies will love it,” Madeleine said.
Cast Reflections on Bringing REALITY to Life
Peter Hurren, who plays Dan McLean, said, “With a world premiere, you feel a certain weight to get the character right, but there’s no reference other than the words on the page.”
“As the show comes together, you start to realise that you put more of yourself into the character, drawing on personal experience to add context to what they’re going through,” he said. “I can only hope and dream I’ve done this fictional character justice.”
Zahlee Brackstone, who plays Maddie, said having Ian involved in rehearsals had initially been daunting because she wanted to do her best.
“Ian has been so patient with us and making sure we fully understand the character and the dialogue we are performing,” she said.
She encouraged audiences to support local theatre by attending the production.
“With everything that is going on in the performing arts and their dire need for attention, it is a necessity that people come and watch the show to support local theatre and the evolution of REALITY the musical,” she said.
The production also features Redcliffe Guide photographer Bruce Redman as network head David Dixon.
Audiences will have the opportunity to meet Ian after the show.
REALITY – A Musical
- Tuesday, 8 September and Wednesday, 9 September, 7pm-9.20pm
- Redcliffe Entertainment Centre
- Downs Street, Redcliffe.
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