Showtime with Andrew G | Arts & Entertainment

The Forgotten Song Book is a bold new Australian musical that brings the lost legacy of Broadway composer Wilbur Weissman back to life. Created by 23-year-old talents Dylan McBurnie and Emerson Hurley, the show is part concert, part biography and all heart. Set to live piano and performed by two captivating singers, it resurrects Weissman’s long-forgotten songs from the 1930s and 40s while explori...

Emily McDougall is lighting up the stage as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the National Theatre, but her journey started far from the bright lights of Melbourne. Born and raised in Hobart, Emily’s love for musical theatre began at just 10 years old in a school production. That early spark turned into a fierce passion, eventually taking her to Federation University, where she trained, performed an...

What do you get when you mix fairy tale pigs, big vocals and stand-up comedy timing? A children’s musical that’s as clever as it is hilarious. In this episode of the Showtime podcast, Andrew sits down with Zack, Isabelle and Ben, the trio behind The Three Little Pigs , to chat about turning a well-worn story into a high-energy stage hit. With fresh characters, catchy tunes and a whole lot of heart...

Jackson Cross shares his creative journey from Geelong’s vibrant arts community to the main stage at Melbourne’s National Theatre. Now starring as Emmett in Legally Blonde , Jackson reflects on how a high school music teacher helped him rediscover his love for performing and embrace his identity as a queer artist. After years playing in an indie rock band, he returned to theatre with fresh purpose...

Lloyd Jones, a powerhouse in the Australian live entertainment scene, shares his passion for iconic venues like Melbourne’s Palais Theatre in this unforgettable episode of Showtime with Andrew G . From childhood memories of John Farnham to leading major restorations, Lloyd reveals how venues are more than stages. They are cultural landmarks filled with shared history. He champions the Palais Theat...

Get ready to bend and snap your expectations because this is not your average sorority story. In Legally Blonde the Musical , Georgina Scott, Vanessa Yeo and Taya Patterson-Fay light up the stage as the Delta Nu trio, but behind the sequins and sass is a celebration of sisterhood, resilience and self belief. Their offstage bond fuels performances that are as heartfelt as they are hilarious, provin...

A bold new voice has arrived on Melbourne’s cabaret scene with a show that throws out the rulebook on love, identity and what it means to be seen. Asexual Fantasies and Hopeless A-Romantics is a solo journey that blends heartfelt honesty with sharp humour and awkward charm, exploring misunderstood labels, teenage confusion and the joy of self-discovery. Rather than chasing traditional narratives o...

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, thi...

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 theatr...

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 ultimat...

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 conflict...

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...

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 abou...

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...

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....

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....

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—...

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...

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. 🎭Ber...

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 art...

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 sc...

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...

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 Me...

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 📍Me...

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 comp...