Netflix Has Nothing On This: Review of BNT’s Steel Magnolias

With last night’s opening of Steel Magnolias, Ballarat National Theatre returned to tread the boards for the first time in 2 years.  The audience too - some chose to stay in masks - were feeling their way in what would’ve been for many a first night out to a live performance in a long time. … Continue reading Netflix Has Nothing On This: Review of BNT’s Steel Magnolias

Big Women at BMI / Sat 13 March

I'll be back performing poetry as the Big Women theatre show by Ladderframe Theatre Collective is remounted at the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute. Tickets on sale now. Last Saturday I performed a half hour set for Ladderframe Theatre Collective at their Big Women show. I’ve never felt more comfortable and confident on stage doing spoken word. … Continue reading Big Women at BMI / Sat 13 March

Playreading of Rental / Wed 9 Dec

I am workshopping a new short play and you're invited to watch and provide feedback. The online reading will be proudly presented by Ballarat National Theatre. RENTAL, by Megan J Riedl Ben is a slob who lives the bachelor life with his best mate James (Wilks) Wilkinson. When Tash, their annoyingly perky, but secretly anxiety-riddled … Continue reading Playreading of Rental / Wed 9 Dec

BNT to host script reading of my brand-spanking-new plays!

I've teamed up with Ballarat National Theatre to host online readings of my two new plays, Turbulence and Rental. TurbulenceNov 17, 2020 07:30 PM AEDTJoin Zoom MeetingMeeting ID: 828 9206 6433Passcode: 914928 Marion Doyle’s family farm is in the red and her mother Noreen is struggling with her new identity as a widow after the … Continue reading BNT to host script reading of my brand-spanking-new plays!

A Wearer of Many Hats

I've often described myself as "a wearer of many hats - real and metaphorical". You'll often see me sporting a colourful woolen beret in winter, an orange felt hat in autumn and spring, and a broad-brimmed straw number in summer. I'm juggling  parenting, paid work and creative projects, and I have multiple creative projects on the … Continue reading A Wearer of Many Hats

When Opportunity Knocks, I Answer.

I was right when I said that everything changes. I know I'd sworn never again to work with community theatre after being burnt twice. It seems I wasn't the only one who had negative experiences and with a new broom comes sweeping changes. The new board of Ballarat National Theatre are open to creative risk, … Continue reading When Opportunity Knocks, I Answer.

Killing It For Kicks – An Analysis of Jekyll & Hyde The Musical

Jekyll & Hyde The Musical was recently staged in Ballarat for the first time by Ballarat Lyric Theatre Inc, at Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts. In terms of production values and performances, the show really was excellent. A jaw-dropping set, belting vocals and crisp choreography lived up to the hype. And yet, I felt so deeply … Continue reading Killing It For Kicks – An Analysis of Jekyll & Hyde The Musical

Where Is Ballarat’s Professional Theatre Company?

This article was commissioned by the Central Highlands Arts Atlas and first published on 12 February 2019. Ballarat is a self-proclaimed creative city. We have one of the country’s longest running heritage theatre buildings and a big modern theatre, both of which present a range of professional performances each year. We have a well-regarded tertiary … Continue reading Where Is Ballarat’s Professional Theatre Company?

Why I’ve Turned My Back On Community Theatre

In April last year, I submitted three proposals to direct for a community theatre company in 2019 and 2020. In November 2018, a long six months later, I got a response to my proposals. And it floored me. My relationship with this company was already rocky. Their rejection of my proposal to produce Hollow was … Continue reading Why I’ve Turned My Back On Community Theatre