Showtime with Andrew G | Theatre Podcast Australia

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with performer, writer and creator Olivia Mitchell for an honest conversation about the realities of life on stage and the passion that keeps artists returning to the theatre. As she prepares for an outdoor production of The Tempest, Olivia reflects on how her love for performing began and the strange mix of anxiety and excitement that comes with stepping in front of a live audience.They explore the myth that acting is simply memorising lines, and the deeper work involved in building a character — creating a full human life through voice, movement and relationships. Olivia also shares what it feels like to perform your own writing, why creating opportunities is often essential in the arts, and how everyday moments often become the seeds of future stories.At its core, this episode is about connection — between performers and audiences, between story and experience — and the unique magic of live theatre that can only happen when people gather together in the same space.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with acclaimed director and arts leader Sam Strong for an insightful conversation on creativity, leadership and the future of live performance. From his early days as a theatre maker to leading a bold new vision at Gasworks Arts Park as it marks 40 years, Sam reflects on what continues to drive his work.They explore why theatre still matters in a streaming world, the importance of accessibility and authentic storytelling, and the courage required to back bold, sometimes divisive work. Sam shares why managing fear is central to creative leadership — and why the collective, in-room experience of live performance remains irreplaceable.At its core, this episode is a celebration of participation, risk, and the shared human connection that keeps theatre alive.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Mamma Mia leading lady Bek Chapman during rehearsals at the National Theatre ahead of the show’s February season. From the surprise birthday call that moved her from understudy to Donna Sheridan, Bek reflects on stepping into an iconic role at exactly the right moment in her life.The conversation explores the heart beneath the disco sparkle — the strength and vulnerability within Donna, the emotional impact of Slipping Through My Fingers, and why Mamma Mia continues to resonate across generations. Andrew and Bek also discuss the unique energy of live theatre and the powerful connection between performers and audiences.At its core, this episode is a celebration of joy, friendship, and the deeply human magic that makes theatre unforgettable.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with acclaimed Australian director Pip Mushen during rehearsals for Mamma Mia, ahead of its upcoming season at the National Theatre this February. Pip reflects on his early perceptions of the show and how, through rehearsal and close attention to the script, he discovered a depth of heart and emotional storytelling beneath its joyful, familiar surface. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the director’s role in shaping live theatre — from the invisible work audiences never notice to the delicate balance between spectacle and sincerity. Pip shares insights from a career spanning theatre, film, and television, unpacking what it really takes to lead a cast under pressure, collaborate with creative teams, and keep a production aligned around a shared goal. Andrew and Pip also explore why Mamma Mia continues to resonate across generations. Beyond ABBA’s iconic music and infectious energy, the show endures because of its emotional accessibility, its focus on relationships, and its ability to move audiences without demanding analysis or explanation. At its heart, this episode is a celebration of live theatre as a shared, immediate experience — joyful, demanding, and deeply human — and a reminder that the most powerful moments on stage are often the ones audiences feel rather than consciously see.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Belle Parkinson, Ali Long, and Eleanor Atanofsky as they prepare to step into the world of Mamma Mia ahead of its National Theatre season this February. The cast reflect on the excitement, nerves, and privilege of working on a musical that holds such a special place in popular culture, and on the responsibility of bringing honesty and authenticity to a show so many audiences already love. They share what life is like inside the rehearsal room as opening night draws closer — from the fast pace and constant momentum to the sense of trust, play, and belonging that forms when a cast comes together. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at Mamma Mia as a true ensemble piece, where every performer contributes to the energy of a show that never really stops moving. The discussion also explores why Mamma Mia continues to resonate decades after its debut. From the timeless appeal of ABBA’s music to the show’s balance of humour, heart, and emotional relatability, the cast unpack why it works best when played sincerely rather than as pure spectacle. Along the way, they reflect on their individual journeys into theatre — from early inspirations and training to uncertainty, growth, and learning to trust their instincts. At its heart, this episode is about joy, connection, and shared experience. It’s a reminder of why live theatre matters, how music can instantly lift a room, and why audiences keep returning to Mamma Mia — to laugh, to feel seen, and to leave the theatre smiling, humming ABBA, and feeling just a little lighter than when they arrived.

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Anderson, Shannon Foley, and Luke Stevens as they step into the world of Mamma Mia ahead of its National Theatre season in February 2026. The cast reflect on the excitement, pressure, and privilege of working on a show that continues to connect with audiences across generations, and on the responsibility of bringing truth and authenticity to such a beloved musical. They share what it’s like inside the rehearsal room as opening night approaches—from the fast pace and constant momentum to the trust, play, and collaboration that make the process so rewarding. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Mamma Mia functions as a true ensemble piece, where every performer is part of a joyful, finely tuned machine. The discussion explores why Mamma Mia still resonates decades on. From the timeless pull of ABBA’s music to the balance of humour, heart, and emotional honesty, the cast unpack why the show works best when it’s played sincerely rather than as pure spectacle. They also reflect on the different paths that led them here—training, setbacks, resilience, and the lessons learned along the way. At its heart, this episode is about joy, connection, and shared experience. It’s a reminder of why live theatre matters, why music can lift people instantly, and why audiences keep coming back—to leave the theatre smiling, humming ABBA, and feeling just a little lighter than when they arrived.  

In this episode, we sit down with Stuart Maunder, Artistic Director of Victorian Opera, to explore the enduring magic of The Pirates of Penzance and the creative life that has grown alongside it. Stuart reflects on decades spent in rehearsal rooms and theatres, tracing how early encounters with pantomime and musical storytelling shaped his love of performance and his belief that theatre should be joyful, generous, and accessible to all. He shares what it’s like to return to Pirates time and again—as a director, a storyteller, and a lifelong fan—unpacking why this famously “silly” operetta continues to resonate across generations. From the terror and exhilaration of stepping into a rehearsal room, to the energy that emerges when seasoned performers and early-career artists collaborate, Stuart offers an inside look at building a production designed to give audiences a genuinely great night out. The conversation delves into why The Pirates of Penzance remains funny and moving more than a century after it was written. Stuart explores the balance between laughter and heartfelt emotion, the power of music to reach audiences beyond words, and the uniquely British humour that keeps the work fresh without losing its original spirit. He also challenges common misconceptions about opera, reframing it not as an elite art form, but as something driven by music, community, and shared human experience. At its heart, this episode is about joy—why laughter matters, why silliness can carry real emotional weight, and why theatre that welcomes people in continues to endure. Whether you’re an opera devotee or a first-timer who’s never thought it was “for you,” this conversation is an invitation to give it a go—and to walk out of the theatre thinking, my God, that was a great night.

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Rogers-Bredin and Madidi McKenzie to explore the making of & Juliet in Warrnambool and the journeys that have shaped them as young theatre-makers within regional communities. Ashley reflects on growing up in local theatre, stepping into his first full-scale directing role at just 23, and what it means to lead a company he once performed alongside. Madidi shares her path as a performer and the challenge of inhabiting the role of Anne Hathaway—one that demands maturity, reflection, and a deep commitment to truth. They speak candidly about the rehearsal process behind a major musical, from casting and collaboration to the emotional impact of hearing the full band and cast come together for the first time. The conversation unpacks why & Juliet resonates so strongly with today’s audiences, blending pop music and humour with themes of female empowerment, identity, self-worth, and the importance of being heard. At its heart, this episode is about community, voice, and possibility. Ashley and Madidi reflect on the power of regional theatre to nurture talent, build confidence, and create meaningful stories that challenge expectations. Whether you’re a performer, director, educator, or theatre-lover, this episode is a reminder that powerful, relevant theatre can grow anywhere—and that chasing what makes you happy is always worth the risk.

In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Elston, Artistic Director of the Australian Shakespeare Company, to explore a life shaped by live performance and a lifelong relationship with Shakespeare. Glenn reflects on how returning to the plays again and again deepens his understanding of human nature, creativity, and why theatre remains a living art form. He speaks candidly about sustaining a large independent theatre company—from overlapping productions and touring to the physical and creative demands of back-to-back seasons. Glenn also shares the unique power of outdoor theatre, where shared space, weather, and audience connection break down barriers. He reflects on keeping Shakespeare accessible and funny through bold comedy, physical storytelling, and a strong sense of play for families and first-timers. At its heart, this conversation is about community and why theatre still matters. Glenn offers a thoughtful perspective on live performance as a tool for connection, wellbeing, and kindness in a digital world. Whether you’re a theatre-maker, educator, performer, or audience member, this episode is a reminder of theatre’s power to bring people together, night after night, under the open sky.

In this episode, we sit down with Ayril Borce, a rising performer in Melbourne’s musical theatre scene, to explore the deeply human journey behind his life in performance. Ayril opens up about where it all began, from street dancing and community celebrations to navigating family expectations, self-belief, and the winding path that led him onto the professional stage. He speaks candidly about the realities of choosing an artistic life, including changing careers later than most, stepping into formal training for the first time in his mid-twenties, and confronting the fear of not feeling “ready enough.” Ayril reflects on the discipline of dance, the vulnerability of learning to sing in front of others, and the resilience required to keep going through rejection, uncertainty, and constant growth. Along the way, he shares the moments that affirmed his choices, from getting into NIDA to making his professional debut and finding his place in large-scale musical theatre productions. At its heart, this conversation is about community, belonging, and the power of shared movement and storytelling. Ayril offers a heartfelt perspective on why disco, dance, and musical theatre still matter: they allow people to let go, feel seen, and connect with one another. Whether you are a performer, a creative considering a career shift, or someone searching for the courage to take a leap, this episode is an honest, encouraging reminder that there is no single path into the arts and that showing up, again and again, is where the real work begins.

In this episode, we sit down with Ella Caldwell, one of the driving creative forces at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, to explore the deeply human journey behind her life in the arts. Ella opens up about her beginnings, the moments that shaped her, and the unexpected turns that led her to become a core part of one of Australia’s most respected independent theatre companies. She talks candidly about the struggles that come with a life on stage, from self doubt to burnout to the emotional cost of throwing yourself fully into every role. Ella’s reflections are honest and vulnerable, sharing not just the highlights but the parts of the journey that often go unseen. She also tells the stories behind some of her biggest creative breakthroughs, those powerful moments in rehearsal or performance that reminded her why she chose this path in the first place. Ella offers a heartfelt look into what theatre really means to her the community, the connection, and the belief that stories have the power to shift people at their core. Whether you are an actor, director, theatre lover, or someone finding your way creatively, this conversation feels grounding, comforting, and deeply inspiring. It is a beautiful reminder of why the arts matter and why the people who make them matter just as much.

In this episode, we chat with Chris Mitchell, a kid who grew up obsessed with movies and somehow ended up building a theatre that’s changing the creative scene in his city. Chris gets real about the messy, confusing, and unexpected moments that shaped him, the times he didn’t know which path to take, the pull of creativity that wouldn’t let go, and the experiences that pushed him toward something he never saw coming. What starts as a personal journey of figuring things out turns into a story about creating something bigger than himself, a space for artists, storytellers, and audiences to come together.   Chris shares the highs, the funny missteps, and the lessons that only theatre life can teach,  all with honesty and heart. It’s the kind of conversation that will make anyone in the arts nod, laugh, and maybe even tear up a little, remembering why they fell in love with this crazy, creative world.   Whether you’re an actor, director, designer, writer, or just chasing your own creative dream, Chris’s story is a reminder that following your passion isn’t always easy, but it can lead to something truly extraordinary, a place, a purpose, and a community that makes it all worth it.  

Talking with Belinda Jenkin on Showtime was a reminder of how much passion and imagination sit behind great musical theatre. Belinda is an actor, singer, writer and composer who has spent more than a decade creating, performing and teaching across Australia and New York. Her path began in primary school when she choreographed routines for her friends, and grew through community theatre, visual arts studies, contemporary music training and ultimately NIDA and CAP21 in New York.   Belinda spoke about the feeling of flow she experiences on stage, a sense of pure presence where everything else disappears. That connection anchors her work, especially in parody musicals. She has performed in Top Gun, Gilligan’s Island, Fifty Shades, Friends and Thrones, and explained how parody relies on balancing sincerity with playful exaggeration. Audience interaction is crucial, and each performance shifts based on the energy in the room.   In Love Actually the musical parody she plays nine characters, using specific physical and vocal markers to switch roles quickly and cleanly. She loves the humour of the show, which celebrates everything people adore and debate about the original film. Whether audiences love the movie or have never seen it, the parody offers nostalgia, surprise and plenty of laughs.   🎭 Love Actually? The Musical Parody 🗓️ 5 Dec to 23 Dec 📍 Athenaeum Theatre One 🎟️ loveactuallymusicalparody.com/melbourne   Love Actually the musical parody is a fast paced, laugh out loud send up of the beloved Christmas movie. It reimagines nine chaotic stories of love, heartbreak and festive madness through clever comedy, original songs and cheeky twists on the film’s most iconic moments. The show follows the Prime Minister falling for his secretary, the best friend confessing his love with cue cards, the husband in trouble with Emma Thompson, and a collection of wonderfully odd characters who stumble through the holiday season with questionable judgment and even more questionable grand gestures.   The parody heightens everything people adore and roll their eyes at from the movie, leaning into nostalgia while adding new jokes, surprises and pop culture nods. It celebrates the messy, sentimental and ridiculous spirit of Christmas, offering a night of festive fun for those who love the film, love to hate it, or have never seen it at all.   BELINDA JENKIN is an accomplished actor, singer, writer and composer with a career that spans musical theatre, parody, cabaret and screen. A graduate of NIDA’s Diploma of Musical Theatre and CAP21 in New York, she has become a versatile and well loved performer known for her sharp comedic timing and expressive storytelling. Her stage credits include Friends the Musical Parody, Thrones, Top Gun the Musical, Gilligan’s Island the Musical, Fifty Shades the Musical Parody, Motor Mouth Loves Suck Face, Anyone Can Whistle, Chronic at La Mama and The Musical of Musicals. On screen she has appeared in Summer Heights High, the Space Jam Experience, Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and educational sketches for NTC.   As a writer she has created original cabarets and co written musicals such as Until Tomorrow and The Gathering with William Hannagan. Belinda also teaches acting and musical theatre, sharing more than a decade of professional experience with emerging performers.

Get ready to rediscover what happiness really means,  this is not your typical theatre talk. In The Good Life Episode, British actor Nicolas Ancelin shares his journey from the streets of Nottingham to the stages of Melbourne, and how a play about contentment, community, and laughter has reshaped the way he sees the world. What began as a backpacking adventure soon became a story about art, purpose, and finding joy in the simplest things.   🎭 The Good Life 📍 Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre 🗓️  7 November to 22 November 🎟️ https://brightontheatre.com.au/project/season-4-the-good-life/    Their conversation explores what The Good Life truly means in a world that often equates success with busyness. Nicolas reflects on his time in Australia, the lessons learned from the theatre community, and the importance of slowing down to laugh, listen, and live. At its heart, The Good Life Play is about simplicity,  the courage to choose meaning over noise, joy over pressure, and storytelling over spectacle. Nicolas reminds us that comedy isn’t just about punchlines; it’s about empathy, timing, and truth. Warm, witty, and full of heart, this episode celebrates art, purpose, and the performers who remind us that happiness isn’t something you chase, it’s something you create. 🤠 For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow Andrew G on Instagram: @AndrewGShowtime  NICOLAS ANCELIN was born in Longjumeau, France and raised in Nottingham, England. He attended Nottingham’s Television Workshop from 2011-2014 before graduating from the Manchester School of Theatre in 2017. He arrived in Australia 3 years ago as a backpacker and unfortunately, will have to return home next year. The Good Life will be Nic’s theatrical debut in the southern hemisphere, this will also be the play's Australian premier. He was taught improvisation and clowning by the legendary Mick Barnfather and stage craft by the RSC's Andrew Jarvis. On his return to Europe, he hopes to attend the Philippe Gaulier School, a mecca for comic actors and clowns. His credits include Noise, Thomas Moran, Cloud Street adapted from Tim Winton, David Copperfield adapted from Charles Dickens, It Can’t Happen Here, Sinclair Lewis, and Dolly West’s Kitchen, Frank McGuinness. He has directed The Red Lion, Patrick Marber, Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, Sam Steiner and co-directed Things We Want, Jonathan Marc Sherman. His dream role would be Henry V. He’d love to direct anything written by Harold Pinter, Annie Baker, or David Mamet, particularly Glengarry Glen Ross.

Get ready to let the sunshine in because Hair the Musical is back and bolder than ever. At Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, Alex Cooper and Maverick Newman lead a fearless new production of the groundbreaking rock musical that defined a generation. More than 50 years after it first shocked audiences, Hair continues to challenge, provoke, and inspire asking what freedom, identity, and rebellion really mean in 2025. 🎭 Hair the Musical 📍 Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne 🗓️25 October to 22 November 🎟️www.hairthemusical.com.au Directed with a fresh eye and a big heart, this revival doesn’t just revisit the counterculture movement — it reimagines it for a new era. Alex and Maverick bring electric energy and emotional depth to their roles, exploring themes of peace, protest, and personal awakening. From the iconic number “Let the Sunshine In” to the haunting “Where Do I Go”, every song becomes a mirror held up to today’s world where questions of war, race, gender, and freedom still burn bright. In conversation with host Andrew G on Showtime, the pair reflect on the show’s raw honesty and enduring relevance. They share how rehearsals sparked tough but necessary conversations about identity, inclusion, and truth proving that the real magic of Hair lies in its ability to unite people through empathy and understanding. 🤠 For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow Andrew G on Instagram: @AndrewGShowtime  ALEX COOPER is a core member of the Australian Shakespeare Company for the past five years, performing in a wide range of beloved productions. His stage credits include Otter, Cop, Judge, and Weasel in The Wind in the Willows; Bagheera in Jungle Book: The Next Chapter; and Major Minor Key in Captain Jack’s Pirate Party. Within the ASC’s Shakespeare repertoire, Alex has portrayed Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing and Benvolio in Romeo & Juliet, both featured in the 2023 summer season. Beyond his extensive stage work, Alex’s theatre appearances also include Leske’s Method (Cameron Sievers) and Second Coming (Andrew R. Kelly). On screen, Alex is best known for his role as Cody in Chris Lilley’s Ja’mie: Private School Girl, and has also appeared in Please Like Me (Josh Thomas, ABC Network) and The Newsreader (Emma Freeman, ABC Network). His portrayal of Claude in Hair the Musical marks a defining moment in his artistic journey — one that blends his passion for storytelling with his belief in the power of theatre to inspire empathy and self-discovery. MAVERICK NEWMAN is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (BA in Music Theatre), Maverick was most recently seen as Willard in Footloose The Musical and as Michael in The Boys in the Band (JTC). In 2023, Maverick was nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his dynamic performance playing twelve characters in the smash-hit Murder for Two (Hayes Theatre Co.), which enjoyed multiple return seasons, including critically acclaimed runs at Arts Centre Melbourne and Riverside Parramatta. Other notable stage credits include Emilia in The Comedy of Errors (Australian Shakespeare Company); Britt Craig in Parade (Soundworks Productions); Donny/Junee in A Model Murder (Sydney Festival/LPD); Chandler/Janice in Friends! The Musical Parody (SK Entertainment); and Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows (Australian Shakespeare Company). An award-winning writer, Maverick’s creative works include Tis The Season… (recipient of the Green Room Award for Best Original Songs), Finding Felix: A Memoir (nominated for four Green Room Awards), and Maverick Newman in Conversation with Maverick Newman (Hayes Theatre Co. & Athenaeum Theatre). Maverick is proudly represented by Sue Barnett & Associates.

Get ready to crank up the volume because School of Rock is more than just kids with guitars, it’s a celebration of passion, purpose, and the power of music to bring people together. Onstage, John Yanko and Anna Dinyés rock out as part of the electrifying cast, but behind the amps and anthems is a story of rediscovery, growth, and pure joy. Their shared love for performing fuels every riff and lyric, proving that music isn’t just what they do, it’s who they are. 🎸 School of Rock 📍 National Theatre St Kilda 🗓️ 1 to 15 November 🎟️ booktickets.com.au Based on the hit film, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn — a wannabe rock star who turns a class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing band that learns what it really means to find your voice. With powerhouse performances, infectious energy, and heart-thumping music, this production captures the spirit of rebellion and the magic of self-expression that only rock ’n’ roll can deliver. From explosive ensemble numbers to quiet moments of reflection, School of Rock strikes every chord, humour, hope, and heart. Audiences of all ages are cheering for its unstoppable mix of fun, emotion, and authenticity, reminding us all that it’s never too late to chase your dreams or pick up a guitar. 🎧 For the latest theatre stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and interviews with the stars of Australia’s musical scene, follow @AndrewGShowtime. JOHN YANKO is a Melbourne-based singer, songwriter, and performer whose artistry bridges storytelling and soul. He made his television debut on ABC’s The Piano, where he was handpicked by Harry Connick Jr. and Andrea Lam to perform at Sydney’s City Recital Hall. John’s musical theatre credits include leading roles in We Will Rock You, Seussical, Shrek the Musical, and now School of Rock. His passion for performance is rooted in connection — using music to inspire joy, courage, and authenticity both on and off stage. ANNA DINYÉS is a Hungary-born, Melbourne-based artist with a background in classical voice and piano. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Music (Musical Theatre) at the Australian Institute of Music and has appeared in productions such as Urinetown, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Pippin. Anna toured internationally as a lead vocalist in a professional ABBA tribute show and has lent her voice to the award-winning video game Elden Ring and Marvel’s Loki soundtrack. Blending discipline with playfulness, Anna continues to carve her path as a bold and versatile performer in the Australian theatre scene.

Get ready to crank up the volume because this is not your average school story. In School of Rock the Musical, Dylan Crawley and Imogen Alexander prove that following your dreams never goes out of tune. What starts as a conversation about returning to the stage quickly turns into a reflection on passion, purpose, and the power of music to bring people together. 🎭 School of Rock the Musical 📍 National Theatre, St Kilda 🗓️ 1 to 15 November 🎟️ booktickets.com.au Based on the hit film, School of Rock is an electrifying stage adaptation that follows wannabe rockstar Dewey Finn as he turns a group of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band. Packed with high-energy performances, heart, and hilarious moments, this production hits all the right notes. In this episode, Dylan Crawley and Imogen Alexander open up about their creative journeys from childhood inspirations to navigating the leap from classroom to stage. Dylan shares how a love for performance never really fades, even after years in cyber security, while Imogen reflects on growing up across five countries and how that global upbringing shaped her artistry. Together, they explore what it means to chase your passion fearlessly, rediscover joy, and embrace the thrill of live theatre once more. For Dylan, School of Rock has always been a source of inspiration. Returning to the stage as Ned Schneebly feels like coming home,  a full-circle moment that reminds him why he fell in love with performing in the first place. School of Rock the Musical is a loud, feel-good celebration of friendship, second chances, and the unstoppable energy of doing what you love. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the film or seeing it for the first time, this production will remind you why live theatre still rocks. 🎧 For the latest theatre stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and interviews with the stars of Australia’s musical scene, follow @AndrewGShowtime. DYLAN CRAWLEY is appearing on stage for the first time since high school. After being cast as Wilbur in the 2016 Hairspray production at Saint Ignatius College Geelong, Dylan knew musical theatre filled his soul. He later pursued a cyber security degree and worked in the field for several years before returning to his first love — performing. With past experiences at Walt Disney World and the Geelong Arts Centre, Dylan decided it was time to stop watching others live their dreams and start living his own. Now, as Ned Schneebly in School of Rock, he’s thrilled to bring his comedic energy and heart to the stage. IMOGEN ALEXANDER is an emerging musical theatre performer who grew up across five countries, fostering a deep love for the arts. A graduate of Showfit and Griffith University’s Queensland Academy of Excellence in Music Theatre, Imogen’s credits include Legally Blonde (Enid Hoopes) and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Betty/Noah). She has also performed in Bluey’s World and as the featured Mandarin singer for Amway’s 30th Anniversary with Kermond Entertainment. When she’s not performing, Imogen enjoys F45 workouts, teaching swimming, and spending time with her cat — also named Dylan.

Get ready to see motherhood in a new light — this is not your average “mum influencer” story. In The Mum and Bubba Episode, content creator Althea Cayton opens up about raising her daughter in a digital world, balancing authenticity with privacy, and how the magic of theatre and storytelling is shaping their everyday life. What began as a creative outlet soon grew into a heartfelt community for parents who value connection, curiosity, and kindness. 🎧 The Mum and Bubba Episode 📍 In-Studio — Melbourne 🗓️ 21 October 2025 🎟️ instagram.com/mum.and.bubba Through candid reflections, Althea shares how @mum.and.bubba became a space for genuine storytelling not picture-perfect posts. She talks about finding joy in the simple things, choosing collaborations that feel real, and showing up online as both a creator and a mum. For her, authenticity isn’t a strategy,  it’s a way to stay grounded while navigating the noise of social media. Their conversation explores what it means to nurture creativity in a child and why the arts matter more than ever. From live theatre to storytime at home, Althea believes that imagination builds empathy and that every performance, every book, every melody helps children see the world with wonder.  She shares how Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene has become part of her family’s rhythm, turning weekends into moments of laughter, curiosity, and connection. At its heart, The Mum and Bubba Episode is about time, the time we give, the moments we make, and the love we model. Althea reflects on how her daughter taught her to slow down, have fun, and lead with kindness, lessons that have shaped both her parenting and her platform. Honest, tender, and full of warmth, this episode celebrates creativity, motherhood, and the stories that make us who we are. ALTHEA CAYTON is a Melbourne-based content creator and the voice behind @mum.and.bubba, a digital space celebrating family life, creativity, and the joy of shared experiences. A lifelong writer with a background in marketing, Althea started the page six years ago to connect with other parents and share useful finds, local events, and imaginative adventures.  Inspired by her daughter, she continues to use her platform to encourage families to explore the arts, discover live theatre, and embrace the beauty of everyday moments.

Vidya Makan is back on the Showtime podcast, this time in the Melbourne studio, to talk about the momentous success of her groundbreaking original Australian musical, The Lucky Country, following its ARIA nomination for Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theater Album.   Vidya dives deep into the painstaking, nearly two-year-long process of creating the Original Cast Recording, detailing how she and her collaborators, producer Michael Tan and music director Heidi Maguire, translated the show's vision—an "Aussie radio dial" of sounds—for the listener's ear. She notes that a cast album is a separate, highly controlled art form, revealing the "luxury" of being able to craft the music like a "detailed painting."   She discusses the immense shock and honor of the ARIA nomination, sharing what this top-level recognition means for a show created by and featuring minority voices that is meant to serve as "a mirror as to who we are" as a nation. Vidya gets emotional about the powerful meaning behind the newly rewritten finale track, "Rise," which includes the Indigenous language Gugu Yalanji, and the feeling of gratitude to be part of such a sacred moment.   Finally, she expresses her excitement about bringing the show back to Melbourne, the city where she first discovered her artistry and wrote the musical. She is thrilled to share a contribution to the national dialogue that is meaningful, doesn't shy away from tricky conversations, but is also "a lot of fun."   Don't miss the show or the ARIA-nominated album!   🎭 The Lucky Country 🗓️ 13 October to 18 October 📍 Lawler Theatre 🎟️ http://mtc.com.au/   VIDYA MAKAN is one of Australia's most exciting multi-hyphenates, renowned as a composer and a leading lady. Her acting credits include Eliza in Hamilton, Catherine Parr in SIX, and Dot/Marie in Sunday In The Park With George, all of which earned her major industry nominations. Her critically acclaimed original musical, The Lucky Country, opened to rave reviews in 2023 and is currently touring. The Original Cast Album has been nominated for a 2025 ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theater Album. She is currently working with Queensland Theatre on a new musical exploring the lives of South Asian Australians.

Louisa Mignone joined the Showtime podcast to share her journey from growing up in a lively household of five siblings to becoming one of Australia’s most versatile actors in theatre, film, and television. With a career spanning acclaimed theatre productions and standout screen roles, Louisa spoke about what it takes to sustain a creative career, navigating the challenges of the industry, and staying true to storytelling that resonates.   Growing up inventing worlds with her siblings and a cupboard full of dress-up clothes, Louisa discovered her love for performance early. After exploring arts and cinematography at Flinders University, she stumbled into drama school — a decision that set her on a path of theatre company creation, bold stage roles, and screen performances that challenge her and expand her craft.   She reflected on the realities of being a performer in Australia today: financial instability, creative risk-taking, and the changing patterns of audiences post-COVID. Louisa shared her experiences balancing stage and screen, discussing how live theatre offers immediate feedback and evolving performances, while screen work requires precision, collaboration with directors, and trust in the editing process.   Currently, Louisa appears in Melbourne Theatre Company’s bold new adaptation of Rebecca, a limited season running until 5 November at Southbank Theatre’s The Sumner. She shared insights into the development process, working with a small cast in multiple roles, and exploring the complex moral and psychological themes of the story, which remain strikingly modern.   🎭 Rebecca 🗓️ 30 September to 5 November 📍 Southbank Theatre, The Sumner 🎟️ https://www.mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/season-2025/rebecca/   Rebecca, a reimagined stage adaptation of the classic 1938 novel, follows a woman navigating obsession, secrecy, and identity in a morally complex world. With only four actors portraying multiple roles, audiences are taken on a thrilling journey through a story of desire, power, and choice — as relevant today as it was decades ago.   🤠 For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime    LOUISA MIGNONE is a Melbourne Theatre Company debut alumna with credits including The Almighty Sometimes, Death of a Salesman (GWB Entertainment/Red Line Productions), The Fence (Darebin Arts/29 Scenes), Anna K (Malthouse Theatre), Mortido (Belvoir), The Club (State Theatre Company South Australia), Antigone (Sport For Jove), The Pork Stiletto (The Old Fitzroy), The Boys (Griffin Theatre Company), and Fugitive, Boom Bah! (Windmill Theatre). She is a founding member of Adelaide-based theatre company isthisyours?, whose original works have toured nationally and received numerous awards.   Her television and film credits include The Mongoose, Fake, The Twelve (S1), Scrublands, Australian Gangster, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries (S1–2), Wentworth (S8–9), Halifax Retribution, Secret City: Under the Eagle, Rake (S2–4), How to Stay Married (S2), Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Fat Tony & Co, My Place, East West 101, Infini, Two Fists One Heart, and Latte e Miele, which she also created.