Theatre Works, Sean Donehue and Nick Waxman present Bearded, a fresh original Australian musical telling of equal parts queer joy and queer struggles.
Set in 2017, at the height of both the “Vote Yes” and “Vote No” campaigns for the same-sex marriage plebiscite, Bearded is a reflection of our past, while also prompting thoughts on the current day and future too.
The plebiscite put people’s identities and basic rights in the hands of Australian voters. This was the time when Australia decided what kind of future it wanted to see. We know now the results were 60% for “Yes” and 40% for “No”, but the lead up to these results was full of uncertainty and varied discussions for many Australians.
Bearded is fronted by best friends Ace and Bet. Bet (Bek Schilling), is the daughter of conservative politician, Richard Rawler (Anton Berezin). Her father is strongly pushing to “Vote No” amongst his own campaigning. Bet’s potential pursuing of a queer relationship with Kelly (Carlyi Jaz) does not fit into Richard’s picture perfect family image to project to the world, and he will ensure Bet knows hers place.
Ace (Sean Donehue) is living in the closest, unsure of how life might change for him should he choose to come out as gay, and his dad David (Michael Linder) struggles to connect with these walls built up between them.
In a spur-of-the- moment pressured situation, Bet decides to kiss Ace, and they announce to the world they are dating. Becoming beards for each other, life becomes easier in many aspects. However, living a lie causes other issues, and hurt to themselves and the people around them.
More truths are exposed, lives are changed, and identities are explored through the rest of the show.
The Bearded cast put their heart and souls into their performances. Sean Donehue gives everything in his performance as Ace McKinnon. His powerful voice conveying joy, sadness, fear, hope and humour as needed. The father-son dynamic alongside Michael Linder was clear to see. Linder was able to deliver the energy, rage, and calmness required of their character. David’s poignant moment in ‘Let It Out’ with Ace, left many in the audience teary-eyed.
Schilling brought a grit and power to Bet, making their character feel real and tangible. Being on-stage and part of vast majority of scenes, their energy kept up throughout the whole show. You could feel the room relating to Bet and many of her situations. A special mention also to Rachel Tunaley as Cri$ta, and Teddy Burgess as Axel. Their comedic timing, physicality and expressions breaking the tension had the audience laughing out loud throughout.
It’s clear the whole creative team and cast put a lot of love and effort into Bearded. During ‘Hope’, the dance timing was punchy and had been well-rehearsed. ‘Opening’ and ‘Closing’ made for the perfect introduction and farewells to the characters and story.
The choreography, by Aadhya Wijegoonawardena, makes Bearded appear larger than life. There was thought put into how each scene appeared visually and the effect was clear. It was full of life, energy and attention to detail. Paired with stunning lighting design (Tom Vulcan), and catchy songs (led by Music Director Miro Lauritz), Bearded has the feel of a big and bold musical.
Bearded has an important story to tell but it is also just enjoyable to watch in its own right. The atmosphere was electric on opening night, with many in the audience connecting deeply with many moments in show. During the final number ‘Queer As Fuck!’, everyone was up on the feet, clapping along, laughing and crying.
Bearded has all the humour of Heathers, the heart of Dear Evan Hansen, and all the energy of Rent. This is the kind of theatre you get excited about, and about where it could go. Bearded is distinctly, proudly Australian and is ready to take on the world.
Bearded is currently playing at Theatre Works until January 18.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2025/bearded
https://www.beardedmusical.com
https://www.instagram.com/beardedmusical
Photography by Jacob McCormack.
