It’s been two years since Melbourne Theatre Company’s My Brilliant Career graced the stage.
Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, with Book by Sheridan Harbridge, Book and Lyrics by Dean Bryant and Music by Mathew Frank, Musical Director and Additional Music Arrangements by Victoria Falconer, Choreography by Amy Campbell, based on the book by Miles Franklin, Kale Gare returns to the pivotal role of Sybylla Melvyn in this encore run of an original Australian musical that is a gift for theatre fans.
Think Eloise Bridgerton from the Bridgerton series, mixed with Josephine “Jo” March from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women novel – but thoroughly Australian. Sybylla believes there’s got to be more than life than being a dutiful wife and finding a good husband for security. Sybylla desires to be creative, she adores books, learning, knowledge, and longs for freedom from society’s expectations on what a woman should be.
Despite being set in 1890s Australia, Sybylla’s tale is surprisingly relatable. Even now, society expects us to grow up, marry, have a family and be what society expects, the obedient wife, the nurturer. Many still believe that women cannot excel in certain occupations in comparison to men.
With excellent set and costume design by Marg Horwell, wig by Gabi Havens, and stunning lighting by Matt Scott, My Brilliant Career isn’t what I remembered from two years ago because I don’t remember it being *this* good! The original Australian musical being more polished, its music more cohesive, not with a handful of standout songs, but the entire show being absolutely showstopping. Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward shines as Frank, especially when he does a little dance jig and almost steals the show with his quirky charm. New addition Melanie Bird is fantastic as Sybylla’s baby sister Gertie and city socialite Blanch, with a fun performance of ‘Make a Success’ that would rival entrants at an international song contest. It felt like a party that you were happy and lucky to be in the same room for.
Lincoln Elliot is great as stubborn child Horace, but it was his moments as Jimmy which I found compelling. Drew Livingston, Ana Mitsikas and Christina O’Neill return as the multiple adult figures that they take on, including Livingston as Father / Uncle Jay-Jay / M’Swat, Mitsikas as Grannie and little Rose Jane, and O’Neill as Mother / Aunt Helen / Mrs. M’Swat. The way that these three change their voices, the way they carry their bodies in between characters, it is never confusing to figure out which character they’re playing at any given moment. A masterclass of Australian theatre.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t fall for Raj Labade’s Harry Beecham, and even his Peter M’Swat. The brilliant writing in this production gives Labade many special moments between him and Kala Gare’s Sybylla Melvyn, but it’s the moment when Harry appears out of nowhere to serenade Sybylla with ‘Working My Way’ which last time, made me wish I wrote it. It still takes my breath away. The use of the theatre in this way, the aisles… I really love it when productions don’t limit themselves to just the stage alone. It is clear this has been thoroughly thought about, to not only tell a story, but to pull audiences in to feel like they’re part of the world that Sybylla inhabits. We feel like a fly on the wall, like a friend of these characters or at least a distant relative.
And finally, there’s Kale Gare. It has been an absolute honour to see Gare return to the role that she originated in this original Australian musical. Her stage presence, her voice, the way she embodies Sybylla with so much care and love. I cannot put into appropriate words just how much Gare’s soul and talents soar in this show. Sybylla and Kale are a match made in theatre heaven, and everyone needs to see her in this. Kale Gare is Sybylla Melvern through and through.
Last time, I gave five stars to this brilliant production. The five stars I provide this time do not quantify exactly how incredible My Brilliant Career actually is, and how much it has improved. For those who were fans before and saw the production two years ago, you will be thoroughly impressed how much better the musical is this time around. And for those who haven’t, the opportunity to see My Brilliant Career in this final form is a gift.
Now, if only there was a cast recording… I need to hear ‘In The Wrong Key’, ‘Gargoyle’, ‘Working My Way’ and ‘Someone Like Me’ over and over, long after the show has left the Melbourne stage. The music alone moved me to tears and it’s something that must be documented for everyone to enjoy and fondly remember, long after the production leaves the Australian stage for the final time.
My Brilliant Career is currently playing in Melbourne at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner until February 28th before heading to Canberra’s Canberra Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre from March 7th to March 15th, then heading to Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company between March 21st to April 28th, concluding in Wollongong at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Merrigong Theatre Company from May 8th to May 17th.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/season-2026/my-brilliant-career
https://www.mtc.com.au/discover-more/melbourne-theatre-company-on-tour/my-brilliant-career-tour
Photography by Pia Johnson.
