Book by Sheridan Harbridge & Dean Bryant
Music by Mathew Frank, Lyrics by Dean Bryant
Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks
Melbourne Theatre Company production
Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra Theatre to 15 March
Reviewed by Len Power 8 March 2026
Miles Franklin’s much-loved 1901 book, My Brilliant Career, became a deserved success as a movie in 1979. Could lightning strike twice with this new musical staging of the story? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’!
The story focuses on a young woman, Sybylla Melvin, in rural Australia in the late 19th century whose aspiration to become a writer is at odds with society’s expectations of a woman at that time.
The cast of 10 create a series of vivid country characters and, when they’re not acting, they’re the musicians as well! With the band onstage throughout and part of the action, it’s like being at a bush concert with a story. Marg Horwell’s clever set design suggests the time and locations and her costume design adds period colour to the actors’ characterizations.
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| Kala Gare (Sybylla) and cast members |
Outstanding in the Melbourne Theatre Company cast is Kala
Gare in the central role of Sybylla. From the beginning, Gare draws the
audience in with her energetic, brash, funny and deeply sensitive performance
as this young woman. She sings superbly and dances like a whirlwind.
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| Kala Gare (Sybylla) |
The other cast members play multiple roles. There is particularly fine work by Raj Labade as Harry, the man who wants to marry Sybylla, Drew Livingstone as Father and Jay-Jay, Ana Mitsikas as Grannie and Christina O’Neill as Mother and Helen. Melanie Bird, Lincoln Elliott, Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, Victoria Falconer and Jarrad Payne also give vivid characterizations.
Mathew Frank, music, and Dean Bryant, lyrics, have produced a rousing score that blends contemporary pop, bush ballad and raucous pub rock. There are several memorable songs including, This Piano, Turn Away From The Mirror, I Will Wait With You and Someone Like Me. The whole cast play and sing this appealing musical score very well.
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| Kala Gare (Sybylla) |
Expertly directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, this is a magical show that offers everything that a good musical should. The music lifts the story to another level emotionally, while the cast offer striking performances in this strong, well-presented story with an atmospheric setting.
Photos by Pia Johnson
This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 9 March 2026.
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.
