Natasha Vickery is Little Sally in URINETOWN, opening next week at the Hayes!

In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government enforced ban on private toilets.

The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!

Urinetown is an hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatisation of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics and musical theatre itself! Presented by Heart Strings Theatre Co in association with Hayes Theatre Co, the show will play at the Hayes from January 11th, 2023. In the exposition-filled role of Little Sally is Natasha Vickery.

Natasha is an actor, music theatre performer and voiceover artist. In Sydney Natasha worked with Pinchgut Opera Company in their production of Dioclesian and Bob Ellis in The Word Before Shakespeare. She graduated from WAAPA in 2017, where her credits included Viola in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Liz Essendine in Present Laughter and Polly Peachum in The Threepenny Opera. She was the recipient of the Whiddon International Artist Scholarship. Since graduating she has completed an MEAA internship on the set of ABC’s Back in Very Small Business, played Emma Goldman in Assassins [dir. Roger Hodgman] for Black Swan State Theatre Company, and Sonya in Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. Her Canberra credits include Nell Gwynn in the regional tour of Playhouse Creatures, Belfast Girls and Wolf Lullaby.

Can you tell me a bit about your history with performing?

Tash: I have been performing on stage ever since I can remember! I fell in love with acting when I was quite young – Mum was a teacher at NIDA and I thought the acting students were the coolest people on the planet. I loved how playful they were allowed to be, stepping into different roles, lives and mindsets. My first role (outside countless school plays) was in a show at NIDA when I was about seven years old, and I never stopped! I eventually studied the acting course at WAAPA and graduated in 2017. After a few years in Sydney, I moved to Canberra in the height of the pandemic and have continued acting alongside a fabulous job in marketing.

Do you see any of yourself in Little Sally?

Tash: Even though Sally and I are quite different (I’m not so little after all!), I think we share a lot in common. Her and I are very goofy and we aren’t afraid to share our silly side. I get to pull the most absurd facial expressions playing this role, which is something I do too much in real life. She also asks a lot questions and has a huge amount of curiosity!

Your mum (Karen Vickery) is playing Officer Lockstock – how have you found doing a show together?

Tash: Mum and I have been working together a lot since my move to Canberra. I feel so lucky to be able to share these experiences with her. We know each other so well, meaning we aren’t afraid to play and make bold choices on stage. Sometimes we know each other a bit too well and can’t stop laughing… I also never stop learning from her. I remember the first acting lesson she ever gave me: I was about 6 or 7 years old and had a small role in a student short film. There was a particular moment I didn’t know how to approach, so I asked her what facial expression I should make. She said, ‘think the thoughts and your face will know what to do.’ I still have to remind myself to do this now!

What is your favourite song from the show?

Tash: One of my favourite numbers is Run Freedom Run. It’s a gospel inspired musical number with some incredible harmonies. It’s very uplifting and the cast have a ball performing it every night. It’s a real crowd pleaser!

Why do you think it’s important to still perform shows like Urinetown in 2023?

Tash: The last few years have been incredibly hard for everyone. I don’t think there’s ever been a better time to share a musical like Urinetown, full of absolute silliness, joy and laughter.

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Urinetown plays at the Hayes Theatre from January 11.

Click here for tickets and more information.