Samantha Paterson’s Paterson Productions: Weaving a Colorful Canvas of Theatre and Inclusiveness
In the heart of Brisbane, a theatrical whirlwind is brewing, and it goes by the name of Paterson Productions. Founded by the dynamic Brisbane artist Samantha Paterson, this emerging theatre company is poised to take the city by storm with its commitment to creating high-quality community theatre that transcends boundaries and celebrates diversity. With a vision that spans live musical theatre, virtual performances, concerts, open mic shows, and more, Samantha Paterson and her team are on a mission to ignite the local arts scene and provide unforgettable entertainment for all demographics.
A Journey of Inspiration
Samantha Paterson, a dedicated figIn the heart of Brisbane, a theatrical whirlwind is brewing, and it goes by the name of Paterson Productions. Founded by the dynamic Brisbane artist Samantha Paterson, this emerging theatre company is poised to take the city by storm with its commitment to creating high-quality community theatre that transcends boundaries and celebrates diversity. With a vision that spans live musical theatre, virtual performances, concerts, open mic shows, and more, Samantha Paterson and her team are on a mission to ignite the local arts scene and provide unforgettable entertainment for all demographics.
After enthralling audiences with a sold-out season of ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’ in Brisbane in 2022 and a successful but unfortunately curtailed season of ‘Les Misérables’, Samantha Paterson realised that she could refine the business model for producing independent community theatre. The result is Paterson Productions, a company that thrives on inclusivity—embracing diversity in terms of gender, age, ethnicity, and experience level. Samantha and her team aim to reflect the rich talent that is Brisbane’s community, both on and off the stage.
Samantha, you’ve been involved in producing a wide range of theatrical productions in Brisbane, including iconic shows like ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Les Misérables’. What inspired you to establish Paterson Productions, and what sets it apart from your previous work with Lynch & Paterson?
It’s incredibly exciting to be launching this new performing arts company in Brisbane. Having lived here since 2008, there is such a rich community of creatives to tap into when pulling together productions. I’m very inspired by the passion of Brisbane artists using limited resources to create incredible art. It is not what we have but how we use it and what we make of it that births such wonderful pieces of theatre. With Paterson Productions, my dream is to create vibrant, entertaining and passionate theatre and provide opportunities for Brisbane artists across all elements of production. My work with Lynch & Paterson over the past 6 years equipped me with the network and skills to bring incredible teams together to collaborate on all genres of theatrical productions. After a sold-out season of The Phantom Of The Opera in Brisbane 2022 and a successful, but sadly cut-short by COVID and the 2022 floods season of Les Misérables, I’ve been able to refine the business model for producing independent community theatre in a way that showcases every individual involved, celebrates a huge variety of Brisbane artists who are both established and upcoming, and provides a platform for those talents to develop alongside industry professionals from all around Australia. As a company, we strive to achieve inclusivity of gender, age, ethnicity, as well as experience level to better represent all of Brisbane, and share audiences a reflection of the rich tapestry which makes up Brisbane’s community.
Spamalot: The Monty Python Extravaganza
Paterson Productions’ latest offering is none other than ‘Spamalot!’, also known as ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’. This comical musical promises to deliver the classic Monty Python comedy and musical madness that audiences have come to adore. The show, based on the beloved 1975 film ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’, features a score by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, who also wrote the lyrics and book for the production.
Samantha Paterson’s fascination with Spamalot arises from the distinctive flavour of British comedy that Monty Python brings to the table. With Eric Idle, John Cleese, and the original Monty Python crew as the architects of absurdity, Spamalot thrives as a musical that uniquely captures the essence of Python in script and song. The magic of Python, long cherished by fans worldwide, is seamlessly translated onto the stage in this production.
Samantha: There is a certain flavour to British comedy that can’t be replicated elsewhere, and Monty Python is the creme de la creme. With the brilliance of Eric Idle, John Cleese and the original Monty Python crew, the absurdity of Python is what makes a musical like Spamalot work. Being notoriously an ensemble company, Monty Python so cleverly makes use of a small cast to undertake a huge number of roles. Such variety means this show has a fantastic pace and energy when trying to keep up with actors jumping between French taunters to Knights of Ni to Sir Robin the Brave’s minstrels. Growing up watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail, I always knew the magic of Python and how beloved this silly film could be. Seeing the story converted to stage in Spamalot, it fully captures the essence of Python in script and songs.
To ensure that Monty Python’s humour bursts forth on the stage in all its irreverent glory, Samantha and her team have left no stone unturned. As ardent Python enthusiasts, they have dissected the original sketches and scripts, aiming not only to nail the timing and delivery of the jokes but also to channel the spirit of absurdity that defines Monty Python. As a result, the production carries audiences into the realm of Python, eliciting the same sense of joy and laughter as the original sketches.
Samantha: To bring Monty Python’s humour to life on stage, my team and I have approached the material with great care and reverence. As long-time Python fans, we’ve meticulously studied the original sketches and scripts to capture the essence of Monty Python’s irreverent style. This involves not only nailing the timing and delivery of the jokes, but also embracing the spirit of absurdity that runs through their work. Ultimately, our goal is to transport the audience into the whimsical and uproarious world of Monty Python, allowing them to experience the same joy and laughter that the original sketches evoked. We believe that by staying faithful to the source material while adding our own creative touches, we’ve crafted a production that honors Monty Python’s legacy in a way that will delight both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
The Cast
Meet the sensational cast of ‘Spamalot’ – a talented ensemble ready to bring Monty Python’s absurd humour to life with infectious energy and impeccable comedic timing.
A Vision for the Future
Spamalot is just the beginning of Paterson Productions’ journey. Samantha Paterson envisions a future that continues to embrace the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. While live musical theatre remains at the core of their endeavours, they are committed to leveraging new technologies and formats to reach a broader audience.
As the producer of Spamalot, what do you believe sets this particular show apart from other productions in your repertoire? What do you hope Brisbane audiences will take away from their experience with this side-splitting musical extravaganza?
Spamalot brilliantly combines irreverent humour with an epic quest, creating a blend of satire and adventure. The show’s clever parody of the Arthurian legend, coupled with its sharp wit and memorable musical numbers, offers audiences a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This production boasts a talented cast and crew who bring an unparalleled level of energy and creativity to the production. Their dedication and passion for the material shine through in every performance, elevating the show to a new level of entertainment. For Brisbane audiences, they’ll leave the theatre with a sense of joy and laughter that lingers long after the final curtain falls.
In addition to live musical theatre, Paterson Productions also explores virtual theatre, concerts, open mic shows, and more. Could you share your vision for the future of the company and how you plan to continue providing engaging and entertaining experiences for the Brisbane community?
At Paterson Productions, we’re committed to evolving with the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. While live musical theatre remains at the heart of what we do, we recognize the importance of embracing new technologies and formats to reach wider audiences.In terms of virtual theatre, we see it as a powerful tool to bring the magic of live performance to individuals who may not have the opportunity to attend a physical show. This could include streaming performances online or even creating immersive virtual experiences that allow viewers to feel like they’re right there in the theatre.Concerts and open mic shows are another avenue we’re keen on exploring. These events provide a platform for local talent to shine and for audiences to discover new and exciting performers. By fostering a vibrant arts community, we hope to contribute to the cultural richness of Brisbane. Education and outreach are also vital components of our vision. We aim to offer workshops, masterclasses, and educational programs that nurture emerging talent and provide opportunities for growth in the performing arts. By staying innovative, collaborative, and focused on providing exceptional experiences, we aim to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for the community for years to come.
By staying innovative, collaborative, and committed to providing exceptional experiences, Paterson Productions aims to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for the community for years to come. Brisbane, get ready to be swept away by the magic of ‘Spamalot’ and the boundless creativity of Paterson Productions—the stage is set for an unforgettable journey of laughter, music, and inclusivity.
Season Details
Brisbane
Venue: Twelfth Night Theatre, Bowen Hills, QLD
Date: Fri 17 – 26 Nov 2023
For more information and to book tickets click HERE.
