A new Australian musical for Hayes Theatre Co

Neil Gooding directs and produces a brand new Australian musical for Hayes Theatre Co, featuring music and lyrics by Tim Freedman (The Whitlams) and a book by Freedman and Alex Broun.

The Hayes Theatre Comany has shaken up the Australian musical theatre scene. On its intimate stage it has dazzled with its first two performances, Sweet Charity and The Drowsy Chaperone. It has been offering itself up as an exciting new home for cabaret, hosting so far Marika Aubrey, Blake Erickson, and David Harris.

Now, the company is following through on its promise to foster, stage and support new Australian work. Next month will see the premiere of Truth, Beauty, and a Picture of You – based on an idea by Alex Broun, and inspired by the characters, stories and lyrics of Tim Freedman, one of Australia’s great musical storytellers.

Truth, Beauty and a Picture of You is described as being all about the hope you find when all hope seems gone. It features many of Tim Freedman’s biggest hits (“No Aphrodisiac” is referenced right there in the title!) and features a group of relatable characters who, if they can’t make peace with their pasts, will just have to up and move to Marrickville.

It’s about Tom. His dad Stewie used to be in a band, the kind of group that were legends on about three blocks of the inner-west. Stewie has since passed away and the surviving members of the group are struggling with their own demons. Charlie is holding up all the collective bars on King Street, and Anton is determined to forget the past and disappear into mediocrity. When Tom comes to Sydney from Taree to connect with his dad’s past, he gets in the way of all this sorrow-drowning.

Here’s some of the songs you can expect to hear: “God Drinks at the Botany View (now
that the Sando’s changed its name)”, “Blow Up The Pokies”, “Buy Now Pay Later (Charlie No. 2)”, “Fall for You”, and, “Fondness Makes the Heart Grow Absent.”

If that’s not exciting enough, then we have the cast, which is rife with talent. There’s Ian Stenlake (Guys and Dolls), Erica Lovell (Ordinary Days), Scott Irwin (Hairspray), Toby Francis (Carrie), and Ross Chisari (The Drowsy Chaperone).

Shows at the Hayes are rapidly getting a reputation for selling out, so get your tickets quickly for an exciting new chapter of Australian musical theatre.

Truth, Beauty and a Picture of You will play at the Hayes Theatre from 9 May – 1 June. For tickets and for more information, please visit hayestheatre.com.au.