Review: My Brilliant Career at Roslyn Packer Theatre

Review by Michelle Sutton

Sydney Theatre Company presents My Brilliant Career, a new musical based on the iconic trailblazing 1901 novel written by Miles Franklin. This production was originally developed and staged in Melbourne at Melbourne Theatre Company. The musical showcases all that is true and profound in the novel and translates it beautifully to stage. Longtime lovers of the novel will be impressed by the way the production channels the essence of the novel into a spectacle for the stage.

The book is written by Sheridan Harbridge and Dean Bryant. Adapting one of the most beloved Australian literary works of all time is no mean feat but Harbridge and Bryant manage to do it justice. The script follows the same major plot points and features dialogue befitting of all the characters but with sprinklings of modern humour throughout. This is done tastefully and cheekily, giving the audience a glimpse of how headstrong and unruly teenage Sybylla might speak were she born a hundred years later and a member of gen z. As in the novel, Sybylla narrates the show in first person, letting the audience directly into her stream of consciousness.

With music by Mathew Frank and lyrics by Dean Bryant, the score lets the audience into the mind and moods of Sybylla even more. The songs range from soft folk ballads to upbeat pop ensemble numbers. Music is an interwoven part of the show as all performers play instruments on stage, including the leading actors when they are not involved in a scene. A piano sits in the centre of the stage with musicians around it. Musical director Victoria Falconer has worked her signature charm into the fabric of this show to make it seem like one big rousing folk tale.

The set and lighting design work together to create a warm and earthy environment that is striking and evocative of the Australian bush. Marg Horwell has kept the set simple, dressing the stage with brown grass to create a sense of nature. Elements are brought in throughout the show to signal a change of location, including chandeliers for fancy houses in town, and beach umbrellas for Sybylla’s birthday picnic. The focus however is always on the ground and the sky.

The visual design of the sky changes depending on season, time of day and mood. The lighting design by Matt Scott is also restrained and natural, often acting as the sun. The combination of the set and lighting design create dusk, dawn and many things in between. It is a deceptively simple concept, creatively thought out and executed to perfection to create the perfect grounded world for the story to take place in. Costume design by Marg Horwell helps distinguish class and sophistication, as seen and judged through the eyes of Sybylla. Expert direction by Anne-Louise Sarks brings the whole ambitious show together.

On the night of review Melanie Bird played the leading role of Sybylla with Meg Mckibbin stepping into the dual role of Gertie and Blanche. Bird captures Sybylla’s wild, playful nature through her physicality and is a fearless force of nature on stage. Bird’s voice soars over the score and is moving in the quieter ballad moments as well as impressive in big group numbers where she shows off her incredible belt. Christina O’Neill plays Sybylla’s stoic mother and delights with her elegant vocals. The role of Harry Beecham is played by Raj Labade. Labade creates a dynamic character and has incredible chemistry with Mel Bird as Sybylla. He shines in the soft acoustic Wait With You. Ana Kitsikas brings humour as Sybylla’s arch and traditional grandmother. The charismatic Frank is played by Cameron Bajraktarevic and dazzles in the high-energy, scene-stealing comedic number Brick. The entire cast shows incredible talent, clever characterisation and a strong understanding of the material.

My Brilliant Career at Roslyn Packer Theatre highlights why this story and this character have stood the test of time. This production shows sadly just how little things have changed in our society since Miles Franklin published her novel in 1901. Girls and women still experience discrimination in every sector of life, and societal attitudes have certainly changed but have not shifted that far from encouraging little boys to dream of adventure and making a name for themselves and little girls to be wives and mothers. The coming-of-age journey Sybylla goes on as she learns more about the world, discovers empathy and humility but retains all of her fire and courage, is translated expertly to the stage. This musical version of My Brilliant Career shows why she has been a beloved character for a hundred years. This imaginative production is sure to inspire even more young people to be difficult, unruly and to dream a life for themselves beyond what they can see.

Image Credit: Pia Johnson