Artistic Director of the Australian Musical Theatre Festival, Tyran Parke, today revealed the final program and the remaining artists who will be visiting Launceston from 21 to 25 May. This includes the stunning addition of music theatre icon NANCYE HAYES.
This year the award-winning TASMANIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and musical theatre stars CAROLINE O’CONNOR, ALINTA CHIDZEY and MARK VINCENT will be joined by performers Johanna Allen, Mark Dickinson, Ross Hannaford, Glenn Hill and Cassie Ogle.
A host of local Tasmanian stars to be announced in the coming weeks.
When announcing the artists, Tyran said:
“Johanna Allen has just finished an international season of Sweeney Todd and will be performing a tribute to Harold Arlen. Mark Dickinson has starred in West End shows as diverse as ‘Les Mis’ and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ and will star in Chasing Oscar, a celebration of all the songs written for film musicals.”
“Glenn Hill and Ross Hannaford are favourites from many productions. And our first lady of music theatre Nancye Hayes is joining us for a special ‘in conversation’. I am particularly proud that, as part of our commitment to creating an accessible festival, we are thrilled that Saturday will offer several of these shows, alongside those already announced, free of charge.”
Caroline O’Connor is internationally recognised for her powerhouse performances in productions such as Chicago, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, and Gypsy, and for her starring roles on the West End and Broadway. She has received multiple Helpmann and Green Room Awards and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the arts.
Alinta Chidzey has established herself as a versatile leading lady, with standout performances as Anita in West Side Story, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and Satine in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. She is a Helpmann Award nominee and a Green Room Award winner, known for her stunning vocal ability and commanding stage presence. She recently appeared in QPAC’s Spirit of Christmas concert.
Mark Vincent, one of Australia’s most beloved tenors, first rose to fame as the winner of Australia’s Got Talent at just 15. Since then, he has released multiple chart-topping albums and made a successful transition into musical theatre. He starred in My Fair Lady directed by Dame Julie Andrews, and Dirty Dancing. He has just been announced to play Old Deuteronomy in CATS.
Johanna Allen is one of Australia’s most versatile singer/actors, with credits across stage, screen, opera, and concert. She is a two-time Green Room Award winner and Adelaide Festival Centre Walk of Fame inductee. Highlights include leading roles in Sweeney Todd, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Sound of Music, and Phantom of the Opera. Her original shows have toured nationally.
Mark Dickinson has credits that span London’s West End and Australia. They include Les Misérables, The Drowsy Chaperone, Godspell, Next to Normal, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Shakespeare Republic, where he was nominated for Best Actor at the ASIN Awards.
Nancye Hayes AM is one of Australia’s most distinguished and beloved musical theatre performers. With a career spanning over six decades, she has starred in some of the country’s most iconic productions. These include Sweet Charity, Annie, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, Chicago, and My Fair Lady.
A multi-talented actress, singer, dancer, and director, Nancye has helped shape the landscape of Australian theatre. She has earned numerous accolades including Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Helpmann and Green Room Awards. Nancye has worked with leading companies such as The Production Company, Sydney Theatre Company (most recently in 4000 Miles), and Opera Australia.
She has been honoured with the Order of Australia for her services to the performing arts. Beyond her celebrated stage career, Nancye remains a mentor and inspiration to generations of performers. The Hayes Theatre in Sydney stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and influence on Australian musical theatre.
Ross Hannaford is a singer, actor, dancer, choreographer, director, and educator with a career spanning over 30 years across Australia and internationally. Performance highlights include Avenue Q, Sweeney Todd, CATS (resident director in Seoul), Wicked, King Kong, and Pippin. Now Dance Coordinator at VCA Music Theatre, Ross is passionate about nurturing diverse, story-driven performers.
Glenn Hill, winner of the 2012 Rob Guest Endowment, is a true triple threat with a career starting at just 16. Credits include We Will Rock You, Dr Zhivago, MAMMA MIA!, Spamalot, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Featured roles include Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys, Aaron Schultz in Legally Blonde, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly! (Green Room Award nomination). He also performed in Matilda The Musical, Elegies and Man of La Mancha. Glenn was the Children’s Director for the 2022/23 Australian tour of Mary Poppins.
Cassie Ogle is a VCA and WAAPA graduate, who has performed in Avenue Q, Seussical, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and new Australian works. A proud Tasmanian, Cassie is thrilled to return to the festival.
Details of the final program can be found below:
The Songs That Got Away – The Music of Harold Arlen starring Johanna Allen
Earl Arts Centre, Sunday 25 May
Take a journey through the life and music of Harold Arlen, composer of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Performed by Johanna Allen, this musical experience explores Arlen’s overlooked legacy and the iconic artists he championed.
Made in Tasmania starring Cassie Ogle
Hotel Grand Chancellor, Saturday 24 May
Cassie Ogle, Tasmanian local and VCA graduate, shares stories and songs from her theatrical journey, so far.
Busker’s Alley – Australian Style!
Hotel Grand Chancellor, Saturday 24 May
This guided performance traces the evolution of Australian musical theatre, from J.C. Williamson’s golden age to modern writers like Tim Minchin and Eddie Perfect.
In Conversation with Nancye Hayes
Earl Arts Centre, Saturday 24 May
Legendary performer, choreographer and director Nancye Hayes reflects on a trailblazing career. A rare chance to hear directly from an industry icon.
The full program can be found on the website.
The Australian Musical Theatre Festival runs from 21 to 25 May 2025 in Launcestion, Tasmania.
Tickets: https://www.amtf.org.au/festival/performances
Website: https://www.amtf.org.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/australianmusicaltheatrefest/
The Australian Musical Theatre Festival is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania, the City of Launceston, Theatre North and many local businesses.
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