★★★★★
What a bloody good show! It is no surprise that See You Sunday has returned with another killer season of American Psycho: A Musical Thriller, and this time it comes swinging with a hugely successful, sold-out run, aptly opening on Halloween night.
Directed by Mark Taylor, this deliciously dark musical is every bit as twisted, outrageous and entertaining as you could hope for.
Set at the turn of the 20th century, we follow Patrick Bateman, a high-flying Wall Street financier whose obsession with status, designer labels and keeping up appearances is matched only by his rather more sinister appetite for murder.
As Bateman’s carefully curated world begins to unravel, the line between reality and his increasingly depraved imagination becomes harder to distinguish.
I was so excited to see Conor Beaumont step back into the shoes of Patrick Bateman, and there really is no one better suited to the role. Having made his stage debut in the previous season, it is a pleasure to see Beaumont looking so comfortable in the spotlight.
He delivers Bateman’s lines with an icy coolness and unnerving finality, all accompanied by a gorgeous voice reminiscent of Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet. There is something particularly unsettling about watching someone sing so beautifully while contemplating such horrific things.
Harley Dasey brings confidence and charisma to both Paul Owen and Detective Kimball, creating a fabulous mirror to Bateman. Montana Sharp returns as the soft-spoken and kind-hearted Jean, Bateman’s secretary, whose subdued nature makes her powerhouse vocals all the more impressive. Her solo, A Girl Before, is a particular highlight.
Mia Dabowski-Chandler is an absolute standout as Evelyn Williams. Her comedic timing and stage presence are unmatched, and she knows exactly when to turn up the dial. I adore her rendition of You Are What You Wear, delivered with a collection of perfectly timed facial expressions and vocal tricks.
Meanwhile, Jake Ameduri as Timothy Price (and others) is outrageously funny. His uncannily accurate Tom Cruise impression alone is worth the price of admission. Leaning delightfully into the camp, he leads the male ensemble through some hysterically absurd moments, with the Cards number proving a real showstopper.
The soundtrack is another treat, with ‘80s hits sprinkled throughout to transport us into the era while giving familiar lyrics an altogether darker meaning. Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight has never felt quite so eerie. Aaron Robuck, looming over the set as Musical Director, keeps the tunes from Duncan Sheik’s score pumping along beautifully.
Sophie Loughran’s choreography packs a punch, with slick, tightly executed moves that hit every beat and bring an extra layer of energy and attitude to the already infectious soundtrack.
Chapel Off Chapel is the perfect setting for this bloody mess. The intimate space makes you feel almost at risk of becoming Bateman’s next victim. As Production Stage Manager Sunday Bowes puts it, “You can’t have American Psycho without the blood.”
With approximately three litres of fake blood used each show, audiences certainly get their money’s worth, including that classic Bateman-in-a-bloody-coat panorama.
With a stage cleverly designed by Harry Gill, quotes and horror film references displayed across the television screens help us navigate Bateman’s increasingly fractured mind, offering glimpses into the justifications behind his actions.
Dripping with satire, American Psycho is as much a commentary on consumerism, masculinity and obsession with appearances as it is a bloody good thriller. Despite its retro setting, its themes remain uncomfortably relevant. Twisted, camp and thoroughly entertaining, this is a killer night out that deserves every bit of its sold-out success.
American Psycho: A Musical Thriller runs to 21 November 2026 at Chapel Off Chapel. 12 Little Chapel Street Prahran Vic 3181.
It then runs in Brisbane from 4 – 20 February 2027 at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Tickets for Melbourne are here, and Brisbane are here.
Website: https://www.americanpsycho.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/americanpsychomusicalau/ and https://www.instagram.com/seeyousundayinc/
Hero image photo credit: Cameron Grant
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