The talented Class of 2025 from the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre are presenting a Showcase of short excerpts from the musical theatre canon, alongside some scene work in what marks the end of three years of vigorous training.
The Griffith University musical theatre program celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025, and continues to produce acclaimed performers, many of whom are starring as leads in musicals around the country. The Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre was launched in 2023, and proudly remains part of Griffith while continuing to work closely with Queensland Conservatorium.
The stakes are always high at Showcase, especially as they feature invited industry guests from around the country among the audience. The intimate Tony Gould Gallery allows for an up close and personal experience, and the performers are more than ready for the challenge.
Collectively, the vocal talent here is phenomenal, demonstrated in their show stopping finale number. Each performer brings their talents and gifts in a presentation that is cleverly staged by Paul Sabey and Megan Shorey.
Ellie Carragher has the honour of starting and closing the showcase, framing the performance from start to finish. Her solo moment in What I Did for Love is full of heart and shows off her vocal ability with clarity and control. She brings energy and emotion, driving home a finale that left this reviewer an absolute tearful mess.
Max Baldock channels good guy energy; he’s the kind of person you’d want standing by your side as your best man. He’s effortlessly charming and quietly disarming, with a presence that feels relatable (and he plays guitar!). Max would fit seamlessly into musicals such as Dear Evan Hansen.
Niamh Cadoo-Dagley nearly steals the show in the Defying Gravity finale mashup (alongside Chloe Flanagan). Niamh approaches the number with a playful ease, riffing freely. Niamh’s presence and energy is a delight to watch.
Connor Chadwick brings charm, humour and a friendly energy to his performance. Often featuring as the warm body in other performers’ segments, Connor is a rare team player whom all professional producers would be lucky to have in their cast.
Sage Del Carmen draws the audience in with vulnerability and soulful candour. Delightfully disarming, Sage commands both respect and attention. They’re an intriguing presence that leaves the audience wanting to learn more.
Chloe Flanagan’s voice. That’s it, that’s the review. A powerhouse, with pipes to make Idina Menzel sweat, Chloe tackles Defying Gravity with poise, precision and polish. She wouldn’t be out of place on any Broadway original cast recording.
Brydie Faith Hall has a remarkable gift for stealing hearts in the briefest of moments. On stage, they draw the audience in with a depth of emotion that feels immediate and genuine, and then shifts on a dime to bring laughter and lightness in their comedy segment.
Ella Harding commands the stage and draws the eye. An effortless performer, Ella brings grace and control, showing off her technical gifts and dance prowess. A show stopping femme fatale, look out for her on the professional stage in the not-so-distant future.
Sam Henderson brings both leading man looks and Justin Timberlake-esque charm. He especially stands out in a showcase highlight, Love is an Open Door, alongside Charlie Preston. A Disney prince in the making, Sam Henderson wouldn’t be out of place on both the main stage or the big screen.
Olivia Horne brings delightful versatility and honed professionalism to her performance. She channels Kristin Chenoweth with her comedy skills and operatic voice. Having seen what she can do in a dramatic role earlier in the year, keep this performer on your one to watch list.
Kate Hudson-James, also displaying outstanding dramatic skills earlier this year, balances a rare maturity with an openness and vulnerability in her storytelling. With acting equally as strong as her vocals, she carries a dramatic depth in her work.
Christina Keen has strong comedy skills, with solid timing and a grounded presence. She moves effortlessly in her duo and trio segments, suggesting that she would excel in musicals with a large cast of characters.
Croft Phillips owns his masculinity, radiating bad-boy energy while remaining effortlessly likeable. Croft would be a perfect fit for antagonistic jock roles in shows like Heathers.
Charlie Preston shines in her duet alongside Sam Henderson. She commits fully to every beat of her performance, balancing playfulness with precision. Her ability to shift between comedic timing and genuine connection suggests significant potential for a wide range of roles.
Mateja Sardelis surprises with soulful vocals and cat-like agility in her standout dance segments alongside Ella Harding. A scene stealer, she’s well-suited to a life in the spotlight. Keep your eye out for more of Mateja on the professional stage, as she’s here to stay.
Cooper Swain brings a raw and fearless energy to his performance. Comfortable in his own skin, Cooper would shine in musicals such as Moulin Rouge! or Cats. He also has a fantastic look for screen work.
Orlando Vella brings a smooth, confident presence to the stage with a natural masculine allure. His ability to move between instruments adds an impressive layer of versatility. He shows clear potential for musical theatre, while his look also carries strong appeal for the American screen market.
Having seen this company present Carrie: The Musical earlier this year, it was exciting to see their progression and development. The Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre is creating some dynamic future stars and I look forward to seeing them on the stage again soon.
The Class of 2025 Musical Theatre Showcase runs to 20 September. It’s presented by the graduates of the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre (QAEMT) at Tony Gould Gallery, QPAC.
Tickets: https://www.qtix.com.au/whats-on/2025/qcgu-class-of-2025-musical-theatre-showcase
Website: https://www.griffith.edu.au/arts-education-law/queensland-academy-of-excellence-in-musical-theatre
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qaemt.griffithuni/
Photo credits: Kenn Santos
This review was co-written with Sebastien Skubala.
