★★★★★
The ‘play within a play’ is a recurring concept throughout the history of theatre. How Gutenberg! The Musical! provides a delightfully fresh perspective on this mechanism is through the emphasis on the authors; their history, their dreams and the work that is required to achieve these.
This latest production from Hayes Theatre Co is a bright and playful addition to their stunning 2026 season, perfectly encapsulating the raw creative power of human connection.
Gutenberg! The Musical! follows budding musical theatre creatives Doug and Bud as they present their latest production, a musical based on the life of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press.
Armed with nothing but their dreams, frugal staging and a plethora of hats, Doug and Bud set out to convince the audience of Broadway producers to support their show.
Director Richard Carroll has crafted a magnificent production. He perfectly captures the work-in-progress feeling with a delightfully humorous blend of simple staging and handmade props.
Yet the deftness with which the performers and stage transition between characters and settings lends a pristinely polished edge to the performance.
The music for the show is tremendous, and expertly led on stage by musical director Zara Stanton. She takes the audience on a whirlwind tour of every musical genre that could possibly be packed into a musical. Each is a delightful blend of humour and emotional nuance.
As Charles, Bud and Doug’s rehearsal pianist, Stanton delivers some delightfully witty insights into the process. It is so much fun to see her be such an integral part of the workshop.
The sound design by Liam Roche is also impeccable, with perfectly placed sound effects adding depth and often comedic value to the performance.
Shannon Burns, as choreographer, has tapped into the diverse musical range, adding incredible high-energy and visually impactful movement to the show. Despite only two performers being on stage, the precision and synchronisation of the choreography make it feel like it is being performed by a full cast.
Stephen Anderson and Ryan González are an almighty duo, delivering an absolutely flawless performance as Doug and Bud, respectively. They transform so nimbly and completely between characters that you often forget you are only watching the two performers on stage.
Their depth of vocal and physical talents is truly on display as they tackle this enormously complex show with gusto. There is so much to love, from their high-energy portrayal of the characters of their show to the quietly tender moments of reflection that portray the depth of Doug and Bud’s friendship. I cannot be more effusive in my praise of their talents. It is a masterful performance.
What truly allows the story, connections and characters to stand out is the incredible staging, lighting and costumes. Lochie Odgers has designed a set that the actors can truly play in, with simple levels and curtains creating the perfect canvas for the audience’s imagination.
Lily Mateljan has incorporated whimsical nods to musical theatre history into the costume design, and they were a delight to spot as the characters moved around the stage. Véronique Benett uses amazing lighting effects to guide the audience’s eye and attention around the action on stage.
Gutenberg! The Musical! is such an incredible show, reflecting all the complexity of a high-end Broadway production on a comedically frugal scale. This truly allows the relationships between our characters to shine, acting as a gorgeous testament to the creative minds and connections that make live theatre possible.
Make sure to see this latest triumph from the Hayes Theatre Co while it is gracing the stage.
Gutenberg! The Musical! runs to 17 May at Hayes Theatre Co. 19 Greenknowe Avenue Potts Point NSW 2011.
Tickets are available here!
Website: https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/gutenberg/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hayestheatreco_official/
Photo credits: John McRae
