Looking for Alibrandi is a beloved and bittersweet coming-of-age story that has resonated with Australian audiences for decades. First published in 1992, Melina Marchetta’s debut novel quickly became a bestseller, earning multiple literary awards. It was later adapted into the acclaimed 2000 film, which won Best Film at the AFI Awards. Now, Josie Alibrandi’s story returns to the stage, offering a fresh and dynamic retelling for a new generation of theatregoers.
Originally commissioned by Malthouse Theatre and co-presented with Belvoir St Theatre in 2022, Vidya Rajan’s AWGIE-nominated stage adaptation became a runaway success. It sold out its Melbourne and Sydney seasons, with record-breaking student attendance.
By the time it closed, Looking for Alibrandi had become one of Belvoir’s top-selling shows of the past decade. Now, as part of Brink Productions’ next chapter, this funny, heartfelt, and spirited production returns for a national tour. It plays at HOTA (Home of the Arts) in the Gold Coast for a limited season.
Schoolgirl Josie (Chanella Macri) is navigating the messy, exhilarating world of teenage life with her strong-willed mother, Christina (Lucia Mastrantone), by her side. Under the watchful eye of her Nonna (Jennifer Vuletic), Josie is constantly reminded of the strict cultural expectations tied to her Italian heritage in 1990s Sydney.
Nonna often questions Christina’s parenting, especially when Josie talks about boys, short dresses, and staying out late. But Josie’s struggles go deeper than family clashes. She’s also dealing with grief, identity, and the aching absence of her father.
Before the play even begins, the audience is welcomed into Josie’s world. Kate Davis’s set design recreates a warm, lived-in Italian home of the ’90s: red accents, crates of tomatoes, floral prints, and a central kitchen table where stories are shared and life unfolds. Italian music drifts through the theatre as the audience takes their seats, immersing them in the world ahead. It’s a thoughtful touch from director Stephen Nicolazzo and sound designer Daniel Nixon.
The show opens with Nonna dancing alone in her kitchen, a red scarf draped around her neck — a striking choice reflected in Kate Davis’s costume design. Subtle touches of red weave through the Alibrandi family’s clothing, symbolising passion, warmth, and protection; powerful nods to their Italian heritage.
Chanella Macri shines in the lead role of Josie, capturing both the humour and heartbreak of adolescence. By her side is best friend Sera, also played by Mastrantone, who brings a light-hearted yet confident energy to the stage. Through their friendship, the show explores cultural pressures and how two girls from similar Italian backgrounds can navigate life in very different ways.
Lucia Mastrantone delivers a standout performance, effortlessly portraying two distinct characters. She is so convincing that it’s easy to forget it is the same actor.
What makes this production feel so alive is its balance of nostalgia with sharp contemporary insight. It reminds us that the challenges of growing up between two worlds never really change. The audience was fully along for the ride, laughing, gasping, and swept up in the emotional journey.
Looking for Alibrandi is more than a nostalgic revival. It’s a heartfelt celebration of identity, belonging, and growing up between cultures. As Josie fights to find her place in the world, we’re reminded that these stories still need to be told, especially for a new generation of Australians. Some stories don’t just survive the years, they grow stronger with time.
Looking for Alibrandi tours nationally until October, 2025. For dates see below. The season at HOTA on the Gold Coast has now ended.
For tickets, see dates and venues below.
Website: https://brinkproductions.com/productions/looking-for-alibrandi/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hotagc/ and https://www.instagram.com/brink_productions_sa/
Photo credits: Matt Byrne
2025 Australian Tour Dates:
Geelong 20 – 23 August, Geelong Arts Centre
Hobart 27 – 29 August, Theatre Royal
Whyalla 2 – 3 September, Middelback Arts Centre
Port Pirie 5 September, Northern Festival Centre
Mount Gambier 9 – 10 September, Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre
Renmark 12 September, Chaffey Theatre
Ballarat 17 – 18 September, Her Majesty’s Theatre
Orange 25 September, Orange Civic Theatre
Canberra 3 – 4 October, Canberra Theatre Centre
Share your thoughts
One response to “Review: Looking For Alibrandi Serves Drama With Extra Sauce”
Well I’m glad that some people enjoyed the show. My wife and I thought it was terrible.
Why did Alibrandi have to continually get changed in front of the audience and drop the F word so regularly. Also standing in front of us in her knickers and stockings was hardly appropriate. Also there was a baby crying in the audience and a young child talking continually. I would hate to think what would happen if I said something.
Overall …1 out of 10.