★★★★★
My Brilliant Career, based on the 1901 Australian novel by Miles Franklin, has taken the stage of the Roslyn Packer Theatre in Sydney by storm with a dazzling display of Australian talent. This pop-rock musical perfectly captures the fire and tenacity of the human spirit as we strive to live our most authentic lives.
As you enter the theatre, the stage is already set with a suite of instruments upon a straw floor. There, they await their players, who quickly join the stage to strike up a jam that immediately imbues the space with a life and a vividity that is retained throughout the remainder of the show.
We quickly meet Sybylla Melvyn, and this story, as she so eloquently describes, is all about her.
The writing and musical team of Sheridan Harbridge, Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank have so perfectly captured the wit and spunk of our heroine. We follow as she fights against the societal expectations of her sex and constraints of financial disadvantage to live the life she wants on her own terms.
Director Anne-Louise Sarks has created a narrative space where not only the extraordinarily talented performers, but also the music, the set, the lighting and the costumes take on a life and character of their own. Every moment is a rich visual and auditory tapestry that is a true delight to bask in.
The clever use of space and movement, including wonderful choreography from Amy Campbell, invites the audience not just to be spectators, but participants, in the story as it unfolds.
Marg Horwell, as the set and costume designer, has designed a space that sings in its simplicity. The band acting as a focal point truly centres the storytelling power of the music. Subtle but visually tantalising additions of sets and props effortlessly transport us between key locations of the tale.
The costume design is also spectacular, allowing every actor to clearly portray multiple characters or eras in their character development.
The lighting design by Matt Scott is incredible. Clever use of spotlighting and colour highlight the moods and narrative ownership of the different characters.
There are few words to describe just how sublime the music is throughout this production. It carries the story and seeps into your bones, leaving you in awe of the raw power of this narrative form. Musical Director Victoria Falconer has truly imbued the music with life and power.
It is also delightful to see her and fellow ensemble member Jarrad Payne on stage, integrated into and driving the story with flawless rhythm.
The ensemble in this production plays all the instruments as well as the diverse cast of characters with a fluidity that is extraordinary.
I also want to take a moment to shout out the incredible backstage crew who make several featured appearances throughout the show. Getting to see their role play out is a beautiful testament to the size and talent of the teams who work tirelessly to stage such productions.
Our heroine, Sybylla Melvyn, is played by the incomparable Kala Gare, who is an absolute rock star! She plays Sybylla with a frenetic energy that is infectious, perfectly counterbalanced by the softness she develops as her understanding of the world morphs throughout the narrative.
I was left in absolute awe of her vocal performance. Her voice soared through the theatre like a battle cry, rousing us all to action against the safety of a simple life.
Christina O’Neill, who plays Mother/Helen/Mrs M’Swat/Ensemble, Drew Livingston, as Father/Jay-Jay/M’Swat/Ensemble, and Ana Mitsikas as Grannie/Rose Jane/Ensemble, are the perfect trio of authority figures. They spur Sybylla on her path, each representing the multi-faceted influencing forces of familial expectation, condemnation, unwavering support and deep understanding.
Each has their moment to shine, lending a richness and history to their characters that reminds us that everyone has their own story they are following.
Raj Labade is naturally charming as both Sybylla’s love interest, Harry and Peter, the eldest son of the M’Swats. He perfectly captures the tenuous line between love and possession that exists in society as Harry. His vocal performance is layered with all the emotions that come with that tension.
Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward as Frank/Ensemble, is a true delight to watch. His physicality and reactions are amazing; you cannot help loving him even as his character says the most absurd things.
Melanie Bird as Gertie/Blanche/Ensemble, and Lincoln Elliot as Jimmy/Horace/Ensemble, both perform with a truly extraordinary deftness of character. They flit effortlessly between instruments, teenage mannerisms and high society affectations. Every moment and interaction are imbued with purpose and meaning both for Sybylla’s story and their own.
This show is going to stay with me for a long time, as I continue to reflect on the bravery and sheer grit it takes to want and to fight for what you want against all odds.
I laughed, I cried. I had full-body shivers. And most beautifully, I saw myself and all my fellow Australians reflected in the story up on that stage. I cannot recommend this production more highly. My Brilliant Career is, as the title implies, unequivocally brilliant!
My Brilliant Career is presented by Sydney and Melbourne Theatre Companies and runs to 3 May at the Roslyn Packer Theatre. 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000.
Tickets: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/productions/2026/my-brilliant-career
Website: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/mybrilliantcareer/
Photo credits: Pia Johnson
2026 Australian Tour Dates:
Sydney 21 March – 3 May, Roslyn Packer Theatre
Wollongong 8 – 17 May, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
