★★★★★
The house is full, and chatter is at a peak. The opening night crowd is in high anticipation, and tonight at the Southbank Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company has an important story to tell.
As the lighting rig lifts, we hear the mechanics at work and sparks fly. Six workers take to the stage, speaking to each other and to the audience, drawing us into the world of the West Gate Bridge.
We are right in the heart of it. A workers’ meeting, hands raised, votes cast. Nods and murmurs filling the room. There is a lightness among them. A bit of banter and poking fun, even as safety concerns are raised, and the work ahead is mapped out. Then it’s back to it.
West Gate is written by Dennis McIntosh, who watched the collapse of the bridge as an 11-year-old. Directed by the incredible Iain Sinclair, it is an emotional tribute to the men who tragically died when the bridge collapsed in 1970.
Thirty-five lives were lost that day. The magnitude of the impact from the fall was felt by all Melbournians and right across Australia. It was the worst industrial accident our country has faced.
This story has been researched to bring truth to light and to honour the men who worked on the bridge and through this terrible disaster. It is a story to respect. To remember. To feel.
The relationships between the men, the camaraderie and friendships formed are real. The people on stage are your mates, grabbing a beer after work and downing a meat pie at break. You know the era to be true with the integration of multiculturalism. With the footy jokes, workers’ songs and the Aussie banter we’ve all grown up with.
With a highly skilful, dynamic cast and creatives, West Gate is absolutely compelling from start to finish. You know what’s to come, but sit at the edge of your seats. Eyes wet, heart racing, grasping to hold the hand of a friend in the darkness.
Steve Bastoni plays Victor, an Italian migrant welder who is hopeful about building a better life for his young family. A reflection of the many labourers who assisted with the big construction projects in the ‘60s and ‘70s, he is spirited and full of traditional family values.
Paired with Darcy Kent as Young Scrapper, they navigate the bridge work and this time in their lives together, sharing stories, support and developing a friendship. Scrapper is tough on the exterior, a straight-talking Aussie bloke who is full of working-class pride, despite facing difficulties at home.
Bastoni is sincere and always controlled. His depiction of Victor graces us with a beauty in faith and a dream of a bright future. He sees everything with goodness in his heart, and promotes this in Kent’s role as they excel in bringing to life everything that is humane together.
Kent brings an array of emotions to the stage as Young Scrapper. He performs with a full heart in every moment, whether in a joke or in tears. He works wonders like a theatrical virtuoso, capturing pride, humility, grief and anguish with deep authenticity.
As part of the construction team, Rohan Nichols portrays Pat, the head of the union. He infuses the play with a strong sense of what is real and truly lived in.
Simon Maiden brings us Vinny in an exceptionally grounded and believable performance. One of the most clever parts of this production is the crowded bar scene where he and his mate Scrapper share and pass drinks under a square spotlight. Niklas Pajanti’s lighting is incredibly important to the storytelling.
Within the corporate roles, Paul English anchors the play as Stevenson. He delivers a grounded businessman who is all suit and no charm.
In contrast, Peter Houghton portrays McAlister as a more thoughtful figure. He is focused on the bigger picture and willing to navigate the questions, challenges and difficult conversations that are all part of the work.
Ben Walter is dynamic and bright as the young hotshot Cooper. He brings energy and a knowing confidence that is shaken by questions after the bridge falls.
In the aftermath of the accident, Daniela Farinacci delivers a powerful portrayal of Victor’s heartbroken wife, Frankie. Her performance carries both heightened emotion and quiet strength, while still allowing a glimmer of hope to shine through the sorrow.
West Gate is a masterful production that uses creativity to honour the lives lost that day. It reminds us what truly matters, its message echoing gently through the darkness: “You’re safe with me.”
For every Aussie battler, for anyone who drives through Melbourne, West Gate is an experience to be seen, felt and gently held on to.
West Gate is presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and runs to 18 April at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner. 140 Southbank Boulevard Southbank Vic 3006.
Tickets: https://www.mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/season-2026/west-gate/
Website: https://www.mtc.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/melbtheatreco/
Photo credits: Pia Johnson
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One response to “Review: West Gate Is A Story Of Mateship, Memory & Tragedy”
A Beautiful Production, well done everyone! Producer, Director, Lighting, sound effects and great acting all transport the audience to the 1970’s as we are allowed to understand why workers rights had to be fought for. The show beautifully captured the multiculturalism and mateship that makes Australia what it is today. Glad to have seen it. Go learn some Melbourne History.