A new theatrical work exploring the life, legacy, and rebellious spirit of Australian rock icon Chrissy Amphlett will take to the stage for a three production run starting tomorrow. Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett will make its world premiere at the University of Melbourne’s Union Theatre as part of the RISING festival, running from 11 to 13 June 2025.
Blending cabaret and rock, Amplified is pitched as a tribute to Amphlett’s impact as the unapologetic frontwoman of the Divinyls. Emerging from the Australian pub scene to international acclaim, Amphlett’s defiant performances, raw vocal power, and provocative stage presence helped redefine women’s roles in the rock music industry.
Leading the production is performer and writer Sheridan Harbridge (My Brilliant Career, Prima Facie), who will front a live four-piece band under the direction of musical director Glenn Moorhouse (Hedwig and the Angry Inch). Harbridge will bring Amphlett’s voice and presence to life through a curated mix of songs, stories, and personal reflections.
The work is co-created and directed by Sarah Goodes, and marks the first production by Jacaranda Productions, a new creative venture founded by Goodes and actor-producer Diana Glenn. The company’s mission is to develop works that cross mediums and platforms, offering creative projects the time and support they need to reach audiences in their most impactful form.
Speaking about the launch of Jacaranda Productions and the vision behind Amplified, Goodes said:
Diana and I created Jacaranda to offer a new way of working across mediums. We want to give good stories the life they deserve, finding each new work the right team then the right home, whether that be stage, screen or audio.
The production has been developed in collaboration with UMAC (University of Melbourne Arts and Culture) and Jacaranda Productions, with support from the Geelong Arts Centre. Performances will take place at 7pm across three nights from 11 to 13 June 2025 at the Union Theatre, located at 15 Monash Road, Parkville. The show runs for 100 minutes without interval. Tickets are priced from $55 and are available at the UMAC website.
