In a joint announcement between Brisbane Festival and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), additional details have been shared about the world premiere season of musical comedy BANANALAND, created by Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall. The production is set to enjoy a half-month season on the Playhouse stage, from 16 September 2023 until 1 October 2023 inclusive, and is set to be a “celebration of the glorious absurdity of following an impossible dream“.
The cast of BANANALAND comprises an array of talented artists. Max McKenna, recognized for his roles in Muriel’s Wedding The Musical and Jagged Little Pill, will portray Ruby Semblance. Georgina Hopson, known for her work in Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour and Jagged Little Pill will step into the role of Karen Semblance. Other cast members include Joe Kalou as Seb Kale, Maxwell Simon as Ex, Dave Eastgate as Ron Delbridge, Amber McMahon as Mimsi Borogroves, Jessie Jam Jar, Witney Walkman and others, and Chris Ryan in the roles of Stephen King, Wade Sewage, Pikelets the Cat and others.
For ease, please find a table with the casting below:
| Cast Member | Characters Portrayed |
|---|---|
| Max McKenna | Ruby Semblance |
| Georgina Hopson | Karen Semblance |
| Joe Kalou | Seb Kale |
| Maxwell Simon | Ex |
| Dave Eastgate | Ron Delbridge |
| Amber McMahon | Mimsi Borogroves, Jessie Jam Jar, Witney Walkman, Etc |
| Chris Ryan | Stephen King, Wade Sewage, Pikelets the Cat, Etc |
BANANALAND, designed for adult audiences, follows Ruby Semblance and her band Kitty Litter as they accidentally become a hit on the kids’ music charts with their protest song “Bananaland.” The show seeks to provide a rollercoaster romp full of heart, music, comedy, pathos, and lovable characters.
Artistic Director of Brisbane Festival, Louise Bezzina, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming project and the Festival’s partnership with QPAC:
We are in an exciting pre-production phase of this brand-new Festival commissioned work. The incredible team of experienced professionals, both on and off stage, are blowing us all away.
With rehearsals starting in Brisbane from mid-August we can’t wait for audiences to experience the story-telling talent of Kate and Keir and the on-stage powerhouse performances by the amazing BANANALAND cast this September as part of Brisbane Festival.
John Kotzas, the Chief Executive, highlighted the commitment of QPAC to nurturing Queensland talent and the creation of new Australian work:
Kate, Keir and Simon have such a breadth of talent between them, and Australian audiences have already experienced the wonder of this creative trio with their incredibly successful collaboration on Muriel’s Wedding The Musical.
We’re pleased to be working with them again to help bring this endearing and very Australian story to life on our Playhouse stage
As a performing arts centre for all of Queensland, it is important for us to support our own artists and creatives in sharing stories that are relatable and engaging. It is especially exciting to be part of a work that reflects Queensland’s sense of humour, our unique take on life and even features a real-life Queensland town
Kate Miller-Heidke, who, alongside Keir Nuttall, had previously brought their powerful one-woman opera, The Call, to the Brisbane Festival in 2022, expressed excitement about creating a new Australian musical from scratch in their hometown of Brisbane:
It has been exhilarating creating a completely new Australian musical from the ground up. With renowned Director Simon Phillips at the helm, we have assembled a dream team of the most talented actors, musicians and designers. To be able to achieve this in our hometown of Brisbane has been particularly thrilling.
Lou Bezzina and Brisbane Festival’s vision and ongoing commitment to create new original work is inspiring, and we are incredibly privileged to be a part of that
Director Simon Phillips, known for his work on musicals such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Ladies in Black and Muriel’s Wedding The Musical also shared he was thrilled to be working with the duo again:
I thought the contribution Kate and Keir made with their music and lyrics for Muriel’s Wedding was inestimable; when I heard they were working together on an original work, I couldn’t wait to get involved. It’s been a complete joy – smart, left-field and hilarious – they really are a bright light in the world of musical theatre. And the cast is an absolute dream, every one of them
