Quite some undertaking … to turn the iconic novel My Brilliant Career, about a young girl/woman who doesn’t fit in, who charts her own path in life, into a musical. She is a strong-willed feminist, ahead of her time. She is someone with a vivid imagination who doesn’t know exactly what she wants, but what she does know is that she not willing to simply settle. In short, she is trying to find herself. When we first meet her in the late 19th century living on a farm, she is 15 and not at all in sync with her mother and father. As the musical evolves, she turns 17 and then 19.
The task of adapting the work fell to Sheridan Harbridge (book) and Dean Bryant (book and lyrics), with music by Matthew Frank. They have done a marvellous job with the material. Bryant’s reason for turning the classic novel by Miles Franklin into a musical was that he felt the story would be enlarged by doing so. So, we have pop, rock, folk and music of the day, a heady combination. MTC’s offering, fronted by a superb, multitalented cast of 10, who can both act and sing with aplomb, is an unbridled celebration.
It is an imaginative retelling of Sybylla Melvyn’s story, someone who thinks big and refuses to accept the status quo. Kala Gare is a bundle of pent-up energy and delight as the incomparable, self-serving Sybylla, who refuses to be tamed. She bounds about the stage with reckless abandon. Her broad, cheeky grin has an alluring authenticity about it. Her vocals soar. Her stagecraft is exemplary – potent and invigorating, as she transforms into a teenager cum young woman finding her way. We see effortless channel a range of emotions, from anger to frustration, playfulness to poignancy.
Raj Labade plays Sybylla’s love-struck suitor Harry, who has never met anyone anything like Sybylla. Harry recognises that he will have to have the patience of Job to ride the inevitable highs and lows, but his heart tells him it is a risk worth taking. Labade transitions from arrogant to intrigued to doting. In fact, as the story unfolds, many in the cast, include Labade, fill multiple roles and the strong chemistry between them is palpable.
Marg Horwell’s set and costume design sparkle. A neat, centred rural setting replete with performers on their musical instruments gives way to several enticing surprises. Choreography, lighting and sound elevate the spectacle. Aided by the company’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program, MTC’s My Brilliant Career has evolved beautifully since its first iteration five years ago. There is a warmth and wonder about director Anne-Louise Sarks’ production that I found intoxicating. Two hours 20 minutes, including interval, is on at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner until 18th December, 2024.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – theatre review
- Kiss of the Spider Woman (MTC) – theatre review
- Kiss of the Spider Woman (MTC) – theatre review
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.