HOUSEWORK
5 Sep - 17 Oct 2026Drama Theatre
Overview
“Why is it titled My Brilliant Career? Because My Brilliant-Ecstatic-Defiant-Poetic-Ambitious-Uplifting-Hilarious-Heartwarming-Beautiful Career doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. But it is all those things, and more.” ★★★★★ Cultural Binge
Miles Franklin’s classic novel as you’ve never seen it before, with a live soundtrack that’s equal parts contemporary pop, folksy bush band and barnstorming pub rock.
Beloved by audiences and showered with five-star reviews, My Brilliant Career was Melbourne’s most in-demand ticket in 2024. “Brimming with abundant heart and soul” (Time Out), this uniquely Australian story has captivated a new generation and will have its Sydney premiere in 2026.
The “outrageously talented” (Australian Stage) Kala Gare plays Sybylla Melvyn, a fiercely intelligent and individual young woman in 1890s Australia who rallies against the idea that her ambition should start and end at finding a wealthy husband. Forced to choose between romance and her career, a family and a future that she defines, she decides she’s having it all.
With a joyfully fresh adaptation by Sheridan Harbridge, Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank, expert direction by Melbourne Theatre Company Artistic Director Anne-Louise Sarks, and stunning set and costume design by Olivier and Tony Award-winner Marg Horwell (The Picture of Dorian Gray), My Brilliant Career transforms an iconic literary figure into an effervescent rockstar heroine for the modern age.
★★★★★ The Age ★★★★★ The Guardian ★★★★★ Time Out ★★★★★ Cultural Binge ★★★★★ Suzy Goes See
★★★★★ Stage Noise ★★★★★ Australian Book Review ★★★★★ Limelight
★★★★ The Sydney Morning Herald ★★★★ ArtsHub
“The holy grail of Australian musical theatre” ★★★★★
Cast
Creative
Director
Anne-Louise Sarks
Musical Director
Victoria Falconer
Choreographer
Amy Campbell
Set & Costume Design
Marg Horwell
Lighting Designer
Matt Scott
Orchestrator/Vocal Arranger
James Simpson
Sound Designer
Joy Weng
Associate Director
Miranda Middleton
Associate Set & Costume Designer
Savanna Wegman
Musical Direction Associate
Daniel Herten
Assistant Musical Director
Drew Livingston
Production Image
Pia Johnson
This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enews.
Partners
My Brilliant Career was developed by Monash University, Melbourne, as part of the Jeanne Pratt Artist in Residency program, City of Stonnington and Melbourne Theatre Company’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program.
Venue Details
No venues found
Event Details
Season
21 Mar - 3 May 2026
Approx. Duration
2 hrs 30 mins, including interval
Content
Mature themes, sexual references, theatrical haze and use of strobe-like lighting effects.
Performance start times
Preview performances - 7:30pm
In-season evening performance - Mon & Tues 6:30pm; Wed - Sat 7:30pm
Matinee performances - Wed 1:00pm; Saturday 1:30pm; Sunday 1:00pm
In-season evening performance - Mon & Tues 6:30pm; Wed - Sat 7:30pm
Matinee performances - Wed 1:00pm; Saturday 1:30pm; Sunday 1:00pm
Duration and content are subject to change.
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