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The acclaimed performer, Trevor Ashley, has returned to Australia from London to re-stage the popular parody he wrote together with Phil Scott, the adults-only “Moulin Scrooge”.
Moulin Scrooge is a bawdy, raucous cabaret riot. Apart from being absolutely fabulous (the costumes are wonderful, created by Angela White), one of its draw cards is the appearance of Carlotta on stage. This legendary burlesque performer, now in her 80’s, still holds her own. As one of the original “Les Girls”, Carlotta proudly owns the title of “Queen of the Cross”.
Carlotta in her dressing room before the performance
I photographed the dress rehearsal last week and I am sharing a few images from the show here (playing late March-early April at the Seymour Centre in Sydney). I suggest you book tickets now to experience this entertaining extravaganza for yourself. Here’s a link: Moulin Scrooge Tickets
Creative Team:
Writers Trevor Ashley and Phil Scott Director Trevor Ashley Assistant Director Shannon Dooley
Producer Trevor Ashley Cast Trevor Ashley, Carlotta Choreography Rhys Bobridge Costumes Angie White Lighting Design Sam Wylie
In February 2025, I had the privilege of capturing two distinct photographic sessions for the Hayes Theatre Co’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance” (playing in Sydney through March 16). The first was a studio-based shoot designed to produce new promotional images for the marketing campaign for this reimagined classic. The second involved taking swash-buckling production shots during the dress rehearsal, providing a special glimpse into the performance’s dynamic energy.
Directed by Richard Carroll, this adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta offers a fresh and inventive take on the original work. This production includes a standout performance by Brittanie Shipway in the twin roles of maid Ruth and love interest Mabel. Critics have praised the show for its modern twist and engaging performances. According to Broadway World, the production is “an inventive escapist expression of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera.”
The promotional images I created aim to capture the vibrant and contemporary essence of this adaptation, highlighting the performers’ madcap expressions and the show’s lively atmosphere. We follow the dreamy and not-particularly-bright young Frederic (played with amusing earnestness by Maxwell Simon), a piano-playing Major-General (Trevor Jones), a pirate/policeman/maiden who also plays the keys (Billie Palin) and a ukulele-playing, quick-changing Pirate King and Police Chief (Jay Laga’aia), who sometimes wears a ridiculous, over-scaled leather pirate’s hat. The heightened silliness, adventurousness and comic musical timing is aided by the onstage stage manager (Sheridan Simson) who rings the ship’s bell and keeps the action moving briskly. I think that my images help to convey this production’s modern sensibility.
During the dress rehearsal, I focused on capturing candid moments to showcase the performers’ interactions and the intricate staging, plus some of the hilarious costuming and prop gags. The intimate setting of the Hayes Theatre Co allowed for close-up shots to emphasize the comedic timing integral to the performances.
With witty lyrics and new jokes, this collaboration with the Hayes Theatre Co has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to be part of the visual storytelling of a production that reimagines a beloved classic for a new generation.
Recent Reviews of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ at Hayes Theatre Co
The Pirates of Penzance; or The Slave of Duty is playing at Hayes Theatre Co, Potts Point, until March 16. For information and to book tickets go to: The Hayes Theatre Co
It had been a while since Bob Downe graced my studio with his presence, but he has returned for an exhilarating update of his imagery. Thankfully, Mark Trevorrow was on hand to expertly navigate us through the nuances of a “Bob Shoot”.
Having had the privilege to photograph Bob for many years, it’s astonishing to realize that his career has spanned an impressive four decades. This year, 2025, marks Bob’s 40th anniversary in the entertainment industry. To countless fans and in my own eyes – being a visual person – Bob remains as ageless as ever. While the heavy “pancake” makeup and cheesy smile plays a role in his timeless appearance, I truly believe that his durability comes down to his commitment to clean living. And his crisp safari suits.
Working with Bob is a delight; he embodies professionalism. I can trust that I will capture a series of original shots without hassle, since Bob knows how to work a camera with ease. Beyond this talent, he’s genuinely a wonderful person to be around. His upbeat attitude, infectious laugh and zest for life will transform any photo shoot into a joyful experience.
Bob readies himself for the shoot
The ever watchful Mark Trevorrow adds last minute touches to Bob’s wig
As we celebrate Bob’s remarkable journey, I wish him a cheerful and successful 2025. I encourage everyone to book tickets for one of the venues where he will be performing this year, from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Perth, Newcastle and Brunswick Heads. Don’t miss out on the entertainment extravaganza that awaits! Information on performances can be found at this link: BobDowne40thAnniversary
Sharon Calabro is one of Australia’s finest and most respected singers and cabaret performers. Moreover, she is a wonderful human being who is both professional and loads of fun to work with
Sharon decided it was time to update her portfolio and promotional imagery. So we organised a studio shoot before Christmas, before the start of Sharon’s busy summer schedule.
Joining us at our photo-shoot was Alex Divanis , the talented make-up and hair artist, who has extensive experience in the industry. He has recently returned to Australia after living overseas.
For our shoot, Alex decided to style Sharon’s hair in a new manner. Normally Sharon sports a fringe but for these images, Alex flicked the hair back from her forehead. It worked really well and Sharon was super happy with the result.
It was a great moment for us to work together to create something special. I will share more of the final, retouched images in a future post. For now I’ve included a few unedited proofs as a teaser.
Janet Anderson on the red carpet for the CGA Awards Night, 2024
It was a Friday night at the ballroom of The Establishment and it was the awards night for the Casting Guild of Australia
What is the Casting Guild of Australia? Well in their own words….”The Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) was formed to bring recognition to Casting Directors across Australia who cast film, television, TV commercials, theatre, new media and reality. The CGA gives members a forum to share ideas and exchange information, provides unified standards for safe, inclusive and fair practices, engages in charitable activities, and highlights its members’ achievements.”
Each year, the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) holds an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding individuals in various categories, akin to the Oscars for casting agents. This event is unique in the southern hemisphere, as it celebrates and acknowledges casting achievements across all mediums, including film, television, advertising, theatre, and online content.
Group image of some of the 10 young, up-and-coming, new talent.
On Friday night, attendees gathered in the ballroom to mingle and socialize, celebrating the achievements within the casting community. During the event, several awards were presented, and ten promising young talents were recognized as future stars likely to achieve national and international fame. The evening featured speeches and was expertly hosted by the erudite duo, Christian and Connor Van Vuuren.
Christian and Connor Van Vuuren, hosts for the CGA Awards night, 2024, on the red carpet.
There was also a special appearance and presentation by Sally Riley, the notable filmmaker, writer, producer, who was head of the indigenous branch of Screen Australia and then Head of the Indigenous Department at ABC, during which time she executive produced Mabo and Redfern Now. In 2015 she was appointed Head of Scripted Production at ABC, which commissioned series like Stateless, Mystery Road, Total Control, After Taste, Rosehaven, Wakefield, The Newsreader and many more. Sally is now Creative Consultant at SBS and NITV.
Sally Riley (filmmaker, writer, producer) during her presentation at the CGA Awards Night, 2024
It was a great night filled with good energy, and with the flash of the red carpet photography going non-stop as the award winners and guests were snapped in front of the media wall. Sending my congratulations to all the award winners.
The talented glass artist, Dagmar Ackerman is staging an exhibition at her Balmain studio complex. I often photograph Dagmar’s works for catalogue entries and promotion, so I am familiar with her seductive and colourful art works.
So head down to the artist studio complex, One plus 2 Artist Studios, and browse through Dagmar’s glass exhibition. The exhibtion extends across the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) of the 22nd – 24th November, 2024.
Photo: Dagmar Ackerman during a recent photo session of her glass art works
On now at the Hayes Theatre, Sydney, Flat Earthers, a brand new musical that is not just a kaleidoscope of colour, but a wacky adventure into (cyber) space and time.
Production shots of the dress rehearsal are an important tool for promotional purposes for any show. They are also reproduced in the program that is sold on performance nights at the theatre, creating a valuable document of the cast, lighting and staging of any particular production. In the case of “Flat Earthers: The Musical”, due to difficulties with my scheduling for the dress rehearsal, I was actually photographing the first public performance. This meant I was limited in my movements, since I normally have the freedom to move throughout the auditorium when photographing a performance. As a photographer, you want to vary the angles and you constantly search for striking lighting effects. That said, you usually work more at the front/centre of the stage, because the show is constructed that way … you want to mirror the audience viewpoint.
Book & Lyrics Jean Tong & Lou Wall Songwriting Lou Wall & James Gales Music Production James Gales Director Declan Greene Musical Director Jude Perl Choreographer Fetu Taku Set & Lighting Designer Brockman Costume Designer Emma White Sound Designer, Associate Video Designer & Animator Daniel Herten AV Content Creator Xanthe Dobbie Stage Manager Anastasia Mowen Sound & AV Assistant TK Abioye Sound Operator Em-Jay Dwyer Intimacy Coordinator Chloë Dallimore Musical Dramaturg Clemence Williams Casting Director Rhys Velasquez Assistant Set Designer Lochie Odgers Assistant Stage Manager Grace Sackman With Michelle Brasier, Lena Cruz, Manali Datar, Milo Hartill, Manon Guderson-Briggs, Mel O’Brien, Shannen Alyce Quan, Zarif
Back in July, I hosted a photographic session at my Lilyfield studio for the different actors appearing in forthcoming productions for the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. We were shooting imagery for the promotion of the 2025 season.
Together we worked on images for a new production called “Pharlap”, an end-of-year special Xmas performance by Nancye Hayes in “Merry and Bright”, and finally the lead imagery for the production of “Pirates of Penzance”, set for February 2025
These are the latest additions to the impressive list of musicals and stage-plays performed as part of the Hayes Theatre’s busy program. Once they have been fully rehearsed, I will write more about these productions in this blog.
For more information on each show, as well as performance dates and times, click here:
This weekend, I will be exhibiting several of my photographs at the White Bay Power Station in Balmain (September 20, 21 & 22, 2024), as part of the Power Up Festival. Diverse Sydney artists are showing their recent work, along with a festival of music and food.
My photographic portraits of a solitary figure in a post-industrial space are being featured in a new installation flanked by abandoned machinery. It will be a great event with more that 250 artists and a line-up of artisans, food vendors and craft brewers. Wander through the Pump House and Boiler House to see the Power Up Stage ignite with live music and captivating performances. It is a wonderful opportunity to visit this iconic building near the Anzac Bridge. Oh … the best bit, it’s free!
It is always a pleasure to photograph Australian singer and performer Prinnie Stevens and the recent shoot at my studio was no exception.
We captured three different looks over the space of one morning. Prinnie required some updated imagery for promotional purposes. As is always the case, Prinnie presented herself with total professionalism, which makes my job as a photographer far less complicated.
We started with a relaxed image, for a more casual feel. Prinnie chose to have her hair out, the makeup was natural and simple. We shot the image on a strong, peeled-back, black background.
The next shot was more colourful. Prinnie was wearing a lilac knit jumper and I chose to light her differently, using a more high-key, shadowless, front light, together with a purple gel on the background to mirror the colour of her jumper. I also added a warmer side light to give this image extra highlights in her hair.
For the final look, I changed the lighting again. This time I wanted to reflect a more sophisticated look. Prinnie slicked back her hair and applied a tad more makeup, including a different lip colour. I chose a “butterfly”-type lighting approach, with a couple of side lights added for effect. I gelled the side lights with a quarter blue gel to give a bluer tone on the sides of her face.
I enjoyed meeting up with Prinnie and working with her again to create a series of new imagery. I believe she was happy with the results and I look forward to our next session.
Well-known singer and entertainer Naomi Price of The Little Red Company gave a wonderful performance at the State Theatre in Sydney on Friday May 24, 2024. I was asked to grab some photographs of the performance, a homage to Adele titled “Rumour Has It”.
I hadn’t been to the State Theatre for a while and I had forgotten just how impressive the interior is … starting with the imposing, marble double staircase at the entrance to the lush, ornate interior of the main room. You can only hope that these “Grand Dames” from the past glory of architecture will endure, and keep side-stepping redevelopment.
Naomi Price’s performance was magnificent. She chose to create a show from Adele’s record-breaking repertoire. In fact Naomi “became” Adele. She duplicated her Northern London accent to a T, and gave her audience a healthy dose of comic relief. Here’s a link to Dragica Jukic’s review of the cabaret-style concert: Click here.
The following are a few images of the night, taken while I discreetly raced around the auditorium looking for the best angles to capture Naomi on stage.
I have been working on lead photography for the upcoming Hayes Theatre production of the new musical Ride The Cyclone, directed by Richard Carroll. This will be the Australian premiere of this hilarious story about the lives of six Canadian teenagers from a chamber choir, who are involved in a freak accident aboard a rollercoaster. The Washington Post called it “ingeniously dark and funny”.
Before the actors and crew head into an intensive rehearsal period, they called into my Lilyfield studio to generate some fresh content for their marketing push. The Hayes Theatre is currently doing a lot of good work in the realm of musical theatre, spotlighting new ideas and young performers.
Here is a series of images that I captured as out-takes during the afternoon I spent together with the crew, make-up artists and actors (Natalie Abbott, Bailey Dunnage, Lincoln Elliott, Justin Gray, Ava Madon, Mel O’Brien, Karis Oka and Alec Steedman). More final imagery and production details to follow in a subsequent post.
Some time ago, I staged a shoot at my studio for the talented, intelligent and vibrant Australian fashion luminary, Glynis Traill-Nash. It was a great afternoon of creativity, fun and really, really stunning shoes!
We worked on imagery for Glynis’ forthcoming season of performances at the PICF in June. However, little did I know beforehand that Glynis the renowned fashion writer, is also an accomplished jazz singer (by night).
The show sounds great … incorporating her talents as a singer with stories, anecdotes, advice and even a tongue-in-cheek Q&A responding to the wacky world of fashion. The title says it all: “In These Shoes – Glynis Traill-Nash.”See this link:
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a dress rehearsal at the Hayes Theatre for Tell Me On A Sunday, the upcoming Sydney production of the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black. As a lover of theatre and photography, I was thrilled to be able to help stage some behind-the-scenes moments of the talented cast and crew in action.
Capturing these moments on camera was a privilege, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to document the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this show to life. I look forward to seeing the finished performance starring Erin Clare on opening night in Sydney. I know that audiences are in for a real treat with this stunning production of Tell Me On A Sunday.
Tell Me On A Sunday commenced performances at the Hayes Theatre this weekend, taking audiences back to the heady days of New York City in the late Seventies and featuring some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most hummable, emotionally engaging, touching and melodic work.
Working with lyricist Don Black, Lloyd Webber’s song cycle tells the story of a young Englishwoman navigating a new life – including work, culture and love – in New York City.
It includes the classic songs Take That Look Off Your Face, Tell Me On A Sunday, Nothing Like You’ve Ever Known, Capped Teeth and Caesar Salad, It’s Not The End of the World, Come Back With the Same Look In Your Eyes and Let’s Talk About You, among many others.
This musical features a knockout performance from Erin Clare as ‘The Girl’ and is directed by Blazey Best, with Musical Supervision by Guy Simpson. This is a unique piece of musical theatre featuring a multi instrumentalist six piece band on stage.
Cast and Creatives
Starring Erin Clare
Director Blazey Best Musical Supervisor Guy Simpson Musical Director David Gardos Associate Director Lisa Callingham Lighting Designer Kelsey Lee Sound Designer Tom Brickhill Stage & Company Manager Krystelle Quartermain Assistant Stage Manage Hana Barn
Zombie! The Musical! has just opened at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. I photographed a series of production images at the dress rehearsal for this world premiere in early March.
Here’s a text from the web-site of the Hayes Theatre with a brief explanation of the genre-bending show …
Sydney, Australia. It’s the turn of the 21st century, and a dedicated community theatre troupe are frantically rehearsing in the final hours before their big opening night. Little do they know that beyond the walls of the theatre, a highly infectious disease is rapidly spreading through the city – turning its victims into full-blown zombies. Will humanity take its final bow, or can the power of musical theatre save the friggin’ world?
From the creator of The Lovers, this brand-new Australian musical wields a genre-blending original score and a fast-paced, farcical script that combines two of the most subtle forms of storytelling: traditional musical theatre and cult-classic zombie films.
I must say I loved shooting scenes from this madcap production. With comic timing, Zombie! The Musical! includes optimism, ambition and impending doom. The music is fabulous, the cast were captivating and the whole thing is both fun and off-the-scale in terms of its energy and inventiveness. I think it’s a great production, guaranteed to entertain. I intend to return again, so I can better enjoy the ride without my camera. To book tickets, visit the Hayes web-site.
Cast & Creatives
Starring Natalie Abbott, Tamsin Carroll, Chelsea Dawson, Nancy Denis, Adam Di Martino, Ryan Gonzalez, Stefanie Jones, Drew Livingston and Monique Sallé
Director Darren Yap Musical Director Damon Wade Choreographer/Assistant Director Chiara Assetta Set Designer Nick Fry Costume Designer Esther Zhong Lighting & Projection Designer Verity Hampson Sound Designer David Grigg Dramaturg Brittanie Shipway Fight Director Tim Dashwood Wig, Hair & Makeup Designer Hayden Tee Video Associate Maddy Picard Intimacy Coordinator Chloë Dallimore Stage Manager Bronte Schuftan Assistant Stage Manager Jessie Byrne Wig, Hair & Makeup Design Assistant Ashleigh Grace Sound Operators Sam Ducker & Keith Muir Music Copying Gianna Cheung & Damon Wade Arrangements Laura Murphy Orchestrations Laura Murphy & Steven Kramer Additional Orchestration Steven KramerMusicians: Maia Hopf (deputy musical director), Graham Hunt, Jonathan Lim, David Stratton
Here’s a couple of reviews…..to see what the critics think:
At the annual Sydney Theatre Awards, Best Production of a Musical was awarded to the Hayes Theatre’s new production of A Little Night Music, directed by Dean Bryant. Nancye Hayes was awarded Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for her role in the same production, playing Madame Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed play. Congratulations to all involved. I am proud that the images used for these awards incorporated my own production shots of the cast of A Little Night Music, taken in 2023.
Tania McMermaid (Trevor Ashley) with her underwater father figure (Jacob Ambrose)
Trevor Ashley does it again! He presents a brand new mash-up of fun, satire and raucous sillyness at the Seymour Centre in Sydney. I had the pleasure of photographing production shots at the dress rehearsal earlier this week.
Gaviscon (Carlotta) confronts Tania McMermaid (Trevor Ashley) on stage in their zany underwater universe
As Trevor explains the plot…….
“Prepare to be transported to the magical world beneath the waves, where the vivacious Tania McMermaid (Trevor Ashley) takes center stage. In this heartwarming story, Tania finds solace after a recent loss as she checks into the opulent and mysterious hotel, The Little Lotus. Little does she know, this will be the setting for a life-changing adventure, where destiny and love intertwine. Weaving her way through this underwater paradise, Tania’s path collides with that of a handsome Italian Prince, setting the stage for a captivating romance that will leave audiences and the actors breathless.
But beware! Lurking in the shadows is the malevolent sea witch, Gaviscon (the legendary Carlotta), determined to thwart Tania’s hopes and dreams. Will Tania overcome the challenges thrown her way? Will she find true love with the character formerly known as Prince? Will the evil sea witch shatter her hopes forever? Or will a live action remake kill the whole thing!?”
CAST: Trevor Ashley, Jakob Ambrose, Stephen Madsen, Jarrod Moore and Carlotta AM
I love capturing a few shots backstage, if possible. I find it interesting to see the players preparing for their performance….makeup, costuming, the conversation etc. The following are a few images in the dressing rooms just prior to the performance.
I photographed production shots for “Murder For Two” running now at the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point. This is a truly fast, furious and entirely silly crime farce with a touch of Xmas, being performed until 22 December, 2023.
The story of “Murder for Two” is marked by playful intrigue. Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small-town policeman who dreams of being promoted to detective. One fateful Christmas Eve, shots ring out at the surprise Christmas-birthday party of the Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney, and the writer is “fatally killed”. With the local detective caught up doing last-minute gift shopping, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills, with the help of his silent partner, Lou. Did Dahlia Whitney, Arthur’s scene-stealing wife, poison the eggnog? Or was it the celebrated star of The Nutcracker, Barette Lewis? Whodunit?? You’ll have to come along to find out!
Director Richard Carroll Musical Supervisor Damon Wade Choreographer Shannon Burns Set & Costume Designer Keerthi Subramanyam Lighting Designer Priyanka Martin Sound Designer Daniel Herten Stage Manager Jessie Byrne Production Manager Abbey Pace Production Assistant Kaylee Ashton Dialect Coach Linda Nicholls-Gidley
Starring Maverick Newman, Kala Gare and Sam Marques
*Sam Marques will play the role of Detective Marcus on 12th December 2023.
Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed and seductive musical farce, A Little Night Music, opens tonight at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney.
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Sondheim’s A Little Night Music is a wonderfully witty and deeply moving romance, exploring desire, passion and regret. IN this new Sydney production directed by Dean Bryant, the audience is swept away by classic songs like “A Weekend in the Country”, “The Miller’s Son” and the iconic and pensive “Send in the Clowns”.
I ventured to the Hayes Theatre for the final dress rehearsal last week to photograph dramatic moments of the players on stage. Although most of my attention was on capturing the best images, I couldn’t help being carried away to Sweden in the 1900, caught up in the drama of the suspicious trysts and love triangles of these engaging characters.
Desiree Armfeld (Blazey Best) with Count Carl-Magnus Malcom (Josh Robson) with Frederick Egerman (Leon Ford) hiding in the corner.
I loved seeing Nancye Hayes on stage as the stylish doyenne, Madame Armfeldt. She certainly defines stage-presence with panache.
If you are in Sydney, I suggest you see this magnificent performance…..a great night out, witty, entertaining, clever use of language, with captivating music and lyrics. Playing until November 11, 2023 Book here:
Following a recent photoshoot with Trevor in my studio (see blog entry 15 August, 2023), it has been announced that a raucous team of intrepid thespians are returning to entertain audiences at the Seymour Centre in Sydney, starting from December 7, 2023.
Not remotely referencing a beloved musical film or a cult TV show, the vivacious Tania McMermaid (Trevor Ashley) is checking-in to the underwater hotel The Little Lotus. It doesn’t take long for Tania’s bedazzled fins to catch the attention of the handsome Character Formerly Known As Prince (Jakob Ambrose), but beware – lurking in the shadows is the malevolent sea witch, Gaviscon (the legendary Carlotta AM).
Curtain call from “Moulin Scrooge”, performed at the Seymour Centre in 2022 with Jarred Moore, Carlotta, Trevor Ashley, Jacob Ambrose and Stephen Madsen
For 18 performances only, the full cast of Moulin Scrooge! are reunited for The White Mermaid, under the sea in a musical dose of the ridiculous – starring Trevor Ashley, Jakob Ambrose, Stephen Madsen, Jarrod Moore and the legendary Carlotta AM, with dazzling costumes by Angie White, lighting by Sam Wylie and choreography by Heath Keating.
Angie White (costume designer extraordinaire) puts the finishing touches on Trevor’s costume before the shot
We produced a series of other looks during our photo-session
