Review: What’s The Buzz? At Adelaide Festival Theatre
June 7, 2026
Review: The Lark at Space Theatre
June 27, 2026
“A bold, beautifully realised new Australian musical that brings Miles Franklin vividly to life.”
STELLA – A New Australian Musical finally brings Australian literary icon Miles Franklin to centre stage, illuminating the remarkable woman behind My Brilliant Career, the Miles Franklin Literary Award, and a legacy that has profoundly shaped Australian culture for over a century.
Created over seven years by writer, composer and lyricist Monique diMattina, this ambitious new work is part biography, part celebration, and entirely Australian in spirit. Under the assured direction of Julia Robertson, STELLA unfolds as a vivid portrait of a woman determined to carve her own path in a world intent on limiting her ambition.
Leading the cast is the exceptional Geraldine Hakewill, whose portrayal captures both the intellect and vulnerability of Franklin. Hakewill delivers a performance full of warmth, resolve and a quietly burning intensity, allowing audiences to connect deeply with the woman behind the legend.
She is joined by an outstanding ensemble, each performer taking on multiple roles with impressive dexterity. Johanna Allen is a standout from the outset, delivering exceptional vocal power and emotional clarity in every moment she inhabits. Whether propelling the story forward or anchoring its most intimate passages, Allen’s storytelling is compelling. Her seamless transitions between characters, paired with consistently expressive vocals, draw the audience further into Franklin’s world with ease.
Shubshri Kandiah continues to affirm her place as one of Australia’s most captivating musical theatre talents. Her crystalline voice soars throughout the production, particularly in the beautifully uplifting Sun Climbs to Greet You alongside Hakewill, one of the show’s most memorable sequences.
Joe Kosky demonstrates remarkable range, shifting effortlessly between characters while delivering some of the evening’s most entertaining beats. His duet with Allen, Bare It All, is a standout moment, offering welcome humour and lightness within the emotional weight of Act Two. Their sharp comic interplay lands perfectly, arriving exactly when the narrative needs release.
Kaya Byrne is equally compelling, bringing sincerity and depth to the roles of Norman Franklin and Edwin. As Norman, Byrne delivers some of the production’s most affecting scenes, shaping a sibling relationship that feels authentic and grounded in genuine affection. His portrayal of Edwin provides a striking contrast, further highlighting his versatility and command of characterisation. Across both roles, Byrne offers nuanced, believable performances that enrich an already strong ensemble.
The company shines collectively in Shook It Up and In the Mountain Country, which capture the resilience, spirit and rugged optimism of the Australian landscape. These ensemble moments not only showcase the strength of the cast but also highlight the breadth of Monique diMattina’s score, which moves fluidly between folk traditions, bush influences, contemporary theatre and unexpected stylistic turns.
The production’s visual storytelling is equally striking. Nick Fry’s set design creates a flexible, evocative environment that shifts effortlessly between the Australian bush and the literary salons of the early twentieth century. Isla Shaw’s detailed costumes deepen this world further, vividly evoking the textures of 1900s Australia.
Sidney Younger’s lighting design adds another layer of emotional precision, shaping scenes with warmth, isolation, optimism and tension in equal measure. Each cue feels intentional, enhancing both the intimacy and scale of Franklin’s journey.
Musical Director Vicky Jacobs navigates the score’s diverse musical language with clarity and sensitivity, ensuring every moment lands with emotional truth and musical cohesion.
What lingers most about STELLA is its resonance. Franklin’s struggles against expectation, poverty and systemic sexism feel strikingly contemporary. Her drive to create, contribute and be heard continues to inspire.
This is more than a musical biography. It is a celebration of creativity, resilience and the courage required to live authentically.
As the final notes fade and the company takes their bows, audiences are left with a renewed appreciation for Miles Franklin, not only as a literary figure, but as a pioneering force whose influence still shapes Australian identity today.
New Australian musicals deserve to be seen, and STELLA is no exception. Rich in heart, history and homegrown artistry, it is a work that reminds us why Australian stories matter.
But don’t delay. STELLA – A New Australian Musical is playing a strictly limited season until 20 June, and whether you’re drawn to theatre, Australian history, or simply powerful storytelling, this is a journey well worth taking.
5 stars
Lia Loves.
