Beaumaris Theatre Inc. acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Beaumaris Theatre stands. We pay our respects to Victoria's First Peoples and their Elders past, present and emerging.

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about ladies in black

Ladies in Black is a coming-of-age story set in Sydney in the 1950s. The musical tells the story of a young and intelligent Lisa who embarks on a summer job between completing her Leaving Certificate and following her dreams of a Literature Degree at Sydney University.

Lisa joins the sales staff in the fashionable department store, F.G. Goode’s. It’s a summer that changes her life as she befriends the colourful denizens of the women’s clothing department. Each character is on the precipice of change - facing independence, working for a living and what it means to be a woman.

Musical numbers

ACT 1

I Got It At Goodes - Company

Soon I Will Be Me - Lisa

Ladies in Black - Miss Cartwright & Company

Try, Try, Try Again - Fay, Patty & Miss Jacobs

Sales Talk - Fay, Patty, Miss Jacobs & Company

Daddy C’mon - Mr Miles & Lisa

The Bastard Song - Mrs Crown, Patty, Dawn & Joy

The Fountain - Lisa

Model Gowns - Magda

Lisette - Magda & Lisa

A Proper Family Man - Frank

Always Be Happy - Lisa, Magda & Patty

A Whole Other World - Lisa

A Nice Australian Girl - Magda, Stefan & Rudi

Strange - Patty & Frank

The Bastard Song (Reprise) - Mrs Crown, Dawn, Joy & Company

Tomorrow Becomes Today - Lisa

ACT 2

On A Summer Afternoon - Rudi, Stefan & Magda

Lesley or Lisa - Mrs Miles

Pandemonium - Staff of F.G Goodes/Company

I Just Kissed A Continental - Fay & Staff of F.G Goodes

Pandemonium 2 - Fay, Magda & Company

You Did It - Fay & Lisa

Make Something Out Of This - Mrs Miles

Fay’s Soliloquy - Fay

I Can’t Be The Man - Frank & Patty

Something To Hide - Fay, Rudi, Patty & Frank

Reconciliation - Lisa, Mrs Miles & Mr Miles

Tomorrow Becomes Today (Reprise) - Lisa & Company

**Carolyn Burns - Playwright**
Carolyn Burns began her career by devising and writing the comedy-thriller for children, *The Retrievers.* Her first play for adults, *Objection Overruled*, was performed in all major New Zealand theatres.
She worked as a journalist with SBS and wrote for ABC TV.
Carolyn later wrote *Haxby’s Circus* *High Society, North by Northwest* and *Ladies in Black* for the stage.
Carolyn has also worked as a dramaturg and script editor including the Bobby Darrin Musical, *Dream Lover.*
Sam Phillips, Tim Finn and Carolyn teamed up again, creating a new musical based on a short story by Kazu Ishiguro, *Come Rain or Come Shine.*

**Tim Finn OBE - Music and lyrics**
A highly acclaimed singer and songwriter, Tim’s illustrious career began with the group he co-founded in the early 1970s, Split Enz.
Tim has also enjoyed great success as a solo artist and a collaborator with his brother Neil Finn, with Crowded House and as musical duo Finn Brothers.
In 2009, Tim collaborated with playwright Matt Cameron on *Poor Boy* which premiered at Melbourne Theatre Company.
Tim collaborated on the song-opera, *Ihitai ‘Avei’a-Star Navigator* with writer Celestine Hitiura Vaite and co-composer Tom McLeod. Last year Tim released a three-track EP called Long Live Music.

**Simon Phillips - Original production director**
Award-winning director Simon Phillips was Melbourne Theatre Company’s Artistic Director from 2000 to 2010. Among his many MTC credits are *North by Northwest*, *Pennsylvania Avenue,* *The Importance of Being Earnest, Hamlet, Richard III, The Drowsy Chaperone, August: Osage County, Festen, The Blue Room, Proof,* and High Society.
Simon has also worked extensively with companies internationally and around Australia. His credits include *Priscilla – Queen of the Desert, the Musical*, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Love Never Dies* and *Eat, Pray, Laugh* – Barry Humphries’ farewell tour. He has received seven Green Room Awards and six Helpmann Awards.

**Madeleine St John - Author, The Women in Black**
Madeleine St John was born in Sydney, moving to the United States as a young woman and then to England, living mostly in London until her death in 2006.
Her first novel, “The Women in Black”, was the only one of the four books she set in Australia.
It has now been made into a highly successful musical and critically acclaimed feature film, both called “*Ladies in Black”.* Madeleine also wrote “A Pure Clear Light”, “The Essence of the Thing” and “A Stairway to Paradise”.
When “The Essence of the Thing” was shortlisted for The Booker Prize, Madeleine became the first Australian woman to receive this honour.

Ladies in Black was originally going to be part of our 2020 season, directed by Fred Pezzimenti, but lockdowns put a stop to that.

When Ladies in Black premiered at Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) in 2016, the buzz around it was exciting. Friends who saw it told me I ‘MUST’ see it, that it was a show I had to direct.

At the time, I was immersed in another 1950s show, directing Grease. I sadly didn’t make it to MTC’s production, but I did watch the 2018 Ladies in Black film and loved the characters.

While scouring theatre catalogues for our 2025 musical, Ladies in Black caught my attention. I was excited by the prospect, as were Rhonda and Camilla. Fred gave his blessing and was adamant that we should stage it. And so here we are.

Rehearsals have been so much fun, and our marvellous cast are not only exceedingly remarkable performers but also delightful, passionate and dedicated, which is a joy. Coming to each rehearsal and hearing Tim Finn’s stunning score come to life is a gift.

I’m thrilled to once again be collaborating with my beautiful friends, Rhonda and Camilla. Our connection is very special, and their creative prowess and devotion inspire me more than words can say.

Pietro is a true master of his craft. His splendid set design is elegant and will bring to life the magnificent world of F.G. Goode’s department store and the homes of the ladies who work there. I am immensely grateful to our wonderful set-building and decorating team for transforming our stage into 1950s Sydney. Thanks to Fred for our lavish and opulent crystal chandelier to adorn our ceiling, adding extra grandeur and sparkle to our set.

Cheryllyn and the most divine team of couturiers have created exquisite custom-designed dresses and apparel for our cast, helping them transform into their characters with truth and conviction.

We’re so blessed to have the outstanding tech team of Damien, Josh, Adam and Sam. Their expertise and hard work are crucial to the success of our production, helping to create mood, atmosphere and emotion.

Fiona is our treasured Stage Manager who ensures every aspect of our show runs smoothly from first rehearsals to the final curtain call. Our props have been lovingly researched and sourced by our props coordinator guru, Lynda.

We’re so thankful to Kerryn for showing our cast how to achieve glamorous and impeccable hair-dos of the day and Urska & Mary helped our actors accomplish their Slovenian and Hungarian accents.

Our rehearsal pianist, Michelle, is a talented and knowledgeable musician and a very important member of the team. Our amazing band bring new dimension to the glorious score.

My gorgeous family, Jeremy, Josh, Janika, Justin, Kyle, Imogen, Chase, Cooper and Ava lovingly encourage me in all of my theatrical pursuits. Their unconditional love inspires me to follow my dreams.

Madeleine St John’s charming novel, “The Women in Black”, is an enchanting story of a bygone era. The characters jump off the pages and into your heart. I guarantee our sensational cast: Rose, Gabi, Jacqui, Dan, Bek, Justin, Róisin, Kirsty, Katrina, Amy and Daniel will capture your hearts with their portrayals of these endearing, captivating and fabulously flawed characters. You’ll be uplifted and carried away by the stirring music, the ambience, surrounds and superb costumes and the allure of our Ladies in Black.

Debbie Keyt
Director

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director - Debbie Keyt

Musical Director - Rhonda Vaughan

Choreographer - Camilla Klesman

Rehearsal Pianist - Michelle Lu

Stage Manager - Fiona Williams

Cast

Lisa - Rose Chambers

Myra/Dawn - Gabi Bergman

Patty - Jacqui Moore

Frank - Dan Bellis

Magda - Bek Chapman

Rudi/Lloyd/Fred - Justin Royce

Mrs Miles - Roìsin O’Neill

Miss Cartwright/Joy - Kirsty Hall

Miss Jacobs/Miss Crown - Katrina Pezzimenti

Fay - Amy Gridley

Mr Miles/ Stefan - Daniel Ischia

Barmaid - Fiona Williams

Customer - Cheryllyn de Vries

band

Conductor - Rhonda Vaughan

Keyboard and rehearsal pianist - Michelle Lu

Drums and percussion - Mal Fawcett

Bass – Bill Clark

Violin - Daisy Wong and Angela Duan

Cello - Deb McLeod

Guitar - Cody Leggett

creative team and crew

Set Designer - Pietro Giordano

Costume Designer - Cheryllyn de Vries

Lighting Designer & Operator - Damien Calvert

Sound Designers & Operators - Adam Solomon & Josh Aiello

Sound Operator - Sam Johnson

Props Coordinator - Lynda French

Set Artist - Sally Fleming

Set Construction & decor - Pietro Giordano, Daniel Ischia, Fred Pezzimenti, Jeremy Keyt, Roel de Vries, Steve Morris, Fiona Williams, Lynda French, Kirsty Hall & Bayside Men’s Shed

Costume Couturiers - Jenni Osburn, Sam Davies, Harry Brammall, Luisa Marrollo, Christine Wood, Mairead Perry, Bella Joy and Milanka Giordano

Dressers - Cheryllyn deVries and Lynda French

Hair Consultant - Kerryn Ewart

Make-up Consultant - Gabi Bergman

Hair & Wig Styling - Roìsin O’Neill

Accent coaches - Mary Bryant & Urska Sabec

Marketing and program - Kristina Doucouliagos

Photography - Pietro Giordano & Tim Tselepis

Videography - Tim Tselepis

Flier Design - Ella Creaton

Front of House Coordinator - Fiona Williams

Front of House Manager - Adam Solomon

Box Office - Beaumaris Theatre Committee Members

Front of House Volunteers - Beaumaris Theatre Members & Friends

With very special thanks to Beaumaris Books, The Bayside Men’s Shed, Danny Forward, Sue Hand, Candy Sweetman, Deb Carpenter, Georgy Charles, Trevor Osburn, Neil Barnett, and Abby Makin.

**Debbie Keyt - Director**
A passionate director, *Ladies in Black* is the 26th show Debbie has directed. Her other credits include Return to the Forbidden Planet; Smiley- the Musical; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Steel Magnolias; Charlotte’s Web; Anne of Green Gables; Peter Pan; The Sound of Music; Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Happy Days: A New Musical; 13 - the Musical; The Little Mermaid JR; Grease; The Jewel by the Sea; A Chorus Line; Cinderella - the Pantomime; Chicago; Buddy - the Buddy Holly Story; Anne & Gilbert - the Musical; Jack & the Beanstalk - a Panto; Beaumarisical and *Beaumaris Theatre’s 70th Anniversary Panto Revue.*
Deb’s first on-stage role at Beaumaris Theatre was in 1996 as Ruth in *Table Manners. S*he has portrayed many delightful and wickedly wonderful characters over the years here and with other companies.
Deb established D.K Productions in 2001, nurturing theatrical passion in performers of all ages. She was honoured with Beaumaris Theatre Life Membership in 2009 and Music Theatre Guild of Victoria’s esteemed Edith Harrhy Award in 2021 for outstanding service to Musical Theatre.
This year she is celebrating 21 years on the Beaumaris Theatre Committee and is the current President. Deb cherishes her role of Nan Nan to her beautiful grandchildren Chase, Cooper and Ava.

**Rhonda Vaughan - Musical director**
Rhonda has been involved with Beaumaris Theatre since 2003 when her daughters joined the cast of *Bugsy Malone*.
She has musically directed many shows including *Return to the Forbidden Planet, The Sound of Music, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Happy Days: A New Musical, Grease, A Chorus Line, Chicago* and *Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story* and she was thrilled to be asked to again join Deb and Camilla and an amazing cast for Ladies in Black.
A special thank you goes to our talented rehearsal pianist Michelle and the rest of our show band.

**Camilla Klesman - Choreographer**
*Ladies in Black* is the 18th production Camilla has choreographed with Beaumaris Theatre through 21 years of involvement. She is thrilled to once again be working with Debbie and Rhonda – two dear friends and creative collaborators across so many memorable productions.
Camilla was honoured to be awarded Life Membership to Beaumaris Theatre in 2023 and is a current Committee Member.
Her dance training commenced at age 3 with Lynda Mathis School of Dance, where she continued through to obtain her Tap Teacher’s Diploma with Honours, later teaching tap dancing at the Cherill Rowston School of Ballet.
Camilla also performed in various amateur shows, with highlights being playing ‘Zaneeta’ in *The Music Man* and ‘Annie Oakley’ in *Annie Get Your Gun* (MLOC).
Qualified with a Master of Business (Marketing), Camilla has her own marketing consultancy company called LAMI. She enjoys eighties music, travel adventures and spending time with her sons George and Mack.

**Michelle Lu -** **Rehearsal Pianist & Keyboard**
Michelle completed her Bachelor of Music at the University of Tasmania and her Master of Music at The University of Melbourne. Over the past five years, she has built a career as a piano teacher and accompanist, specialising in classical piano.
Her passion for musical theatre led her to debut as the rehearsal pianist for *The Bridges of Madison County*, a production she was proud to be a part of with Beaumaris Theatre.
Before joining Beaumaris Theatre, Michelle gained valuable experience accompanying a community choir in Tasmania and numerous students for AMEB and VCE exams, honing her skills as an accompanist. She is thrilled to return to Beaumaris Theatre for her second musical, *Ladies in Black.*
With a strong classical foundation and a growing love for musical theatre, Michelle is eager to continue sharing her talents with audiences and advancing her journey in musical theatre.

**Rose Chambers - Lisa**
Rose is so excited to be part of bringing the story of *Ladies in Black* to life with the wonderful Beaumaris Theatre community.
Originally from the Geelong region, Rose is studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts and graduated in 2023 from the full-time musical theatre course “Showfit”.
Rose has been part of many theatre productions such as Ivy Robinson in *Bare: A Pop Opera* (2024, DIY Collective); Hodel in *Fiddler on the Roof* (Footlight Productions Geelong); a featured soloist in *Closer than Ever* (2023, Stage Arts Geelong); Robbie the Stockfish in *Urinetown* (2019, Centrestage Geelong) as well as previous high school productions.
Rose is also a violinist with a background in classical and Celtic styles.
Rose is so grateful to have the privilege to bring Lisa (Lesley) Miles to life as well as performing in a native Australian accent telling a true and wholesome Australian story. She hopes you enjoy it as much as she does!

**Dan Bellis - Frank**
Dan may be familiar to you from one or more of his eleven other appearances on the Beaumaris Theatre stage - maybe he’s an old friend of yours or your son or perhaps you know him through other people. In any case, Dan is very excited to be a part of the *Ladies in Black* cast alongside his loving partner, Jacqui. He assures any audience members that he’s not really a bastard.
Dan has been a multiple-time director for Beaumaris Theatre and will co-helm Beaumaris Theatre’s final production for 2025, *Blackadder II.*
Dan is dedicating his performance in *Ladies in Black* to his loved and loving sister, Hayley, who would have taken great pleasure in singing along to The Bastard Song.

**Gabi Bergman - Myra/Dawn**
Gabi Bergman is a high school teacher who loves all things theatre. She holds an Arts Degree with a Double Major in Theatre and Film/Screen Studies, and a Masters of Teaching.
Past credits include Widow Corney in *Oliver!* (NOVA), Rona-Lisa Peretti in *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee* (Saltpillar), Tzeitel in *Fiddler on the Roof* (MLOC), Edna in *Bright Star* (Fab Nobs), Titania in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* (MLOC), Beula Harridene in the world premiere of The Dressmaker: A Musical Adaptation (MAPA), Minnie Davies in *The Hatpin* (Waterdale), Smitty in *How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying* (MLOC), Gertrude McFuzz in *Seussical* (MSMC - MTGV Commendation), and ensemble roles in *Sweeney Todd* (Fab Nobs), *Les Miserables* (SSA), *Seussical* (Waterdale), and *Into The Woods* (Aspect Inc.).
In her very limited free time, Gabi is a theatre journalist and the current Deputy Editor in Chief of AussieTheatre.com.

**Bek Chapman - Magda**
Bek made her Beaumaris Theatre debut in *Bedside Manners* in 2008 and “came home” for the 20th Anniversary show *Beaumarisical* in 2023.
This will be Show #5! In 2010, she won a Talbot Award for Most Outstanding Actress for Maria in *The Sound of Music,* which also earned her a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Nomination. Bek is so proud to be back with the same wonderful production team for *Ladies in Black!*
Bek has toured Australia extensively, performing at festivals, schools, and venues, on many albums and TV. Highlights include Spicks & Specks, Judith Durham’s 70th birthday, Bob Hawke’s dinner party, Denis Walter’s Carols by Candlelight, touring with Rockwiz, opening MONA, and performing with Damian Cowell (TISM) and Tony Martin in Damian Cowell’s Disco Machine.
In 2024 she made her pro-am debut in James Terry Collective’s *Kinky Boots* and made her professional debut in Robert Sturrock’s *Jazz Men*, performing at the Athenaeum Theatre! You can currently see her rock climbing badly in the Industry Super Funds ad or dancing like a dork in the foyer.
She is immensely grateful to be part of the Beaumaris Theatre family and attributes much of her success and continuing development to the wonderful people here.

**Amy Gridley - Fay**
Amy’s love for the theatre began at age seven when she appeared as Gretel in Paragon’s *The Sound of Music*. She continued to be involved in various children’s roles during her schooling years with NOVA, Whitehorse, DTC and PLOS. Amy did ballet, tap and jazz for 10 years with Mathis School of Dance and five years of vocal lessons with Wendy Todd.
In recent years, she has performed in many shows with ASPECT, MLOC and Beaumaris Theatre, including the roles of Pinky Tuscadero in *Happy Days: The Musical,* Sandy in *Grease,* Cinderella in *Cinderella - the Pantomime,* Rumpelteazer in *CATS,* Katherine in *Pippin*, Nellie in *South Pacific,* Millie in *Thoroughly Modern Millie*, Julia in The Wedding Singer, Roxy in *Chicago* and Cathy in *The Last 5 Years* (People’s Playhouse).
Amy is delighted to be a part of *Ladies in Black* with Beaumaris Theatre.

**Kirsty Hall- Miss Cartwright & Joy**
Kirsty is over the moon to be performing in her third show with Beaumaris Theatre and embracing the opportunity to indulge her love of show tunes.
Since performing in her first musical at the age of ten, Kirsty has performed with many theatre companies around Melbourne including PLOS, Beaumaris, Brighton, Windmill and Frankston Theatre Group.  Some of Kirsty's favourite roles have been Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz; Frenchy in Grease; Daisy Mae in Lil' Abner and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors for which she received a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Commendation.
Most recently Kirsty has performed with Mordialloc Theatre in the plays *Summer* *of the 17th Doll* and *Minnie and Liraz.*

**Daniel Ischia- Mr Miles & Stefan**
Daniel is delighted to be returning to Beaumaris Theatre after having such an incredible experience in *The Bridges of Madison County.*
This is Daniel's first time stepping out of the ensemble, having previously been in The Scarlett Pimpernel (OSMaD), *All Shook Up* (Babirra) and *The Bridges of Madison County* (Beaumaris Theatre).
He is excited for the challenge and would like to thank Debbie, Rhonda, and Camilla not only for the opportunity but also for the endless support and guidance. Daniel would like to express, that even though he enjoys playing the role of Mr Miles, it is hard to acknowledge his character’s views were common among men at the time, and is extremely proud of his very high-achieving sister, female colleagues and friends.
Daniel would like to thank his singing teacher Ryan Webb for continuing to provide him with the confidence to get on stage.

**Jacqui Moore - Patty**
*Ladies in Black* marks Jacqui’s very first show with Beaumaris Theatre and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be hitting the stage with this incredible cast. *Ladies in Black* also celebrates Jacqui’s first show performing alongside her wonderful partner, Dan.
Her prior roles have included Julie in *Cosi* (2022), Jean in *The Full Monty* (2020), Patty in *Ladies in Black* (2019), Harriet in *The Hatpin* (2018), Clare in *Ordinary Days* (2018), The Baker's Wife in *Into the Woods* (2017), Grace in *Annie* (2016), and Eve/Mama Noah in *Children of Eden* (2015) – she undoubtedly is drawn toward strong-willed, tenacious characters.
Jacqui is also a professional vocalist, trained in classical voice at the Conservatorium of Music. In 2023, she completed her acting studies at Howard Fine Acting Studio.
The stage is home for Jacqui and she can’t wait to share Patty’s beautiful story with you.

**Róisin** **O’Neill - Mrs Miles**
Róisin has been immersed in the performing arts for the last 26 years, starting with junior drama and working her way up through the Children’s Performing Company of Australia in musical theatre studies, which led to her performing in 2011 at The Palms at Crown as a singer for *One Night with Elvis.*
She moved up to productions such as *The Producers* and *Spamalot* (MLOC Productions); *Rock of Ages* (Williamstown Music Theatre Company); *Into the Woods* and *Beauty and the Beast* (Aspect Inc.).
Recently, she has turned her attention to the classics and some of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, having worked with the Australian Shakespeare Company’s Graduate Player’s Program, with their 2016 course of *Much Ado: The Musical* touring all the way to Prague.
Róisin first performed with Beaumaris Theatre in their whimsical production of *A Year with Frog and Toad* in 2024 and loved the community of Beaumaris Theatre’s passion and dedication to local theatre.

**Katrina Pezzimenti – Miss Jacobs & Mrs. Crown**
Katrina is very excited to be back on the Beaumaris Theatre stage and loves being able to play two very different characters in the one show. As a busy singing teacher at St Leonard’s College and her private studio, she has thoroughly enjoyed having her own time performing in *Ladies in Black.*
Katrina started performing in musicals at age 13 and was a founding member of Panorama Youth Theatre. After studying voice and opera at Melbourne Uni and VCA, Katrina has sung professionally with both Opera Australia and Victorian State Opera and also worked as a surtitler for Opera Australia for many years.
Recent roles have been Jenny in *Company* (Beaumaris Theatre), Rona Peretti in *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee* (Hart Theatre) and Fruma Sarah in *Fiddler on the Roof* (CLOC). She was also a pit singer in *Chess* (CLOC).
*Ladies in Black* has been a great opportunity to meet many wonderful new actors and she hopes you enjoy it.

**Justin Royce – Rudi, Lloyd & Fred**
*Ladies in Black* marks Justin’s theatrical return to the stage after a considerable break in performing – his last show was our 2018 production of *Chicago.*
After such a long hiatus, Justin is both nervous and excited to be on stage again, however knowing the Creative Team so well adds a great deal of comfort. He hopes you enjoy this ‘little Aussie gem’ as much as the cast has enjoyed putting it all together.
Justin’s other stage credits include: *Grease; 33 Variations; Fawlty Towers* (2009 and 2011); A Few Good Men; Breaking The Code; Closer; The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde; Time and the Conways; The Castle; The Jewel by the Sea; Blackrock; Return to the Forbidden Planet; Remember Ronald Ryan; Picasso at the Lapin Agile; and *Amadeus,* together with several independent film and television projects.

**Pietro Giordano - Set Designer**
Pietro has been involved with Beaumaris Theatre for 22 years.
He has designed sensational sets for Steel Magnolias; Puffs, Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at A Certain School of Magic and Magic; Jack & the Beanstalk - A Panto; Anne & Gilbert the Musical; Buddy- the Buddy Holly Story; SNOOPY!!! Chicago; August: Osage County; A Chorus Line; Grease; Sweeney Todd- The Demon Barber of Fleet Street; 1984; The Day of the Triffids; Blackadder; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; To Kill a Mockingbird; Cosi; A Streetcar Named Desire and *CATS*.
Pietro is currently involved with several exhibitions and private and public commissions involving sculpture and painting.

**Cheryllyn de Vries – Costume Designer & Customer**
Cheryllyn is delighted to join Beaumaris Theatres’ team as the Costume Designer for *Ladies In Black*. The 1950s was such an elegant and stylish era for fashion It has been a joy to create such beautiful designs along with our passionate and skilled costume team (high five to you awesome ladies!).
Cheryllyn has costumed and stitched for a number of casts including The Jewel by the Sea; *Seminar; Beauty and the Beast; Chicago; A Chorus Line; Grease; The Little Mermaid Jr; Happy Days: A New Musical; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hairspray* and The Boy From Oz.
Cheryllyn works as a designer and pattern maker in the fashion industry.

**Fiona Williams – Stage Manager & Barmaid**
A member of the Beaumaris Theatre Committee, Fiona has worked as a part of numerous backstage crews at Beaumaris Theatre.
From time to time, she has even crept out of the shadows and into the spotlight as Frau Schmidt in The Sound Of Music, a party guest in *The Great Gatsby,* Connie and Anne Welberg in *Flowers For Algernon*, Johnna in *August: Osage County,* and a village person in *Cinderella* and *Jack in the Beanstalk* pantomimes. She also played an elf and stage managed *The 70th Anniversary Christmas Panto Revue.*
She is very honoured to be a part of *Ladies in Black* and hopes you enjoy the show.

**Lynda French- Props Coordinator**
Lynda has been a member of Beaumaris Theatre since 2014 and has taken on varied roles, such as front of house, box office, stage manager, production manager/ assistant/ co-ordinator, property manager and designer, set builder, and cast member.
She’s been a member of the Beaumaris Theatre Committee since 2018 and our efficient Health and Safety Officer. She is currently the Company Secretary.
Lynda was the producer, designer and props coordinator for the Australian premiere of Anne and Gilbert - the Musical. In 2024 Lynda was the Production Coordinator for Beaumaris Theatre’s inaugural *Monologue Festival.*

**Damien Calvert- Lighting Designer & Operator**
Damien works on and off stage with several companies across Melbourne. He has designed lighting and sets for Beaumaris Theatre since 2016: *Avenue Q; Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story; Anne & Gilbert - The Musical; Puffs, Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at A Certain School of Magic and Magic; Beaumarisical* and *The Bridges Madison County.* This year Damien has also designed lighting for Holmes and Watson (Mordialloc Theatre Company) directed by his lovely wife Amy.
Damien is a Committee Member of The Music Theatre Guild of Victoria, the Secretary for OSMaD and he coordinates and organises the Melbourne Theatre Calendar.

**Adam Solomon- Sound Designer and Operator**
Adam has worked in the Music and Film Industries in Australia and the UK for over 30 years and is passionate about live sound production.
His show credits include Puffs, Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at A Certain School of Magic and Magic; The Three Musketeers; Beaumarisical; Little Miss Sunshine; Beaumaris Theatre’s 70th Anniversary Panto-Revue; A Year With Frog & Toad and *The Bridges of Madison County.*
A member of the Beaumaris Theatre, Adam’s theory is ‘the more gear you plug in and set up the more fun it is’.

**Josh Aiello- Sound Designer and Operator**
Josh is delighted to make his return to the Beaumaris (back) stage after a few years away, stepping into the captivating world of *Ladies in Black*.
With over 15 years of experience in the performing arts, Josh has worn many hats in the arts; a theatre technician, event manager, and performer.
Josh finds joy in songwriting, exploring the latest in technology, hiking through nature, meditating and ceremony, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
His return to the (back) stage is a celebration of his enduring love for the arts.

**Sam Johnson- Sound Operator**
Sam was cast in Beaumaris Theatre’s 2014 production of *13- A New Musical* after being ‘discovered’ in *The Addams Family* (Parkdale Secondary College).
Sam has been in Beaumaris Theatre tech teams for *Pillow Talk; Buddy- the Buddy Holly Story; Jack and the Beanstalk- a Pantomime; The Three Musketeers; A Year With Frog and Toad* and *The Bridges of Madison County.*
He was also on stage in Beaumaris Theatre’s *The Little Mermaid JR* and *Anne & Gilbert – the Musical.* His other onstage roles include *Cinderella; The Wiz; Legally Blonde; The Legends of the Skies* and *The Jewel by the Sea.*

Costume Couturiers

“The best thing about costuming the talented cast of Ladies in Black is working with such a creative and passionate team. That, and of course creating stunningly beautiful outfits ‘fresh’ from the 1950s.” - Cheryllyn de Vries

“The band is back together with Cheryllyn, Sam, Jen and a few new members. It’s lovely to be joined by Mairead, Luisa and Bella who are joining the ranks, ‘keeping the oldies in check’! Christine and Harry are also on board. It’s the largest sewing crew we’ve ever had - just as well as the costumes required for Ladies in Black are numerous! They have all been designed by Cheryllyn and will be a visual feast! Jen’s so very proud to be part of such a talented team.” - Jenni Osburn

“Sam is excited about working on this spectacular fashion feast with the wonderful Deb. She says it’s also especially special to work with pros like Cheryllyn and Jen and meet talented new members of the team. Sam can’t wait to hear the gasps on opening night with the talent in this team.” - Sam Davies

“Luisa spent numerous years designing artwork and putting together programs for Beaumaris Theatre. Now she’s putting her Advanced Diploma in Fashion to good use by assisting the costume team in bringing ideas to life.” - Luisa Marrollo

“Bella & Luisa are friends and neighbours and have known each other since they were little. Bella loves sea glass hunting, making jewellery and cosplay. She hopes by helping the costume team with sewing and pattern making, she can improve her cosplay skills and one day design her own plush toy.” - Bella Joy

“Mairead is very interested in historical clothing, so working on the 1950s costumes for Ladies in Black is a dream. She is very excited to explore the outfits of the decade with the wonderful costume team.” - Mairead Perry

“Costuming has always been a passion of Harry’s and she loves the creative process and making each piece work for the actor. She has fun meeting new people with creative ideas.” - Harry Brammall

“Cheryllyn is a gift to this show helping the “extra character” - the costumes, come to life. Christine feels so grateful to be immersed in her vision, sharing her vintage patterns and the kinship of sewing with wonderful women.” - Christine Wood

“Milanka has always sown as a creative hobby and for her it was about making an outfit to wear and embracing the joy and pleasure of seeing the final product and its sense of great achievement. Milanka enjoys volunteering with likeminded people in the community.” - Milanka Giordano

Beaumaris Theatre was founded by Bill and Angela Martin in 1953. Bill and Angela were thespians who built a theatre in the attic of their home. It housed about twenty audience members and had a small stage and dressing room.

Soon the demand for tickets for these productions far exceeded the space available, so the Martins along with other members of the Beaumaris Players, worked very hard to have the theatre space we now know in Wells Road.

For the last 70 years, thespians from all walks of life and various backgrounds have been treading the prestigious boards laid by Bill and Angela. We are delighted to continue their legacy of producing theatre for the Bayside community and beyond.

BEAUMARIS THEATRE COMMITTEE

President - Debbie Keyt
Vice-President - Dan Bellis
Treasurer - Jenni Osburn
Secretary & Public Officer - Lynda French
Marketing Manager & Membership Secretary - Kristina Doucouliagos
Committee Members - Adam Solomon, Camilla Klesman, Deb Carpenter, Fiona Williams, Georgy Charles and Harrison Ewart-Dart.

BEAUMARIS THEATRE LIFE MEMBERS

Bill Martin; Angela Martin; Roger North; Esme North; Roy Baldwin; Bea Beckwith; Anne Lowe; Jean Freer; Beth Kelsall; John Rees-Osborne; Nancy Sutch-Taylor; Edda Dawson; Barbara Franks; Annie Laurenson; Jenny Mullholland; Stephen Mulholland; Don Strong; Taffy Strong; Michael Coultas; Graham Eddie; Derek Curd; Janine Chugg; Debbie Keyt; Robyn Morris; Steve Morris; Neil Barnett; Rhonda Vaughan; Vince Vaughan; Danny Forward; Jenni Osburn; Trevor Osburn; Kristina Doucouliagos; Fred Pezzimenti and Camilla Klesman.