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An award-winning, heartfelt musical

The story of a guy who gave up on love and music, and the girl who inspired him to dream again.

From the very first note, Once draws you in and never lets go. This emotionally captivating musical is the only show to have music that won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Olivier Award and a Tony Award.

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Starts May 2026 at Chapel Off Chapel

From the producer of critically acclaimed musical theatre hits

From the producer of Mamma Mia! and Avenue Q, AG Theatre presents Once, a heartfelt love story brought to life through stunning live music.

Once is achingly beautiful, quietly uplifting and deeply human. It’s a story about connection, courage and the leap of faith it takes to follow your dreams.

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Where music connects

Set on the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music.

Featuring all of the magical songs from the critically acclaimed film, including the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly,” this inspiring show strikes an unforgettable chord in audiences and speaks to the power of music to connect us all. 

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Show Details:

ONCE

Music & Lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
Book by Edna Walsh
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia)

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Executive Producer: Andrew Gyopar
Director: Pip Mushin
Musical Director: Timothy John Wilson
Choreographer: Jamie White
Production Design: Abbey Stanway
Costume Design: Karen Spencer

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Ticketing Enquiries 
The National Theatre Box Office
03 9525 4611 or boxoffice@nationaltheatre.org.au

Drew Holmes

Swing

After a short stint in Sydney studying acting, Drew relocated to Newcastle to study with RIPA where they acquired their certificate 4 in Musical theatre and a Diploma of Arts ‘Acting’

They have now relocated to Melbourne to continue their creative career.

Drew has been lucky enough to work as an Actor, writer, set designer, Director & teacher.

Drew co-wrote “Unforgettable”, chosen in the top 10 for the 2015 Sydney Short and Sweet festival for which they won best Male Actor & Best Male Newcomer for 2014

Drew has Received CONDA’s for their performance of Amos Heart ‘Chicago’ (SNAP) 2013 & excellence in set & prop design ‘she loves me’ (Opera Hunter) 2021

Drew was also the role of George in James Terry’s 2024 green room award winning production of Kinky boots.

Other noteworthy roles have been Bernadette in Priscilla, Gomez in the Addams family, Lefou in beauty and the beast and Vinnie in lucky stiff!

Liimei Lim

Swing

Liimei is a Malaysian-Australian artist who made her professional debut in We Will Rock You as Teen Queen swing and Ensemble (Platinum Entertainment). At the Arts Academy, she played Creature and William Frankenstein in Frankenstein, followed by dance captain and Tank in MOTOR-MOUTH LOVES SUCK-FACE: An Apocalyptic Musical. Since then, she played Tiffany Singer in A Zoom Group Project: The Musical and choreographed its 2023 Melbourne Fringe season, was a 2024 Resident Artist at Broadway Unplugged (Be You Group), and played Lily in IBS: Irritable Blood Suckers (dir. Bridget Sweeney). Most recently, Liimei debuted in the vocal trio Duchess (Eleonore Entertainment) and was in the ensemble of Bearded The Musical. @liimei_

Stephanie Lacerna

Gary Coleman

Stephanie is absolutely thrilled to be making her theatre debut here on Avenue Q! With a love for music and performing arts, Stephanie has spent the last several years training and honing her craft. She moved to the Philippines for two years, after signing a record-label deal and competing in Philippine Idol. Since then, she’s completed music theatre, dancing and acting courses at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts, City Adult Ballet and Brave Studios, and continues to love learning and growing. Outside of the theatre, Stephanie works as a model and film and television actress. When she’s not on stage, you’ll find her at a sewing machine, crafting her next outfit or out in the water catching some waves. Stephanie extends her love and gratitude for your support today and can’t wait to bring this show to life!

Chiew-Jin Khut

Xmas Eve

Chiew-Jin holds a BTheatre (CQUniversity), a DipMusTheatre (APO Arts Academy), and is currently undertaking a Master of Music (Performance Teaching) at University of Melbourne’s Conservatorium of Music.

Originally from Adelaide, she was cast as Lily in Legacy of the Tiger Mother, Adelaide Fringe Festival 2012; and in a developmental piece The Red Pinafore (Various People Inc.), Adelaide Festival Centre’s InSPACE Programme 2014.

After studying interstate, she packed her bags and moved to London, upon her return to Melbourne in 2018 she was cast in both of Babirra’s shows: Singin’ In The Rain and Dusty. In 2022 she had her professional debut with Victorian Opera’s season of Happy End. 2024 brought her back to the stage in La Mama’s Cabaretica – Miscellanea.

Chiew-Jin is thrilled to be bringing the role of Christmas Eve to life for AG Theatre’s season of Avenue Q and can’t wait to welcome you to the neighbourhood.

Matthew Tomlin

Brian

Matthew Tomlin is a dedicated musical theatre performer hailing from Launceston, Tasmania. Over the years, he has been fortunate to take on diverse roles in productions both in his hometown and Melbourne. Starting his journey in Launceston with performances in Bring It On, Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line, Buddy Holly: The Buddy Holly Story, Wicked and Blood Brothers, Matthew’s passion for the stage grew with each show.

Since moving to Melbourne, Matthew has performed in productions including Kinky Boots, Strictly Ballroom, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and Eulogy For A Genius. Most recently, he had the privilege of playing Quasimodo in the Victorian premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a role that was both challenging and rewarding.

Now, Matthew is excited to bring the role of Brian to life in Avenue Q. He is grateful to the cast, crew, and audiences who continue to support his journey in the arts.

Darcy Harriss

Bad Idea Bear

Darcy is a Theatre graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts (2020). Notable credits include Boq in Wicked (YABC 2017), Agamemnon in Agamemnon (VCA 2019), Statue/Ensemble in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (OSMAD 2023), Franz/Understudy Max in The Sound of Music (Theatrical 2024) and most recently the Priest in Bare (DIY 2024). He has also devised and performed in original works such as A Slippery Thing (featured in the 2019 Melbourne Fringe) and Simulacrum (made digitally in 2020). Darcy does voice acting and commercial voiceover, where he is the voice of several advertisements in the United States. Avenue Q is Darcy’s dream show, so he’s overjoyed that it’s come true!

Perri Espinoza

Bad Idea Bear & Puppeteer

In 2021, Perri completed her BMus, specialising in contemporary vocals, at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, while also training at Spectrum Dance. Currently, Perri proudly manages and performs in her weddings and events music collective, Montie & I.

In addition to recently concluding her first international tour as lead vocalist for Dance Extravaganza ‘Ballroom Blitz’ (Base Entertainment), Perri has also taken on iconic musical roles such as ‘Antia’ in West Side Story (Centerstage & Lumina Theatre Society) and ‘Fran’ in Strictly Ballroom (Footlight Productions). Perri has enjoyed career highlights including working as a feature vocalist for Crescendo Music Australia, opening the Australian Music Vault alongside Archie Roach, being mentored by John Foreman as part of Monash University’s Sound Series and concluding her residency in Melbourne’s Queens of the Damned Cabaret.

Perri’s additional credits include ‘Amy’ in The Consequence of Kindness (Impending Storm Productions), ‘Claricè’ in A Servant of Two Masters (Northern Theatre Co.) and ‘ensemble’ in Wicked (Footlight Productions), Jack of Two Trades (Jeanne Pratt Artists), The Execution Will Not Be Televised (Impending Storm Productions), Jesus Christ Superstar (Geelong Lyric Theatre Society) & Annie (Geelong Lyric Theatre Society).

Cassie Ogle

Lucy & Mrs T

Cassie Ogle (they/them/she) is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (BFA in Music Theatre) and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (Diploma in Musical Theatre). Recent roles include; The Cat in the Hat ‘Seussical: The Musical’ (OCPAC, dir. Joey Phyland), Hermia ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (JohnX Presents, dir. Roger Hodgeman), and originating roles in new Australian works ‘For a Mother’s Love’ Kylie Creighton (writer/dir. Jami Bladel) and ‘Lullaby of the Earth’ God Child/Dance Captain (ACERS Victoria). While at VCA, Cassie received the Orloff Charitable Trust Scholarship, performed in ‘Sweet Charity’, ‘Morning Melodies 2022’ (dir. Jayde Kirchert), ‘Mongrel’ (dir. Maude Davey & Sarah Ward), ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ Dory (dir. Jason Langley), and ‘Urinetown’ Penelope Pennywise (dir. Trudy Dunn). Hailing from Tasmania (Nipaluna), hometown highlights include; ‘The Hatpin’ Clara Makin (dir. Karen Kluss), ‘Trial by Jury’ Angelina (dir. John X), ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ Millie Dilmount, and ‘Into The Woods’ Cinderella (Musical Theatre Crew).

Jonathon Shilling

Rod

Born and raised in Adelaide, Jonathon holds a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) from Federation University where he graduated in 2017, and a Certificate IV in Dance. His credits at university include, ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ (Albert Peterson), ‘RENT’ (Angel | u/s Mark) and ‘Sweeney Todd’ (Tobias Ragg). Since Graduating Jonathon has toured with Perform! Education (Echelon Productions) and as a dancer for Bethany Fisher. His show credits include ‘Post: A New Musical’ (Jonathan) (Something Blue Productions), ‘Kinky Boots’ (Angel) (CLOC), ‘Jersey Boys’ (Bob Gaudio) (CLOC), ‘Grease’ (Doody) (Footlight Productions), ‘Disco Pigs’ (Pig) (Gavin Roach Productions) and the Australian touring production of ‘Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody’ (Derald Bacon/Assistant Dance Captain) (Salty Theatre). Most recently Jonathon was a performer in Broadway Bangers which was part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2024. Jonathon is so excited to be part of the Avenue Q cast, an absolute dream show of his!

Andrew McDougall

Nicky & Trekkie

Andrew has been a part of puppetry in Australia for the past 30 years. Graduating as part of the inaugural Post Graduate Diploma in Puppetry from the VCA in 2004.

He’s worked in countless Film, Television and Theatre Productions across the country and internationally. He has also studied with some of Australia’s top puppeteers and companies.

His previous credits include shows such as Eeyore/Rabbit/Owl (Disney’s Winnie the Pooh – The New Musical Stage Adaptation), Oliver (Fagin), Witches Of Eastwick (Darryl Van Horne), Rock of Ages (Lonny), The Addams family (Gomez), Sylvia (Tom/ Phylis/ Lesley), The Producers (Max Bialystock), (Nicky/Trekkie/ puppet designer), Walking with Dinosaurs the Live Experience (Hatchling lead/Baby T‐Rex, The Creature Company), Little Shop of Horrors (Plant Puppeteer and Designer).

Andrew is over the moon to return to one of his favourite shows Avenue Q bringing the unhinged chaos of these characters back to Melbourne.

Zoe Crisp

Kate Monster

Zoe graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2021 with a BA in Music Theatre, having previously attained her Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2018. Notable roles from her time at WAAPA include The Bakers Wife (Into The Woods), Anna (Spring Awakening) and a Kit Kat Dancer (Cabaret).

In 2020 Zoe performed in an original cabaret titled Growing Pains, where she received WAAPA’s Julie Micheal Cabaret Award for “best originally devised cabaret”.

Most recently Zoe made her professional stage debut in the ensemble of Carousel: A Concert (Enda Markey Presents) where she also understudied the role of Carrie Pipperidge.

She has also appeared in a handful of children’s theatre productions around Melbourne including Project Mindset (National Theatre for Children) and Story Quest (Echelon Productions).

Other notable credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert! (Platinum Entertainment), The Beep Test (Neylon and Peele), and We Will Rock You (Platinum Entertainment).

Zoe is delighted to be joining the cast of Avenue Q as Kate Monster!

Harley Dasey

Princeton

Harley hails from Gidgegannup, Western Australia. He has a Bachelor of Music Theatre from the Elder Conservatorium of Music, and a Diploma of Musical Theatre from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Harley spent 2023 as a Featured Vocalist at Universal Studios Japan. Since moving to Melbourne in 2024, he played Charlie in Maybe A Miracle (Perform Education), which toured to various VIC schools in celebration of book week. Other previous credits include Featured Soloist in Retro FM (Festival Statesman Chorus) at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, and Elliot in
The Killdeer (dir. Tay Broadley) at Perth Fringe.

Harley also has a deep love for music, having played guitar, saxophone, and percussion throughout his life.

Jett Archer

Graphic Design

TBD

Andrew McDougall

Puppet Design & Creation

Andrew has been a part of puppetry in Australia for the past 30 years. Graduating as part of the inaugural Post Graduate Diploma in Puppetry from the VCA in 2004.

He’s worked in countless Film, Television and Theatre Productions across the country and internationally. He has also studied with some of Australia’s top puppeteers and companies.

His previous credits include shows such as Eeyore/Rabbit/Owl (Disney’s Winnie the Pooh – The New Musical Stage Adaptation), Oliver (Fagin), Witches Of Eastwick (Darryl Van Horne), Rock of Ages (Lonny), The Addams family (Gomez), Sylvia (Tom/ Phylis/ Lesley), The Producers (Max Bialystock), (Nicky/Trekkie/ puppet designer), Walking with Dinosaurs the Live Experience (Hatchling lead/Baby T‐Rex, The Creature Company), Little Shop of Horrors (Plant Puppeteer and Designer).

Andrew is over the moon to return to one of his favourite shows Avenue Q bringing the unhinged chaos of these characters back to Melbourne.

Karen Spencer

Costume Design

Karen is an emerging costume designer and current student of Performance Design and Graphic Design at the University of Melbourne. With an extensive background in sewing, she started assisting with costumes for school plays, and got her first costume designer role with UMMTA in 2022 on a late 90s version of Footloose. This was followed by costume design roles with other student and community theatre groups, then a costume assistant role with Theatrical’s American Idiot led to Karen heading up the costume department for Theatrical’s productions of The Wizard of Oz, Dogfight, The Sound of Music, The Boy From Oz, and A Chorus Line. Karen began her professional career as costume designer for a musical adaptation of childhood favourite The 3 Little Pigs, and is excited to bring her designs to a new, adults only audience with Avenue Q.

Abbey Stanway

Production Design

Abbey Stanway is a Melbourne based production designer working predominantly in theatre. She holds an Honours degree in Design, and a BFA in Design and Production. Recent works include The Boy From Oz and A Chorus Line (Set Design) with Theatrical, Dry Land (Set Design) with Flatpack Theatre Company, The Merchant of Venice (Set Design) and The Wacky Wombat (Set Design) with Melbourne Shakespeare Company. Credits from her time at the VCA include The Wolves (Set Design), and Merrily We Roll Along (Associate Costume Design). Abbey currently works at the Australian Ballet School as Costume Coordinator, and has a strong interest in design technology.

Adriana Pannuzzo

Choreographer & Assistant Director

Adriana is a performer and theatre creator based in Melbourne, with a career that covers all areas of the performing arts. She made her professional debut at just 11 years old in Billy Elliot the Musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne. Adriana’s passion for her craft took her to New York City, where she trained at AMDA and earned her Bachelor’s in Musical Theatre. Some of her stage credits include Midnight: The Cinderella musical (Comedy Theatre), Global Gay (La MaMa Theatre Club, NYC), U.S. Tour of Angelina Ballerina the Musical and (Warner Bros.) The Polar Express.

Adriana also has a strong background in choreography, thanks to her training with two amazing teachers, Barbra Lynch and Kelly Aykers. Their influence helped her develop her own style, which she brings to her theatre work. Some of her choreography highlights include ‘The Columbus Day Parade on 5th Avenue ‘(broadcast live on ABC), plus assisting with choreography for Heathers (OCPAC) and working as Assistant Director and Choreographer for Dogfight the Musical (Theatrical), alongside the fantastic Pip Mushin.

Adriana is beyond excited to be part of the creative team for Avenue Q, where she can’t wait to bring not just the theatre, but the puppets to life!

Alexandra Byrne

Music Director

TBD

Pip Mushin

Director

A graduate of WAAPA (Acting) and VCA (Directing – Film and Television), Pip’s directing credits include the World Premiere of Midnight – The Cinderella Story, Dogfight, Little Women, Falsettos, Avenue Q, Merrily We Roll Along, From Phantom to Figaro and La Serve Pedrona, Crossing Delancey, Yentl the Yeshivah Boy, Arafat in Therapy, Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Biloxi Blues.

Pip’s resident director credits include the Australian premiere season of The Book of Mormon, Opera Australia’s Evita starring Tina Arena and Fiddler on the Roof starring Anthony Warlow.

Pip wrote and directed the feature film, Josh Jarman, released nationally through Hoyts Cinemas whilst for television Pip has directed many hours of comedy and variety on numerous programs for the Nine Network, Seven Network and Foxtel.

As an actor Pip’s credits include Wayne in Baz Luhrmann’s feature Strictly Ballroom and Stu in the award winning ABC satire Frontline. Other film and TV credits include Peter Jackson’s international hit King Kong, Queen of the Damned, The Very Excellent Mr Dundee, Muggers, Fat Pizza, The Subjects, The Dr Blake Mysteries, Halifax FP, The Secret Life of Us, Good Guys Bad Guys, Blue Heelers, Acropolis Now, Flying Doctors and Mission Impossible.

Andrew Gyopar

Executive Producer

Andrew wears multiple hats. As a theatre promoter, he can be found at the forefront of the entertainment scene, sharing his insights and passion under the moniker @AndrewGshowtime, primarily on YouTube and Instagram. As a theatre media publisher, Andrew contributes to the cultural dialogue through TheTheatre.au, offering a platform for discussions and explorations within the theatre world. Simultaneously, as a theatre producer affiliated with AG Theatre and Theatrical Inc, Andrew consistently delivers compelling theatrical experiences through his critically acclaimed plays and musical theatre productions. His multifaceted contributions highlight not only his enduring commitment to the arts but also his ability to seamlessly navigate the ever-evolving landscape of media and entertainment.

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