New hub for musical theatre

David Campbell isn’t one to mince words when it comes to musical theatre.

“It’s time we stopped being nice about this issue,” he says, discussing Sydney’s dearth of live musical theatre venues.

“We need to start demanding more. Sports facilities are funded to the hilt but not everybody’s into sports. Governments need to step up to the plate to provide the same facilities for the arts.”

But rather than just complain, the singer/actor/TV host is doing something about it. Mr Campbell is part of a group of musical theatre professionals who are about to transform the Reginald Murphy Theatre at Potts Point into a hub for small-scale musical theatre and cabaret.

In partnership with the City of Sydney Council – a government body committed to fostering the arts – Mr Campbell and his colleagues at the Independent Music Theatre (IMT) Company plan to use the venue for productions that might not otherwise get a look-in.

“There are several spaces for big-budget musicals in Sydney – but for smaller, more intimate productions there’s not much around,” says Mr Campbell, who is IMT’s official spokesperson.

“The aim is to provide a launching pad for up-and-coming writers, directors and performers; and something for the industry in between the big shows.”

Mr Campbell is keen to stress that it won’t only be a boon for the industry, but also for the public.

“Not everyone can afford to spend $200 to see a big show. We’re aiming to present smaller-scale, affordable shows, so that people can try different things. When you’re investing $200, you tend to go for a safe bet. Whereas if it’s $30, you’re more open to experimenting.”

It’s a theme that Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore is passionate about too.

The Lord Mayor says that although the big-ticket musical productions at venues like the Capitol and Lyric theatres are a boon for Sydney, it’s important to nurture the grassroots end of the spectrum.

“While large scale productions bring great economic and cultural benefits to Sydney, we need to create opportunities for smaller music theatre and cabaret artists to encourage the development and production of new work and talent,” says Ms Moore.

“Many successful Broadway hits had their beginnings in small theatres ‘off-Broadway’ and ‘off-off Broadway’. I hope the Reginald Murphy Theatre will become the birthplace of new Australian shows that will find national and international success.”

The Lord Mayor’s hopes look set to be realised, with some of the leading lights of Australian musical theatre behind the venture – including Mr Campbell’s actor/theatre producer wife, Lisa; independent theatre practitioner Michael Huxley; and respected theatre director Neil Gooding.

Mr Gooding, who serves as IMT Company Director, says: “We look forward to working with the City of Sydney and the wider Sydney theatre community to create this new home for the telling of musicals.

“This initiative will provide a cultural hub and community where artists can share resources and knowledge, nurturing their skills through exploration, creation presentation and audience development.”

The first IMT productions at the Reg Murphy Theatre are planned for early 2014.

The current residents of the theatre, the Darlinghurst Theatre Company, will soon move into the Eternity Playhouse on Burton St, Darlinghurst following the City’s $7.9 million refurbishment of the heritage-listed church.