Bathurst audiences are in for a night of sharp satire, big musical moments and fast-paced political theatre when Gladys – A Musical Affair arrives at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) on Saturday 21 February at 7.30pm.
Created by the team behind the wildly popular “Gladys” satire videos that entertained Australians during Covid lockdowns, the production brings recent political history to life through music, comedy and clever storytelling. Billed as the story of “the woman who saved Australia but couldn’t save herself”, the show traces the rise and fall of former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian — from crisis leadership through bushfires and the pandemic, to the personal scandal that ultimately ended her political career.
For Central West audiences, the production carries an extra layer of local relevance. One of the show’s central storylines revolves around former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, whose involvement in the ICAC inquiry formed a pivotal chapter in Berejiklian’s downfall. The musical leans into this regional connection with humour and theatrical flair, making the BMEC performance particularly timely and engaging for local theatre-goers.
Starring Tia Wilson as Berejiklian, the production features a cast of four highly skilled multi-instrumentalists who seamlessly move between acting, singing and live music throughout the show. Wilson’s performance is supported by Nick Rheinberger — who also composed the music and lyrics — alongside Mel Wishart and Rob Laurie. Together, the cast portray a colourful collection of recognisable public figures including Kerry Chant, Shane Fitzsimmons, Brad Hazzard and Daryl Maguire, as well as Berejiklian’s parents, adding heart and humour to the narrative.
The production is packed with theatrical surprises, including big rock anthems, emotional ballads, Armenian matchmaking scenes, tap dancing and even musical press conferences. Audiences can expect an energetic soundtrack featuring everything from accordions and bouzoukis to guitars, clarinets, keyboards and drums, creating a dynamic and fast-moving stage experience.
Critics have praised the show’s balance of comedy and commentary, with The Guardian describing it as “political satire at its finest” and “a rollicking ride through Covid and the ICAC inquiry”, while The Illawarra Flame applauded its ability to marry humour and music with nuance.
BMEC’s February season continues to draw strong touring productions to the Central West, and Gladys – A Musical Affair adds a contemporary, conversation-starting performance to the program. With its blend of humour, music and recognisable recent history, the show offers something different for audiences looking for a night out that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Tickets are now on sale through BMEC, and theatre lovers are encouraged to secure seats early for what promises to be a lively and memorable night of live performance in Bathurst.
