It’s a fine line between pleasure and
The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett
A live-wire journey through Australian music history soundtracked by the Divinyls’ greatest hits.
More than just a rock star, Chrissy Amphlett personified a seismic cultural shift. As the frontwoman for the Divinyls, she exploded onto male-dominated stages, taking the band from the sticky carpets of local pubs to the top of the global charts.
From the Director
Nearly six years ago, I was approached by Simon Morely, an old friend of Chrissy’s, who had been working on a one-woman show with her before she passed away. He was looking for a way to celebrate her life. One pandemic later, I approached the only person I could imagine channelling Chrissy’s spirit, Sheridan Harbridge.
Featured Music
‘I’ll Make You Happy’
George Young and Stevie Wright
‘Only Loney’
Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee
‘Back To the Wall’
Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee and Richard Feldman
‘Science Fiction’
Amplified celebrates a pivotal moment in Australian music and a potent ode to the rebel queen of rock, starring Sheridan Harbridge (Prima Facie), created with awardwinning director Sarah Goodes (Julia).
Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee and J Paul
‘Pleasure and Pain’
Holly Knight and Mike Chapman
‘Touch Myself’ — Intro
Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee
Together, along with incredible musical director Glenn Moorhouse, we soon realised no one can be Chrissy, and only through the music itself can we reach for the spell she cast on us. We also acknowledge that she would probably really hate that this was a cabaret! But hey, Chrissy, you are just too perfect to replicate.
‘Elsie’
Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee
‘Lay Your Body Down’
Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee
‘St James Infirmary’
Primrose
‘Boys In Town’
Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee
‘Sleeping Beauty’
Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee
‘The Good Die Young’
Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee
Creatives
Performer and Co-Creator
Sheridan Harbridge Director and Co-Creator
Musical Director, Musician and Co-Creator
Costume Consultants
Lighting Designer
Assistant Lighting Designer
Sarah Goodes
Glenn Moorhouse
Harriet Oxley and Michael Hankin
Paul Jackson
Spencer Herd
Musicians Ben Cripps, David Hatch, Clarabell Limonata Jacaranda Producer Diana Glenn
Acknowledgements
This project was commissioned and developed by the University of Melbourne Arts and Culture (UMAC) with support from Geelong Arts Centre.
Many thanks to Virginia Lovett, Rosie Fisher and Dan Coghlan at UMAC, Martina Murray, Charley Drayton, Simon Morley, Mark McIntee, Ben McGowan and Emily Martin.
Brisbane Festival Team
Artistic Director
Louise Bezzina CEO Charlie Cush
Marketing and Communications Director
Michael Adams Director of Partnerships
Program Director
Chief Financial Officer/Company Secretary
Technical Director
Administration Manager
Fabienne Cooke
Bella Ford
Claire Hooper
Tim Pack
Justine Robins
Acknowledging the Brisbane Festival project team and the Brisbane Powerhouse staff and crew who’ve contributed to the making and delivery of this work as part of the 2025 festival.
Brisbane
and
Festival expresses its respect for
acknowledgement of the Brisbane Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Cover image by Laura Du Vé