PIP Theatre acknowledges the Yuggera and Turrbal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather together. We pay our respects to Elders Past and Present.
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Kris Anderson
Alison Bechdel
Playwright & Cartoonist
Alison Bechdel, an author and cartoonist born in Beech Creek, Pennsylvania, is renowned for her autobiographical work and contributions to LGBTQ+ representation. Her father, Bruce, operated a funeral home, which she and her siblings dubbed the “Fun Home.” Bechdel came out as a lesbian at 19, shortly before her father’s death under ambiguous circumstances. She attended Simon’s Rock College and Oberlin College, earning a degree in studio arts and art history. Bechdel gained prominence with her comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For, which ran from 1983 to 2008, becoming a cultural touchstone for lesbians. Her memoir, Fun Home (2006), explores her childhood and her father’s secret life, later adapted into a Tony Award-winning musical. Bechdel also created the “Bechdel test” for gender bias in media. Her work continues to inspire and advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and gender equality.
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
When I first read Fun Home, I was captured by the fact that, after you had weaved your way through the labyrinth that is Alison’s memories, you were faced with the reality that life is an honest attempt to reflect on the great and terrible aspects of being human.
This is a play about how family secrets can create scars, leaving us with the desire to pick apart our past to more fully understand our present; a concept that applies to all of us regardless of how we identify.
It’s been an extraordinary gift to direct PIP Theatre’s production of Fun Home, working with an exceptional company of artists and creatives. It’s my hope that you will experience the joy of this poignant, funny and stirring story.
Sherryl-Lee Secomb
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Kris Anderson
AURELIE ROQUE She/Her
Alison Bechdel
Originally from the States, Aurélie studied Vocal Performance and Dance at the UMKC Conservatory before moving to Brisbane almost 10 years ago.
Some of her reviewed performances include Glinda in THE WIZARD OF OZ ARENA SPECTACULAR Australian tour, Morticia Addams in the Brisbane premiere of THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL, Leading Player in PIPPIN, Joanne in the 20 th Anniversary of RENT, Susan in [TITLE OF SHOW], Madame Peacock in CLUEDO, A VERY NAUGHTY CHRISTMAS, and Uncle in BOY&GIRL.
In the past few years, Aurélie entertained international audiences with her most recent cabaret RUBY SLIPPER CHRONICLES, choreographed for the 24 HOUR MUSICAL PROJECT, Prima’s SPAMALOT, the Brisbane premiere of BIG FISH THE MUSICAL, as well as several shows in Taiwan. She has also performed alongside such notable performers as Rue McClanahan, Clay Aiken, Simon Gallaher, and Nancye Hayes.
ADAM BARTLETT He/Him
Bruce Bechdel
Adam has been passionate about performing since childhood, making his stage debut at age six at the Brisbane Arts Theatre in The Little Hero of Holland. After high school, he played Bobby in his first professional show, The Boyfriend, and worked as a street performer at World Expo 88. Adam trained at the Victorian College of the Arts, earning a Diploma of Arts in Acting in 1991. He toured Australia with the John Frost production of South Pacific in 1993 and was cast in Simon Gallagher’s productions of The Merry Widow and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which toured Australia and New Zealand in 1999.
Adam’s notable roles include the lead in High Society (2009) and The Beast in Beauty and the Beast (2015) for Beenleigh Theatre Group. He also performed with Phoenix Ensemble, winning a Gold Coast Theatre Award for The Full Monty and earning a nomination for his role in Next to Normal. In 2017, Adam played his dream role, Jean Valjean, in Les Misérables for The Spotlight Theatre Company. He reprised his role in Next to Normal at Brisbane Arts Theatre in 2018. Adam now performs professionally as part of the singing duo Tenorus.
MICHEAL ENRIGHT They/Them College Alison
Micheal Enright is a young Meanjin based creative who has been performing for as long they can remember.
After graduating from ADPI with an Advanced Diploma in Musical Theatre in 2018 they have gone on to play many chaotic roles, such as Wednesday Addams - Addams Family (Phoenix Ensemble), and Son - Trail to Oregon (LoR), but none as chaotic as Medium Alison.
They are thrilled to be making their professional debut in Fun Home, and are so thankful to PIP for making this dream role come true.
Micheal would like to thank their partner Tyler for supporting the chaos every step of the way.
EMMA ERDIS They/Them Joan
Emma Erdis is a Meanjin-based Performer, Musical Director, Director and Teacher.
Their most recent performance credits include; Chuck Cranston in Footloose (Phoenix Ensemble), Little Becky Two Shoes/Bobby Strong Cover in Urinetown (Phoenix Ensemble), Rona Lisa Peretti in Spelling Bee (Savoyards), Featured Dancer in The Wedding Singer (BTG), Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof (Toowoomba Choral Society), Advanced Dancer in We Will Rock You (Empire Theatre) and Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (CLC).
Emma is thrilled to be making their PIP Theatre debut, and to have been given the opportunity to represent the LGBTQIA+ community in Fun Home.
CAST
DANIEL KIRKBY He/They
Roy/Pete/Mark/BobbyJeremy
Daniel is an actor, comedian, and singer.
Originally from Perth, he began his training with a certificate in music theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts before studying for a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University.
Since graduating, some of his roles have included Roderick Usher in A Midnight Visit, Doug Simmons in Gutenberg! The Musical!, Warren in the Brisbane premiere of Ordinary Days, and Dromio of Ephesus in A Comedy of Errors.
He is passionate about making people laugh, and his production company, Second Beat Theatre, has produced sold-out runs at Brisbane Powerhouse and Big Fork Theatre with the smash hit Thank God You’re Queer.
DEIDRE GRACE She/Her Helen Bechdel
Deidre’s recent stage performances include Grand Horizons (PIP Theatre), The Boys (PIP Theatre,) Summer Rain (Villanova Players 2021), Kitchen Diva (Mates Theatre Genesis 2021), God of Carnage (Ad Astra 2020), Streetcar Named Desire, Ladies in Black, Caucasian Chalk Circle (Brisbane Arts 2019). She has completed four twelve-month acting intern/ apprenticeship programs since 2018 (Qld Shakespeare Ensemble, NIDA Screen Studio, and The Warehouse Studio, Brisbane Arts).
For her role as Marie in Thank you for Being a Friend, an independent LGBTQIA short film produced by Purple Snow Entertainment, Deidre won Best Actress in the 2021 Singapore International Short Film Festival.
Deidre also founded PIP Theatre in 2022 after recognising the lack of opportunity for emerging actors to gain professional experience in Brisbane, Deidre, with the help of like-minded investors, founded PIP Theatre.
Deidre is a proud member of the MEAA.
by Kris Anderson
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THEO HUNT They/Them
Young Alison
Theo has been active in the performing arts since 2014, and is making their professional debut in Fun Home.
Theo has participated in over 50 musical theatre shows, cabarets, drama festivals, and eisteddfods at institutions such as St. Benedict’s College, Barefeet Drama, RED, KSP, ROAR, RMT, BAT, and JTF. Theo is enrolled in Acting, Drama, Singing, and Musical Theatre with Bare Feet Drama and RED, and is also studying for a Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre, and Acting through the TAFE in Schools program. Additionally, Theo attends the Young Con Choir at the Youth Conservatorium program.
In February 2024, Theo had the opportunity to travel to NYC as part of the Aussie All Stars in the Musical Theatre Team, which attended the Junior Theatre Festival in Sacramento, California. Theo is set to return to the USA in January 2025 to represent Australia in the inaugural International All Stars performance at the Atlanta JTF. Theo is thrilled to be part of Fun Home and to perform at PIP Theatre.
FRASER GOODREID He/Him
John Bechdel
Fraser is a seasoned performer his credits include Sebastian in Fusion Arts Inc’s production of ‘The little Mermaid Jr’, Gavroche in Lynch and Pattersons ‘Les Miserables’, the title role of Oliver in Savoyards ‘Oliver’, Charlie Maplewood in Fusion Arts Inc ‘The Big One Oh Jr’.
Fraser had his professional debut in the role of Michael Banks in the Australian Tour of Mary Poppins 2022/23 where he travelled and performed in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
With no sign of stopping Fraser is excited to be working with this talented cast, crew and creatives in Fun Home.
JADEN ARMITAGE He/Him Christian Bechdel
Jaden is a Year 7 student making his professional theatre debut in Fun Home.
Jaden has studied dance since the age of 4yrs and started his musical theatre journey with School of Rock. His favourite role has been Jack in Newsies Jr and he has also performed in the Lord Mayors Christmas Carols, Finding Nemo Jr, Gypsy, Frozen Jr, Little Mermaid, Priscilla, Wizard of Oz and Aladdin Jr.
Jaden balances the arts with rugby union and representative track and field. Jaden hopes you have as much fun watching Fun Home as he has had being part of this amazing cast.
Photos by Kris Anderson
Director
She/Her
She/Her
Lighting Design & Operation
He/Him
She/Her
SHERRYL-LEE SECOMB
BENJAMIN RICHARDS Musical Director He/Him
GRACE CLARKE Assistant Director & Choreographer She/They
FIONA MUMFORD Stage Manager
TAMMY RICHARDS Chaperone She/Her
BREANNA GEAR Set, Prop & Costume Designer She/Her
LIAM GILLILAND
JACOB CASH Sound Design He/Him
MADELYNE LEITE Sound Operator
PIP CREW
AMELIA SLATTER Production & Venue Manager She/Her
TODD Marketing Director She/Her
FUN HOME BAND
DANIEL ROBBINS- Guitar
PHIL KAN - Bass
JEROME FITZGERALD - Drums/Percussion
GEORGIA NATALY - Violin
LISA CROWLE & DANIEL SMERDON - Cello
MONIQUE MATTHEWS - Reeds
Special Thanks
LYNNE SWAIN - Wigs
PIF PRODUCTIONS - Hero Shots/Videography
KRIS ANDERSON - Production Photographer
LANI ROBERTSON Illustrator She/Her
JENNA
by Kris Anderson
Photos
by
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Kris Anderson
Show Dates: Oct 28th - Nov 10th
Show Times: Monday - Sunday
Supported by: PIP Theatre & Brisbane Powerhouse
MELT FESTIVAL
Melt is an open access festival of Queer art and culture premiering in Brisbane/ Magandjin. From 23 Oct-10 Nov 2024, MELT will be taking over PIP Theatre!
Over 11 days, we’re hosting: - 12 events - WITH OVER 30 performances - SOOOO much Drag!!! - Art gallery - Cabaret game show & so much more!
Check out the full lineup on our website! Tickets on Sale Now!
TOUCAN CLUB
Show Dates: Nov 21st - Dec 21st
Show Times: Wed - Sat
Produced by: PIP Theatre
Produced by PIP Theatre
Toucan Club is a cabaret festival curated by PIP Theatre, showcasing exceptional talent from across the nation. Featuring a blend of local Queensland-based performances and select acts from Melbourne and Sydney, Toucan Club offers a season of captivating works with powerful messages.
To launch the season, our Gala Night will be held on November 16th, with the festival officially commencing on November 21st.
Check out the full lineup on our website!
Tickets on Sale Now!
SPECIAL THANKS TO
@piptheatreau
/piptheatreau
piptheatre.org