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A musical that began as a rock artist's personal story before conquering Edinburgh Fringe and Off-Broadway is set to make its Australian premiere, featuring two of the country's most versatile performers. No Love Songs, written by The View's frontman Kyle Falconer, will open at Sydney's new Foundry Theatre on March 7, marking another milestone in the venue's inaugural year.
The production arrives in Australia riding a wave of international success, having sold out its Edinburgh Fringe Festival run in 2023 before touring the UK and completing an Off-Broadway season. Its timing is particularly notable, as it will run concurrent with its upcoming New York opening, suggesting growing confidence in the show's commercial appeal.
The Australian production has secured Keegan Joyce and Lucy Maunder for its leading roles, a casting choice that bridges the worlds of television, theatre, and contemporary music. Joyce, known to Australian audiences for his roles in ABC's Rake and Please Like Me, brings both acting credentials and musical ability to the role of Jessie. Maunder's casting as Lana follows her acclaimed performances in Chicago and Mary Poppins, adding to her growing repertoire of complex female characters.
What sets No Love Songs apart from typical jukebox musicals is its source material. Rather than retrofitting existing hits, the show draws from Falconer's second solo album No Love Songs for Laura, with songs specifically reimagined for theatrical presentation. The musical traces its origins to Falconer's relationship with Laura Wilde, offering a rare glimpse into a rock musician's personal life through the lens of musical theatre.
The story follows songwriter Jessie and partner Lana as they navigate the competing demands of parenthood and artistic ambition. The plot's focus on the impact of career success on family life may resonate particularly with Australian audiences, given the country's ongoing conversation about work-life balance and artistic sustainability.
Scottish theatre director Andrew Panton, current Artistic Director of Dundee Rep, will co-direct with Tashi Gore, bringing the production's original creative vision to Australian shores. Their involvement suggests a commitment to maintaining the show's raw emotional core while adapting it for local audiences.
The choice of the Foundry Theatre at Sydney Lyric for the six-week run is significant, as the venue continues to establish itself in Sydney's competitive theatre landscape. The modern love story format could prove particularly appealing to theatre-goers who might not typically attend traditional musicals.
Whether the production can replicate its international success in Australia remains to be seen. The combination of contemporary storytelling, reimagined rock songs, and established Australian performers presents an intriguing proposition for audiences seeking something different from traditional musical theatre fare.
Venue: Foundry Theatre, at Sydney Lyric, The Star, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Season: 7 March – 13 April
Showtimes: Tuesday to Friday 7.15pm; Sat 2.15pm & 7.30pm; Sunday 2pm & 6pm
Bookings: www.nolovesongs.com.au
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