Last week, Javeenbah Theatre Company released their 2025 season to the public and sounds like they’ve got a lot of exciting things up their sleeves for audiences in 2025! I sat down with newly-appointed Artistic Director Jake Goodall to talk about what’s coming in the new year.
Discussing what the new season will behold, Jake said that Javeenbah chose to go for more contemporary and fresh voices and artists, as well as some some well-known, older plays.
‘Audiences can expect our usual, professional level performances with unheard of shows and top-of-the-range shows.’
‘Our season next year is split up into three categories. So we have our mains, which are our main stage productions that run over three weekends. A side piece, which is three shows over one weekend. And what we are calling a one night stand, which is a show only available for one night.’
Javeenbah’s 2025 season is Jake’s inaugural season as Artistic Director, and he’s done a fantastic job compiling a season so entertaining and exciting.
In regards to which show Jake is most excited to see brought to life out of all the shows Javeenbah is putting on, he said that that is ‘a tough choice’.
‘In my role as Artistic Director, or, all of the Artistic Directors on the Gold Coast, its our job to read and listen and really understand each of the shows.’ Jake has been able to gain comprehensive understanding of each of the upcoming productions. But of course, having his own show he is directing, “The Bed Party” by Sophia Davidson Gluyas, is the most exciting.
‘Not to be biased,’ Jake laughed, ‘But the show that I’m directing is pretty good.’
We can’t wait to see it, Jake!
Outside of “The Bed Party”, Jake admitted that the show he is most looking forward to is “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals”, a horror comedy musical written by Jeff Blim (music) and Nick and Matt Lang (book), which is being directed at Javeenbah by Fiona Mumford.
‘[“The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals”] has been one of my favourite musicals since it premiered from StarKid in 2019 or 2020.’
Circling back to ”The Bed Party”, Jake described it as ‘a play about six queer women and the relationship they have with one another, and how sexual assault can really make or break a friendship.’
Jake’s other show, ‘Play in a Day’ is a new piece being introduced to Javeenbah’s stage next year. With its premier set for November 8th, Jake provided some insight into what this new show will be like.
The one night stand, “Play In A Day” is actually a concept Jake himself came up with during the season creation process.
‘Essentially, I have a script, I have a troupe of actors, I have a crew, on November 7th at 6pm, and then the show happens at 6pm on November 8th. So we have 24 hours to rehearse, learn lines, get a set up, get tech in and perform to a live audience.’
The exact play that will be used is still being kept under wraps, but Javeenbah will be doing a countdown to its reveal two weeks prior to the showing.
‘What I can say is, that it’s absolutely hilarious, and you won’t know if things go wrong because it’s that type of show anyway.’
In addition to the main shows and the one night stand, Javeenbah will also be hosting two “Sip & Sing” nights, which the theatre has hosted for the past two years.
‘The “Sip & Sing” series is essentially a sing-a-long night. […] This is just elevating us to a kind of more, relaxed cabaret style of show.’
The addition of the “Sip & Sing” nights are a way to break up the variety in the season.
‘A lot of the Gold Coast theatre landscape is very traditional musicals and plays,’ Jake explained. ‘And Javeenbah is always proud to be putting on our plays and musicals and always proud to be putting on the ones you don’t know or have never heard of. It also gives our audiences and the locals something different to come to and enjoy on the Gold Coast that isn’t seen.’
There will be two “Sip & Sings” at Javeenbah next year, one being hosted by Niamh Smith, which will be a Broadway Miscast, and the other one, A Power Ballads Sing-Along, being hosted by Kaela Gray & Rachel Love.
Audiences can expect to see Jake sing his heart out to ‘Let It Go’ from Frozen, or even a shy performer unleash their hidden powerhouse and belt out a showstopper at the Broadway Miscast, and at the Power Ballads Sing-Along, audiences can expect to see people sing along to Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and any other ballad you can think of!
‘We invite our audiences to come and sing along with them, doesn’t matter what age, size, gender, anything, you can come and sing any kind of song you want.’
Whether you sing like a songbird or a screaming cat, singing ability does not matter when it comes to the sing-alongs. Jake confirmed that no microphones are pointed at the audience, and that the whole night is supposed to be fun and ‘sing every wrong note to your heart’s content.’ So for those who may feel nervous about singing, don’t worry, go along for the vibes and enjoy belting out whatever songs you wish.
Javeenbah will be continuing their commitment to inclusion, which includes their Auslan interpreted nights, which every single main stage show will have. They will also be introducing ‘Pay What You can’, which are nights for disadvantaged artists or people who are unemployed or can’t get work or are employed but don’t have a lot of money. These nights are scattered across the season, and allow those who cannot pay to see shows to come along and experience the performances.
Javeenbah also has a lot of programs and development opportunities coming that will be announced soon, so keep your eyes and ears open.
Audiences have a very exciting year coming ahead with Javeenbah. Many thanks to Jake for sitting down to talk about the upcoming season.
For more information regarding Javeenbah’s 2025 season, check out their social media page.
Written by:
Marina Cerra
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