Victorian Opera will bring its new production of Ned Kelly: The Musical to Melbourne for a limited two-night season this July.
The show will play at Union Theatre at The University of Melbourne on 24 and 25 July, following a recent run in Ballarat that marked the musical’s return to the stage after nearly 50 years.
Originally created by Reg Livermore, the production revisits the story of one of Australia’s most debated historical figures, bushranger Ned Kelly.
The latest staging is directed by Victorian Opera Artistic Director Stuart Maunder, with Simon Holt returning to conduct. Holt has also contributed additional music and new orchestrations for the updated score.
Livermore will appear in a cameo role as Mr Tarleton, the Bank Manager, with the full cast yet to be announced.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Harry Gill, choreographer Nicole Melloy, lighting designer Gavan Swift and sound designer Samuel Moxham.
First staged in the 1970s, the musical has long held a place in Australian theatre history, drawing on the enduring story of Kelly and his gang. The armour-clad outlaw remains a polarising figure, often portrayed as either a folk hero or a criminal, with his story continuing to spark debate.
The new production aims to reintroduce the work to contemporary audiences, building on the momentum of its Ballarat performances earlier this year.
The Melbourne run will be brief, with just two performances scheduled across the weekend season.
Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly: The Musical runs 24 to 25 July at Union Theatre, The University of Melbourne, Arts and Cultural Building, Parkville. Tickets are available here.
