Best AndrewG Podcasts (2026)

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Behind the Curtain: Why This Regional Production of & Juliet Hits Harder Than the Big City Versions 23:48

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8h ago23:48

23:48

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Rogers-Bredin and Madidi McKenzie to explore the making of & Juliet in Warrnambool and the journeys that have shaped them as young theatre-makers within regional communities. Ashley reflects on growing up in local theatre, stepping into his first full-scale directing role at just 23, and what it means to lea…

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Glenn Elston on Live Theatre: Why Nothing Digital Can Replace Its Magic 31:06

2d ago31:06

31:06

In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Elston, Artistic Director of the Australian Shakespeare Company, to explore a life shaped by live performance and a lifelong relationship with Shakespeare. Glenn reflects on how returning to the plays again and again deepens his understanding of human nature, creativity, and why theatre remains a living art f…

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Saturday Night Fever Star: Why Starting Late Didn’t Stop Ayril Borce 25:14

6d ago25:14

25:14

In this episode, we sit down with Ayril Borce, a rising performer in Melbourne’s musical theatre scene, to explore the deeply human journey behind his life in performance. Ayril opens up about where it all began, from street dancing and community celebrations to navigating family expectations, self-belief, and the winding path that led him onto the…

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Ella Caldwell: What 25 Years of Pressure Taught Me About Resilience 29:12

15d ago29:12

29:12

In this episode, we sit down with Ella Caldwell, one of the driving creative forces at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, to explore the deeply human journey behind her life in the arts. Ella opens up about her beginnings, the moments that shaped her, and the unexpected turns that led her to become a core part of one of Australia’s most respected independ…

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He Never Meant to Build a Theatre… But Fate Had Other Plans for Chris Mitchell 23:06

21d ago23:06

23:06

In this episode, we chat with Chris Mitchell, a kid who grew up obsessed with movies and somehow ended up building a theatre that’s changing the creative scene in his city. Chris gets real about the messy, confusing, and unexpected moments that shaped him, the times he didn’t know which path to take, the pull of creativity that wouldn’t let go, and…

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How Belinda Jenkin turns Christmas chaos into comedy gold 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

Talking with Belinda Jenkin on Showtime was a reminder of how much passion and imagination sit behind great musical theatre. Belinda is an actor, singer, writer and composer who has spent more than a decade creating, performing and teaching across Australia and New York. Her path began in primary school when she choreographed routines for her frien…

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The Truth About Living “The Good Life” 23:02

2M ago23:02

23:02

Get ready to rediscover what happiness really means, this is not your typical theatre talk. In The Good Life Episode, British actor Nicolas Ancelin shares his journey from the streets of Nottingham to the stages of Melbourne, and how a play about contentment, community, and laughter has reshaped the way he sees the world. What began as a backpackin…

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Freedom, Identity, and Rebellion: Why Hair the Musical Still Matters in 2025 20:58

2M ago20:58

20:58

Get ready to let the sunshine in because Hair the Musical is back and bolder than ever. At Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, Alex Cooper and Maverick Newman lead a fearless new production of the groundbreaking rock musical that defined a generation. More than 50 years after it first shocked audiences, Hair continues to challenge, provoke, and inspire …

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How the Stage Helped Them Rediscover Themselves 24:17

2M ago24:17

24:17

Get ready to crank up the volume because School of Rock is more than just kids with guitars, it’s a celebration of passion, purpose, and the power of music to bring people together. Onstage, John Yanko and Anna Dinyés rock out as part of the electrifying cast, but behind the amps and anthems is a story of rediscovery, growth, and pure joy. Their sh…

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Those Who Dream, Drive and Strive Always Find A Way To Thrive 25:45

2M ago25:45

25:45

Get ready to crank up the volume because this is not your average school story. In School of Rock the Musical, Dylan Crawley and Imogen Alexander prove that following your dreams never goes out of tune. What starts as a conversation about returning to the stage quickly turns into a reflection on passion, purpose, and the power of music to bring peo…

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How Motherhood Became Her Greatest STORY 22:19

3M ago22:19

22:19

Get ready to see motherhood in a new light — this is not your average “mum influencer” story. In The Mum and Bubba Episode, content creator Althea Cayton opens up about raising her daughter in a digital world, balancing authenticity with privacy, and how the magic of theatre and storytelling is shaping their everyday life. What began as a creative …

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HAMILTON STAR Reveals How Her Project Earned an ARIA NOMINATION 25:10

3M ago25:10

25:10

Vidya Makan is back on the Showtime podcast, this time in the Melbourne studio, to talk about the momentous success of her groundbreaking original Australian musical, The Lucky Country, following its ARIA nomination for Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theater Album. Vidya dives deep into the painstaking, nearly two-year-long process of creating…

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The Brutal Truth About Making It as an Actor 21:15

3M ago21:15

21:15

Louisa Mignone joined the Showtime podcast to share her journey from growing up in a lively household of five siblings to becoming one of Australia’s most versatile actors in theatre, film, and television. With a career spanning acclaimed theatre productions and standout screen roles, Louisa spoke about what it takes to sustain a creative career, n…

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The Hidden Reason Mamma Mia! The Musical Is a GLOBAL HIT 16:45

3M ago16:45

16:45

Ruth McGurk and Katie Loxston joined the Showtime podcast to share the irresistible joy of bringing the iconic musical Mamma Mia! to Geelong. Playing the mother-daughter duo Donna and Sophie, they dive into what makes this show a timeless, global phenomenon. The infectious music of ABBA is the heart of the production, with the cast highlighting how…

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The Story Behind The Lucky Country with Vidya Makan 25:23

3M ago25:23

25:23

Vidya Makan joined the Showtime podcast to share her journey from soccer hopeful to one of Australia’s most exciting musical theatre voices. Growing up in Brisbane she dreamed of playing for the Matildas and even trained at Manchester United’s summer school. A trip to London changed everything when she saw Wicked on the West End and realised theatr…

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From Regional Victoria to the Main Stage 15:27

3M ago15:27

15:27

Ash Murdica’s rise in Australian musical theatre is the kind of story that grabs your attention from the very first note. From a small town in regional Victoria to performing in blockbuster shows like Rent, Six and Dear Evan Hansen, Ash has turned a teenage spark of curiosity into a professional career many dream of but few achieve. Their journey i…

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Amateurs: A Mockumentary Love Letter to Community Theatre 23:44

3M ago23:44

23:44

In the latest episode of Showtime, host Andrew G chats with Justine Garnes and Danny Gibbons from Little Lamington Productions about their upcoming comedy series Amateurs. The mockumentary celebrates the unpredictable, heartfelt and hilarious world of community theatre, capturing the chaos, camaraderie and quirks that define this cultural space. Th…

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Inside the Craft of Darren Gilshenan: Comedy, Tragedy and Everything Between 5:18

3M ago5:18

5:18

Darren Gilshenan has built one of the most versatile careers in Australian performance, moving between theatre and television with equal success. A graduate of NIDA in 1988, he credits his training with giving him the discipline and adaptability to take on a wide range of roles. He spent a decade with Bell Shakespeare, describing Shakespeare as the…

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Cold War, Love, and Loyalty: Leighton Garwin Brings Anatoli to Life 26:40

4M ago26:40

26:40

What do you get when a marine biology student accidentally walks into a musical theatre audition? In Leighton Garwin’s case, you get nearly fifty shows, a voice that can jump from pop to opera, and now a starring role in the powerhouse musical Chess. On the latest episode of Showtime, Leighton reveals how a twist of fate turned into a lifelong pass…

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Theatre as empathy and collective healing 22:58

5M ago22:58

22:58

In this episode of Showtime I sit down with the incredible Carissa Lee, an actor, writer and cultural researcher whose work bridges theatre, television and academia. Carissa takes us back to her early days growing up in a small South Australian town where a passionate drama teacher first introduced her to Shakespeare and professional training. That…

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Lessons from a Lifetime in Theatre 23:28

5M ago23:28

23:28

In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G speaks with Annie Blood, someone whose connection to Australian theatre spans more than six decades. Annie’s love for the stage began backstage at the Alfred Hospital revue in the 1960s, sparking a lifelong passion for live performance. Over the years she has worked as a director, stage manager, production mana…

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The Passion Project Helping Thousands Find Their Next Stage Role 20:00

5M ago20:00

20:00

Dawn Riddale, once a musical theatre performer, is the founder of Melbourne Theatre News and Just Auditions, two platforms that have transformed how Melbourne’s community theatre scene connects. Before they existed, show and audition details were scattered and hard to find. Dawn and her fiancé Craig created centralised hubs where performers, theatr…

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Resurrecting a Forgotten Voice: The Musical Legacy of Wilbur Weissman 18:03

5M ago18:03

18:03

The Forgotten Song Book is a bold new Australian musical that brings the lost legacy of Broadway composer Wilbur Weissman back to life. Created by 23-year-old talents Dylan McBurnie and Emerson Hurley, the show is part concert, part biography and all heart. Set to live piano and performed by two captivating singers, it resurrects Weissman’s long-fo…

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From Hobart to Harvard: Emily McDougall Shines as Elle Woods 21:57

6M ago21:57

21:57

Emily McDougall is lighting up the stage as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the National Theatre, but her journey started far from the bright lights of Melbourne. Born and raised in Hobart, Emily’s love for musical theatre began at just 10 years old in a school production. That early spark turned into a fierce passion, eventually taking her to Fede…

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Three Little Pigs, One Big Message: Love, Laughter and Family 15:31

6M ago15:31

15:31

What do you get when you mix fairy tale pigs, big vocals and stand-up comedy timing? A children’s musical that’s as clever as it is hilarious. In this episode of the Showtime podcast, Andrew sits down with Zack, Isabelle and Ben, the trio behind The Three Little Pigs, to chat about turning a well-worn story into a high-energy stage hit. With fresh …

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Heart and Humour: Jackson Cross Brings Emmett to Life 27:46

6M ago27:46

27:46

Jackson Cross shares his creative journey from Geelong’s vibrant arts community to the main stage at Melbourne’s National Theatre. Now starring as Emmett in Legally Blonde, Jackson reflects on how a high school music teacher helped him rediscover his love for performing and embrace his identity as a queer artist. After years playing in an indie roc…

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Backing Local: How the Palais Theatre Supports Community Projects 17:29

6M ago17:29

17:29

Lloyd Jones, a powerhouse in the Australian live entertainment scene, shares his passion for iconic venues like Melbourne’s Palais Theatre in this unforgettable episode of Showtime with Andrew G. From childhood memories of John Farnham to leading major restorations, Lloyd reveals how venues are more than stages. They are cultural landmarks filled w…

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The Delta Nu trio bringing sparkle and soul to Legally Blonde 31:20

6M ago31:20

31:20

Get ready to bend and snap your expectations because this is not your average sorority story. In Legally Blonde the Musical, Georgina Scott, Vanessa Yeo and Taya Patterson-Fay light up the stage as the Delta Nu trio, but behind the sequins and sass is a celebration of sisterhood, resilience and self belief. Their offstage bond fuels performances th…

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Finding Power in Identity and Joy in Telling the Truth 16:19

7M ago16:19

16:19

A bold new voice has arrived on Melbourne’s cabaret scene with a show that throws out the rulebook on love, identity and what it means to be seen. Asexual Fantasies and Hopeless A-Romantics is a solo journey that blends heartfelt honesty with sharp humour and awkward charm, exploring misunderstood labels, teenage confusion and the joy of self-disco…

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Flying High: Rehearsals, Tap Shoes and the Heart of Mary Poppins 18:48

7M ago18:48

18:48

Step behind the curtain with Hannah Simos Garner and Jason Sainsbury King as they bring a fresh spark to the beloved roles of Mary Poppins and Bert in MDMS’s magical new production. From tap shoes to flying umbrellas, they reveal the energy, emotion and teamwork it takes to reimagine a classic for today’s audiences. With heartfelt reflections, play…

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Laila Thaker on Culture, Courage and Craft 30:48

7M ago30:48

30:48

Laila Thaker’s journey is one of identity, resilience and powerful storytelling. A proud Torres Strait Islander (Meriam/Wagadagam) and Indian (Ratlamwali) performer, Laila opens up about reconnecting with her heritage and carving out space in the Australian arts scene. In this heartfelt episode of Showtime with Andrew G, she reflects on growing up …

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Theatre, Technique and Taking Risks: A Conversation with Josh Direen 24:18

7M ago24:18

24:18

From reluctant choir kid in Tasmania to leading man in Melbourne, Josh Direen’s journey to the stage is anything but typical. In this episode of Showtime, Josh opens up about playing Roger in Rent, the role that’s pushed him emotionally, vocally and artistically. He shares how his classical training shaped his performance style, why he nearly walke…

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Pete Murphy on Pilate, Power and Performance in Jesus Christ Superstar 6:44

7M ago6:44

6:44

Pete Murphy opens up about his role as Pontius Pilate in the Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Having previously played Jesus in a Scandinavian production, Pete brings a rare dual perspective to the show, allowing him to explore the story’s emotional depth from two vastly different vantage points. In this production, Pilate is portrayed no…

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Triple Threat on the Rise: Emily Toby Shines in Mamma Mia 23:14

7M ago23:14

23:14

Emily Toby lights up the latest episode of the Showtime podcast with heart, humour and honesty as she takes us behind the scenes of her starring role as Sophie in Mamma Mia with Windmill Theatre Company. A gifted triple threat, Emily shares how her passion for performing was sparked in community theatre and has since grown into a dynamic career tha…

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Superstar Moments: Mahalia Barnes on Passion, Pressure and Performance 26:47

7M ago26:47

26:47

Mahalia Barnes reflects on a life steeped in music, from her formative years growing up in a legendary Australian music family to her bold leap into musical theatre with Jesus Christ Superstar. With no formal training but an unshakable passion for soul and blues, she carved out a distinct artistic voice grounded in authenticity, collaboration and e…

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Stage by Stage: Carol Shelbourne’s 93 Productions and Counting 16:14

7M ago16:14

16:14

When Carol Shelbourne stepped into a rehearsal room for the very first time at 38, she had no idea she was about to begin a lifelong love affair with the stage. Nearly 100 shows later, she’s become a familiar face in Melbourne’s vibrant community theatre scene, known for her warmth, wit and magnetic presence. In this episode of Showtime, Carol join…

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Growing Together: How Inclusive Theatre Builds Lifelong Connections 18:22

8M ago18:22

18:22

Julia Grace, whose recent performance in Red Stitch’s The Comeuppance has drawn praise for its emotional depth and raw honesty. Our conversation unpacks her creative journey, one that began not from a grand childhood dream of stardom but from a simple desire to connect. As a kid, Julia admits she felt out of place during school lunchtimes and was o…

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Growing Together: How Inclusive Theatre Builds Lifelong Connections 19:59

8M ago19:59

19:59

In 2005, Greta Punch walked into a Holiday Actors audition just to support a friend—but ended up landing a role in The Music Man. That spontaneous moment sparked a lifelong love for theatre, shaping her identity through creativity, connection, and community. For Greta, the stage became more than a place to perform—it became home. Paul Venzo’s journ…

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Breaking Barriers: How One Theatre Company is Redefining Inclusion 25:02

8M ago25:02

25:02

Stars and the Moon is a one-of-a-kind Melbourne-based theatre company dedicated to redefining what inclusive performance looks like. Established in 2021 by Eitan Meyerowitz, the company was created to provide performers of all abilities with the opportunity to shine on stage. What makes Stars and the Moon unique is its innovative “castmate” system,…

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From Fashion to Footlights: Claire McCulloch’s Unexpected Path to the Stage 11:43

8M ago11:43

11:43

Claire McCulloch’s journey into acting is one defined by courage, rediscovery, and an unwavering love for storytelling. From an early age, Claire felt a natural connection to performance. Whether staging impromptu shows in the living room or standing on a stage under the open sky, the act of telling stories made sense to her in a way that nothing e…

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Lipstick, Lawncare, and Letting Go of the Rules 10:46

9M ago10:46

10:46

Melbourne’s cabaret scene has no shortage of talent, but one performer continues to stand out with their bold blend of vintage glamour and modern self-expression: Iva Rosebud. By day, Lachlan works as a professional landscaper. By night, he steps into the heels and persona of Iva, a drag performer whose work reflects both a deep connection to the p…

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Theatre, Saxophones & Sustainability: Hannah Gwatkin's Creative Life 12:12

9M ago12:12

12:12

Theatre, Saxophones & Sustainability: Hannah Gwatkin's Creative Life When it comes to performers who live and breathe creativity, few embody it as fully as Hannah Gwatkin. A singer, dancer, actor, saxophonist, and all-around creative powerhouse, Hannah’s journey through the performing arts is as inspiring as it is heartwarming. In a recent conversa…

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The Most Unpredictable Murder Mystery on Stage 11:56

9M ago11:56

11:56

What happens when you mix classic murder mystery tropes with the unpredictability of live comedy? You get Murder Village—a fully improvised whodunit where the audience decides who dies, who did it, and how the story unfolds. In this episode, Andrew G chats with David Massingham, a seasoned improviser and the creative force behind the show. David sh…

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Comedy, Chaos & Finding A Weird Little Corner of the Stage 14:59

9M ago14:59

14:59

There’s something instantly likeable about Frankie McNair. Maybe it’s the way she throws herself headfirst into joyful chaos, or how she talks about comedy like it’s a big group hug for all the weirdos. Either way, her story is a reminder that you don’t need a five-year plan or a perfect setlist to make it in comedy — just a love of being silly, so…

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Young, Talented & Theatre Obsessed 15:51

9M ago15:51

15:51

Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up loving theatre—and then find yourself starring in a big musical before you’ve even left your teens? We sat down with Ruby Proy and Jack Thompson, two standout performers bringing Ariel and Prince Eric to life in Windmill Theatre Company’s The Little Mermaid Jr., and trust us—their stories are just as inspirin…

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The Voice, the Circus, and a Musical Called Flop with Arthur Hull 16:05

9M ago16:05

16:05

You’ve probably seen his name popping up lately—Arthur Hull, 2024’s Australian National Busking Champion and all-round artistic powerhouse. From singing his heart out on The Voice to touring a musical love letter to Broadway’s biggest disasters, Arthur’s career is anything but ordinary. And that’s exactly how he likes it. 🎭Flop - part of Melbourne …

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Flipping the Script: How These Creatives Took Control of Their Theatre Careers 14:30

9M ago14:30

14:30

Sometimes, the best ideas are born over burritos and margaritas—and that’s exactly how the 23rd Theater Co came to life. Riley, Flynn, and Charlie, three freshly graduated creatives from JMC Academy, weren’t ready to sit around waiting for auditions to roll in. Instead, with a nudge from their teachers and a shared love for storytelling, they decid…

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Strings, Stage & Storytelling: The Many Talents of Rose Chambers 12:22

10M ago12:22

12:22

Rose Chambers, an emerging talent in the Australian theatre scene, shares her journey as an actor, singer, and violinist. Currently studying at the Victorian College of the Arts, she reflects on her childhood experiences in theatre and music that shaped her passion for performing arts. Rose discusses her role as Lisa in the upcoming production “Lad…

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SHOWTIME: Come From Away with Matthew Henderson 15:04

10M ago15:04

15:04

For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime 🎭 Come From Away 🗓️Opens 7 March 📍Geelong Arts Centre 🎟️ centrestage.org.au/event Winner of four Olivier Awards—including Best New Musical in London—and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, this smash-hi…

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SHOWTIME: Truth with Emily Havea 13:39

10M ago13:39

13:39

For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime 🎭 Truth 📍Malthouse Merlyn Theatre 🗓️ Until 8 March 🎟️ malthousetheatre.com.au Truth is a provocative play that delves into the interplay of honesty, deception, and perception in society. Set against a contemporary backdrop, th…