Australia’s least-loved punk rock protest band Kitty Litter has hit a wall. After four years they’ve accumulated just one actual fan. To add insult to injury, a scheduling mix-up has just seen them play to an audience of little kids – where they learned that their furious diatribe against corruption in politics, “Bananaland”, has been adopted as a kiddie-pop anthem.
From the award-winning songwriting team behind Muriel’s Wedding The Musical and multiple platinum-selling albums comes a fabulously funny music comedy celebrating the glorious absurdity of people following their impossible dreams. Featuring a kick-ass score by Kate Miller-Heidke and her collaborator-partner Keir Nuttall, direction by Simon Phillips (Muriel’s Wedding, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Ladies in Black) and music theatre star Max McKenna (Muriel’s Wedding The Musical, Jagged Little Pill), this rollercoaster show will rock your socks off.
Is Kitty Litter set to become the next Wiggles? (Spoiler: Yes!) Can they buy into their accidental ‘kids’ band’ fame and still keep their heads high? Maybe. BANANALAND is the story of one band’s struggle to meet its creative destiny.

Image Credit: Wenell Teodoro
Image Credit: Wenell Teodoro
Max McKenna, Maxwell Simon, Georgina Hopson and Joe Kalou | Image Credit: Darren Thomas
Image Credit: Wenell Teodoro
Image Credit: Darren Thomas
Image Credit: Wenell Teodoro
Image Credit: Darren Thomas
Image Credit: Darren Thomas

The Guardian

"[Bananaland] made me laugh and laugh and laugh… A living love letter to music, musicals and all kinds of dreamers"

The Courier Mail

"An irresistible, absolutely hilarious, captivating, new, feel-good musical comedy…Terrific songs, outstanding vocals, a rocking band and a clever script."

Limelight

"A bright and brilliant new Australian musical, bursting with colour and passion in both its message and delivery"

ArtsHub

"A roller-coaster ride of strange characters, recognisable and hilarious stereotypes, a wacky story and absurdity, laughter and fun…lots and lots of fun…A great night out"

CAST & CREDITS

BANANALAND the production would like to thank and acknowledge support from the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government Initiative.

Lyrics & Music Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall
Book Keir Nuttall
Director Simon Phillips
Musical Supervisor, Orchestrations & Arrangements James Dobinson
Production & Costume Designer Simone Romaniuk
Lighting Designer Ben Hughes
Sound Designers Joy Weng & Terry McKibbin
Dramaturg Simon Phillips

Cast

Ruby Semblance Max McKenna
Karen Semblance Georgina Hopson
Ex Maxwell Simon
Seb Kale Joe Kalou
Ron Delbridge Dave Eastgate
Mimsi Borogroves, Jessie Jam Jar, Witney Walkman & others Amber McMahon
Stephen King, Wade Sewage, Pikelets the Cat & others Chris Ryan
Standby/Swing Erika Naddei
Standby/Swing Stephen Madsen

ACCESSIBILITY

In English

Wheelchair accessible

Companion Card accepted

Assistive Hearing system available (FM)

Audio Described, Tactile Tour, Open Captioned & Relaxed performance available

AUDIO DESCRIBED & Tactile Tour PERFORMANCE

Sunday 7 January at 1pm

Audio Description (AD) enhances the live performance experience for people who are blind or have low vision by providing a narration that provides detailed information and descriptions of the visual elements of a performance. AD is relayed via a free headset and receiver linked to the FM radio system. For select AD performances, tactile tours will be available. Tactile tours allow patrons who are blind or have low vision to have a hands-on experience. Patrons are given access to costumes, props and stage set in order to capture the atmosphere of the work. Tactile tours occur before the performance. To book the service and confirm if your chosen performance has a tactile tour available, call our Box Office on 02 8839 3399.

OPEN CAPTIONED (OC) PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 9 January at 7pm

Open Captions are visual text displayed on screens during the performance, enabling audiences to read what is being said. Caption text is prepared from the script of the performance by highly trained staff. Where open captioning is provided, it is visible from almost all seats in our venues. Please contact our Box Office if you would like further information.

RELAXED PERFORMANCE

Saturday 13 January at 2pm

Relaxed performances (RP) are open to everyone, but with modifications to sound and lighting to be more suited to patrons with autism, individuals with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

Find out more about accessibility at Riverside Theatres

ADDITIONAL TICKETING INFORMATION

$5.95 Transaction Fee applies.

The authorised ticket agencies for this event are Riverside Theatres & Sydney Festival.

Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency, you risk that these tickets are fake, void, or have previously been cancelled. Resale restriction applies.

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection. Children aged 0-18 months at the time of a performance may be seated on an adult’s lap free of charge. All children occupying a seat or over 18 months of age must hold a valid ticket.

For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions

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