For a woman whose name remains synonymous with Australian literature, Miles Franklin has rarely been afforded the opportunity to tell her own story. STELLA: A New Australian Musical changes that in triumphant fashion, delivering a richly entertaining and emotionally resonant portrait of one of the nation’s most influential yet frequently misunderstood cultural figures.
Seven years in the making, this ambitious new Australian work shines a spotlight on the life behind the legend. While Franklin’s enduring legacy is often distilled to My Brilliant Career, the prestigious Miles Franklin Award and more recently The Stella Prize, this production reveals the complexity, resilience and humanity of the woman herself. Through personal loss, financial hardship, entrenched sexism and the turmoil of two world wars, Franklin emerges as a fiercely independent artist whose determination never wavered.
At the centre of the production is Monique diMattina’s superb book, score and lyrics. Drawing extensively on Franklin’s own words, the work captures her sharp wit, intellect and irrepressible spirit while crafting a compelling theatrical narrative that balances humour, heartbreak and hope. The writing never feels reverential; instead, it presents Franklin as a vibrant, flawed and deeply relatable individual whose struggles remain strikingly contemporary.
The score is one of the musical’s greatest strengths. DiMattina effortlessly traverses genres, weaving together Australian and Irish folk influences, bush ballads, neo-classical passages, salsa rhythms, punk rock energy, contemporary pop and classic musical theatre traditions. Despite its eclectic nature, the music remains cohesive throughout, reflecting the adventurous and unconventional path Franklin forged throughout her life.
Director Julia Robertson brings remarkable clarity and imagination to the storytelling. Under her assured guidance, Franklin’s expansive life journey unfolds with energy and momentum, moving seamlessly between continents, decades and emotional landscapes. The production embraces theatrical simplicity while never feeling constrained by it, allowing the audience’s imagination to fill in the spaces between history and memory.
Leading the exceptional cast, Geraldine Hakewill delivers a captivating performance as Stella. Possessing both commanding presence and emotional vulnerability, Hakewill captures Franklin’s determination, humour and occasional self-doubt with equal conviction. It is a nuanced and thoroughly engaging portrayal that anchors the production from beginning to end.
The supporting ensemble is equally impressive. Johanna Allen brings warmth and authority to her multiple roles, including Mother and literary contemporary Mary Gilmore. Shubshri Kandiah once again demonstrates her remarkable versatility, seamlessly shifting between characters including Linda and pioneering suffragist Vida Goldstein.
Joe Kosky similarly impresses as Pa and an array of supporting characters with warmth and humour, while Kaya Byrne’s succession of performances (Norman, Edwin and others) showcases both impressive range and great comic timing.
One of the production’s most impressive achievements lies in its inventive staging. Remaining on stage throughout, the cast of five transforms effortlessly between dozens of characters through quick costume changes, physical storytelling and skilful characterisation.
The creative team contributes significantly to the production’s success. Nick Fry’s multi-layered set design provides the framework for the storytelling, effortlessly shifting between locations, periods and emotional landscapes. while Isla Shaw’s costumes support the production’s fluid character transformations with style and practicality.
David Letch’s sound design ensures clarity throughout, and Sidney Younger’s lighting design beautifully complements the shifting moods and settings, adding depth and atmosphere to every scene.
Musical director Vicky Jacobs expertly leads the seven-piece onstage band, whose presence becomes an integral part of the storytelling. More than mere accompaniment, the musicians help drive the narrative forward, reinforcing the sense that Franklin’s life is unfolding before the audience in real time.
Beyond its theatrical appeal, STELLA offers an insightful glimpse into the life of Miles Franklin. By looking beyond her literary achievements, the production presents a well-rounded portrait of a woman whose determination and creative spirit helped shape Australia’s cultural landscape.
STELLA: A New Australian Musical
Alexander Theatre – The Ian Potter Centre of Performing Arts, Monash University, Clayton
Performance: Saturday 13 June 2026
Season continues to 20 June 2026
Information and Bookings: www.stellathemusical.com
Images: The Cast of STELLA: A New Australian Musical – photo by Ben Fon | Geraldine Hakewill in STELLA: A New Australian Musical – photo by Ben Fon | Joe Kosky, Johanna Allen and Geraldine Hakewill in STELLA: A New Australian Musical – photo by Ben Fon | Shubshri Kandiah, Geraldine Hakewill and Johanna Allen in STELLA: A New Australian Musical – photo by Ben Fon | Kaya Byrne, Johanna Allen, Geraldine Hakewill, Joe Kosky and Shubshri Kandiah in STELLA: A New Australian Musical – photo by Ben Fon
Review: Rohan Shearn