We’re Banking On It!

We’re Banking On It image by Elena RuefenachtTen years after the MUST production that launched the Bloomshed ensemble, these award-winning theatre companies return with an all-new corruption of Gogol’s The Government Inspector.

A live theatrical seminar for the savvy entrepreneur, We’re Banking On It! is the only show that promises to double your investment. Our team of highly trained business professionals are ready to show you all the tricks of the trade.

Forging signatures. Price gouging. Bribing your local council to get around those pesky zoning laws. No matter what it is, our expert business analysts promise you won’t leave empty handed. In fact, we’re banking on it!

Fresh off their second Green Room Award for Best Production, Independent Theatre (Animal Farm 2024, Paradise Lost 2023), and hailed as “the most innovative, bold, daring and creative theatre makers around” (My Melbourne Arts), Bloomshed promise more exciting and distinctive excavations of current issues.

We’re Banking On It! fuses ideas from the new theatre talents of MUST with The Government Inspector framework to examine capitalism’s iron grip on corporations and government.

“In 2017, we collaborated with MUST to give Daniel Lammin’s acclaimed production of Awakening a much deserved return season,” said Artistic Director of fortyfivedownstairs, Cameron Lukey.

“I’m thrilled to welcome the company back for this exciting collaboration with Bloomshed, whose work has become unmissable following the success of Animal Farm, Paradise Lost, and A Dodgeball Named Desire.”

“What a fantastic idea for Bloomshed to re-team with MUST for this new iteration of the show that got the company started 10 years ago. I know it’s going to be a lot of fun!” said Mr Lukey.

“For most of the Bloomshed ensemble, MUST was the perfect playground to experiment and learn about theatre,” said Nathan Burmeister (Set & Costume Design).

“We are excited to be able to work with the amazing team at MUST and create something new and unique with the current emerging artists,” said Nathan.

You’ve seen reporting on price gouging, bribery and dodgy business practices across your screens. It’s time to see this issue from a dynamic Gen Z perspective.

For director James Jackson; “as the most recent adults to inherit the world, these young artists are perfectly positioned to critique issues impacting their future – and present.”

“And together, we have a lot to say about corruption amidst a cost of living crisis, about profiteering from human need,” said James.

Director: James Jackson | Associate Director: Annabelle Wemyss | Co-creators: Ava Toon, Cal Darvall, Eloise Vernon, John Burgess, Kieran O’Baoill, Luca Edwards, Simmar Chawla, Sophie Foster, Thu Pham, Tiara Pires | Set & Costume Design: Nathan Burmeister | Lighting Design: John Collopy | Stage Manager: Karen Ng | Producers: Yvonne Virsik, Ryan Kepper


We’re Banking On It!
fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Season continues to 26 May 2024
Information and Bookings: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com

Image: Elena Ruefenacht