Beaumaris Theatre Inc. acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Beaumaris Theatre stands. We pay our respects to Victoria's First Peoples and their Elders past, present and emerging.
CONTENTS
Click on the headline below to jump through each section of the program.
ABOUT THE SHOW
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
CAST & CREATIVES
MEET THE TEAM
ABOUT BEAUMARIS THEATRE
BLACKADDER II
In fair Elizabethan England, there dwells Edmund Blackadder, a wit as sharp as his pointed beard, though his fortune proves ever fickle. A knave both cunning and proud, he doth seek power and favour in Queen Elizabeth’s court, yet he’s thwarted by fools, from his dimwitted servant, Baldrick to his boorish friend, Lord Percy.
Wary of the Queen’s capricious wrath, he doth dance betwixt ambition and survival, crafting schemes bold yet oft undone by folly. His quest for glory doth end ever in despair, for fate conspires to render him a jest, e’er trapped in Fortune’s cruel jesting snare.
xxx
Dan Bellis and Harrison Ewart-Dart
Director
Cast
Lord Edmund Blackadder - Ben Zagami
Baldrick - Sam Wyles
Lord Percy - John Morgan
Queen Elizabeth I - Hanna Hosking
Lord Melchett - Daniel Cooper
Nursie - Wendy McRae
Lord Flashheart & Prince Ludwig - Andrew McDougall
Kate/Bob, Geoffrey Piddle & Guard - Bek Chapman
Kate/Bob's Father & Lord Whiteadder - Chris Kirby
Dr Leech & Simon Partridge - LB Bradley
Young Crone, Frobisher & Torturer - Georgy Charles
Wisewoman, Lady Whiteadder & Guard 2 - Samantha Stone
creative team and crew
Director - Dan Bellis and Harrison Ewart-Dart
Production Coordinator - Lynda French
Stage Manager - Stephen White
Set Design -
Props Coordinator -
Costumes -
Lighting Designer -
Sound Designer -
Lighting & Sound Operator -
Set Construction -
Marketing & Program - Kristina Doucouliagos
Photography - Tim Tselepis and Pietro Giordano
Flier Designer - Ella Creaton
Front of House Volunteer Coordinator - Fiona Williams
Front of House Manager - Adam Solomon
Box Office - Beaumaris Theatre Committee Members
Front of House Staff - Beaumaris Theatre Members and Friends
Special thanks to Jenni Osburn, Debbie Keyt, and Willow Argus.
Dan Bellis - Director
Well… it’s him again. Dan Bellis is making his third directorial outing at Beaumaris Theatre with Blackadder II. His previous efforts were Cosi in 2022 and PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic in 2023.
Dan is incredibly proud to be collaborating with Harrison Ewart-Dart for the fourth time and considers it a wonderful privilege to have assembled this excellent cast to help adapt this production to the stage.
Dan has been on the Beaumaris Theatre stage just a whole bunch of times, most recently as the gormless bastard, Frank in Ladies in Black in early 2025. Dan also appeared as O’Brien in 1984 (Peridot Theatre). Dan would like to thank Beaumaris Theatre for the opportunity to present the 3rd installment of his “Adults Behaving Like Weirdos” trilogy and the incredible production team for all of their wonderful expertise.
Harrison Ewart-Dart - Director
Harrison has been studying music and theatre for the last 9 years, in particular for Classical Singing and Opera. He has performed with the Victorian Opera in their VOYCE program as well as the Young Australian Broadway Chorus in productions such as Les Misérables and Cats.
During his time at Beaumaris Theatre, he has undertaken roles such as Lewis in Cosi and Cedric / Voldy in PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic.
Having completed a Bachelor of Film and Television, Harrison has more recently ventured into production by conducting his first musical as the Music Director for the Australian Premiere of Anne & Gilbert: The Musical, The Last 5 Years, and most recently, his directorial debut with Little Miss Sunshine.
Harrison’s favourite ice cream flavour is Cookies & Cream, and if you've heard anything else on this matter, you're wrong.
Ben Zagami - Lord Edmund Blackadder
Ben Zagami is excited to be making his debut with Beaumaris Theatre as the delightfully sharp-tongued Edmund Blackadder. He has previously played William de Worde in The Truth, and the scheming Reacher Gilt in Going Postal (Gemco Players). These roles confirmed his fondness for characters who mix intelligence, mischief, and a flair for the dramatic.
Taking on Blackadder II offers a wonderful opportunity to dive into one of British comedy’s most iconic roles, and Ben is looking forward to sharing its wit, sarcasm, and gleeful irreverence with audiences. He is grateful to be working alongside such a talented cast and creative team and hopes the production delivers as many clever insults as it does laughs.
Sam Wyles - Baldrick
Sam has a profound passion for Australian theatre. In 2020, Sam completed his Diploma in Theatre Arts at Melbourne Polytechnic.
Over the last few years, Sam has been a part of several plays, working with many different theatre companies throughout Melbourne. He was lucky enough to receive a nomination for Best Actor in a Lead Role (drama) at the VDL awards for his performance as Charlie Luther Mason in Brighton Theatre Company’s production of Admissions.
This is Sam’s third time working with Dan Bellis and Harrison Ewart-Dart and is very excited to be back at Beaumaris Theatre, playing the role of Baldrick in Blackadder II.
John Morgan - Lord Percy
John is stoked to be back at Beaumaris Theatre for another show, this time in Blackadder II.
He previously performed with Beaumaris Theatre Company in The Witches last season and loved the experience! Before Beaumaris Theatre, he performed with Brighton Theatre Company in Torch Song, as well as in school productions including Perils of Prudence, Goodheart, War of the Worlds, The Wedding Singer, Across the Barricades, and The Drowsy Chaperone.
He holds a Bachelor of Design (Animation & Interactive Media) from RMIT and works as an animator, writer, and voice actor. John is passionate about storytelling and thrilled to return to the stage with such a fantastic cast and crew.
Hanna Hosking - Queen Elizabeth I
Hanna stately glides into the role of Queenie in Blackadder II with the dark sparkle of a lifelong British‑comedy lover and half the dialogue pre-burned into her by default.
She comes with a variety of performing experiences, largely due to never saying no to standing up on stage; from performing Rowan Atkinson’s ‘The Amazing Jesus’ at family Christmas to insisting on sober karaoke. Hanna’s also a qualified sexologist and co‑hosts ‘The Spicy Life’ podcast (launching 25th November), championing self-defined identity and empowerment in love and relationships.
Onstage, she’s a mistress of the taboo: with a feature on 3AW’s ‘House of Wellness’, the ‘Slippery Tentacle Cabaret’ (Burning Man), MC gigs Aka ‘Con and Baby Beard’s Adorable Assault on Australia’, and an unpaid blink‑and‑you’ll‑miss‑it extra on a telecommunications commercial.
Daniel Cooper - Lord Melchett
Onstage, Daniel has notably appeared as William Barfée in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Cactus Musicals), Nate in Double Homicide at the Manchester Manchester and Haberdashery Factory Outlet, (Fab Nobs), The Monster in Young Frankenstein, (MTGV and Lyrebird Nominations, Lightbox Productions), Chief Inspector Pinckney/Others in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, (Lilydale Atheneum/Malvern Theatre Companies), Mr. Bumble in Oliver!, Big Jule in Guys and Dolls, (NOVA), Franz Liebkind in The Producers, (MLOC & Waterdale Theatre), Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde, Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and General Schmitz in Seussical (Waterdale Theatre).
He has also directed productions of The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Lightbox Productions), High Fidelity (SLAMS), Urinetown, Avenue Q, and As You Like It (Lyrebird Nomination, Waterdale Theatre).
Wendy McRae - Nursie
Wendy is delighted to be ‘HOME’ in the bosom – hold that word in your head, or in your chest - at Beaumaris Theatre.
In her last appearance on stage was right here at Beaumaris Theatre, she played the acerbic, blunt but soft as chewy caramel, Oiusa Bordreaux in Steel Magnolias, for which she received a VDL Best Supporting Actor nomination.
Malvern Theatre Company, Brighton Theatre Company, Encore Theatre, Mordialloc Theatre Company and Peridot Theatre have also been stages where Wendy has strutted her stuff and is happiest when on stage playing someone else: yes - all care, no responsibility.
Wendy hopes you will adore her role of Nursie; she has had as much fun at rehearsals as she has had on stage with this cast and crew ! Sit back, enjoy and hold onto your false teeth; excess laughing will make them airborne!!!
Andrew McDougall - Lord Flashheart & Prince Ludwig
Andrew has been involved in theatre for more than 30 years and has been a massive fan of Blackadder for just as long.
Andrew has appeared in shows such as Eeyore/Owl/Rabbit in Winnie the Pooh the New Musical (Liflike Touring and Rockefeller Productions), Nicky/Trekkie, puppet designer and fabricator in Avenue Q (AG Theatre), Vice Principal, Douglas Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ( Phoenix Theatre Company), Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick (Fab Nobs), Fagin in Oliver! (Aspect Theatre Company), Lonny in Rock of Ages (Phoenix Theatre Company), Gomez in The Addams Family (Phoenix Theatre Company), Max Byalistock in The Producers (Waterdale Theatre), Nicky/Trekkie/ puppet designer/ co-producer in Avenue Q (Trifle Theatre Company), plant puppeteer and designer for Little Shop of Horrors (Waterdale Theatre), Milky White in Into The Woods (Waterdale Theatre), and I Sing Charlie (OPTC).
Andrew hopes you enjoy Blackadder II …..Woof!!!
Bek Chapman - Kate/Bob, Geoffrey Piddle & Guard
This is Bek’s sixth show with Beaumaris Theatre and her second show with them this year! You may have seen her in Ladies in Black, playing Magda. She was also in Beaumarisical and performed in Concert for a Cure. The highlight of her Beauie career is still in 2010 when she went spinning around the hills in Debbie Keyt’s production of The Sound of Music!
In late 2023, she made her pro-am debut in (James Terry Collective’s) Kinky Boots, which won Green Room Awards for best independent production and best featured ensemble. In 2024 she made her professional debut in (Robert Sturrock’s Dance Variety Show) Jazz Men, at the Athenaeum Theatre.
You may have seen her rock climbing badly in the ‘Industry Super Funds Ad,’ or on old ‘Spicks and Specks’ reruns once every five years, performing Enter Sandman in the style of Mr Sandman with her old barbershop girl group The Nymphs.
She loves cats, being ridiculous, and being part of the Beauie community, and is thrilled to be in Blackadder II.
Chris Kirby - Kate/Bob's Father & Lord Whiteadder
Chris appeared on the Beaumaris Theatre stage in a production of House Guest in 1990, and then it was a long break until last year when he appeared again at Beaumaris Theatre in Arsenic and Old Lace. All and all, he has appeared in five Beaumaris Theatre productions.
Since 1990, Chris has appeared in many Frankston Theatre Group productions as well as Adelphi Players, Rosebud Theatre, and Mornington CEF Players. Earlier last year, he played Mr. Rogers in the Mordialloc Theatre Company’s production of And Then There Were None.
Chris describes theatre as his “happy place” and it has been a joy to be part of this production. Chris hopes you enjoy this fun show and get as many laughs as we have had during rehearsals.
LB Bradley - Dr Leech & Simon Partridge
You might know LB Bradley (they/them) from their work as a multi award-winning director. It’s certainly not their acting you’ll be familiar with as (with two Covid understudy exceptions) they haven’t been on stage since 2016!
Despite being involved in community theatre for over 25 years, a strong preference for off-stage roles means their theatrical CV is full of directing, designing, adjudicating & technical roles, with only a small handful of acting credits thrown in. In fact, Blackadder II will be their 10th official acting credit (double digits at last!!).
Their favourite roles to date include Sadie May in The Rise & Fall Of Little Voice (Lilydale Athenaeum, 2014), for which they received a Lyrebird Award nomination and Queen Gertrude in Hamlet (Hartwell Players, 2011).
Georgy Charles - Young Crone, Frobisher & Torturer
Georgy is overjoyed to be let loose in the world of Blackadder II—and in a bold casting twist, she’s playing a couple of the chaps (the facial hair budget alone is staggering).
Georgy first appeared on the stage at Beaumaris Theatre in her teens and has since appeared in more productions across the south eastern suburbs than Lord Percy has brain cells. Her favourites are too many to list, although Beaumaris Theatre’s productions of The Sound of Music, The Vicar of Dibley (twice!) and The 39 Steps are close contenders.
She is delighted to be plotting alongside such a talented cast, directors, and crew, and looks forward to opening night—where, with any luck, no one will be executed for treason...or poorly delivered lines!
Samantha Stone - Wisewoman, Lady Whiteadder & Guard 2
Samantha has been performing for quite a few years now. This is her third show at Beaumaris Theatre, a place of utter joy and a home away from home. She is scared of snakes, doesn’t like vegetables much, especially peas and only eats turnips under sufferance.
Samantha made her debut at Beaumaris playing M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias, directed by Debbie Keyt, and this season played Loretta in Knife Edge, directed by Deborah Fabbro.
However, no stage role had prepared her for the comedy chops required to play Lady White Adder without corpsing. To stop herself from laughing on stage, her favourite director suggested inserting ostrich feathers into her breeches before the scene; ironic considering feathers can also cause giggling fits.
Samantha hopes that you will enjoy the marvellous mayhem of Blackadder II as much as she has enjoyed performing in it. She also hopes you will laugh your way to ‘abs of steel’ with enough belly laughs to frighten away any lurking pixies or goblins!
Lynda French - Production Coordinator
Lynda has been a member of Beaumaris Theatre since 2014 and has taken on varied roles, such as front of house, box office, stage manager, production manager/ assistant/ co-ordinator, property manager and designer, set builder, and cast member.
She’s been a member of the Beaumaris Theatre Committee since 2018 and our efficient Health and Safety Officer. She is currently the Company Secretary.
Lynda was the producer, designer and props coordinator for the Australian premiere of Anne and Gilbert - the Musical. In 2024 Lynda was the Production Coordinator for Beaumaris Theatre’s inaugural Monologue Festival.
Stephen White - Stage Manager
Stephen has been involved in amateur theatre for nearly 40 years, and first appeared with Beaumaris Theatre in Set Build in 2013. Since then, he has been a regular performer, appearing in Une Belle Farce and Fawlty Towers, Flowers for Algernon, Echoes, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Pillow Talk, The Vicar of Dibley and Jack and the Beanstalk, and The 70th Anniversary Panto Revue.
When not “out front”, Stephen has also assisted backstage for The Thirty-Nine Steps, Little Mermaid Junior and A Chorus Line. He first worked as Stage Manager for Company, and again last year for The Bridges of Madison County. He is thrilled to be part of the Blackadder II team and for what will be an enormous amount of fun!
Adi Smit - Backstage
Adi is a 17-year-old student finishing high school this year with a lifelong love for the performing arts.
She’s been singing and acting since the age of six, and has performed in school productions such as School of Rock and Mamma Mia!
Adi worked backstage on The Witches this year at Beaumaris Theatre which marked her first time stepping backstage as part of the crew.
Sally Flemming
Sally has been a friend of Beaumaris Theatre for over 15 years. In early 2024 she leapt at the chance of helping with A Year with Frog and Toad – and since then has all but moved into the theatre by employing her creative skills to help in one way or another with each production since, including set designs, set painting, crew, last minute prop making, and “I have one at home” solutions.
In addition to many years of creating props and painting sets, Sally has been on stage, as Miss Hannigan in Annie, Martha Watson in White Christmas (Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Commendation), Hattie in Kiss Me, Kate and the Rose Seller/ Ensemble in Oliver, (MLOC Productions).
Cheryllyn de Vries - Costume Designer
Cheryllyn is delighted to be involved in designing and creating the costumes for Beaumaris Theatres’ 2025 production of Blackadder II, along with a skilled and passionate team of fellow costumiers.
Being embroiled amongst a sea of ruffs, cuffs, petticoats, corsets and codpieces with a couple of brides, cows, and the occasional truncheon thrown in is a costume makers heaven!
Cheryllyn has costumed a number of casts for theatre productions, most recently as the costume designer for Beaumaris Theatre’s Ladies in Black. Cheryllyn also stitched up designs for Chicago, A Chorus Line, Grease, The Little Mermaid Jr, Happy Days.
Cheryllyn works as a consultant to the fashion industry, as a designer and patternmaker.
Christine Wood
Christine was classically trained during her university years and enjoyed singing with and directing the Curtin University Choir in Perth. She joined a five-part ladies' harmony group that performed in festivals and events around Perth and South-West WA.
This year, after a significant break, she leapt from a supportive stage mum to a performer as Sister Sophia in The Sound of Music (Theatrical) and ensemble in The Bridges of Madison County (Beaumaris Theatre).
Active behind-the-scenes, Christine also helped create stunning costumes for Ladies in Black at Beaumaris Theatre earlier this year.
Harry Brammall
Harry's love of the theatre stems back as far as she can remember.
She trained as an actress in London during the 80s appearing in TV, theatre and film. In fact her first job was with Rowan Atkinson in the dentist episode of “Mr Bean”. However, she now prefers to concentrate on making costumes and being creative behind the scenes , so is delighted to be a part of the costume team for Blackadder II.
She loves being involved with Beaumaris Theatre and working with the wonderful creative team there including productions of Steel Magnolias, The Three Musketeers, Knife Edge and Ladies in Black.
Sam Davies
Sam has been sewing for Beaumaris Theatre since she offered to sew a few peasant skirts for The Sound of Music back in 2010. 13 years later she is still involved in sewing for Beaumaris
Theatre as well as multiple schools, all on a volunteer basis.
Sam learnt to sew when she was 5 when she started making costumes for her dolls, however, she has learnt most of what she knows today from Jenni Osburn and the other volunteers at the theatre and has built up the confidence to now do multiple costumes from design through to completion.
Sewing is her stress release and creative outlet and she often refers to the Theatre as her happy place.
Beaumaris Theatre was founded by Bill and Angela Martin in 1953. Bill and Angela were thespians who built a theatre in the attic of their home. It housed about twenty audience members and had a small stage and dressing room.
Soon the demand for tickets for these productions far exceeded the space available, so the Martins along with other members of the Beaumaris Players, worked very hard to have the theatre space we now know in Wells Road.
For the last 70 years, thespians from all walks of life and various backgrounds have been treading the prestigious boards laid by Bill and Angela. We are delighted to continue their legacy of producing theatre for the Bayside community and beyond.
BEAUMARIS THEATRE COMMITTEE
President - Debbie Keyt
Vice-President - Dan Bellis
Treasurer - Jenni Osburn
Secretary & Public Officer - Lynda French
Marketing Manager & Membership Secretary - Kristina Doucouliagos
Committee Members - Adam Solomon, Camilla Klesman, Deb Carpenter, Fiona Williams, Georgy Charles and Harrison Ewart-Dart.
BEAUMARIS THEATRE LIFE MEMBERS
Bill Martin; Angela Martin; Roger North; Esme North; Roy Baldwin; Bea Beckwith; Anne Lowe; Jean Freer; Beth Kelsall; John Rees-Osborne; Nancy Sutch-Taylor; Edda Dawson; Barbara Franks; Annie Laurenson; Jenny Mullholland; Stephen Mulholland; Don Strong; Taffy Strong; Michael Coultas; Graham Eddie; Derek Curd; Janine Chugg; Debbie Keyt; Robyn Morris; Steve Morris; Neil Barnett; Rhonda Vaughan; Vince Vaughan; Danny Forward; Jenni Osburn; Trevor Osburn; Kristina Doucouliagos; Fred Pezzimenti and Camilla Klesman.
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors for continuing to support Beaumaris Theatre.
