Georgy Girl - the Seekers Musical is directed by Debbie Keyt, musical direction by Rhonda Vaughan and choreography by Camilla Klesman.

Music & Lyrics by Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Keith Potger, David Reilly, Malvina Reynolds, Paul Simon, Tom Springfield, Bruce Woodley and others

Book by Patrick Edgeworth

Consultant Graham Simpson

Originating Producers Richard East and Dennis Smith

By special arrangement with David Spicer Productions www.davidspicer.com.au

Georgy Girl- the Seekers Musical is dedicated to Judith Durham AO, who passed into music heaven in 2022, and Patrick Edgeworth who was working on updates to the script a short time before his passing in 2023.

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.

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

About GEORGY GIRL - THE SEEKERS MUSICAL

Georgy Girl - The Seekers Musical is the story of Australia’s iconic and most internationally successful group, The Seekers.

Judith, the shy, insecure teenager with a golden voice, joins a folk group, The Seekers: Athol Guy the wheeler-dealer, Bruce Woodley the aspiring songwriter and Keith Potger the cool guitarist.

After finding success locally, they travel to Britain, where, thanks to Athol’s marketing skills, they get a foot in the door and, despite knockbacks, soon burst onto the international Pop Scene.

Judith, unprepared for stardom, struggles with weight issues, to find love, and work out what her future should be. The boys just enjoy the party while musically delivering the goods. There’s laughter and tears, highs and lows.

Keith marries, Bruce becomes a hit songwriter, Judith has her heart broken, and Athol takes it all in his stride.

Four years on, the group breaks up when Judith decides to go home and resume her solo career and marries Ron Edgeworth, the love of her life.

25 years later, in an emotional reunion, The Seekers set off on their Silver Jubilee tour. A staggering success, it turns out to be one of many.

HISTORY OF THIS PRODUCTION

In 2011, Patrick Edgeworth, a highly credited Film, TV and Stage writer, was working with producer Richard East on a feature film and told him he had another project up his sleeve. It was a musical based on Judith Durham’s life with The Seekers. Patrick was ideally placed to write the story as his brother Ron was married to Judith for twenty-five years.

Richard, one of the originating producers of Mamma Mia! Felt it had potential and was happy to take a look. He suggested that his friend Dennis Smith, who had great success with Dusty The Original Pop Diva based on the life story of Dusty Springfield, would be a good person to become involved. Dennis knew all The Seekers and was a good friend of Athol Guy since they worked together in television in Melbourne.

Patrick invited Dennis to a script reading at his home, which Judith also attended. It got the thumbs-up. This prompted Dennis and Richard to agree to co-produce the musical.

After nearly two years of re-writes, the musical became not just about Judith but all The Seekers. In July 2013, Gary Young directed, along with Musical Supervisor Stephen Amos, a tabletop reading of the script. Richard and Dennis felt the reading was successful enough to take the next step - the production of a workshop presentation.

This happened in August 2014, and the response from the audience was extremely favourable. Convinced by this reaction and subsequent feedback, Richard and Dennis decided to proceed with the production of Georgy Girl- The Seekers Musical. The world premiere was in The Seekers’ hometown of Melbourne at Her Majesty’s Theatre on December 22nd, 2015.

A MESSAGE FROM THE SEEKERS

We are absolutely delighted that the story and music of The Seekers are being brought to the stage as a musical.

The idea of a musical based on the story of our group was first raised years ago by someone very familiar to us- Patrick Edgeworth, the talented and successful writer for the screen and stage is Judith’s brother-in-law and knows our story well. He consulted with Graham Simpson, who has been part of our team for many years, and wrote Judith’s life story in his best-selling book ‘Colours of My Life-The Judith Durham Story”.

In 2014, Richard East and Dennis Smith asked us to be part of an invited industry audience at a workshop presentation of the musical.

The response from the audience was amazing- a standing ovation. It was everything we could have wanted and more.

We hope you will share and continue to enjoy our journey, as our story comes to like as a brand new Australian musical.

Judith, Athol, Keith and Bruce - The Seekers (2014)

My dear Dad had the record, “The Seekers Greatest Hits”, and as a music-loving 5-year-old, I played it over and over again. I knew every word and I’d sing at the top of my voice and dance around the lounge room, performing every song with joyful exuberance. On reflection, their songs had a charming musical theatre feel, and each one told a delightful story through stirring lyrics and catchy melodies.

Throughout my childhood, teen and adult years, I was always drawn to their beautiful music and a devoted and proud fan. In 2016, I couldn’t wait to see Georgy Girl- The Seekers Musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and I was totally mesmerised as I sat in awe, reliving the story of their rise to fame and highs and lows, all set to the soundtrack of their glorious hits.

I knew it would be a perfect show to stage in the intimate surrounds of Beaumaris Theatre, where the audience would be immersed in the storytelling of these four remarkable and talented performers from Melbourne and captivated by the stunning harmonies and uplifting folk-pop music.

As soon as I saw the licence was available through David Spicer’s catalogue, I was thrilled to secure the rights. My dearest friends, Rhonda and Camilla, were keen to join me for another exciting creative theatrical collaboration, and we work so very well together, and their artistic gifts and instincts are truly impressive.

Our production team are extraordinary and their talents, commitment and dedication are inspirational, and we’re ecstatic to be working alongside Pietro, Damien, Adam, Josh, Adeline, Cheryllyn, Fiona, Fred & Lynda to bring the vibrancy of the sensational 60s to life with oomph in spectacular style through our set, costumes, lighting, sound, band and props.

We are so very fortunate to have an amazing support team to help us realise our artistic visions too and we’re particularly grateful to Chris, Andy, Harry, Amy, Claire and Merie.

We are beyond blessed to have a phenomenal cast: Stephanie, Marcus, Sean, David, Tim, Fraser, Tim, Róisin, Daniel, Sam, Archer, Oliver, Annett, Phoebe, Ellie, Paola and Bella, who have worked tirelessly and with utter passion, respect and heart and soul to inhabit these iconic stars and the important loved ones, friends, colleagues and acquaintances in their lives. Bravo.

Our hard-working committee are to be applauded for making Beaumaris Theatre the professional, welcoming, inclusive ‘theatre for all’ we are and I can’t thank Adam, Camilla, Deb, Fiona, Georgy, Harrison, Jen, Kristina, Lynda and Stephen enough for their support, trust, love and friendship.

My beautiful family are always beside me cheering me on and my roles as wife, mum, mother-in-law and Nan Nan to Jeremy, Josh, Janika, Justin, Kyle, Imogen, Tayla, Chase, Cooper, Ava and our newest-soon-to-be family member are my best ever.

I am chuffed that our season of Georgy Girl- the Seekers Musical sold out in record time and then we added three additional performances, which all sold out too and it proves the popularity of legendary Judith, Athol, Keith and Bruce lives on and always will. We feel so supremely privileged to share the nostalgia with our adoring audiences and the carnival is not over yet…

Deb Keyt - Director

Cast

Mary Lennox - Winnie Wilson - Phillips

Colin Craven - Ben Solomon

Dickon - Max Turner

Martha - Shelley Dunlop

Mrs Medlock - Caroline Kinnear

Ben Weatherstaff - Dan Bellis

Mr Craven - Simon Coles

creative team and crew

Director - Kristina Doucouliagos

Assistant Director and Assistant Stage Manager - Alarna Summers

Production Coordinator - Georgy Charles

Stage Manager - Sarah Gow

Costumes - Jenni Osburn

Set Design - Fred Pezzimenti

Scenic Artist - Sally Fleming

Set construction and dressing - Anna Vu, Chris Churchward, Fred Pezzimenti, Georgy Charles, Kristina Doucouliagos, Pietro Giordano and Sally Fleming

Lighting Design - Joshua Gardner

Sound Design - Adam Solomon

Original Music - Harrison Ewart - Dart

Lighting Operator - Sam Johnson with Daniel Ischia and Danielle Roche

Follow Spot Operator - Hal Foxworthy with Daniel Ischia and Danielle Roche

Sound Operator - Adam Solomon

Props - Sally Flemming and Kristina Doucouliagos

Auslan Interpreter - Auslan Stage Left

Marketing and program - Kristina Doucouliagos

Photography & videography - Tim Tselepis

Flier artwork - Ella Creaton

Front of House Coordinator - Fiona Williams

Front of House Manager - Adam Solomon

Box Office - Beaumaris Theatre Committee Members

Front of House Volunteers - Beaumaris Theatre Members & Friends

With very special thanks to Bayside City Council, Camilla Klesman, Natasha Rayner, PLOS, and our friends and family who donated plants for the garden

**Winnie Wilson-Phillips - Mary**
Winnie is thrilled and grateful to be performing Mary for her debut lead at Beaumaris Theatre. *The Secret Garden* was often read to Winnie when she was younger, and she is loving bringing the character to life. Just like Mary, she enjoys exploring nature and is thriving being a part of the community at Beaumaris Theatre.
Winnie began drama by chance. Three years ago her sister won a term class at BDC Drama in Ashwood, but the activity was not a good fit. Winnie asked if she could take her place and she's been hooked ever since.
Under the guidance of the magnificent Dee Whittington, Winnie genuinely enjoys finding the subtleties in the characters she embodies, being part of a production, and the confidence an audience’s attention can bring. In 2025, she joined her first cast, performing as an Oompa Loompa in Gemco Players Community Theatre’s production of *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*. She has also shone at BDC Drama showcases and school productions at Parkhill Primary.
In her spare time, Winnie can be found collecting shells, squad swimming, bike riding, hiking, reading, listening to musicals, playing flute, board games and crafting.

**Ben Solomon - Colin**
Ben is excited to be back for his third production with Beaumaris Theatre, having previously been in *Little Miss Sunshine* and *Jack & the Beanstalk.*
2026 has been a busy year for Ben, with playing Lucas in *The Addams Family Jnr* (Kilbreda College) and *The Kids are Alright* (the Nuworks Theatre).
His other credits include ensemble in *42nd Street* (Kilbreda College) and Oberon in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* (the Nuworks Theatre).
Ben trains with D.K Productions and takes weekly singing lessons at St Bedes and has dance experience in Hip Hop and Jazz. He is also part of the St Bedes Vocal Ensemble, Drum Line and Jnr Debating Team.
Ben is loving playing the role of Colin in *The Secret Garden* and hopes you enjoy the production.

**Max Turner - Dickon**
Max made his major debut at age ten, starring as Spider in the ABC’s *Planet Lulin*, before sharing the screen with Jessica Mauboy in the Australian film *Windcatcher* (2023).
Committed to his development as an actor, Max’s training includes vocal coaching with Anna McCrossin-Owen and his current studies at Le Blanc Acting School.
Outside of acting, Max is a creative writer who loves screenwriting and making his own movies. He is also the co-host of the acting podcast *Call Back Kids*, and enjoys learning the guitar and producing music with his sister.

**Shelley Dunlop - Martha**
When Beaumaris Theatre stages an adaptation of a beloved children’s book set around the turn of the 20th century, Shelley is there!
She played Anne Shirley in *Anne and Gilbert*, an absolute dream role, in 2021, and she is very excited to be taking on the equally bubbly and playful Martha in *The Secret Garden*.
Shelley was most recently seen in the Green Room award-winning ensemble of *The Grinning Man* (Salty Theatre), in which she played Mother/Quake and covered Dea and Young Dea. Other favourite roles have included Deb in *Ordinary Days* (Life Story Theatre), Witch in *Into The Woods* (Aspect Inc.) and Irene in *Anna Bella Eema* (Melbourne Fringe).
She has musically directed Post (Something Blue Productions), *The Girl Green As Elderflower* (La Mama), among many others.
She has immensely enjoyed working with this wonderful team and hopes you enjoy what we’ve all grown together.

**Caroline Kinnear - Mrs Medlock**
Caroline is delighted to be treading the boards once again as Mrs. Medlock in Beaumaris Theatre’s production of *The Secret Garden*, an all-time favourite book from her childhood.
Caroline has a long-standing love of theatre. She has appeared in a wide variety of roles, including Gwendolen in *The Importance of Being Earnest* (Durham University Players); Brooke in *Habeas Corpus* (Hampton Theatre Company); Louise in *Joking Apart* (Peridot
Theatre Company); and Mrs. Davidson in Rain (Hartwell Players). Caroline has also appeared in various films and TV shows, including *Neighbours* and *The Flying Doctors*.
This role marks a return for Caroline to live theatre. For the past few years, she has taken time to explore another great joy for her – singing. She has sung and performed with a range of choirs, including most recently the highly regarded acapella ensemble *South of the River Choir*.
Caroline enjoys exploring the character of Mrs. Medlock in this production, and is extremely happy to be in this show with such a talented cast and crew.

**Dan Bellis - Ben Weatherstaff**
A Beaumaris Theatre regular, Dan is thrilled to be returning to the theatre for the staging of this classic text. He is also thrilled to be trying a new accent on for size.
2025 saw Dan involved in two productions at Beaumaris Theatre, including his MTGV-commended performance as Frank in *Ladies in Black* and as co-director for the sold-out production of *Blackadder II.*
Dan is excited to be back in collaboration with some of his favourite people, including director Kristina Doucouliagos, with whom Dan had the honour of co-directing *PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic* in 2023.
After *The Secret Garden*, Dan will be performing in *The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time* with Warrandyte Theatre Company in November.
Dan is a teacher of and fan of classic literature and is sure that you will be transformed by this beautiful production.

**Simon Coles - Mr. Craven**
Simon is delighted to be returning to Beaumaris Theatre for *The Secret Garden*.
Since entering the world of community theatre ten years ago, Simon has performed in a range of roles in both plays and musicals, most recently in the role of Douglas in Beaumaris’ recent Victorian premiere of *Chalkface*, and the Inspector in J.B. Priestley’s *An Inspector Calls* (Frankston Theatre Group).
When not performing, Simon is a secondary school teacher in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and plays a variety of sports badly.
Simon is excited to be involved in Beaumaris Theatre’s 2026 family show and to be working with such a talented group of both young and experienced performers. He extends his sincere thanks to Beaumaris Theatre, the production team and the cast, and very much hopes you enjoy the performance.

**Kristina Doucouliagos - Director**
After falling in love with community theatre at the age of 12, Kristina has been fortunate enough to bring to life some of her favourite literary characters, including Lucy in *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*, Amy in *Little Women*, Tinker Bell in *Peter Pan* and Cecily in *The Importance of Being Earnest,* for which she won a VDL Award for Best Actress in a Comedy.
Enjoying all aspects of theatre, Kristina has coordinated costumes and props, assistant directed and stage managed numerous productions, earning her a VDL Award for Costume Coordination for *The Importance of Being Earnest* and a VDL Adjudicators Award for Scene Change Design for *The Shape of Things*. This is Kristina’s fourth directorial endeavour, having previously directed *Still Life, The Great Gatsby* and co-directed *PUFFs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.*
A proud member of the Beaumaris Theatre Committee since 2009, Kristina has a little too much fun crafting content for the Theatre’s digital channels.
Kristina hopes that audiences enjoy stepping into the world of *The Secret Garden* as much as the team has enjoyed creating it!

**Alarna Summers - Assistant Director & Assistant Stage Manager**
Alarna has previously worked with Beaumaris Theatre as the Narrator in *PUFFs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic* (2023) and was a writer and director for *The Monologue Festival* (2025).
This is her debut as a production team member for *The Secret Garden*, and she couldn’t be happier to be working under such a passionate group of people.
Alarna’s previous credits include Annette in *Come From Away* (Fab Nobs Theatre), Martha in *Spring Awakening* (MLOC - Guild Award Winner), and Abraham in *Romeo & Juliet* (Dionysus Theatre).
She has loved the opportunity to work with this kind and imaginative cast and crew and hopes you can revel in the magic they have created together.

**Sarah Gow - Stage Manager**
Sarah Gow grew up in the West Country of England, where her love for theatre began. Her career as a teacher has taken her to Germany and Vietnam, where she was a member of Hanoi International Theatre Company.
As mother of two girls, she recently reignited her passion in theatre as Ruth in *Cosi,* Mattie in *Stage Door* and Mrs Reece directing *The Farndale Avenue’s, A Christmas Carol.*
Sarah is now excited to support the talented actors on stage by dabbling in some stage management for *The Secret Garden.*

**Jenni Osburn - Costume Coordinator**
Jenni’s first show at Beaumaris Theatre in 2007 was *A Midsummer Night’s Dream,* with her daughter Leah and has since designed, created or sourced costumes for over 30 productions.
Some of her credits include *Ladies in Black; Arsenic & Old Lace; Chicago; A Chorus Line; The Little Mermaid JR; The Sound of Music; Avenue Q; SNOOPY!!!; Anne & Gilbert- the Musical, PUFFS, Little Miss Sunshine* and *A Year with Frog and Toad.*
Jenni is currently serving as Treasurer of Beaumaris Theatre and she is a very proud Life Member.

**Fred Pezzimenti - Set Design**
Fred has been involved in the theatre for over 45 years and has performed with and directed for many companies, including Opera Australia, MLOC, ASPECT Inc., PLOS, Panorama Theatre, ASPECT Inc and Melbourne Opera Company.
At Beaumaris Theatre, Fred has directed *Dreamchild - Alice’s Musical Adventures, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Vicar of Dibley, Sweeney Todd - the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, August: Osage County* and *The Three Musketeers.*
He has also designed sets and lighting for numerous productions, including *Cosi, PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic* and Chalkface. Fred also spent many years as a member of the Beaumaris Theatre Committee.

**Sally Fleming - Scenic Artist**
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*, Hattie in *Kiss Me, Kate* and the Rose Seller/ Ensemble in *Oliver*.

**Joshua Gardner - Lighting Designer**
Having designed Beaumaris' production of *Chalkface* earlier this year, Josh is excited to be back helping to bring the Secret Garden to life with light!
Though a Gardner by name, his skills aren't green in the technical theatre space. They have been propagated by the likes of *Come From Away* (OSMaD); *42nd Street* (Babirra); *Arrgonauts, Destination Earth, On The Rise* (Melbourne Fringe); *Firebringer* (UMMTA); and *Fame, A Chorus Line, Chicago* (Williamstown High School).
He is pleased with how this show has grown and looks forward to sharing its magic with you.

**Sam Johnson - Lighting Operator**
Sam first joined Beaumaris Theatre in 2014 when he was cast in 13 - *A New Musical.*
Sam has been in Beaumaris Theatre tech teams for *Pillow Talk; Buddy- the Buddy Holly Story; Jack and the Beanstalk- a Pantomime; The Three Musketeers; A Year With Frog and Toad; The Bridges of Madison County; Ladies in Black* and *Blackadder II*.
He was also on stage in Beaumaris Theatre’s *The Little Mermaid JR* and *Anne & Gilbert – the Musical.*
His other onstage roles include *Cinderella; The Wiz; Legally Blonde; The Legends of the Skies* and *The Jewel by the Sea.*

**Hal Foxworthy - Spotlight Operator**
*The Secret Garden* is Hal’s fourth time in the bio box at Beaumaris Theatre where they have become a valued member of the tech team.
They have operated the follow spot for *The Bridges of Madison County* and lighting and sound for *Arsenic and Old Lace* and *Knife Edge.*
Hal is also an actor, having participated in classes with D.K Productions since 2020 and in school productions including *High School Musical, School of Rock* and Alice in Wonderland.
Hal has an infectious passion for all things theatrical.

**Harrison Ewart-Dart - Composer**
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 shows like *Les Misérables* and *Cats*.
During his time at Beaumaris Theatre, he has undertaken roles such as Lewis in Cosi and Cedric/Voldy in *PUFFS.*
Harrison was also the Music Director for *Anne & Gilbert: The Musical, The Last 5 Years,* and most recently, directed *Little Miss Sunshine* and *Blackadder II*.

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 - Adam Solomon

Treasurer - Jenni Osburn

Secretary & Public Officer - Lynda French

Marketing Manager & Membership Secretary - Kristina Doucouliagos

Committee Members - Camilla Klesman, Deb Carpenter, Fiona Williams, Georgy Charles, Harrison Ewart-Dart and Stephen White.

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.