Guild awards BLOC’s dancing queen

BLOC Music Theatre’s 2021 staging of the ABBA jukebox musical Mamma Mia! was celebrated at the recent Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Awards.

Sarah Kate Landy was awarded best female performer in a leading role for her portrayal of lead dancing queen, The Dynamos’ Donna Sheridan.

“I’m really chuffed and appreciative to be acknowledged in this way,” she said.

“You give your all to something that you’re so passionate about, and to have someone say, ‘it was a good performance, congratulations,’ it really makes me feel proud and so pleased I did the show.

“You never know how you come across to the audience, so to have someone who doesn’t know me at all giving me an award, that really made me happy.”

Landy was no stranger to the role when she was given the opportunity to be part of the BLOC cast. Previously, she had worked as an understudy for Donna in a professional production.

“After doing the professional show, sometimes I thought, I wish I’d done or sung some parts differently.

“To play just that one role for a run of shows with BLOC meant I could really sit in it, be comfortable in it, and not be as nervous,” Landy said.

“I’ve always loved the character and feel like I’m very similar in a lot of ways. It’s nice to play a character that’s close to who you are because it comes across more naturally.”

Moving to Ballarat last year and launching her singing school Ballarat Vocal Studio, Landy relished the chance to “dive into the deep end” with BLOC, immersing herself in the local arts scene, and meeting a network of likeminded creatives.

“I’m so glad I did it. Everyone knows each other in this small industry and it’s such a tight-knit community,” she said.

“Straight away from this one show, I’ve been introduced to singing teachers, directors, photographers… the whole community.

“BLOC is a supportive, happy company that lets us thrive, and I’ve never known generosity like that until coming to Ballarat.”