Forgotten Australian stories told on stage

A DOUBLE-bill show about how researching family history can uncover unique stories is coming to the Capital Theatre stage this July.

Stardust and The Mission tell the tales of two men’s ancestors, produced by award-winning ABC presenter and performer Joel Carnegie.

“It’s a double bill of two Australia family stories,” Carnegie said. “Stardust is the story of my grandfather [Col Brain] who was a jazz musician and trumpet player.

“Before he died, he stored his life possessions in a cupboard and locked it up, and it sat in our garage for many years until one day mum and I discovered it again, reopened it and his life fell out in front of us.”

Carnegie originally produced a documentary for ABC Radio National, before turning it into a radio cabaret show.

He said during production of the live show, director Tom Molyneux discovered a personal story of his own, involving his great, great uncle Allan McDonald; which inspired The Mission.

“Allan was one of the first Aboriginal soldiers to enlist for war… only to come back to a country which didn’t want to recognise him and his contribution,” Carnegie said.

The pair were inspired to take both stories and develop a “full-blown live theatre experience.”

“We drew these stories together as an idea of exploring the stories of the people who came before you to understand more about who you are today.”

Carnegie and Molyneux are joined by a rolling creative team for their national tour, which includes local bands assisting with the live music component.

“One of the great elements of the show is we get to work with local brass bands to perform as part of the show,” Carnegie said.

“[In Bendigo] we’re going to be working with six members of the Marist Brass Band who are currently rehearsing and working on the music.

“It means the show keeps us on our toes, keeps the shows fresh and adds a local flavour to the show which is always a really terrific experience for the players, but also an opportunity for audience members to see their local musicians perform on stage.”

Stardust and The Mission play at the Capital Theatre on Wednesday, 13 July. For ticketing information head to bit.ly/3yVryPf.