Fame, fortune and fragility

Why do we idolise certain people? Why do we love watching them fail? Michael Sharmon will explore these issues and more in his latest production, 10 Minutes of Fame, which begins at The Drill Hall Theatre in Mullumbimby on December 5.

Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, the play follows a group of characters, each dealing with the ups and downs of modern fame.

They include a political wife who accidentally becomes an internet sensation, a washed-up pop star holding on to his last hit, and a superhero actress hiding a scandalous secret.

“Almost everyone, at some point, has dreamed about being famous, yet it’s something very few people truly understand,” Sharmon said.

“What I find interesting — and what 10 Minutes of Fame explores — is the duality of fame: the allure and glamour on one side, and the pressure, isolation and sacrifices on the other.

“I hope that it’s funny in a way that lets people laugh at the absurdity of fame while reflecting on their own relationship with it. The characters are flawed, messy and real, which makes them easy to connect with — even when they’re doing things we might not agree with.”

The play’s nine cast members include Rees Laird, fresh from performing in Bangalow Theatre Company’s production of Into the Woods; Brooke Karabache, who wowed audiences recently with her performance in Hot Shorts; and Veronica Lovejoy from Secret Bridesmaids’ Business and The Beast.

Originally from Melbourne, Sharmon studied acting at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium in Lismore before moving to Hong Kong, where he spent 15 years working as an actor, writer and director.

The first musical he wrote, Auditions, sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in 2016. His second, Arabian Dreams, was produced by the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, and his third, A Midsummer Night’s Queen, will premiere in Australia next year.

10 Minutes of Fame is at the Drill Hall Theatre from December 5 to December 8 and December 12 to December 15. The Sunday performances will include a Q&A with Sharmon and members of the cast after the show.

For more information and tickets, head to drillhalltheatre.org.au/10-minutes-of-fame