Local icons shine in dazzling new Shakespeare-inspired musical

WHEN playwright Michael Sharmon first stepped into Lismore’s iconic Tropical Fruits New Year’s Eve party, he felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. That experience forms the heart of his new musical, A Midsummer Night’s Queen – a captivating story of love, identity and misunderstanding set against the backdrop of one of the Northern Rivers’ most celebrated queer events.

“For many people in the LGBTQI+ community, New Year’s Eve can be isolating,” Sharmon said. “What I experienced the first time I attended Tropical Fruits in 2007 – and every time since – is the complete opposite. Some of the best New Year’s Eves of my life have been spent there.”

Loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, with playful nods to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the production at Mullumbimby’s Drill Hall Theatre reimagines classic romantic entanglements in a high-energy, contemporary queer setting.

Set in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve, the story follows Lady Beatrice and Benedick, whose razor-sharp banter conceals a deeper, unspoken connection. Meanwhile, young lovers Hero and Claudia appear inseparable – until the meddling Catty threatens to unravel everything. As midnight draws near, tensions escalate, secrets surface, and when the clock finally strikes twelve, tragedy changes their lives forever.

“I’ve always loved Much Ado – it’s witty, character-driven and built around language, which makes it ideal for musical theatre,” Sharmon said. “The relationship between Beatrice and Benedick feels incredibly modern, and in adapting it, I kept the emotional core intact while reimagining the world through a contemporary queer lens.”

 

The production features colourful design elements inspired by Northern Rivers landmarks such as The Big Prawn and Cape Byron Lighthouse, celebrating the region’s identity as Australia’s “rainbow region”.

A lifelong fan of classic movie musicals, Sharmon grew up watching golden-age favourites. He trained in acting at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium in Lismore before pursuing further studies in London and elsewhere in the UK. After 15 years living in Hong Kong, he returned to the Northern Rivers in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of international experience.

Sharmon also takes to the stage, joined by a dynamic ensemble cast under the direction of Kylie Fuad, with choreography by Danielle Linegar. The costumes were designed by Joss Moss, who won a Gold Palm Theatre Award for their work on Bangalow Theatre Company’s production Into the Woods, while the set was designed by Junia Wulf.

A Midsummer Night’s Queen is now playing at the Drill Hall Theatre until 24 May. For more information and tickets, visit drillhalltheatre.org.au