Past Performance

18 – 27 April 2024 

Presented by Ad Astra  

Roland Henning has writer’s block.  

As he embarks on a voyage of self-reflection in the hope of finding himself again, glimpses of his troubled past begin to arise, and he is forced to face his bullying, self-gratifying and narcissistic past. 

Uncomfortable, disconcerting and hilarious, Toy Symphony plunges deep into the dizzying circus of life and art as Roland summons historical figures to battle the constrictive forces of his childhood and the looming adults that desperately try to suppress his imagination and hinder Roland from becoming the man he was always meant to be. 

Michael Gow’s multi-award winning play is a wrestle between the vicious bastardry of being an artist and the sheer exhilaration of the creative act itself. 

Creative Team 

Director: Michelle Carey 

Producer: Gregory J Wilken 

Associate Producer and Social Media Manager: Molly Walker 

Associate Producer and Tech: Tom Pocilujko 

Associate Producer and Stage Manager: Madelyne Leite 

Composer: Tommi Civili 

Cast: Gregory J Wilken, Wendi Lanham, Felix Jarvis, Bernadette Pryde, Sam Webb, John Michael Narres, Chantal Elyse, Adam Dakin 

Reviews 

“Michelle Carey’s production is first class and engages the audience from the get go.” – David Kary, Sydney Arts Guide 

“TOY SYMPHONY is the premiere production for the new Sydney theatre space that is part of QTOPIA. Presented by Ad Astra, that’s based in Queensland, this theatre company expands interstate giving emerging and re-emerging artists more opportunities to showcase their talents.” – Kym Vaitiekus/Jade Kops, Broadway World 

“Toy Symphony is a complex, wonderfully absurd, and incredibly moving examination of the creative process, its virtues, and its pitfalls. A show with so much to say about the act of artistic creation – in the world of theatre, no less – was without a doubt the best way to kick off the Loading Dock’s smash hit season. Carey takes Michael Gow’s first full length show and sets it onto the stage with vitality and dynamism, carried by some amazing performers.” – Michael Di Guglielmo, Stage Door Podcast 

“Led by Director Michelle Carey there’s a lot going on in this intense production. Toy Symphony explores bullying, substance abuse, death and grief. At times this play is uncomfortable to watch but it’s also a compelling look at creativity and human response.” – Natasha Ciesielski, Sydney Scoop 

“Lively direction by Michelle Carey keeps us invested in the storytelling” – Suzy Wrong, Suzy Goes See 

“It is fitting that the first production in the space is from one of the giants of Australian playwriting.  Michael Gow’s “Toy Symphony” reminds us that we should embrace creativity and difference with compassion and patience. And that there can be a little bit of magic in everyone!” – Kate Gaul, Theatre Travels