There’s something really special about being part of a show that connects so deeply, with both the audience and everyone on stage. Performing in Come From Away with Campbelltown Theatre Group has been exactly that kind of experience. For this production, I also threw myself into something new, teaching myself how to play the mandolin. It wasn’t easy at first, but I stuck with it, figured it out, and ended up diving headfirst into a world of sea shanties, Irish jigs… you get the idea.

I’ve had the absolute joy and challenge of playing bouzouki, mandolin, octave mandolin, and acoustic guitars throughout the run. It’s been one of the toughest scores I’ve ever tackled, no exaggeration. I’ve never had to solo this much in a musical before, and honestly, it’s been equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. The kind of challenge that keeps you on your toes, but also reminds you why you love doing this in the first place.

What’s made it even more rewarding is the response. Audiences have been incredibly warm and engaged, and heading into our final week, we’re completely sold out, which is just amazing to say out loud.

The band has been phenomenal from day one, tight, musical, and deeply supportive, and the cast, truly extraordinary. The chorus, in particular, is something else. I’ve never heard a sound so rich, so full, and so unified. It genuinely fills the room, and my heart every night.

Grateful to be part of something like this. What a ride it’s been.