The Lucky Country is a new theatrical work that explores what it means to be Australian. With music and lyrics by Vidya Makan, and Sonya Suares as co-creator and director, The Lucky Country is a one act song cycle that packs a lot into its 65 minute run time. The show opens with Boy being asked to complete a school assignment that asks what makes Australia the lucky country. As his fellow students respond with why we are the “lucky country”, Boy questions the responses. This leads the audience into a diverse array of songs that explore the many facets of living in Australia – the stereotypes, the quirky sense of humour, the cultural diversity, the story telling, and indeed, the challenges.
Director Sonya Suares has placed a strong emphasis on the story-telling in these songs, and the impact is palpable. The audience laughed, and then cried, smiled and then gasped. It’s quite the emotional journey, filled with moments of hilarity, tenderness and thought provoking, brutal truths. Rather than building and building to a single climax, the show weaves in and out of these contrasting moments surprisingly well, reliant only on the power of Makan’s songs and the superb acting skills of the cast.
The story element is further enhanced by a stunning video design by Justin Harrison, with lighting design by Rob Sowinski and sound design by Andrew Boswell. A vibrant costume design by Emily Collett works well, with several costume changes to assist with the storytelling and character identification. Choreography by Amy Zhang adds some fun to the numbers.
The cast is as eclectically diverse as the range of songs. Garrett Lyon, Naarah, Phoenix Jackson Mendoza, Jeffrey Liu, Karlis Zaid, Anusha Thomas and Vidya Makan are all superb. Every performance is outstanding, with each song performed with passion and purpose. There are ensemble numbers, duets and solos, with each cast member having their moment to shine in the spotlight.
Bringing Vidya Makan’s songs to life is Musical Director Heidi Maguire, who also wrote the orchestrations. Maguire is expertly supported by four musicians – Billy McPherson, Ann Metry, Kathryn Stammers and Lee Mallinson.
By the end of The Lucky Country, the audience leaves with a smile and a sense of joy, feeling inspired but considerate of what it means to live in the lucky country. The Lucky Country both entertains and challenges the audience. Despite the lack of spoken word, there’s considerable food for thought.
While Vidya Makan has garnered a lot of fans since her critically acclaimed portrayal of Eliza in Hamilton, she is also just as outstandingly talented as a composer and lyricist. Let’s hope The Lucky Country is just the first of many more to come.
The Lucky Country is now playing at MTC’s Lawler Theatre at Southbank, as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, and will then head to the Underground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse from 22nd October 2025. Tickets are selling fast!
The Lucky Country original cast recording is now available for streaming. For more details and tickets: https://www.luckycountrymusical.com/
