A small South Australian town delivers big theatre with Balaklava Community Arts’ new production of Gypsy
Balaklava might be best known for wheat, sheep, and its famous country race meet, but behind the scenes, Balaklava Community Arts (BCA) has been quietly turning out top quality theatre for decades. And with Gypsy – A Musical Fable on the cards this year, they’re not holding back.
Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy is a bold, funny, and heart-wrenching musical about the ultimate stage mother and the daughters she pushes into show business. Set in the vaudeville era of the 1920s and ’30s, it’s packed with show-stopping tunes, big personalities, and jaw-dropping moments.
A Director’s dream 25 years in the making
For Director Toby Strudwicke, Gypsy has been a long time coming. “I actually pitched Gypsy to BCA 25 years ago,” he says. “It didn’t get the nod back then, but I never forgot about it. For me, it’s the complete package – brilliant story, unforgettable score, and the lyrics of the late, great Stephen Sondheim. I was only ever going to direct this show.”
Toby grew up in Mallala and was a regular on and off the BCA stage in the ’90s, directing three shows before heading overseas to perform street theatre across Europe. These days, he manages a national trivia company and DJs for the Adelaide 36ers, but Balaklava still draws him back. “I returned to BCA during the 40th birthday gala in 2023,” he says. “And it just reignited that spark.”
This production also marks the first time BCA has taken on a Sondheim musical – a challenge embraced by a dedicated creative team that’s been working behind the scenes since late 2024. Farmer by day and musical whizz by night, Musical Director and BCA Life Member Heidi Zerk first performed with the group as a child, and now draws on more than 20 years of experience to shape Gypsy’s rich and demanding score.
Joining her is Choreographer and Co-Director Tahlia Neale, a trained dancer and former Balaklava High School performing arts teacher, widely known for her ability to turn even the most hesitant cast members into confident movers.
A cast of locals, newcomers, and brave young performers
Leading the cast is long-time BCA favourite Kelly Bickle, who’s been involved in almost every production over the past 30 years. As Madam Rose, she’s tackling what she says is her most challenging role yet – a role that requires big vocals and even bigger emotional range – and Kelly’s taking it on headfirst. Sharing the spotlight is Bethany Eloise as Louise, a rising talent trained at the Elder Conservatorium and London’s Associated Studios.
There are 12 newcomers in the 27-strong cast, including seven kids – six of them stepping onto the stage for the very first time. Most are from Balaklava Primary, and they’ve absolutely thrown themselves into it.
“The children have taken it on with so much courage and enthusiasm. I’m so proud of them.” – Heidi Zerk, Musical Director
And they’re not the only ones making a debut. Chowsie the dog – played by Harry, a much-loved four-legged pooch – is also taking to the stage for the first time.
Decades of local theatre and community support
BCA itself has a long history. Originally known as the Balaklava Choral and Music Lovers’ Society, the group dates back to the 1940s and re-formed as Balaklava Community Arts in 1982. Over the years, they’ve put on everything from pantomimes to full-scale musicals and variety shows. They also helped kickstart the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery and the long-running Balaklava Eisteddfod. The growing list of Life Members says a lot about how many locals have rolled up their sleeves over the years to keep the arts thriving in the Mid-North.
And while the shows change, the purpose hasn’t. “It gives people who don’t fit the local sports mould a place to belong,” says Heidi. “We work hard, we laugh a lot, and we aim to bring out the best in each other.”
Tahlia says community theatre goes well beyond the spotlight. “It brings together such a mix – people building sets, sewing costumes, doing lighting and sound. You don’t have to be a performer to be part of it. And when everyone’s working toward the same goal, it just works.”
Gypsy is bold, funny, and packed with talent – and Balaklava’s taking it on with everything it’s got. Don’t miss the chance to see what this small-town stage can deliver.
GYPSY – A MUSICAL FABLE
Where: Balaklava Town Hall
When:
Saturday, August 23 – 7pm–10pm (Theatre seating)
Sunday, August 24 – 2pm–5pm (Matinee, theatre seating)
Friday, August 29 & Saturday, August 30 – 7pm–10pm (BYO Cabaret style – bring your own food, grab a table of ten, bar facilities available)
Sunday, August 31 – 2pm–5pm (Matinee)
Grab your tickets here
