History was made when Ray Johns, the renowned owner of The Red Hill Baker, approached Flinders composer John Thorn with a novel proposition.
Ray’s idea was for a musical that celebrated bread – highlighting the wonderful biology of bread as well as the impact of industrialisation on the daily loaf. Fortunately, John was a lockdown sourdough convert as well as a history buff, so proved to be the perfect person to bring the story to life.
John teamed up with writer Ben Grant to pen the musical, which will have its world premiere at the Flinders Fringe Festival on February 21 and 22. John said the aptly named Bread The Musical would explore the fascinating evolution of bread, from its origins in ancient agriculture to its political and cultural significance.
“Audiences can expect catchy songs and plenty of laughs along with bread, freshly baked during the performance to cap off this wonderful celebration of our favourite food,” John said.
Supported by Red Hill Bakery, Bread The Musical will feature an all-star local cast from the Mornington Peninsula including Ray Johns – who will both sing and play trumpet – as well as Tony Barber (Sale of the Century), Matthew Green (Seachange), Simon Hall (Tripod), Emily Watson (Improv for Life), Rachael Grace (Australian Barbra Streisand Show), Rick Wignell (The Swagman), 90-year-old drummer John Fordham (Eartha Kitt), Chris Keogh (Comedy Company) and Fiona Thorn (Pastel Vespa).
“It’s a truly creative and unique theatrical experience,” John said.
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