Primetime The Musical → Adelaide Cabaret Festival

 It’s a rare thrill to witness something you know is going to become a powerful piece of theatre, to be able to say, “I saw its first-ever performance!” That’s exactly what Primetime: The Musical is destined for.

Developed in South Australia by the incredible Millicent Sarre and Joseph Simons, Primetime had its first development showing as part of the 2025 Adelaide Cabaret Festival-  and what a debut it was. This was my first time seeing a show at such an early stage, though I use the term “early” loosely, because it was far more than just “the bones” of a musical. This refreshing story centering around Australian women is bursting with vitality, and left the audience totally invested without even having seen the show in full. 

Set in 2005 on the set of Australian hit TV game show Race Against The Cock!, the musical follows a new prizemodel who joins the long legacy of women hired to stand and look pretty. When an anniversary episode brings all the previous prizemodels back together, the women plot to take down the long-running host. After all, nothing unites women like a common enemy, right?

Though it’s a comedy, Primetime doesn’t shy away from some pressing feminist themes surrounding identity and what it means to be “in your prime” as a woman, especially in the unforgiving world of Australian media. Primetime also explores the weight of secrecy, as the long-standing host grapples with one himself, adding another poignant layer to the show’s exploration of identity and societal expectations. 

Throughout the showing, this incredibly talented cast brought the detailed backstories of these characters to the forefront. The five women slowly reveal the complexities of their lives and careers, creating a sense of relatability to their experiences with aging and womanhood. From what I saw so far, the show is equally witty and empowering, a clever stab at the expectations and stereotypes of TV Personalities and the Media’s perception of them. 


Musically, the score was enjoyable and highly engaging. Each song forces you to listen intently to the story being sung, as the lyrics ingeniously reveal the inner turmoil of the characters. 


I left feeling refreshed and eager, finally, a piece of Australian musical theatre that speaks to a wide, diverse audience in an honest and resonant way. Judging by the standing ovation? We’re all ready for more.





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