From the co-creator behind some of Australia’s most beloved films (The Castle, The Dish) and our smash-hit production The Speechmaker, Bloom is a big-hearted new musical comedy that celebrates the power of music to connect us across generations.
When Mrs MacIntyre, the scheming owner of aged care home Pine Grove, decides to cut costs by offering uni students free board in return for them helping out as carers, she does not count on the arrival of Finn Bailey. Lazy and unqualified, Finn soon clashes with over-worked carer Ruby, before setting off a chain of events that lead to romance, rebellion and a residents’ choir.
Showcasing his trademark humour, Working Dog’s Tom Gleisner (Have You Been Paying Attention?, Utopia) injects exuberant cheer and remarkable truth into his characters and his setting, turning one of Australia’s most shameful recent failures – aged care – into a vision of hope and possibility. Collaborating with singer, actor and composer Katie Weston (Falling Forward, Sugartown) and directed by Dean Bryant (Fun Home), they have crafted a heartwarming, uplifting and joyful musical that reminds us that there is always something to learn, no matter how old we are.
Mts. MacIntyre
Mrs. MacIntyre - 40-60s
The ambitious, cost-cutting manager of Pine Grove aged care, who institutes the scheme of offering free board to uni students in return for care work.
Mezzo Soprano (E3-C#5)
Gender: female
Finn
Finn - Early to mid 20s
A university student who moves into Pine Grove in exchange helping with resident care.
Rock Tenor (B2 - Bb4, E5 falsetto)
Gender: male
Ruby
Ruby - Early to mid 20s
A young caregiver who already works there, clashes with Finn initially but cares about the residents.
Mezzo Soprano (G3 - Eb5)
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Rose
Gender: female
Doug
Gender: male
Gloria
Gender: female
Roland
Gender: male
Lesley
Betty
Gender: female
Chef
Gender: any
Sal
Gender: any
Inspector
News Reporter
Trev
“Big-hearted, home-grown musical theatre romp” ★★★★ The Age
“Bloom is an affecting, special piece of Australian theatre” ★★★★★ Scenestr
“Poignantly funny and uniquely Aussie comedy experience” ★★★★ Time Out
“Bloom comes up roses” ★★★★ ArtsHub
“Winsome humour and heart-string tugging moments which make this high-quality musical a highly recommendable ticket” ★★★★½ Theatre Matters
2024 Green Room Award for New Australian Music Theatre Writing
“Big-hearted, home-grown musical theatre romp” ★★★★ The Age
“Bloom is an affecting, special piece of Australian theatre” ★★★★★ Scenestr
“Poignantly funny and uniquely Aussie comedy experience” ★★★★ Time Out
“Bloom comes up roses” ★★★★ ArtsHub
“Winsome humour and heart-string tugging moments which make this high-quality musical a highly recommendable ticket” ★★★★½ Theatre Matters
2024 Green Room Award for New Australian Music Theatre Writing
Billing
Requirements
TBC