Originally produced in the late 1970s, Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly: The Musical receives a long-overdue revival in Ballarat as part of Victorian Opera’s commitment to the regions. The musical explores the life and times of Australia’s most notorious bandit – an outlaw and bushranger whose iconic homemade suit of armour captured the imagination of a nation (think Sidney Nolan’s classic paintings). But who was Ned Kelly? Was he a rightly celebrated anti-hero or simply a cold-blooded killer? Stuart Maunder directs this new staging with Simon Holt at the helm of the VO Chamber Orchestra. (See page 38.)

Limelight Editor’s Choice

His name is etched into national folklore. The outlaw bushranger, his gang and that iconic suit of armour — who was Ned Kelly? A celebrated anti-hero or simply a cold-blooded killer?

Victorian Opera breathes fresh life into a neglected work of Australian theatre with Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly: The Musical. Originally produced in the late 1970s, the musical charts the life and times of Australia’s most notorious bandit.

Directed by Stuart Maunder and conducted by Simon Holt, the new production is presented exclusively at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat, as part of Victorian Opera’s ongoing commitment to the region.

Plan a weekend getaway and experience an unforgettable piece of Australian theatre, starring the legend himself — Reg Livermore — in a special cameo.