We have recently seen a brilliant stage musical based on Miles Franklin’s famous novel My Brilliant Career. Now comes a new Australian musical called Stella, exploring Franklin’s life, which was marked by poverty, entrenched sexism, personal loss and the upheaval of two world wars. Seven years in the making, Stella features book, music and lyrics by Monique diMattina, who weaves Franklin’s own words into the storytelling. Meanwhile, her score – performed by an onstage band of seven – embraces Australian and Irish folk, bush ballads, salsa, pop, punk rock and classic musical theatre. Directed by Julia Robertson, the five-strong cast includes Geraldine Hakewill in the title role. This is your chance to catch one of its early showings. Will it go on to become a big hit? Time will tell.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

The world premiere of Stella – A New Australian Musical celebrates Stella Miles Franklin’s own dramatic story when it debuts at Monash University’s Alexander Theatre for a strictly limited season from 12–20 June.

Literary icon Miles Franklin’s life, marked by poverty, entrenched sexism, personal loss and the upheaval of two world wars, has until now been overshadowed by the attention on her debut novel My Brilliant Career and the literary awards that carry her name – the Miles Franklin Award and The Stella Prize.

Seven years in the making, this new production draws on Franklin’s sharp, witty and distinctive voice, weaving her own words into the piece, balancing humour and heart. A genre-spanning score moves from Australian and Irish folk and bush ballads through to salsa, neo-classical, pop, punk rock and classic musical theatre, capturing the energy, resilience and adventurous spirit of one of Australia’s most iconic literary figures.