Gladys Berejiklian Musical Premieres at Sydney Fringe Festival

Gladys: A Musical Affair is set to premiere at the Sydney Fringe Festival, showcasing a blend of parody and satire centered around the former NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian. The creators, Nick Rheinberger and Tia Wilson, began developing the musical during the 2018-19 bushfires, inspired by the press conferences led by Berejiklian and Shane Fitzsimmons. The show captures the nostalgia of lockdown days and reflects on Berejiklian's leadership during the pandemic, as well as her subsequent fall from grace. The performance features a variety of characters, including a villain named Daryl, who attempts to win affection through musical displays. The creators aim to portray Berejiklian as a complex figure, acknowledging the fondness many still hold for her due to her handling of the COVID-19 crisis. The musical includes humorous elements, such as the exaggerated musical talents of various characters, which are not based on factual evidence. Despite the lighthearted approach, the creators recognize the emotional weight of Berejiklian's story, particularly for those who admired her leadership. Wilson, who shares a resemblance with the former premier, expresses her internal conflict as a feminist regarding her support for Berejiklian. The show has already sold out its five Sydney performances, with additional shows planned for the Illawarra region. The creators did not seek input from Berejiklian, who is now working with Optus, and her reaction to the musical remains uncertain. The performance aims to honor the complexities of her character while entertaining audiences with a mix of humor and reflection on recent history.