Ned goes back to prison in Bendigo

Old Bendigo Gaol

The Old Bendigo Gaol has been the scene of much drama since it began housing the goldfield’s criminals in 1861, but judging by the City of Greater Bendigo’s latest plans, it ain’t seen nothing yet.

The city is set to launch the historic site as the new Ulumbarra Theatre, a 1000-seat auditorium for the arts.

The Capital Venue and Events team has locked in the 2015 Ulumbarra program. While April’s opening celebrations will be a highlight, what comes next is truly special.

In May Ulumbarra will host the premier of NED a new Australian musical, written and composed by one of Bendigo’s own sons of the stage.

Adam Lyon is fresh from playing the lead role in hit production King Kong. He cut his teeth as a teenager with the Bendigo Theatre Company, and is back home to pay homage to his grounding.

“It’s just the most fantastic opportunity and beyond everything else I’m exceptionally grateful,” he said on the chance to work with the Capital Venues and Events team to produce his show.

“It means I get a chance to create new Australian work, and that’s a gift that’s a lot rarer than it should be.”

NED will bring together some of Australia’s most experienced theatre professionals alongside emerging local talent.

“We’re trying to involve as many locals as possible,” Adam said.

In February locals had to chance to audition for the country’s biggest casting agent, Lynne Ruthven, who chose the talent for the likes of King Kong and Strictly Ballroom.

“To be able to come back and give people the opportunity to be involved in a project of this scope is wonderful,” Adam said.

“My hope is that it finds a large scale producer for a Melbourne season for a life beyond Bendigo and hopefully a life beyond Australia.”

Adam has been keeping a close eye on Ulumbarra’s development.

“It’s so cool,” he said. “They’ve done a masterful job of combining the old architecture and the new.

“It’s the finest quality regional theatre I’ve seen, they’ve gone to great lengths to make sure it’s a viable, professional venue for large shows to tour.”

Or in this case, for large shows to blossom. NED follows the life of bushranger Ned Kelly. Adam hopes the legendary Australian story will appeal to a wider audience than traditional musical theatre lovers.

“The quality of the characters is something that really took me by surprise,” he said.

“The main thing for me is how exceptional everybody else in Ned’s life was – his mother, his sister, his brothers.

“I do hope it gets bums on seats.”

NED will play from May 22 to 31. Visit nedmusical.com.au for more information or to purchase your tickets now.

Ulumbarra Theatre opens on April 18 with the Light up the Sky concert, featuring James Morrison.

On April 19 the free A Place for People opening day will feature roving entertainment, the Trove market and guided tours. 

Book your tickets for all shows and events at gotix.com.au.

Celebrate Festival of Ned while you are in Bendigo, visit Bendigo Art Gallery to see the 'Imagining Ned' exhibition.

 Click here for more information.