In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G sits down with actor Tom Stokes, whose career has spanned theatre, film, and television, to explore the realities of pursuing a life in the arts. What begins as a conversation about performance quickly becomes an honest reflection on rejection, persistence, creativity, and the courage required to keep showing up when success is never guaranteed.

Tom shares stories from his early years in Perth, the teachers and mentors who encouraged him to pursue acting, and the decision to commit fully to the craft without a backup plan. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into the industry, navigating periods of uncertainty, and learning how to separate personal worth from professional rejection. Along the way, he reveals how some of the opportunities that felt like devastating setbacks ultimately led to the most significant breakthroughs in his career.

The conversation also dives into his latest production, Anna X, a provocative stage play inspired by the true story of Anna Delvey. Together, Andrew and Tom explore the themes of ambition, status, social media, deception, and the growing tension between who we are and who we present ourselves to be online.

Ultimately, this episode is about resilience, embracing uncertainty, and trusting that persistence—not perfection—is often what shapes a meaningful creative life.

In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G sits down with director, choreographer, and producer Madi Lee, the creative force behind a bold new production of Sweet Charity. What begins as a conversation about theatre evolves into a deeper discussion about storytelling, identity, resilience, and the importance of belonging.

Madi reflects on her journey from child performer to acclaimed creative, sharing how an unexpected opportunity led her from the stage into directing and choreography. She opens up about the realities of life in the arts, the challenges of burnout, and the lessons she learned from taking creative and financial risks in pursuit of meaningful work.

The conversation also explores her reimagining of Sweet Charity through a queer and emotionally honest lens, uncovering themes of love, community, representation, and the universal desire to feel seen. Ultimately, this episode is about finding your place, creating spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, and using storytelling to build deeper human connection.

In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G sits down with Australian performer Rob Mills to reflect on a career spanning Australian Idol, major musical theatre productions like Wicked, Grease, and Waitress, and the personal evolution that came with life in the spotlight. What begins as a chat about performance quickly becomes a deeper conversation about identity, resilience, and what it takes to keep showing up in a demanding creative industry.

Rob reflects on growing up in suburban Melbourne as a “footy-playing, pub-singing tradie,” and how that grounded upbringing shaped his confidence on stage, even without a clear path into the arts. He revisits his Idol breakthrough, describing it as a time of “ignorant bliss” that opened doors but also led to a period of identity loss and self-doubt once the fame settled.

The conversation follows his rebuilding phase—therapy, reflection, and stepping into musical theatre after discovering West End productions—which helped him redefine his sense of self and purpose beyond pop fame. He now sees theatre as a team sport, where every role on and off stage matters equally, and no performer succeeds alone.

Rob also explores masculinity and emotional intelligence, emphasising vulnerability, humour, and self-awareness as essential traits, especially for young men today. Ultimately, this episode is about reinvention, collaboration, and learning to find identity beyond public expectation.

Andrew G sits down with Monique DiMattina to unpack the journey of building a creative life across music, theatre, and storytelling—shaped not by a traditional pathway, but by persistence, curiosity, and a deep need to create. A highly versatile Australian musician and writer, Monique reflects on how her career evolved from performing and releasing albums to ultimately stepping into musical theatre as a space where all her artistic influences could finally coexist.

They explore the making of her new Australian musical Stella, based on the life of literary icon Miles Franklin. Monique shares how the project began almost accidentally, sparked by a conversation with her niece and a desire to spotlight overlooked Australian cultural figures. What started as a few songs gradually grew into a full production through workshops, performances, and collaborative momentum, eventually becoming a large-scale stage work exploring ambition, sacrifice, and legacy.

Monique opens up about the realities of becoming a professional artist, including years of feeling behind, struggling with technical confidence, and experiencing the deflating pressure of being surrounded by more advanced peers. She reflects on how her creative voice only began to fully emerge in her mid-thirties, after years of practice, experimentation, and slow development rather than overnight success.

The conversation also dives into her wide-ranging musical influences, from classical composers like Bach and Beethoven to film score legends like Ennio Morricone and John Williams, as well as singer-songwriters across multiple genres. She explains how musical theatre became the perfect format to combine these influences, allowing her to move freely across genres in service of storytelling rather than commercial constraints.

Andrew and Monique also discuss the challenges facing modern artists, particularly the pressure of social media, streaming culture, and constant online visibility. Monique reflects on how stepping back from digital noise has helped protect her creativity, and how live performance remains the most meaningful form of connection with audiences.

At its core, this episode is about creative resilience, artistic identity, and the long, often uncertain process of finding your voice. Through Monique’s journey with Stella, the conversation reveals how meaningful work is often built slowly over time—through rejection, experimentation, collaboration, and the willingness to keep showing up even when the path forward is unclear.

Andrew G sits down with Penny Ashton to unpack the reality of building a global performance career from the ground up—without a manager, agent, or traditional pathway. A one-woman powerhouse with over a thousand shows under her belt, Penny shares how her love for live audiences, comedy, and storytelling shaped a career defined by independence, resilience, and relentless creativity. From performing as a child to touring internationally, she reflects on why the stage—not screen fame—became her true calling.

They explore the deeper themes behind her hit show Promise and Promiscuity, a wildly funny, Austen-inspired performance that blends comedy, music, and sharp social commentary. Penny breaks down why Jane Austen’s stories still resonate today—highlighting how the pursuit of love is often intertwined with the need for financial security, stability, and agency. The conversation reveals how timeless human desires continue to shape modern audiences, no matter the setting or era.

Penny opens up about the less glamorous side of the industry—touring challenges, financial instability, rejection, and the constant hustle of producing, marketing, and performing her own work. She shares how tenacity became her greatest asset, from applying multiple times to become a wedding celebrant to pushing forward despite funding rejections and career setbacks. Rather than waiting for opportunities, Penny explains how she created them—building her career through sheer persistence and adaptability.

Andrew and Penny also dive into the unique energy of live performance—the unpredictability of audiences, the thrill of real-time connection, and why no two shows are ever the same. From awkward audience moments to unforgettable on-stage mishaps, they highlight how spontaneity and imperfection are part of what makes theatre so powerful and alive.

Beyond the stage, the episode becomes a broader conversation about creative independence, the realities of sustaining a career in the arts, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. At its core, this episode is about tenacity, self-belief, and the pursuit of meaningful work—proving that success doesn’t always come from following the traditional path, but from carving your own

Andrew G sits down with James Liotta to explore what it really takes to build a long-lasting career in entertainment. With over 25 years across comedy, radio, theatre, and television, James reflects on how growing up in an Italian-Australian household shaped his humour, storytelling, and passion for live audiences. From community radio and early theatre roles to national tours and television appearances, he shares how persistence, adaptability, and creating his own opportunities became the foundation of his career.

The conversation dives into the power of cultural comedy, the realities of rejection and unpaid gigs, and why James never chased fame—only the chance to keep performing. Andrew and James also unpack the unpredictability of live theatre, audience interactions, and the success of Nonno and Yaya with George Kapiniaris, a comedy show celebrating Italian and Greek family culture through sketches, music, and stand-up.

At its core, this episode is about resilience, creative independence, and the joy of making people laugh—proving that success in entertainment comes from consistently showing up, evolving, and staying connected to your audience.

Andrew G sits down with Max Meaden to unpack the creative journey behind The Last Parma Night, a darkly funny and deeply Australian stage production inspired by the pub rituals, friendships, and growing pains that define so many young adults. From childhood obsessions with Doctor Who to writing and starring in his own original work, Max shares how storytelling became both a personal outlet and a way to explore identity, nostalgia, and human connection.

They explore the emotional weight behind everyday rituals like “Parma Night” and why simple traditions between mates can hold far more meaning than they first appear. Max reflects on his early experiences performing, training at 16th Street Actors Studio, and the realities of navigating auditions, rejection, and the pressure of building a career in Australia’s arts industry. The conversation also dives into the decision to stop waiting for opportunities and instead create work from the ground up with the people and stories closest to him.

Andrew and Max discuss the uniquely Melbourne identity woven throughout The Last Parma Night, from pub culture and tram rides to the anxieties of adulthood, changing friendships, and the fear of being left behind. They also unpack the show’s surreal and unexpected elements, how sci-fi influences shaped its darker undertones, and why the best theatre often disguises immense emotional and technical complexity beneath something that feels effortless and familiar.

Beyond the play itself, the episode becomes a wider conversation about the value of Australian storytelling, the struggle for arts funding, and the challenge creatives face in balancing authentic artistic expression with the demands of social media and modern entertainment culture. At its core, this episode is about friendship, reinvention, creative risk-taking, and the importance of telling stories that reflect who we are, where we come from, and the moments that quietly shape our lives.

Andrew G sits down with Jarred Dewey to explore the journey of a world-class circus artist driven not by competition, but by creativity, connection, and the pursuit of meaningful performance. From his early days as a recreational gymnast who struggled in competitive environments to discovering his place in the world of circus, Jarred shares how finding an art form that valued expression over winning changed the course of his life.

They unpack the reality of building a career in a niche and physically demanding industry, including the leap from a working-class upbringing in Adelaide to studying at the National Institute of Circus Arts and eventually touring the world with Circa. Jarred reflects on the intensity of performing across 40+ countries, the cultural nuances of live audiences, and how those experiences shaped his perspective—not just as an artist, but as a human deeply attuned to energy, emotion, and connection.

The conversation dives into his current role in Club Cabaret, a bold and emotionally layered show that blends circus, drag, music, and storytelling. Jarred opens up about the vulnerability of performing in such an intimate format, the responsibility of guiding audiences through both spectacle and deeper themes like identity and inclusivity, and why the most powerful performances aren’t always about applause—but about tension, presence, and shared experience.

At its core, this episode is about redefining success in the creative world, embracing risk without fear, and understanding that great performance isn’t just about skill—it’s about empathy, authenticity, and the ability to make people feel something real.

Andrew G sits down with Sian Fuller to explore the journey of a young artist navigating early success, self-doubt, and the evolving path back to what she truly loves. From growing up in a family of musicians to stepping onto the national stage at just 16, Sian reflects on how validation, pressure, and exposure shaped her identity—not just as a performer, but as a person figuring things out in real time.

They unpack the reality of being thrust into the spotlight at a young age through The Voice, and how the experience challenged her confidence while also reinforcing the importance of self-belief. Sian shares the emotional complexity of performing under public scrutiny, the impact of social media, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference in staying grounded and inspired.

The conversation dives into her return to musical theatre with Once, a raw and intimate production that demands vulnerability, musicianship, and deep connection on stage. She opens up about why this role felt aligned with her current season in life, how imperfection adds authenticity to performance, and what makes the show resonate so strongly with audiences.

At its core, this episode is about embracing uncertainty, finding confidence through experience, and learning that being a creative isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection, honesty, and having the courage to keep showing up.

Andrew G sits down with Mark Taylor to explore the journey of a creative returning to the stage after more than a decade away, and what it really means to reconnect with your artistic identity. From early childhood storytelling shaped by imagination and music, to navigating self-doubt and the pressure of perception, Mark shares how his relationship with performance has evolved over time.

They unpack the reality of stepping back into acting after years of directing and producing, and why the absence of labels has allowed him to embrace a more fluid, honest approach to creativity. Mark reflects on the internal battles creatives face, the impact of self-consciousness, and how age and experience have helped him quiet the noise and focus on what truly matters—connection, presence, and truth in performance.

The conversation dives into his return to the stage in Once, a deeply intimate and music-driven production that blurs the line between actor and musician. He shares why the story resonates so personally, how music becomes a vehicle for emotional expression, and what makes the show so uniquely powerful for both performers and audiences.

At its core, this episode is about coming back to what you love, letting go of rigid identity, and finding freedom in simply being a creative—open, collaborative, and fully present in the moment.