Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World – The Other Palace, Victoria

Music: Miranda Cooper and Jennifer Decilvio 
Lyrics: Chris Bush and Miranda Cooper 
Director: Amy Hodge

Reviewer: Joanne Kerwood

“Vibrant & Inspiring”

5 / 5

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World, isn’t just fantastically great – its energetic, educational and exciting – simply put, it’s absolutely excellent!  

Jade (Georgia Grant-Anderson) is on a school trip with her class and after breaking away from the group, she wanders into an abandoned exhibition called the ‘gallery of greatness’. Curiosity getting the better of her, she can’t help but explore the intriguing space – but little does she know, she’s not alone. Inside the exhibit, Jade is joined by some of the most prolific women in history – Gertrude Ederle, Amelia Earhart and Marie Curie to name but a few. Each of these fantastically great females are on a quest to teach Jade valuable ideals such as adventure, bravery and resilience to help her achieve her own form of greatness. 

Chris Bush has adapted the show from Kate Pankhurst’s successful picture books, and although this is a show that’s technically skewered towards children and young adults, all ages can enjoy the strong message of positivity that uplifts female accomplishments throughout history. The unwavering high energy within each well-paced scene helps to uplift the audience in such a wholesomely enjoyable way. The script and score are detailed and easy to understand, ensuring that each of the individual character’s notable achievements are clearly outlined to allow the audience to fully digest the brilliance that encompasses them.  

Every single cast member in this wonderful show stands out for their impeccable performances. Georgia Grant-Anderson is fabulous in her central role, displaying the perfect amount of wonder and excitement that many of the children in the audience clearly resonated with. Elena Breschi (Sacagawea/Frida Kahlo/Marie Curie/Miss Morris) plays each of roles brilliantly, but her performance of ‘World of Colour’ is especially impressive, the bright, bold and creative depiction of Kahlo’s world visually beautiful. Another stand-out song is the rousing ‘Deeds Not Words’ performed by Meg Hateley (Emmeline Pankhurst/Agent Fifi/Miss Johnson) that energises the already pumped-up audience even further. Charlotte Jaconelli (Gertrude Ederle/Jane Austen/Mary Anning/Miss Richards) has a beautiful singing voice, and Anelisa Lamola (Amelia Earhart/Mary Seacole/Rosa Parks/Miss Ashley) balances the boldness of Earhart, with the emotional impact of Parks with skill and ease.  

Joanna Scotcher (Set/Costume Design) has created a fabulous space that combines childlike imagination with creative ingenuity to wow the senses and make an incredible visual impact from the moment the show begins. The whole show, much like Kahlo’s number, is filled with colour and creativity, proving that Scotcher is another fantastically great woman that deserves her very own moment of recognition for the visually stunning impact she has on the show.  

This is an exhilarating portrayal of womanhood that will remain with most audiences for a very long time. Inspiring, vibrant, informative and engaging – this is musical theatre at its finest, and a wonderful way to recognise these fabulous females that have changed our world for the better.  

Runs Until 8^th September 2024