Lynne McGranger, famed as Irene Roberts in “Home and Away,” is set to captivate Maroubra with “The Grandparents Club,” premiering at The Juniors Auditorium along Anzac Parade.
This unique Australian musical comedy, celebrating the dynamic lives of modern grandparents, promises laughter and poignant moments and marks Ms McGranger’s return to her theatrical roots alongside a talented cast, including Laurence Coy, Meredith O’Reilly, and Andrew James.
The show, which will run on 30 June 2024 in Maroubra, promises an unforgettable experience. McGranger anticipates the return with excitement, highlighting the musical’s blend of humour, warmth, and grandparental glory under the creative guidance of Wendy Harmer and John Field.
Beyond Maroubra, the tour is set to traverse metro and regional NSW, ACT, and VIC from May to August 2024, making stops in various cities, including Batemans Bay, Wollongong, Penrith, and many more.
Tour Schedules
• 30th May – Yuin Theatre, BATEMANS BAY(3.00pm & 7.00pm)
• 31st May – Merrigong Theatre, WOLLONGONG (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm))
• 1st June – Evan Theatre, PENRITH (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 2nd June – Canterbury Leagues Club, CANTERBURY (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 7th June – Shoalhaven Performing Arts, NOWRA (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 8th June – Concourse Theatre, CHATSWOOD(3.00pm & 7.00pm)
• 9h June – Wenty Leagues Club, WENTWORTHVILLE(3.00pm & 7.00pm)
• 14th June – The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, SUTHERLAND (3.00 pm &
7.00 pm)
• 15th June – Dee Why RSL Showroom, DEE WHY (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 16th June – The Powerhouse Theatre, CASULA (1.00 pm & 5.00 pm)
• 21st June – The Arthouse Theatre, WYONG (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 23rd June – Norths, CAMMERAY (2.00 pm and 6.00 pm)
• 28th June – Marana Auditorium, HURSTVILLE (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 29th June – The Cube, CAMPBELLTOWN (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 30th June – The Juniors Auditorium, MAROUBRA (1.00 pm & 5.00 pm)
• 3rd July – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, CESSNOCK (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 4th July – Civic Theatre, NEWCASTLE (3.00 PM & 7.00 PM)
• 5th July – Manning Entertainment Centre, TAREE (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 6th July – C.Ex Club, COFFS HARBOUR (3.00 pm & 6.00 pm)
• 7th July – The Glasshouse Theatre, PORT MACQUARIE (2.00 pm & 6.00 pm)
• 12th July – Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, GOULBURN (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 13th July – The Playhouse, CANBERRA (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 14th July – The Playhouse, CANBERRA (1.00 pm & 5.00 pm)
• 17th July – Kingston Arts Centre, MOORABBIN (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 19th – Frankston Arts Centre, FRANKSTON (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 20th July – Geelong Arts Centre, GEELONG (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 21st – Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre,SOUTH MORANG(2.00pm &
6.00 pm)
• 25th July – West Gippsland Arts Centre, WARRAGUL (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 26th July – Ulumbara Theatre, BENDIGO (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 27th July – The Clocktower Centre, MOONEE PONDS (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 28th July – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, BALLARAT (1.00 pm &
5.00 pm)
• 1st August – Blue Mountains Theatre, SPRINGWOOD (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 2nd August – Bathurst Panthers, BATHURST (3.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
• 4th August – Dubbo Regional Theatre, DUBBO (1.00 pm & 5.00 pm)
For those in Maroubra and beyond, this production is more than a musical; it’s a testament to grandparents’ evolving, vibrant role in today’s families, promising laughter, tears, and, most importantly, a grand time.
About the Cast
Apart from Irene Roberts on “Home & Away,” Ms McGranger has showcased her versatility across Australian television, becoming the longest-serving female cast member on any Australian scripted TV show by 2014. Not just confined to acting, McGranger has also excelled in dance, securing the runner-up position on “Dancing with the Stars” and authoring her memoir, “Acting Up,” during the 2020 lockdown. With a background in teaching and a rich history in performing arts, McGranger’s career spans various roles on stage and screen, emphasising her passion for acting and contributions to theatre and pantomime.
Laurence Coy, known for his quick wit, started his career as a stand-up comedian in Australia and internationally. His talents extend beyond comedy to acting and singing, making him sought after in theatre, musical theatre, television, and film. He has worked with various state theatre companies and notable productions such as “Summer Rain,” “Calamity Jane,” and “The Fantasticks” in musical theatre. In film, he has appeared in “The Appleton Ladies Potato Race,” “Ladies In Black,” and “San Andreas,” among others. Television credits include “Mr Inbetween,” “Black Comedy,” and “Rake.” Additionally, Coy has co-written and directed series like “Tough Nuts – Australia’s Hardest Criminals” for Foxtel and “The Kangaroo Gang” for the BBC.
Andrew James has had a distinguished career in Australian theatre and television, showcasing his acting and comedic talents. He has performed for esteemed theatre companies such as Bell Shakespeare and Sydney Theatre Company, as well as in national and international tours of musicals like ‘Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story’. His versatility extends to roles for young audiences and adaptations like ‘Pete the Sheep’ and ‘The Magic Pudding’. On television, he has appeared in various shows including ‘Home and Away’, ‘Rake’, and ‘Prisoner’. James has portrayed a diverse range of characters, from historical figures like Winston Churchill to animals like a dog, kangaroo, and sheep. Notably, he is about to become a grandparent. Additionally, he enjoys playing the harmonica and ukulele in his free time.
Meredith O’Reilly boasts a rich, 35-year career as a professional entertainer, earning nominations for prestigious awards in roles such as Grandma Addams in “The Addams Family” and Sylvia St Croix in “Ruthless.” Notable stage appearances include “Les Miserables,” “Love Never Dies,” and “Hello Dolly!” among others. She has also played principal roles in Australian productions like “Karaoke the Musical” and “King Of The Air.” Meredith’s versatility extends beyond stage acting to television dramas, commercials, and voiceovers. She has showcased her vocal talents with the Big Band, Horns Plus, and in her jazz duo and quintet. Moreover, her cabaret “Curtains,” reflecting on her showbiz journey, has received acclaim at various venues. Additionally, she has hosted radio shows and narrated audiobooks for Vision Australia.
For more details, including ticket availability, visit the official site.