Part of Festival of the Unseen 2025

UNSUNG

Saturday 22 February 2025

Antipodes HQ, South Melbourne

POSTPONED

A unique concert showcasing some of Melbourne's brightest talent as they perform songs from musical theatre roles they wouldn’t traditionally be cast in, directed by BRANDON PAPE (he/him) and hosted by PEPPY SMEARS (he/they).

Unsung celebrates Antipodes’ dedication to fostering an inclusive, collaborative space for independent theatre in Melbourne, helping to sustain a vibrant future for innovative theatre in the community.

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Directly after the concert Unsung Salty Theatre’s Broadway Bar will continue with the Unsung theme in an open mic experience, opening the floor to a wide variety of artists and is not a night you’ll want to miss!

Host: PEPPY SMEARS (he/they)

Producers: BRANDON PAPE (he/him), CAMERON STEENS (they/them) & ASHLEY TAYLOR TICKELL (she/her)

Biographies are available below.

Meet the Host & Producers

Peppy Smears

He/They
HOST & PERFORMER
Drag provocateur and drag queer Peppy Smears is a creative culmination hailing from the worlds of opera, musicals and independent theatre who will make your dad ask questions. Born in Tasmania, and borne of the drag scene in Melbourne; Peppy draws inspiration from icons such as Annie Lennox and David Bowie with a sprinkling of Elton John. They can regularly be found on the cabaret and independent theatre circuit, with highlights including ongoing touring with Tash York’s HAPPY HOUR, hosting events such as BOWIE BALL AUSTRALIA and CINEMASONG, as well as contributing to numerous projects in the Melbourne International Comedy, Midsumma, and Fringe Festivals.
Brandon Pape

He/Him
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CO-PRODUCER & LEAD FOR UNSUNG
Brandon is the Founding Artistic Director for Antipodes Theatre Company, where he directed Ghost Quartet (two 2020 Green Room Award Nominations, return seasons in 2021 and upcoming Sydney season in 2025) and co-directed with Trudy Dunn their immersive reimagining of Guys and Dolls (thirteen 2024 Green Room Award nominations). Other Antipodes credits include Sam I Am, And She Would Stand Like This, Passing Strange (five 2023 Green Room Award Nominations), Orlando, and the Winter Lab - an annual development program for new work and bold ideas.
Cameron Steens

They/Them
NEW WORK MANAGER & FESTIVAL LEAD PRODUCER
A Naarm based multidisciplinary theatre maker, WAAPA graduate and all-round creative. As Antipodes’ New Work Manager, they've produced numerous developments and networking programs (including Winter Labs 2020 - present, Festival of the Unseen 2023) in addition to the premiere of Orlando, Antipodes' first production originating from the Winter Lab. Other credits include: This is Living (Assoc Director, Gavin Roach), Guys & Dolls (Production Manager, Antipodes), Protein (Assist Director & Sound Design, Autonomous Inventions), MIMMA (dir. Adam Mitchell), JTC’s RENT (dir. Mark Taylor) & BSSTC’s Assassins (dir. Roger Hodgman). www.cameronsteens.com
Ashley Taylor Tickell

She/Her
CO-PRODUCER
Ashley is the Director and Co-Founder of Melbourne based theatre company Salty Theatre and is an Associate Producer with Vass Productions. She has 30 years of experience across the theatre, television and film sectors, both on stage and screen and off. Her work has been seen and heard in Canada, the United States, the UK and Australia, first as a performer before transitioning into the roles of producer and director.