Tall Poppy (Formerly “Miss Westralia”)
Miss Westralia (now titled Tall Poppy) is an original Musical with music and Lyrics by Jake Nielsen and Matthew Predny, book by Madeline Clouston, and with a story conceived by Jake, Madeleine and Amelia Burke.
From the dust & heat of rural Australia to the glitz & glamour of America’s roaring ‘20s, this fish-out-of-water story fuses together the past and the contemporary in a hilarious and tough-as-nails tale of an unknown real-life heroine.
When 19 year-old farm girl Beryl is unexpectedly crowned ‘the ideal Aussie girl’, she is hurled into international stardom overnight. Chaperoned by media tycoon Frank Packer, her mother Kitty, and the reining Miss USA, she embarks on a promotional tour of the United States of America.
The excitement of her role quickly fades as media scrutiny, public pressure and the loss of autonomy weigh on Beryl. Her frustrations hit boiling point when she discovers that the Miss Australia Quest was created in a bid to encourage mass male immigration into Australia after World War I. She realises she is not an ambassador, but instead a prototype of the Australian wife. Beryl must decide whether she has greater responsibility to her country or to herself.
At its heart, Tall Poppy is a coming-of-age story about taking back control of your narrative and making sure your voice is heard.
Miss Westralia (Tall Poppy) had a sold-out season at The Blue Room Theatre Perth in 2019 directed by Jake Nielsen. This production then went on to have a state-wide professional tour in 2021, produced by Western Sky Projects.
Miss Westralia had its opening night in July 2021 in Beryl’s hometown of Geraldton.
“This production is an example of collaboration at its best.” Theatre People ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Destined for a much bigger stage and a national audience.” Agent Mystery Case ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The music is sublime.” Fourth Wall Media ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A must see for lovers of new musicals, history buffs and lovers of good female roles.” Stage Whispers
“… remarkable work in bringing Beryl’s story not only to life, but into the 21st century with such grace.” Theatre Travels
Image Credit: Dragonfly Media