Penpals

Music and lyrics by Megan Robinson | Book by Megan Robinson
Based on an original concept by Megan Robinson and Sarah Campbell

Set in Australia in 1997, Penpals follows the story of Callie and Pearce, two young women on the cusp of adulthood. Assigned as penpals through a school program for young people going through family hardship, they continue to write to each other long after the program was meant to end, finding a deep connection despite the distance between them.

Now, as Callie plans her future beyond school and Pearce struggles through her HSC, the two come to realise that their feelings have grown into much more than friendship. But how can they be sure that the other feels the same way?

The Penpals Workshop - 2023

Director - Sarah Campbell
Music Director - Megan Robinson
Producer - Cam McCredie
Keys - Hazel Alexander

Stage Manager - Charlie Boyd

Originally workshopped at the Lighthouse Theatre

Technical Director - Micah Heazlewood
Lighting Operator - Sharelle Frazer

Set Design - Sarah Campbell
Set Concept - Megan Robinson
Costume Design - Megan Robinson

Feedback for Penpals

“Penpals reignited my love for Australian theatre. Sarah's directing and design stand out due to her meticulous attention to detail… ” - Gabrielle Rawlings (Jolly Good Musicals)

“Penpals is extraordinary. Megan Robinson has crafted a beautiful, funny and warm show with a top-notch score” - Tom S. Kelly (IGNITE Theatre Co)

“I am completely and utterly gobsmacked. I will be thinking about this show for weeks” - Ellis Pinkerton

“Despite its uplifting message, the show is real and raw, and doesn’t put an unrealistic neat bow on the struggles that are faced by many people in the queer community” - Gabrielle Rawlings (Jolly Good Musicals)

“Megan Robinson’s writing and Sarah Campbell’s direction is beyond brillant. I can't wait to see what’s next” - Zara Thompson

“Penpals is a beautiful musical, it astounds me that an original new work can be so impactful” - Michael Mulvenna (Jolly Good Musicals)

“Penpals spoke so clearly to so many queer experiences” - Rhiannon Lidbury

“Megan Robinson’s writing is welcoming and utterly brilliant. Penpals is a heartfelt queer story that celebrates the power of vulnerability” - Aden Abeleda (IGNITE Theatre Co)

“Penpals managed to so convincingly bring me along on a journey and life that I have never lived” - Jonathan Chang

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Cast

Callie Gray - Megan Robinson

Pearce Hansley - Danika Rojas

Levi Gray - Toby Rowe

Rory Taylor - Danielle Lorzano

Jai Barlow - Daniel Walsh

Olive Lee - Bronwyn Dyer

Mr. Jacobs - Jack Talty

Something’s coming! 💌 Exciting things have been happening behind the scenes since our workshop last year! Watch this space…👀
Something’s coming! 💌 Exciting things have been happening behind the scenes since our workshop last year! Watch this space…👀
Another beautiful review 🫶🏻
Another beautiful review 🫶🏻
My heart is so full from the beautiful feedback we are receiving, thank you 🙏🏻🌈
My heart is so full from the beautiful feedback we are receiving, thank you 🙏🏻🌈
The first workshop of Penpals has come to an end. 💌 We are so delighted to still be receiving wonderful messages and feedback on the show.
The first workshop of Penpals has come to an end. 💌 We are so delighted to still be receiving wonderful messages and feedback on the show.
More beautiful reviews from audience members! 💌
More beautiful reviews from audience members! 💌
Another lovely review from an audience member! 💌 Last chance to see the show tonight. Ticket link in bio!
Another lovely review from an audience member! 💌 Last chance to see the show tonight. Ticket link in bio!
We are loving these reviews from our audience members. Thanks you to those who attended and for supporting new Australian queer theatre! We can’t wait to see whats next for ‘Penpals’ 💌
We are loving these reviews from our audience members. Thanks you to those who attended and for supporting new Australian queer theatre! We can’t wait to see whats next for ‘Penpals’ 💌
Meet Callie! 🎧 Intelligent, defensive and a lil cheeky. The first workshop of Penpals: A New Queer Australian Musical is fast approaching! 💌🏳️‍🌈 🎟Tickets on Sale Now - link in bio 🗓Performing 13th - 15th September, Lighthouse Theatre, M
Meet Callie! 🎧 Intelligent, defensive and a lil cheeky. The first workshop of Penpals: A New Queer Australian Musical is fast approaching! 💌🏳️‍🌈 🎟Tickets on Sale Now - link in bio 🗓Performing 13th - 15th September, Lighthouse Theatre, Macquarie University
Meet Pearce! 🎨 Artistic, guarded and longing for more. The first workshop of Penpals: A New Queer Australian Musical is fast approaching! 💌🏳️‍🌈 🎟Tickets on Sale Now - link in bio 🗓Performing 13th - 15th September, Lighthouse Theatre, M
Meet Pearce! 🎨 Artistic, guarded and longing for more. The first workshop of Penpals: A New Queer Australian Musical is fast approaching! 💌🏳️‍🌈 🎟Tickets on Sale Now - link in bio 🗓Performing 13th - 15th September, Lighthouse Theatre, Macquarie University
Something’s coming! 💌 Exciting things have been happening behind the scenes since our workshop last year! Watch this space…👀 Another beautiful review 🫶🏻 My heart is so full from the beautiful feedback we are receiving, thank you 🙏🏻🌈 The first workshop of Penpals has come to an end. 💌 We are so delighted to still be receiving wonderful messages and feedback on the show. More beautiful reviews from audience members! 💌 Another lovely review from an audience member! 💌 Last chance to see the show tonight. Ticket link in bio! We are loving these reviews from our audience members. Thanks you to those who attended and for supporting new Australian queer theatre! We can’t wait to see whats next for ‘Penpals’ 💌
Meet Callie! 🎧 Intelligent, defensive and a lil cheeky. The first workshop of Penpals: A New Queer Australian Musical is fast approaching! 💌🏳️‍🌈 🎟Tickets on Sale Now - link in bio 🗓Performing 13th - 15th September, Lighthouse Theatre, M Meet Pearce! 🎨 Artistic, guarded and longing for more. The first workshop of Penpals: A New Queer Australian Musical is fast approaching! 💌🏳️‍🌈 🎟Tickets on Sale Now - link in bio 🗓Performing 13th - 15th September, Lighthouse Theatre, M
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