The world of Ned Kelly has been beautifully bought to life in Ned: A New Australian Musical.
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Director Gary Young, composer Adam Lyon and writers Marc McIntyre and Anna Lyon as well as the rest of the cast and crew should be proud of what they have achieved.
When we first meet the iconic outlaw, he is being escorted to the gallows.
What follows from that is the story of how he ended up there.
From a young boy who saved a child from drowning to a man who felt harassed by the police, we see every aspects Ned's life.
The Kelly clan's Irish roots are also evident in the show.
As well as strong accents, a number of the songs are based around the traditional Irish sound.
Nelson Gardner as Ned shows a lot of confidence in every part of the stage. His performance of Hope is captivating.
Supporting Ned is Ellen Kelly, the strong and determined matriarch of the Kelly clan played by Penny Larkins.
Larkins commands the stage as well as her family her energetic and loving family.
But as a rivalry brews between Ned and Constable Fitzpatrick, the story is driven forward with some tense scenes.
Nick Simpson-Deeks, who plays Fitzpatrick, is a strong performer. Simpson-Deeks is provides the fuel that ignites the tense stand-off that drives the Kelly gang into the bush.
Clever choreography, a strong ensemble and an excellent set bring the Goldrush Era world to life.
Ned: A New Australian Musical is full of Aussie spirit and some iconic moments in Australian history.
Some key moments of Ned's bushranger career are used in a limited fashion but the inevitable drama and activity that surrounded the Glenrowan shoot-out between the police and the Kelly gang is a well-constructed piece of theatre.
Ned: A New Australian Musical is on at Ulumbarra Theatre on May 22, 23, 29 and 30 from 8pm. Shows will be held at 2pm on May 24 and 31.
Visit www.nedmusical.com.au for more information or to book tickets.