Category: Theatre and the Arts

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Photographing Macy Gray at The Station, Newcastle

As a concert photographer, there are some artists whose performances translate effortlessly through the lens, and Macy Gray is certainly one of them. I recently had the opportunity to photograph her show at The Station in Newcastle as part of her Australian tour, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Macy Gray performs on stage at The Station, Newcastle

From the moment she walked on stage, Macy had the crowd in the palm of her hand. Her unmistakable voice remains as distinctive as ever, and her ability to connect with an audience is something that can’t be manufactured. Every song carried a sense of authenticity and emotion that made the performance feel genuinely special.

For photographers, live music is all about capturing moments, and there was no shortage of them throughout the night. Whether it was a powerful vocal passage, an intimate interaction with the audience, or simply the way she moved across the stage, there was always something happening that told the story of the performance. Combined with the atmosphere inside the venue, it made for a fantastic night of shooting.

What impressed me most was just how comfortable and confident Macy looked on stage. There’s a natural quality to her performances that comes from years of experience, yet everything still feels fresh and spontaneous. The audience responded to every moment, creating a great energy in the room from the first song through to the final encore.

The Station provided the perfect setting for the show, allowing fans to experience the performance up close and creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and electric. Those are often the kinds of nights that produce the most memorable images.

With the Australian tour continuing, fans in other cities still have the opportunity to catch Macy live if they choose. Based on the Newcastle performance, they’re in for a memorable evening. (For details & tickets click on this link)

For me, it was another reminder of why I enjoy photographing live music so much. Great performers, great energy, and those fleeting moments that exist for only a second before becoming a photograph.

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How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

I shot the production images for this most recent production on at the Hayes Theatre and I am about to share a few of them here as part of this blog.

Firstly, here is some info I gleaned from the Hayes Theatre’s web site for some context….

Armed with a quirky instructional guide, J. Pierrepont Finch is set on climbing the corporate ladder—without breaking a sweat. With equal parts cunning and charm, he sidesteps snares, outwits obstacles, and plots his rise to the top.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a rollicking comic gem of satire and song—a joyful, knowing wink to the ambitious window washer lurking inside us all.

Cast and Creatives

  • With Jake Speer, Simon Burke, Georgia Laga’aia, Wayne Scott Kermond, Noni McCallum, Kaeng Chan, Lucy Lalor, Max Macdonald, Stacey Thomsett, Taye Grant, Madeline Pratt, Zachary Webster, Kye Hall, Katie Green and Kristina McNamara.
  • Director & Choreographer Cameron Mitchell
    Musical Supervisor Damon Wade
    Musical Director Kim Gilbert
    Set Designer Dominic Foffani
    Costume Designer Christine Mutton
    Lighting Designer Peter Rubie
    Associate Producer Kelsi Boyden
    Assistant Director Kristina McNamara
    Assistant Choreographer Zachary Webster

This show runs until the end of September….so book a ticket here: Hayes Theatre box office

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Sydney Cabaret @ Ginger’s

It was another fabulous night of entertainment at Ginger’s in Oxford Street. It is good to see cabaret is still alive and audiences are loving the vibe and interaction with the performers. It does remind you that there’s nothing like live entertainment…the energy that an audience and performers create is unique.

Adam Noviello
Brittanie Shipway
Naomi Livingston
Rob Mcdougall
Chris Archer (Producer)

Chris Archer (Archery Productions) has launched a series of cabaret nights featuring some of our best musical talent. I was asked to capture the evening in photos which I totally loved doing.

I am posting a few images here…..

You can book and come along to the next iteration of Sydney Cabaret by clicking on this link: https://www.sydneycabaret.com/

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I’m Afraid of Americans – John Cameron Mitchell at the Enmore Theatre

Two-time Tony Award-winning star and creator of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Shortbus, JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL – I’M AFRAID OF AMERICANS – a Bowie Song Cycle, a thrilling theatrical concert celebrating DAVID BOWIE. Cameron Mitchell played to a full house on Sunday night at the Enmore Theatre and I was darting about capturing some of the action on stage.

Gary Oldman once said of the rock icon, “Don’t you feel that since he died, the world’s gone to sh*t?” John agrees and blends Bowie’s most apocalyptic songs with songs of quiet healing into an emotionally electrifying journey that explains how Hedwig was born (Bowie was an early supporter) and how the cultural icon predicted where the world is today, exactly ten years after he left us.

John is joined by the angelic voice of Australia’s new rising star JUDE YORK, international cabaret star MEOW MEOW and vocal powerhouse AMBER MARTIN (Scissor Sisters), with musical direction by MATTHEW KATZ-BOHEN (Blondie) and lighting design by JOJO FRANJOINE, this visually striking production fuses rock concert, cabaret and theatre.

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Documenting Jacir’s performance at the Sydney Biennale

Image credit:  Emily Jacir, The Belly Cries and the Dogs Laugh, performance as part of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, March 14, 2026. White Bay Power Station, Entertainment Hall. Photograph: John McRae 

One of my photographs of the Emily Jacir rhythmic performance The Belly Cries and the Dogs Laugh, as part of the 25th Biennale of Sydney at White Bay Power Station, has been reproduced as an official postcard for the event. Meanwhile Jacir’s video installation at the White Bay Power Station remains on view until the Biennale closes on June 14.For the full story, see my previous blog post from March 30. https://www.johnmcrae.com/emily-jacir-at-the-sydney-biennale/

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The Pirates of Penzance at The Foundry Theatre

From left to right: Jay Laga’aia, Brittanie Shipway, Sarah Murr (back) & Maxwell Simon

The Hayes Theatre Company brings one of its star productions to the Foundry Theatre stage, a 360-seat live entertainment venue, part of The Star complex in Sydney.

I captured production images of this musical last year at the Hayes Theatre and I was happy to re-visit Gilbert & Sullivan’s madcap and satirical masterwork. Directed by Richard Carroll,
 it is an inventive, re-booted and re-wired take on this classic.

It was a joy to capture these images, while the cast enthusiastically swashbuckled and frolicked on stage.

The Pirates of Penzance is on at the Foundry Theatre until June 7, 2026

Articles:

Hit Hayes Theatre Co Musical, The Pirates Of Penzance, Sails Into The Foundry Theatre

https://www.broadwayworld.com/sydney/article/THE-PIRATES-OF-PENZANCE-Will-Come-to-Sydneys-Foundry-Theatre-20260511

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Catherine Alcorn rocks the socks off at Ginger’s

Seasoned Goddess and talented cabaret performer Catherine Alcorn has started something fabulous at Ginger’s nightclub on Oxford Street, Darlinghurst.

Last Friday was the second (sell-out) night of a continuing series of performances designed to “rock your socks off”. I had the pleasure of photographing her performance, together with various members of the “packed-to-the-rafters” audience.

“You may think Alcorn’s great strength is her powerhouse vocals, but it is in fact her ability to ad-lib” (Catherine Alcorn Live (Ginger’s) – Cultural Binge)

Catherine had invited some of her talented colleagues to share the stage…the acclaimed cabaret legend Phil Scott, and the recent Juilliard School graduate (Master of Music degree) jazz trumpeter James Sarno, with the warm-up act being the musical comedy of Jackie Loeb (Sydney Comedy Festival shows coming up soon)

Catherine and Phil – following a bare-chested performance by Phil Scott

Book a seat for the next shows Ginger’s 12 June or Ginger’s 24 July. See you there!

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Poster image of Rowan Witt (left) and Blake Erickson

I recently photographed for Red Lane Productions at Lobster Studios in Marrickville to capture images of the two leads, Blake Erickson and Rowan Witt, staring in the forth coming production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”. The season starts on 22 May at the Hayes Theatre and looks like its going to be a hoot. Book a ticket

Blake and Rowan had everyone cracking up during the shoot. It was a lot of fun so I am not going to miss seeing this on stage.

Press image of Rowan (left) and Blake

For more info on the cast see the link: The Scoop

Update…..

Rowan Witt, Kristina McNarama and Blake Erickson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has just finished its Hayes Theatre season to sell-out houses and rave reviews. The team is now about to start a new season at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta from 25 – 28 June, 2026. So if you missed this musical theatre gem at the Hayes you can catch it at Parramatta

I’m happy that I will get the opportunity to experience the show again as I am returning to shoot the dress rehearsal at the Riverside Theatre. It is not quite the same as sitting in the audience and being totally entertained by the world these actors create (I have to keep my mind and concentration on the job at hand), but it will be fun.

Reviews:

Limelight Arts Review Suzygoessee The Scoop BroadwayWorld StageNoise

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Emily Jacir at the Sydney Biennale

Emily pictured with choreographer Andrea De Siena during rehearsals

In a previous post early last November (https://www.johnmcrae.com/emily-jacir-selected-for-the-25th-biennale-of-sydney/), I mentioned how my friend Emily Jacir had been selected among the international artists to exhibit at the 2026 Sydney Biennale by Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi, who is also the president and director of the Sharjah Art Foundation in the United Arab Emirates. Titled “Rememory,” this edition of the Sydney Biennale focuses on themes of history, memory and belonging.

The recently re-opened “Entertainment Hall” of the White Bay Power Station where the walls are covered with the flaking paint of murals painted in a “by-gone” time, when the hall was privy to the social interactions of the many workers at the power station.

Alongside her moving video/sound installation featured at White Bay Power Station, Emily, together with dancers and three Italian artists (Andrea De Siena, Walter Laureti, & Valeria Taccone), workshopped an amazing performance entitled “The Belly Cries and the Dogs Laugh”. This piece was choreographed and presented in the space of the Entertainment Hall, a wonderful building attached to the former Power Station in Rozelle, a space that was re-opened for this explicit purpose, for the first time since being decommissioned in 1984.

I was privileged to photograph and document the development and staging of this amazing artistic expression (see above for some images of the rehearsal/workshop process). The following images were taken during the final presentation, which took place in Sydney over four performances in mid-March during the first weekend of the Biennale.

All in all, it was an emotional, inspirational event. It ended with most of the audience on their feet, dancing together with Emily and the other performers. It was fascinating for me to see the development and rhythmic process that is involved in creating such a performance, from the heart-felt choreography of Andrea De Siena, to the exceptional sound track devised by Walter Laureti, together with the haunting vocals of Valeria Taccone.

The cast of “The Belly Cries and the Dogs Laugh” performed at the Sydney Biennale, 2026
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“Barbra: The Greatest Star”

I had a blast photographing the dress rehearsal for Barbra: The Greatest Star at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney — and even during rehearsals, prior to it’s opening in January, this show was already dazzling.

Starring Tana Laga’aia, Laura Murphy, Stellar Perry and Brittanie Shipway, this joyous tribute to Barbra Streisand is a high-voltage celebration of one of the great careers in music and performance. Each performer brings their own voice, personality and theatrical flair to this extraordinary songbook.

The staging is gloriously over the top — big gestures, bold design moments and exuberant performances perfectly match the larger-than-life spirit of the production.

And what a repertoire it is: an incredible parade of Streisand’s classics, from soaring ballads to brassy anthems and more intimate musical moments, all delivered with wit, precision and serious vocal firepower.

The energy in the room was electric — as these images show.

Barbra: The Greatest Star runs at Hayes Theatre Co from 21 January to 14 February 2026. (Click on this link for tickets:)

Cast and crew – Barbra: The Greatest Star
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“Christmas Actually” at the Opera House

Photographing Naomi Price’s “Christmas Actually” is always a joy — and last year’s performances at the Sydney Opera House were no exception. It was a brilliantly fun, festive, and utterly entertaining variety show, and it’s easy to see why this show has become a beloved holiday tradition.

From her witty storytelling to the energetic musical numbers, every moment burst with humour, sparkle, and theatrical flair. The audience was swept along for the ride, laughing, singing, and celebrating the season with Naomi and her talented cast.

For a photographer, it’s a joy to work with vibrant costumes, dynamic staging and a performer who’s utterly expressive and captivating on stage. With my imagery, every frame tells a story — a little chaotic and high spirited.

“Christmas Actually” is more than a show; it’s an experience — one that spreads cheer, showcases incredible talent, and reminds you why live theatre adds to cultural expression.

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Opening night at the Hayes Theatre: “Phar Lap – The Musical”

Pictured: Ellen Simpson (Choreographer), Steven Kramer (Book, music, Lyrics) & Sheridan Harbridge (Director)

Over two vibrant opening nights at The Hayes Theatre in Potts Point, I was invited to photograph guests as they arrived to celebrate the launch of Phar Lap – the brand new electro-swing musical about Australia’s beloved racehorse with the big heart.

Set against a large Phar Lap banner and the theatre’s red carpet, I photographed a stream of excited theatre-goers, cast members, and supporters as they entered the venue. This kind of photography isn’t my usual genre — I’m more often behind the lens at rehearsals and production shoots — but I really enjoyed the fast-paced, spontaneous interaction with people as they arrived. There’s something energising about these quick moments of connection: a brief exchange, a smile, and a frame that captures the anticipation of opening night.

It was a wonderful experience to be part of the buzz and celebration surrounding this fresh, lively musical that reimagines one of Australia’s most iconic stories.

Happy to hear it has been a SOLD-OUT season at the Hayes Theatre.

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“Phar Lap” – new electro-swing musical production at the Hayes Theatre

I’ve had the pleasure of contributing photography to the current production at the Hayes Theatre, Phar Lap – The Musical. This brand-new Australian work takes inspiration from the legendary racehorse Phar Lap and the mythology that surrounds him, blending history, humour and heart into a sharp, witty and wonderfully entertaining story.

My involvement began back in July with an initial studio shoot designed to create key promotional imagery for the production. During that session, I also captured a series of interviews with the cast, director and writer — offering insight into the creative process and the unique spirit of the show as it took shape.

Pictured: Justin Smith (plays Harry Telford, Joel Granger (plays Phar Lap), Sheridan Harbridge (Director) and Steven Kramer (Writer, music and lyrics)

More recently, I photographed the dress rehearsal, capturing the energy and visual richness of the full production. These images are now being used to further promote the season and highlight the incredible performances and vibrant staging that make this show such a standout.

I loved the music…..Phar Lap boasts an irresistible electro-swing score, with inspirations from Duke Ellington to Daft Punk. Brassy, lively and retro. I was concentrating on the photography, the angles, the action however, I found myself tapping my leg and moving to the beat.

The season is now in full swing at the Hayes, and it’s brilliant — smartly written, beautifully performed, and exceptionally funny. It’s always a thrill to collaborate with the team at Hayes Theatre and to help visually tell the story of a production that so perfectly celebrates Australian talent and storytelling.

Starring Shay Debney, Lincoln Elliott, Joel Granger, Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Amy Hack, Nat Jobe, Joey Phyland and Justin Smith.

Director Sheridan Harbridge
Musical Supervisor Steven Kramer
Musical Director David Gardos
Choreographer Ellen Simpson
Associate Director & Stage Manager  Daniel Cottier
Set Designer Hailley Hunt
Costume Designer Mason Browne
Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest
Sound Designer Liam Roche
Arranger & Orchestrator Jack Earle
Orchestrator & Track Producer Steve Toulmin
Associate Track Producer Glenn Moorhouse
Ableton/Keyboard Programmer David Youings
Sound Content Designer Matty James
Production Manager Damion Holling
Assistant Stage Manager Nathan Sandy
Sound Engineer Em-Jay Dwyer
Set Design Assistant Adrien Stark
Costume Design Assistant Jess Dilworth
Musical Director’s Assistant Lauren Shaw
Intimacy Coordinator Chloë Dallimore

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Prinnie Stevens brings her team back into the studio

Australian singer, songwriter, and performer Prinnie Stevens has long been celebrated for her powerhouse vocals, magnetic stage presence, and versatility across soul, R&B, pop, and musical theatre. From her standout performances on The Voice to starring roles in stage productions and her acclaimed show Lady Sings the Blues, Prinnie has built a reputation as one of the country’s most dynamic and inspiring artists.

We were back in my Lilyfield studio for a fresh round of photos, based on new ideas and forthcoming shows. Prinnie’s creative energy and professionalism always make for a dynamic shoot, and this session was no exception.

We reunited the same team who worked together on her stunning Lady Sings the Blues campaign — myself behind the camera and our brilliant make-up and hair by Joe and Drew, from The Glow up Headquarters (instagram: @theglowuphq). It’s a combination that clicks, bringing the right balance of skill, trust, and fun into the room.

The day flowed with laughter, music, and plenty of creativity. Shoots like this remind me how rewarding it is to collaborate with talented and committed professionals. When everyone brings their best, the results speak for themselves — beautiful, powerful imagery that captures Prinnie at her absolute best.

I can’t wait to share the finished selected images from this session. In this blog I’ve posted a few out-takes for a behind the scenes look at the shoot.

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Charles Cooper exhibits at Annandale Galleries

I have been shooting the work of Charles Cooper over many years and more recently a new collection which he is about to show at Annandale Galleries. Charles is a seasoned mid-career Australian artist with an impressive exhibition history.

“Geographics 2025” – Charles Cooper at Annandale Galleries
Exhibition Dates: 17 September – 18 October 2025
Venue: Annandale Galleries, 110 Trafalgar Street, Annandale, Sydney Charles Cooper

Cooper returns to Annandale Galleries for his third solo exhibition at the space, following the notable On Location show in 2022 Annandale Galleries – Charles Cooper.

Geographics 2025 is Cooper’s latest body of work explores the tension between urban order and natural entropy. His paintings turn the everyday cracks and repair lines of city roads into compelling studies of texture, colour, and abstraction. As curator Andrew Christie writes, Cooper “plants the seed of perception” — drawing viewers close to appreciate minute detail before inviting them to step back, revealing subtly modulated abstractions that pulse within everyday surfaces.

Born in Sydney in 1952, Cooper has built a distinguished career of solo and group exhibitions both nationally and internationally, while also teaching drawing at the National Art School Annandale GalleriesAnnandale GalleriesMutualArt.

Online catalogue https://online.fliphtml5.com/lnjye/qbes/

All enquires to: info@annandalegalleries.com.au

Here’s a few images from the opening night…..

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The Hayes Theatre Company prepares for it’s 2006 season

Pictured: Steven Kramer (Writer of Phar Lap), Justin Smith (Cast of Phar Lap), Joel Granger (Cast of Phar Lap) and Sheridan Harbridge (Director of Phar Lap)

Together with various actors, writers, directors and costumers, I recently hosted a series of photo-shoots at my studio for the Hayes Theatre Company, in preparation for their 2026 season. The sessions involved still photographs of various cast members and video production of the actors and crew, filminging light-hearted, voice-to-camera interviews. We also created some grabs of slow-mo action for future marketing content.

Kayla French (marketing) commits herself to creating content with Joel Granger (Cast of Phar Lap)
Richard Carroll (Artistic Director) checks in with Billie and John (Cast Members)
Billie (Cast) in makeup with Ashleigh Grace (MUA)
Final social media images are captured before stepping on set.
Rica Canillas (Marketing, left) working hard with Kayla French (Marketing, right)
Sam Hernandez (Costuming, left), together with Richard (Director, right) adjust Billie’s costume

While the video cameras rolled, I also took the opportunity to capture some out-takes of the working process with my own camera. There was a vibrant and creative mood on set, with the team from Hayes Theatre Company bringing incredible energy to the studio. Moments like these are a powerful reminder of just how much collaborative effort goes into producing a theatrical season, with the contributions of so many talented individuals coming together behind the scenes.

Sam Hernandez (Wardrobe/Stylist) makes final adjustments to Billie Palin’s costume on set.
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“Being Alive” at Hayes Theatre: featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim

Pictured from left: Raphael Wong, Lincoln Elliott & Kala Gare

In June, I worked with the talented cast and crew of Being Alive, a beautifully staged selection of Stephen Sondheim songs at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. My role was to capture production images to showcase the energy, emotion and artistry of the show with four extraordinary performers and a three-piece band, to be used for promotional and program purposes.

Normally, I photograph and document a full dress rehearsal by shooting continuously while the production runs in real time. This allows me to capture spontaneous moments and the natural rhythm of the performance. However, for Being Alive, the process was a little different – and all the more fascinating because of it.

This time, instead of shooting a seamless run-through, we worked through a carefully curated list of specific moments. Sonia Suares, the director, knew exactly the moments that would feature the artists appropriately and guided me along the way. The cast and crew would reset between these key points, allowing me to focus on capturing particular highlights that best represented the range and spirit of the show. We moved from set-up to set-up, working collaboratively to ensure that each image told a piece of the story.

Pictured from left: Lincoln Elliott, Kala Gare, Raphael Wong & Blazey Best

From my perspective, it was an interesting departure from my usual approach — offering the opportunity to craft images with more precision, while still responding to the vibrancy of live performance. I’m grateful to the team at Hayes for their openness and professionalism, and to the cast for their generosity in revisiting these moments so that I could do them justice through my lens.

Catch a performance in Sydney starting from late June … for tickets and more information head to “Being Alive”

Cast and crew of the Hayes Theatre production of “Being Alive”
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Photographing the charismatic Donna Campbell at my Lilyfield studio

The talented and much-loved performer Donna Campbell visited my Lilyfield studio in June to produce a fresh set of promotional images. Known for her dynamic stage presence and versatility, Donna required eye-catching imagery to support several of her upcoming projects – and she brought her signature professionalism and energy to our shoot.

From the moment Donna stepped in front of the lens, it was clear I was photographing someone who truly understands how to command the camera. We began with classic headshots, capturing her natural warmth and strength. As we progressed, the session evolved into more dynamic territory, with Donna striking expressive dance poses that reflected the vitality she brings to her performances.

To finish our photographic session, we had a lot of fun creating images of Donna in her “Dolly Parton” look – a lively character she often features in her shows, tracking her career “from rags to rhinestones”. She embodies Dolly’s sparkle and charm effortlessly, and the results speak for themselves. It was a privilege to help Donna create imagery to reflect her talents as a performer.

For more information and to keep up-to-date on Donna’s upcoming performances visit her website at https://www.donnacampbell.com.au/

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“There’s Nothing Like A Dame”

I had the pleasure of creating the poster art for Nothing Like A Dame, the latest show by Sydney drag icon Minnie Cooper, taking place at the legendary Stonewall Hotel on June 20th and 21st. The lead image featured in the poster is one I shot some time ago—so it’s a real joy to see it brought back and used to front this new production.

I’ve worked with Minnie for many years, capturing her in all her theatrical brilliance. With her rich background in the performing arts and sharp comedic flair, she’s a true force in the world of drag. Our creative collaborations reflect not just her talent, but also the enduring power and legacy of drag in Sydney’s LGBTQI+ history—particularly in venues like Stonewall, which have long been central to that vibrant cultural expression.

For tickets and more info, visit @theminniecooper on Instagram. This show promises sparkle, sass, and plenty of heart—you won’t want to miss it.

Some images from previous shoots of Minnie Cooper
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“Moulin Scrooge” returns to the Seymour Centre

The acclaimed performer, Trevor Ashley, has returned to Australia from London to re-stage the popular parody he wrote together with Phil Scott, the adults-only “Moulin Scrooge”.

Moulin Scrooge is a bawdy, raucous cabaret riot. Apart from being absolutely fabulous (the costumes are wonderful, created by Angela White), one of its draw cards is the appearance of Carlotta on stage. This legendary burlesque performer, now in her 80’s, still holds her own. As one of the original “Les Girls”, Carlotta proudly owns the title of “Queen of the Cross”.

Carlotta in her dressing room before the performance

I photographed the dress rehearsal last week and I am sharing a few images from the show here (playing late March-early April at the Seymour Centre in Sydney). I suggest you book tickets now to experience this entertaining extravaganza for yourself. Here’s a link: Moulin Scrooge Tickets

Creative Team:

Writers Trevor Ashley and Phil Scott
Director Trevor Ashley
Assistant Director Shannon Dooley

Producer Trevor Ashley
Cast Trevor Ashley, Carlotta
Choreography Rhys Bobridge
Costumes Angie White
Lighting Design Sam Wylie