During ground-breaking achievements in 2010, not only were „The TEN’ gaining new audiences in South America, Sweden, Japan and the Baltic States but also some famous new friends, leading to an appearance on Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure (broadcast to an estimated 10 million viewers), all through the roaring success of the show The Power of Ten, where they brought rock and classical music together, kicking and screaming; creating a sound that is uniquely theirs.

It is clear this is a continually evolving group. What was once known as a group of university friends whom banded together for extra beer money during their studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music has, powered through 14 years on the international stage, morphing into a troupe of road warriors, respected and adored throughout the world, championing the legacy of the group‟s humble beginnings whilst striving forward into the future of the classical cross-over genre.

The TEN Tenors respectfully tip their hats to their classical roots and share with audiences unique renditions of the genre‟s best love pieces, but they also push the boundaries of what it means to be a „tenor‟ and to sit in the „classical‟ genre in today‟s world. Taking cues from some of music‟s most courageous contemporary artists such as Freddy Mercury and Meatloaf, The TEN, see rock opera as not only a way of keeping their show fresh and reaching new audiences, but appealing to the myriad of musical preferences a ten-piece musical act shares.

Amidst incredible international success, this Australian troupe has become known as one of the hardest working touring acts; performing an average of 250 show per year across seven continents, they have sold over 3.5 million concert tickets; have four gold CDs and two platinum; two gold DVDs and one platinum DVD and continually strive to challenge themselves and their audience.

Touring like a rock band, the TEN, whose average is 28, and their crew have seen enviable, unique sights from all corners of the globe and have crazy stories to challenge any deviant touring rock band. They are also renowned for their commitment to their fans; meeting their fans after every show for signings as well as all personally interacting on their social media pages, which is a rare and admirable quality for an artist at all these days, let alone one with the gruelling touring schedule of The TEN.

Long-serving member of the TEN, Dominic Smith says “So many people, particularly men, turn up to a show, having been dragged by their wives, arms folded, thinking they‟re going to watch us croon to the ladies and serve up yet another watery classical-crossover show. Not too far into the show they realise we are a group of down-to-earth Aussie blokes, that have power and guts in our performance and they leave not only pleasantly surprised, but fans themselves.”

The group‟s Producer, D-J Wendt adds “We like to think audiences come to our show to hear Arias that will give them goose bumps like they have never felt before. With the DOUBLE PLATINUM show we know they will get that, but we promise to also make you feel like you have just rocked out or been to the best party you have been to in ages”.

On the eve of the Australian release of their tenth studio album DOUBLE PLATINUM, The TEN Tenors are set to surprise and delight audience all over their home country and quietly suggest, amongst the new look and new songs – they have many more surprises up their sleeve.
DOUBLE PLATINUM; the album, will be released in Australia on 15th July through Warner Music Australia.

For unique insights into what makes the members of The TEN tick and to see some stunning on-road photography, check out their tour blog: thetentenors.tumblr.com
More information available at www.theTENtenors.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

Let your imagination take flight, as you rediscover the power of family, the joy of youth and the indelible memories that come to life at Cherry Tree Lane. Come and step into the magical world of Mary Poppins. Brilliantly adapted from the beloved books by Australia’s own P.L. Travers and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne.

This enchanting production lifts audiences to unparalleled heights and places the show at the top of every theatregoer’s ‘must-see’ list.

The Australian production features an all-star cast, with Matt Lee as Bert, Philip Quast as Mr George Banks, Marina Prior as Mrs Winifred Banks, Sally Anne Upton as Mrs Brill, Christopher Rickerby as Robertson Ay, Judi Connelli as Miss Andrew, and Debra Byrne as The Bird Woman. After an exhaustive search, the title role of Mary Poppins will be played by Australian Verity Hunt-Ballard.

Read the rave reviews of the biggest show in town!

Seating Plan

View a seating plan of the auditorium at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Merchandise

Official Mary Poppins merchandise, include apparel, programmes, cast recordings, parrot-head umbrellas and accessories, is available online.

Event Website

www.marypoppinsthemusical.com.au

NB. Above details correct at time of publication but subject to change.

With very spirited hosting by Bert Newton, the concert again saw some of Australia’s finest musical theatre performers take the stage including Rachael Beck, Danielle Barnes and Mandy Carnie, Chris Horsey, Mark Hill, Matt Lee, Leah Howard, Amanda Harrison, David Harris, Lucy Durack, Matthew Robinson, Esther Hannaford, Chris Parker, Rhonda Burchmore, Tom Burlinson, Chloe Dallimore, Michael Cormick, Danielle Matthews PLUS performances by the cast of WICKED and MARY POPPINS.

After the sudden death of Rob Guest OBE in 2008, and in recognition of his achievements in the musical theatre industry, ANZ Trustees established a memorial fund in honour to help emerging young performers in music theatre. The Rob Guest Endowment Award was first held last year, and shall be given annually to an emerging musical theatre star selected by a panel of industry experts and, together with an array of events that take place across the country, this initiative will continue to provide a supportive, nurturing and exciting environment for young Australian stars to flourish within. Details of finalists and winner for 2009 may be found here.

You can come into the theatre while a show is playing, but if that’s not possible, then you can now order your merchandise over the Internet!

Just visit the Merchandise page to view the terrific range, from DVDs and soundtracks, to tshirts and caps, and even snowglobes, mugs and umbrellas! You can securely order the full range, and have it delivered to your door, quicker than you can spell Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

HMT are thrilled to hear that Michael Cormick has been nominated for Best Male Actor in a Musical for his role as Sam in MAMMA MIA!, which played at The Maj earlier this year.

In the musical theatre categories, Jersey Boys, The Drowsy Chaperone and Avenue Q have all received several nominations. Last year’s season of Chicago at HMT was in the 2009 Helpmann Award season, in which Sharon Millerchip won the Best Female Actor in a Musical. MAMMA MIA! was in the original Helpmann Award ceremony in 2002, and won the Best Musical award.

The awards will be announced on Monday 6 September at the Sydney Opera House. Her Majesty’s Theatre would like to congratulate all the nominees.

Don’t miss out on this practically perfect piece of musical theatre! Read more about Mary Poppins, view our Mary Poppins hospitality functions, book online now or call the Mary Poppins hotline on 1300 555 593.

The sparkling new space feels much more open, and includes sumptuous new fuchsia leather couches (which are extremely comfortable!), ambient lighting and a spectacular bevelled, black glass wall behind a sweeping curved bar.

The Maj has been the main bar for HMT patrons for years, and we wanted to do something special for you all. The award-winning team at DEA Interiors and our own HMT crew have transformed the space into something amazing. Impressively, the whole construction was completed in just over four weeks, and during a time when we were also bumping-in the extensive Mary Poppins set!

The café trades during the day, with our new chef serving hot breakfasts (including the famous Maj Muffin) and fresh lunches, including daily soup, sandwiches, delicious salads and other winter warmers! We’re still pouring the same great Vittoria Coffee, and as a licensed café and bar, our extensive list of wines, champagnes and beers is available whenever The Maj is open!

Importantly, The Maj still has that special touch of ‘theatrical magic’ that made it so warm and welcoming. So when you’re next in town, make sure you come and check it out.

In 2000, HMT was in severe disrepair, and it seemed like nothing could save it from the wrecking ball. In the ten years since then, several million dollars have been invested in repairing, renovating and rejuvenating this theatrical icon, and has hosted blockbuster musicals, drama, comedy and opera to millions of patrons.

We can now look back on that date as a turning point for The Maj, and can look forward to many more years of the theatre being Melbourne’s home of the world’s greatest musicals.