Reception:
The Musical
A celebration of administration, this award-winning comedy cabaret collaboration with composer, Peter de Jager, is inspired by true stories from behind the front desk.
- Nominated: Best Writing and Best Original Songs, 2014 Green Room Awards.
- Winner: Best Cabaret, 2014 Melbourne Fringe Awards.
- National Tours: 2015 - 2017.
- Selected: VCE Playlist selection 2015.
- Published: AustralianPlays.org
The Way
Wesley Mission’s 2024 street theatre outreach at Martin Place featuring an ensemble-devised performance with live piano and brass band. Are you a weary wanderer? Jesus is The Way…
Directed by Bethany Simons. Produced by Richard Attieh and Sarah McGerty for Wesley Mission (2024).
Memory Lane
30-week story gathering project with seniors living in public housing across inner Sydney. Delivered in partnership with Counterpoint Community Services with support from Local Community Services Association and NSW Government (2022).
View the stories here:
- Northcott Housing Estate
- Glebe Housing Estate
- Redfern Housing Estate
Waterloo
You’ve seen the towers. You’ve read the headlines. But do you know the neighbourhood?
Six short films created by and with residents of the Waterloo Housing Estate for Milk Crate Theatre. Co-directed by Bethany Simons and James Dalton. Filmed by Adam McFilbin (2022).
Take Your Place
An ensemble-devised street performance for Wesley Mission’s Good Friday 2023 outreach at Martin Place, featuring congregations and communities from across Sydney. He took your place of shame and gave you the place of honour…
Directed by Bethany Simons. Produced by Richard Attieh and Sarah McGerty for Wesley Mission (2023).
Manifesto: Revelations of an Artist
Ensemble exhibition featuring short films, audio experiences, sculptures and interactive installations conceived by the Waterloo Creative Ensemble. Directed by Bethany Simons with Nick Vagne for Milk Crate Theatre (2023).
Come to the Table
Ensemble-devised street performance with Wesley Mission for Good Friday 2022 at Martin Place. In the heart of Sydney’s CBD, the table is laden, the choir is calling. There’s a place for you - come as you are.
Directed by Bethany Simons. Produced by Richard Attieh (2022).
The Weather and Your Health
Inspired by true stories, this play is a touching portrait of regional Australian life told through one woman’s reminiscences of war times, local dances, young love and the joy of cooking.
- Nominated: New Writing for the Australian Stage and Independent Female Performer, 2009 Green Room Awards.
- Winner: 2012 RAVE Touring Award for contribution to regional arts and culture.
- National Tours: 2010 - 2012.
- Selected: VCE Playlist selection 2012.
- Published: AustralianPlays.org
The Daydreamers
Short film devised with participants of the Holdsworth Community drama and storytelling workshop series with Milk Crate Theatre (2022).
Directed by Bethany Simons and Renata Commisso. Filmed by Rolling Media Productions.
Figaro
Reimagining of Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ for solo performer and wind ensemble. Commissioned by the Australian National Academy of Music, co-written with Phil Lambert (2020-21).
Seasons:
- Melbourne Recital Centre, Sydney City Recital Hall, Abbotsford Convent (2021).
Seraglio
This adaptation of Mozart’s opera ‘The Abduction from the Seraglio’ for solo performer and wind octet is a showcase of character-driven storytelling. Commissioned by the Australian National Academy of Music, co-written with Phil Lambert.
Seasons: Melbourne Recital Centre and Government House, Perth (2018).
Peta and the Wolf
A playful twist on the Prokofiev children’s classic, this adaptation for two actors and orchestral ensemble is a celebration of girl power and animal rights! Commissioned by Southern Cross Soloists.
Premiere: Bangalow Festival, NSW (2018).
Musical Fairytales
This family-friendly program features reworked classics including Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Mother Goose Suite, Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Sleeping Beauty. Commissioned by Melbourne Youth Orchestra.
Premiere: Deakin Edge - Federation Square, Melbourne (2013).
View Bethany’s YouTube series, Simons Says - a video project designed to spark imaginative play using everyday objects.
Want to work or collaborate with Bethany? Get in touch!
