Freeze Frame Opera’s annual Christmas at the Quarry concert.
A beloved end-of-year tradition, this magical concert is a joyful way for family and friends to come together and celebrate the festive season under the stars.
FREMANTLE PRISON EAST WORKSHOPS 18th to 21st September, 2025
Director’s Notes – Dead Man Walking Just metres from where you are sitting tonight remain the gallows- built in 1888 it was the place of execution for 43 men and 1 woman. The last hanging being that of Edgar Cooke in 1964. Dead Man Walking is based on the non-fiction work of Sister Helen Prejean and set in the “Death Belt” of the United States. Staging it within Fremantle Prison makes the story inseparable from the history and gravity of this place. It’s difficult not to reflect on the ongoing realities of incarceration — particularly the deaths in custody of First Nations peoples. This production asks us to face that reality, witness the human cost, and consider questions of justice, compassion, and accountability. I would also like to reflect on how audacious it is for a small company like Freeze Frame to even attempt a work that is so musically complex and logistically challenging. A Huge thanks must go to the incredible team at Freeze Frame (Harriet and Adele), and to Tommaso Polio for his extraordinary, painstaking arrangement of the score — the time and care he poured into it are nothing short of inspiring. I would also like to sincerely thank our many volunteers, and particularly the WAAPA students, who have approached both the challenging score and the difficult subject matter with dedication and sensitivity. While institutions are intended to administer justice, too frequently they perpetuate harm. This production encourages audiences to engage with the individuals within these systems and to appreciate both the tragedy — and, we hope, the humanity — of their experiences. We are grateful to have you join us this evening, and we thank you for approaching this story with openness, reflection, and empathy. And really, isn’t that the kind of understanding we could all use a bit more of? a.
CAST: Lachlan Higgins, Harriet Marshall, Lisa Harper Brown, Sara Macliver, Prudence Sanders, Perry Joyce, Brigitte Heuser, Brett Peart, Robert Hofmann, Kohsei Gilkes, Tom Buckmaster, Caitlin Cassidy, Charis Postmus, Euan MacMillan, Ben del Borrello, Vin Trikeriotis, Kyle Garces, Sam Claxton
BAND: Tommaso Pollio, Cathie Travers, Sophie Curtis and Geoff Bourgault
Freeze Frame Opera is proud to present a thought-provoking new interpretation of Mozart’s timeless masterpiece, Don Giovanni, set at a glamorous film festival in 2017.
Award-winning film producer Giovanni (Brett Peart), with the help of his loyal assistant Leporello (James Pinneri), is preparing for “auditions” in his hotel suite. Arriving at the festival are Anna (Rachelle Durkin), an aspiring actress, her father (Robert Hofmann), and her devoted fiancé Ottavio (Kohsei Gilkes). Also checking in is international movie star Elvira (Hattie Marshall), searching for Giovanni after he reneged on a major contract. Adding to the intrigue are matinee idol Masetto (Sam Claxton) and the glamorous Zerlina (Emma Pettemerides), who are ready to announce their engagement to the waiting media.
The stage is set for high drama, dark humour, and Mozart’s glorious music, all in the haunting setting of Fremantle Prison.
Director Penny Shaw explains: “Despite being written in 1787, the themes at the centre of the opera are still chillingly relevant today. The opera can be seen as a cautionary tale of what happens when we allow men like Don Giovanni to remain in positions of power. We invite you to join us on this captivating journey as we reimagine Don Giovanni for a new generation and explore this timeless story in our current cultural climate.”
DIRECTOR Penny Shaw
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Tommaso Pollio
DESIGNER Rhiannon Walker
LIGHTING DESIGN Jerry Reinhardt
PRODUCTION MANAGER Stephen Carr
Awards
Nominations – PAWA
Outstanding Performer in a Supporting Role – Harriet Marshall – WINNER
Outstanding Direction, Movement Direction or Choreography – Penny Shaw
One of Freeze Frame’s gilfts is to serve centre-stage the raw humanity behind the compelling music of the classics, here achieved in heart-rending measure – The West Australian, November 2024.
FREMANTLE TOWN HALL 31 August to 3 September, 2023
Freeze Frame Opera continues its innovative spin on the classics, ripping Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur from its French aristocratic roots and setting the messy love triangle amid the glamour of 1950’s America in The Princess and the Showgirl. Think the Kennedys and Marilyn Monroe, with magnificent music. Based on the true story of an actress who fell foul of royalty in the 18th century, this opera has all the passion and betrayal (and glorious costumes) one can take. Directed by Penny Shaw, it stars Nicole Youl as the Princess, Hattie Marshall as her bitter rival, the Showgirl, international tenor Rosario La Spina as their mutual love interest, and local star Robert Hofmann as the theatre manager.
BAND: Tomasso Pollio, Cathie Travers, Sophie Curtis and Geoff Bourgault
CAST: Rosario La Spina (Maurizio), Hattie Marshall (Adriana), Nicole Youl (Princess), Brett Peart (Prince), Robert Hofmann (Michonnet), Emma Pettemerides (Jouvenot), Kohsei Gilkes (L’Abate), Ben del Borrello/Lachie Higgins (Quinault), Noah Humich (Poisson), Ruth Burke (Dangeville) & Jillian Halleron (La Duclos)
DIRECTOR Penny Shaw
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Tommaso Pollio
DESIGNER Rhiannon Walker
LIGHTING DESIGN Jerry Reinhardt
PRODUCTION MANAGER Stephen Carr
Program:
Awards:
Nominations PAWA
Outstanding Composition or Arranging (Musicals and Opera) – Tommaso Pollio – WINNER
Outstanding New Work (Musicals & Opera) Penny Shaw & Tommaso Pollio
Best Production
Outstanding Performer in a Leading Role Harriet Marshall
Outstanding Direction, Movement Direction or Choreography Penny Shaw
This story takes a surprising turn in this reimagined version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, set to the captivating music of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Baby Bear, curious about humans, discovers Goldilocks asleep in his bed and persuades her to stay despite her fear. With the help of Mummy Bear, they devise a plan to show Daddy Bear that all creatures deserve kindness. The adventure unfolds in a heartwarming tale of understanding and friendship.
Tommaso Pollio cleverly adapts the score and performs on piano. WAAPA graduates Sam Claxton, Bonnie Staude, and Charis Postmus accompany Harriet Marshall to sing the libretto created by the talented and funny Penny Shaw.
The Tour
In May 2025, Freeze Frame Opera brought Goldilocks to life 39 times, reaching more than 8,300 children across the Perth metropolitan area. Our school tours offer students the opportunity to experience live performances in a way that sparks curiosity, inspires creativity, and fosters a deeper connection to their learning environment, thereby enriching their overall educational experience.
This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. A heartfelt thank you to The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, Lotterywest, and Hawaiian for helping us share the magic of opera with the next generation.
“What an absolutely magical performance! Freeze Frame Opera’s adaptation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears was an inspired blend of playful storytelling, expressive vocal talent, and imaginative staging. From the first note to the final bow, the production captivated audiences of all ages with its creativity, humor, and heart.”
Boyare Primary School, 2025
“Freeze Frame Opera- a masterclass in bringing opera to younger generations!”
Camboon Primary School, 2025
Freeze Frame Opera’s Truck Gigs take opera out of the theatre and into the heart of the community. Performing from our mobile stage, we bring world-class voices to parks, streets, festivals, and local events across Perth and regional WA. These pop-up concerts are relaxed, family-friendly, and designed to make opera accessible to everyone. Whether you’re an opera lover or experiencing it for the first time, a Truck Gig is a chance to enjoy powerful music in unexpected places.
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