REVIEW: Gutenberg! The Musical!
- Tori Bullard (they/them)
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
If you’re in need of a night at the theatre where you can switch your brain off, laugh until it hurts, and just revel in pure, unfiltered joy, Gutenberg! The Musical! at Hayes Theatre Co is exactly what you’re looking for. I went into this show completely blind and boy am I glad I did.
Absolutely absurd, gloriously silly, and bursting with chaotic charm, this production leans wholeheartedly into the ridiculous, and it pays off in every possible way. From evil monks to emotional ballads, this show truly has it all. It’s the kind of show that knows exactly what it is and commits to the bit with complete abandon. Its use of the tropes we see time and time again in modern musical theatre is both hilarious and incredibly accurate, adding an extra layer of comedy for those in the know.
You truly couldn’t cast Bud and Doug better, and in a show like this, that casting can make or break the entire experience. Here, it’s been done perfectly.
Ryan González is an absolute force, with razor-sharp comedic instincts, phenomenal physicality, and facial expressions that are nothing short of masterful. Their sharp dance ability and unwavering commitment to the bit, paired with an outstanding voice and unmatched goofiness, make for a performance that is as technically impressive as it is downright hilarious.
Alongside them, Stephen Anderson is equally brilliant, commanding the space with ease while fully embracing the show’s delightful absurdity. He has this incredible ability to hold authority on stage while being completely ridiculous, and it works to perfection. Together, their chemistry never falters, and they keep the audience in the palm of their hands from start to finish.
Under the direction of Richard Carroll, the show is slick, sharp, and endlessly entertaining. Every beat lands, every joke is given room to breathe, and the pacing keeps the energy high throughout. Zara Stanton delivers, as expected, beautifully on the musical side, while also proving to be incredibly hilarious, a delightful surprise.
The choreography by Shannon Burns is a real standout, deceptively tight and impressively precise. In a show that thrives on chaos, the control and clarity of the movement is what makes so many of the comedic moments land as strongly as they do. It never feels overworked, instead enhancing the humour, elevating the storytelling, and giving both performers even more room to play. The design elements work seamlessly alongside this, with lighting by Véronique Benett being a particular highlight, perfectly timed and genuinely chef’s kiss. Costumes by Lily Mateljan and set by Lochie Odgers lean fully into the chaos in all the right ways, while sound design by Liam Roche keeps everything crisp and clear.
What makes this show land so well is its heart. Beneath all the silliness, it’s earnestly sweet, a celebration of big dreams, bold ideas, and the joy of creating. It reminds us that sometimes you really can “eat dreams” and reach for the stars. It’s also packed with cheeky commentary on shows currently running in Sydney, which only adds to the fun.
All in all, this is a joyful, hilarious, and completely satisfying night at the theatre. There is so much more I can say, but for fear of spoiling the fun all I’ll say is my cheeks hurt from the constant smiling, and I truly have no notes.
Get in and see it before the season inevitably sells out, you won’t regret it. Be sure to get your tickets to see Gutenberg! The Musical playing at The Hayes Theatre Co. until the 10th of May!
