Director

REVUE COUNT: 12

Uni Revue 2025, (DIM)WITTED marks Ben's return to directing Uni Revue after a fifteen-year sabbatical. Based on the pure joy this year's show has given him, Ben looks forward to being Choreographer and Musical Director for the 2040 production…

This year’s Revue is quickly becoming Ben’s favourite Revue memory, however he also fondly recalls the time when his dad, Revue legend Graeme Paine, watched the infamous Ally Schneider video for the first time during a MOONAH FOMA (2012) rehearsal and just sat there crying for 5 straight minutes.

Ben was born into the Uni Revue family, appearing in his first Uni Revue in utero in 1986, and has never looked back! Ben started performing in 1999 in the musical OLIVER! (Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Tasmania), and 26 years on has 70+ stage, film and television credits across multiple disciplines – including but not limited to acting, singing, dancing, directing, stage manager, stage crew, and orchestra. Highlights of Ben's career have been Mungojerrie in CATS (ExitLeft, 2007), Troy Bolton in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (ExitLeft, 2009), LES MISÉRABLES four times and SPRING AWAKENING twice. Performing in Melbourne, Ben played Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (MLOC, 2015) and Bobby Strong in URINETOWN (Mills Street Warehouse, 2016). Ben's screen credits include critical roles such as Zombie #1 in CUPCAKE: A ZOMBIE LESBIAN MUSICAL (2010) and Drunk Man in Toilet in THE JELLY WRESTLER (2013). His pre-show ritual is kissing the stage of the Theatre Royal and saying ‘good to see you again, old girl!’.

Assistant Director / Choreographer

REVUE COUNT: 15

After a six-year hiatus, Kristy Baker is back in the Uni Revue mix, in dual roles, and in celebration of her 20-year anniversary working with the Old Nick Company.

Kristy's favourite Revue memories include the entirety of her first Revue, GONE WITH THE WINDFALL in 2005, endless spray tanning nights, choreographing "Chandelier" as a ‘Masc Kick’ routine, and meeting the amazing people she is lucky enough to have as lifelong friends.

Want to see what dancing delights await you this year?! Book your tickets to (DIM)WITTED!!

Kristy has always had a passion for dance and this has paved the way for her to be part of the musical theatre scene in Hobart. While Kristy loves being on stage, having appeared in over 25 years of dance productions, and a decade of both Uni Revues and Bawdy Pantos, her real love has fallen into behind-the-scenes work. Kristy has choreographed over 20 shows across Old Nick, Mainstage Theatre Company, and College Musicals (Hobart, Rosny and Elizabeth), most recently 21 CHUMP STREET for Old Nick and SHREK for the Old Nick Hobart Theatre Summer School, for which she was awarded a Tasmanian Theatre Council Award for Best Choreography in Musical Theatre. (DIM)WITTED will be Kristy's debut in assistant direction, and she has really enjoyed branching out into this new space.

Music Director / Band Leader

REVUE COUNT: 4

Eric has always been a weapon, leading the charge as musical director for the band, and this year he’s flexing his muscles as vocal director for the first time as well!

Eric’s favourite Revue memory was stepping into the spotlight as a performer in the ‘Parker Adoption’ video! But our favourite memory of him was when he caught a performer dressed as a bear when she fell off the stage and into the orchestra pit during an ‘innocent’ scene involving The Wiggles. This proves that Eric is an all-round achiever, being able to play the bass and catch drop bears all at once. Book your tickets to Uni Revue 2025 to see if he has to catch anyone in the pit this year!

Eric is now onto his fourth Revue, having been the musical director for NET ZERO (2022), NOW SCHEMING (2023), THE ROCKLIFF HORROR [S#!T]SHOW (2024) and now (DIM)WITTED (2025)! Eric has enjoyed the learning experience that has come with being vocal director for the first time whilst still wrangling the band. His wealth of knowledge has stemmed from his experience playing with the ‘Kick Ons’ and ‘Bell’s Boys’ in the music scene around Hobart. Outside of Revue, Eric’s life revolves around combat sports, mainly in the form of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has competed nationally and internationally, and teaches both arts weekly! The weirdest note a director has given him was "Wrestle me," (which is brave considering he can throw anything or anyone at anytime).

Producer / Head Writer / AV Director

REVUE COUNT: 19

Justin has done many things for Revue but this year he is Producer and technical director! He loves that Revue is collaborative across so many different areas within the theatre space and can lend his expertise to many people!

Justin’s favourite memory of Revue was when Jacquie Lambie came to watch in 2015, and stayed to meet the cast and have photos taken with them. He said she was such a ‘good sport’, and in general, he loves when politicians take it in their stride - but had witnessed as least one politician storm out of the theatre…

Will someone storm out of the theatre this year? Better book tickets to find out!

Justin has been working across film and theatre for two decades. After finding dual passions for theatre and video production, Justin has gone on to a varied career, often merging his skills in both industries. Justin has co-directed two Uni Revues for the stage as well as directing the video Uni Revue PUNDEMIC during lockdown. He has also served as technical director, AV director and producer across Uni Revues for almost two decades, as well as occasionally doing other stuff including co-directing and editing the Tasmanian cave spider documentary SIXTEEN LEGS which has seen international acclaim.

After four years as President, Justin finally stepped down in 2024 but remains Vice President and an extremely active and passionate member of the Old Nick Company.

Marketing Manager

REVUE COUNT: 7

This year we are excited to welcome back Bianca Paine – leading the charge on all things marketing, sponsorship and fundraising

Bianca's favourite revue memories include the "Heaven Cap" at Lloyd's (#RIP), talking her way out of a speeding ticket in central Launceston (the cop was a fan of revue) and "One Act More" – the Les Mis tribute that formed Act I Finale in the 2012 Uni Revue

Want to make Bianca and her Marketing hat happy? Book your tickets to this year's Uni Revue!!

Bianca loves musical theatre and will find any excuse to immerse herself – whether that’s performing onstage, working away behind the scenes, or both! Bianca is experienced in marketing and social media, having most recently worked with The Show Company on the Tasmanian premiere of COME FROM AWAY. Last year she made her directorial debut and performed in musical cabaret A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES for Old Nick. Other performance highlights include THE HELLO GIRLS (Bijou Creative), THE HATPIN (Waterdale), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (SLAMS) and AVENUE Q (Waterdale). Bianca holds her Certificate IV in Musical Theatre and a Diploma of Vocal Performance. Bianca has also worked extensively on the Old Nick Hobart Theatre Summer School program, running all things marketing, fundraising and sponsorship since 2023 (GREASE, SHREK THE MUSICAL and ANYTHING GOES). She is looking forward to taking the reins as Summer School Producer from 2026, and is excited to oversee the continued growth of young Tasmanian performers.

Social Media Manager

REVUE COUNT: 2

Chloe’s journey in the performing arts began at the age of four as a dancer, later gracing the stage in high school musical productions before going on to study dance at college. While she’s since hung up her performing boots, her creative spark found a new outlet in the digital space — social media!

With a flair for storytelling and a strategic mind, Chloe brings a wealth of experience managing social media for a diverse mix of Tasmanian businesses. Her expertise spans content creation, paid advertising, social media management, and website building, delivering tailored digital strategies to suit each client’s goals. She’s known for crafting scroll-stopping content, building strong brand voices, and turning likes into loyal fans. Recently, she’s even branched out into wedding content creation, further showcasing her versatility in the digital marketing space.

In 2024, Chloe joined Old Nick Company, diving headfirst into the world of theatre marketing for both the Uni Revue and Hobart Summer School. From behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and cast spotlights to witty captions and clever campaigns, she’s helped amplify the magic of the stage to audiences far and wide and she hasn’t looked back since!

Now, Chloe is bringing her passion and expertise to (DIM)WITTED), working alongside Marketing Manager Bianca to create a buzz that’ll have audiences racing down the yellow piss road and straight to the Theatre Royal!

Production Manager

REVUE COUNT: 9

Mel began her Revue life as an all-round amazing performer, has built our sets for us and returns to us again this year for her second stint as production manager! One of Mel’s favourite memories happened when she performed in NET ZERO (2022), during which the Federal Election happened and Scomo got replaced by Albo. Suddenly, the writing for the production had to change and she got to sing the ‘Adele-themed-love-song’ to Albo Will another Albo love song happen in 2025? Will we need to change our show mid-season again this year? Book your tickets to find out!

Mel is an integral part of the Tasmanian theatre scene, whether it’s preproduction, behind the curtain or on the stage, she’s there. Starting her journey with dance at age 4, Mel soon discovered a deep love of musical theatre during her teenage years, further developing her voice and passion for the arts. Behind the stage curtain, Mel has earned recognition as an award-winning set designer and her expertise extends to production management, where she excels in overseeing every aspect of the creative process to ensure a smooth, safe production. Most recently, Mel has channeled her wealth of experience and artistic vision into launching Parker Productions, a production company that reflects her dedication to high-quality theatre and innovative storytelling, creating a space for art in community.

Costume Designer

Revue count: 13

Vik (along with her team- shout out to Ash Boxhall, Davina Cox and Rosey Barta!) has taken on the bumper job of costume design and coordination for this year’s Revue and keeping all the cast’s rudey bits covered…. Or not…

There are now too many to count, but some of Vik’s favourite Revue memories include 2005’s ‘Pope Music’ song parody (isn’t that topically timed!), years of questionable decision making made by multiple cast members (self included) whilst staying at Lloyd’s in Launceston (which for legal reasons shall not be elaborated on) and a showmance that turned into the real deal

Vik hopes to see you at the theatre this May for some Wickedly good times, and heck, why not at auditions next year for the 2026 Revue while you’re at it!

Vik has been involved with community theatre as a performer, production team member and committee representative for over 20 years.

She chalked up her first Hobart Theatre Summer School LES MISERABLES Schools Edition (2005) and first revue GONE WITH THE WINDFALL (2005) in quick succession and has maintained her relationship with the Old Nick Company ever since, tallying up 13+ revues, another 3 or 4 Summer Schools, a handful of OneFest entries and numerous years on the Old Nick Committee where she currently serves as the Senior Vice President.

Vik’s previous costuming credits include THE HISTORY BOYS (2024) for Hobart Rep.

Props Designer

REVUE COUNT: 5

Morgan has been a performer, assistant stage manager and set builder for Revue in years gone by, but this year, she is our Props Coordinator Extraordinnaire!

Morgan’s favourite Revue memory was when she called the show as Stage Manager for the first time during 2024's ROCKLIFF HORROR (S#!T)SHOW. The show involved many fly-ins, many lights and many verbal cues, which sometimes got lost in amongst audience laughter. Helping that Revue go down without a glitch was a great moment for Morgan!

Morgan Steven is making her grand debut in the glamorous world of props after years of slinging hammers and building sets that didn’t fall down (you’re welcome). With a background in construction and an unhealthy obsession with expander foam, she has built sets for Revue, THE OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON, and for LIMINAL, which she also won a Tasmanian Theatre Award for. From big spuds to erotic worms to real panic, she has crafted it all for (DIM)WITTED and has discovered that the true art lies in making objects come to life based off whacky descriptions from the director. When not repurposing junk into theatrical gold, she can be found questioning her life choices and cutting foam at 2am.

Stage Manager

REVUE COUNT: 2

Lachie successfully managed the safety of everyone so well last year, we figured we would welcome him back again!

Lachie’s favourite Revue memory was when Jeremy Rockliff attended the 2024 Revue and signed a program for him! Will he get a program signed by the Premier again this year?

Lachlan has been involved in the Tasmanian theatre community for as long as he can remember, his earliest memory being as a 5 year-old eating tiny teddys backstage during the 2005 production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' and 'unhelpfully' pretending the master sound desk were the controls to a space ship.

This proved a watershed moment as Lachlan would find a strong passion for technical theatre and facilitation of the performing arts, starting early as a roadie for the Tasmanian Poetry Festival at the ripe age of 12, and eventually going on to hold just about every technical role in the performing arts and festival scene across Tasmania.

In his day job, Lachlan is a qualified Emergency Management Practitioner, leading and participating in incident management teams, facilitating major exercises and consulting on state emergency plans.

Since returning to the theatre as a stage manager for the 2024 UniRevue, Lachlan has continued to leverage his professional expertise in risk, leadership and emergency management in what has been quite the surprising cross over of professions to ensure that both the show runs safely and smoothly every night and that the audience get the best theatrical experience possible!

Assistant Stage Manager

REVUE COUNT: 1

We welcome Poppy to the Revue team for the first time, joining us as Assistant Stage Manager!

We all remember our first time - book your tickets and join the fun, whether it’s your first time like Poppy or your 78th time! Book your tickets now!

Poppy has been in the Tasmanian theatre scene since age ten, beginning as a performer and later transitioning into technical roles. Whilst in college, Poppy developed skills in a variety of technical elements such as costuming, lighting, follow spot, and fly operation. In 2023, Poppy became a stagehand in Legally Blonde and Assistant Stage Manager for Frozen Jr and Shrek Jr(Musical Theatre Crew). In January 2024, Poppy moved to England to work at Rendcomb College, a boarding school in the Cotswolds. She worked as a teaching assistant for the year, exploring the United Kingdom and Europe in her term breaks. Since moving home, Poppy jumped right back into theatre as Assistant Stage Manager for Old Nick’s Summer School production of Anything Goes. More recently, she worked on A Chorus Line (Venus Creative) and Come From Away (Show Company Tas) as the revolve operator and assistant stage manager.

Sound Designer

REVUE COUNT: 14

This year we are excited to welcome back Reuben Hopkins – his main responsibility is making the cast and band louder!

Reuben's most memorable Revue moments include bringing full cast radio mics to Revue for the first time for INDIANA JOE (2015), when the Wiggles ‘Bear’ character fell off the stage in Revue 2022, and operating the follow spot for KEVIN 007 (Revue 2008) with Sandy Campbell.

Reuben has over 20 years experience in the live entertainment industry. During this time he has worked across a number of different areas of the industry, including major festival productions management (The Taste Festival and Ten Days On The Island), lighting design (TTUT’s Phantom Of The Opera), and venue management (Operations Manager at the Theatre Royal), but audio has always remained his passion. He has toured nationally and internationally with acclaimed Australian companies including Circus Oz, Marty Geku, Terrapin Puppet Theatre, Darwin Theatre Company, and many more. Reuben’s production company Bass Trap Productions has provided audio equipment and services to a number of Tasmania’s large scale musical theatre productions including Chicago and My Fair Lady for Bijou Productions, the majority of Uni Revues since 2009, and Rock Of Ages, We Will Rock You, and The Rocky Horror Show for John X Presents. Reuben’s most recent undertaking has been Brookfield Tube Audio, hand building vintage style guitar and bass amps to order.

Lighting Designer

REVUE COUNT: 2

James has returned to the Revue team as lighting designer, and we hope he’s brave enough to cast light on what some of our cast are getting up to on stage…

James didn't share a favourite Revue memory so we're going to have to assume it's been working on (DIM)WITTED

Wanna see what is being revealed by James’ lighting this year? Book your tickets to see!

James makes his long-awaited return to the Uni Revue in 2025, with (DIM)WITTED marking the end of a six-year hiatus. With two decades of experience in Tasmania’s live entertainment industry, James is a seasoned professional in audio, lighting, and staging. His expertise has led him to work on high-profile productions, including Cirque du Soleil’s QUIDAM in Hobart. James has lent his skills to major touring acts like Foo Fighters and David Guetta, as well as beloved festivals including PARTY IN THE PADDOCK, FALLS FESTIVAL, and SOUTHERN ROOTS. Some of James’ most weird and wonderful technical experiences have occurred through the course of his work on DARK MOFO – whether it’s delivering underwater audio for a drummer in the Derwent River or orchestrating the dramatic drop of cars from MyState Bank Arena’s roof.