REVIEW: Community Choir: The Musical - Cheep Trill

Written by Emma Dean | Directed by Belinda Raisin | Musical Direction by Tony Dean

Performed by Cheep Trill at Thomas Dixon Centre for the Brisbane Festival

Photography by Barbara Lowing

Warm, hilarious, and overflowing with heart, Community Choir: The Musical captured everything that makes Brisbane’s arts scene so special: the joy, the quirks, and the undeniable sense of community that ties it all together!

As part of Brisbane Festival, this show was the perfect opener; a homegrown story bursting with local pride, creativity, and plenty of laughs. Written by Emma Dean and directed by Belinda Raisin, this original musical told the story of a ragtag Brisbane choir (Cheep Trill) that somehow found themselves accidentally invited to the prestigious National Choral Competition in Sydney. What begins as a simple rehearsal quickly spirals into a whirlwind of excitement, panic, drama, and a sprinkle of magic when the flamboyant Spirit of the Song appears: a glittery guide that only one choir member can see and hear. What followed was a touching and laugh-out-loud journey through self-doubt, friendship, and finding your voice (literally and figuratively).

Early on a line struck me: “People say choir is my whole life. They are correct.” At that moment, I knew we were in for something both hilariously relatable and sincere. As audience members entered, we were greeted by an interactive pre-show that made it feel like we’d stepped right into their rehearsal hall. Posters decorated the stage (“Used dentures for sale” one definitely caught my eye), and a haze-filled atmosphere set the tone for the most hauntingly beautiful Acknowledgment of Country I have ever witnessed, performed and written by Michelle Roberts under stunning lighting design.

The three-piece band, led by MD Tony Dean on drums, pumped the theatre full of energy throughout. The moment the full choir launched into Welcome to the Choir, the entire theatre lifted. Their harmonies were full-bodied and joyful, and the lyrics “You are welcome, even if you can’t sing” summed up the show’s inclusive spirit perfectly. This particular performance featured the Northside Brisbane cast, and what a team they were! With more than a hundred singers of all ages and abilities, this was community theatre in its purest form. The ensemble wore bright, casual outfits that felt straight out of a local rehearsal; a beautiful visual of authenticity and colour.

Jen Codognotto as Judith was a standout, delivering her scenes with comic precision and warmth, while Lucy Sweeney as the Spirit of the Song sparkled – literally and vocally – in a fairy-angel ensemble that glittered under the lights. John Catania as Johnno was hilariously endearing, especially in his solo The Chosen One. His newfound superpower: the ability to hear everyone’s thoughts through song, was a stroke of genius and had all the charm and heart of a Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist episode.

There were so many memorable songs. Carve Out My Place, performed by Helen Beauchamp (Harriet), was a vocal highlight, her a strong belt holding heartfelt conviction. All By Myself by Jaspa Woolford-Clark (Connie) captured the aching vulnerability of self-doubt in a crowded room. Waiting Room was wonderfully choreographed, with furniture blocking that ticked in perfect time, while Weetbix Song managed to be both silly and moving.

Belinda Raisin’s direction was clever and clearly grounded in love for her performers. She made sure everyone had their moment. The use of risers meant the majority of the choir could always be seen, and the transitions were impressively tight for such a large cast. I adored her cameo as Bernard Dubois, the over-the-top adjudicator in a sparkly tux, complete with a fake moustache, a hoverboard, and what I can only assume was a pillow stuffed under her shirt!

By the time Bigger Than Me arrived, the whole audience was clapping along. The front row even got up to join the flash-mob style finale, and before I knew it, the entire theatre had turned into a mini Pub Choir moment. The original music was catchy and fresh, full of clever lyrics and contemporary choral arrangements.

Emma Dean’s writing found that perfect balance of sincerity and silliness. I saw myself in so many of these characters: the Taylor Swift-obsessed girl, the people-pleasing administrator, the bitter ex, the hopeless romantic... and judging by the lughter around me, I wasn’t the only one relating. There was something deeply touching about how honestly these fragile, funny, real people were portrayed. Their flaws made them loveable, their chaos made them human, and their music made them unforgettable.

Community Choir: The Musical was a zesty dose of joy and confidence, a tribute to the power of music and the bonds it creates. For a cast made up of 95% non-professional performers, this was an extraordinary feat. It was personal, passionate, and quintessentially Brisbane. By the end, less like an audience observing a choir and more like a community sharing a unique experience. This original musical was for anyone who have ever sung in a choir, wished to, or simply loves the sound of people coming together to make something bigger than themselves.