Firebrand: A New Queer Musical - Review

Review by Mark

Firebrand: A New Queer Musical is a vibrant, delightfully subversive new musical that transforms historical drama into an urgent, anthem-filled celebration of queer identity. The show blends the high-stakes romance of Bridgerton with the soul-searching intimacy of musicals like Fun Home; this developmental workshop proves that its creative team has tapped into something special.

Lara Smyth as Julie d'Aubigny. Photo by @misskatharinerodden

This current form is the first act semi-staged in a concert style. The show is set in a glittering, high-camp Versailles; the story follows Julie (Lara Smyth), a sword-wielding heroine who stumbles into a court plot to oust a band of disruptive bandits. Along the way, she discovers an underground queer sanctuary and falls into a tender romance with Cecilia (Caitlyn Calfas). At its core, the show wrestles with a timeless conflict: the comforting safety of conforming versus the terrifying liberation of living authentically.

Writers Merilee Ettia and Robbie Hébert’s score is infectious, soaring effortlessly as this first act develops. Even with this stripped-back format, the songs paint a vivid, queer-normative historical landscape that feels both escapist and deeply human.

Lara Smyth is the magnetic centre of the piece as Julie d’Aubigny. Striking a compelling balance between bravado and emotional vulnerability, Smyth gives Julie a fiery, charming edge that grounds the entire production. Caitlyn Calfas as Cecilia Bortigali provides the emotional anchor of the musical as the lesbian modiste. Her stunning, elegant vocals bring rich warmth and depth to the score, making her romantic dynamic with Smyth feel effortlessly poignant and sincere.

Caitlyn Calfas as Cecilia Bortigali. Photo by @misskatharinerodden.

Lukas Poischbeg as  Philippe of Bourbon brings the high-camp glamour and soaring vocal confidence the role demands. He delivers the show's most uplifting queer anthems with a natural theatrical flair and sharp fourth-wall-breaking humour. Kieran Capaldi as Comte d'Armagnac turns in a delightfully slick, double-dealing performance as Julie’s aristocratic love-interest-turned-rival. He leans into a subtle, almost pantomimic villainy that gives the court’s political intrigue a fun, theatrical bite.

Supported by tight ensemble harmonies and fluid musical direction from Amy Austen on the keys, the cast demonstrates a clear passion for the material, elevating the workshop format into a thoroughly engaging showcase.

As an Act 1 workshop, the production naturally leaves the audience hanging on wanting more, and a few transitionary scenes in the mid-act could use tighter pacing to keep the narrative momentum sharp. However, these are minor growing pains for a show in development. It will only grow and develop, and with full staging, this will only continue to aid the production and its growth. 

Firebrand in this workshop format is funny, fierce, and brimming with heart. I suspect there is an exciting future ahead for this show.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Firebrand: A New Queer Musical ran at The Water Rats from the 17th to 19th August 2026. For future updates you can follow the show on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firebrandmusical/

Lukas Poischbeg as Monsieur. Photo by @misskatharinerodden