The Lucky Country, at Southbank Theatre, The Lawler (and touring) - 60 minutes

Author Donald Horne coined the expression “the lucky country” in his 1964 book titled “The Lucky Country: Australia in the Sixties”.

But whether you see us as a lucky country now (or in the past) depends upon your experiences and perceptions.

Photos by Jodie Hutchinson

And now to a musical of the same name, tackled with humour and heartache, by Vidya Makan, who is responsible for the music and lyrics.

She, alongside co-creator and director Sonya Suares, focus on the issue of identity and belonging.

The Lucky Country is about notions of who we are, what defines us and what binds us, for we are a land rife with contradictions.

The score acknowledges some of Australia’s finest performers and musicians – Baker Boy, Jimmy Barnes, Kylie Minogue and The Seekers among them.

There are nods to places like Byron Bay and Murrindindi, as stories evolve through song.

Many of the 13 are playful and downright hilarious.

Subjects tackled include tribalism through Aussie Rules football, a Russian boy band, a beauty contest and an ethnic bit part in a movie.

The journey from far and wide to make this country what it is today moves from the classroom to a restaurant and into the fields.

Mind you, for long it omitted the trauma at the heart of Australia’s foundation.

With that in mind, The Lucky Country features a troubling confrontation for a youngster at the start and a powerful and emotional moment of truth at the end.

A cast of six, with a surprise and evocative seventh appearing late in the piece, assume a series of roles, including those that require cross dressing.

It is a talented troupe that harmonises well, with the backing of a live band. Solo numbers and duets also resonate.

I speak of Garret Lyon, Naarah, Vidya Makan, Phoenix Jackson Mendoza, Jeffrey Liu (Jeva), Karlis Zaid and Billy McPherson.

Musical director Heidi Maguire and choreographer Amy Zhang ensure the material moves along at pace, with never a dull moment.

Video designer Justin Harrison keeps the good times rolling with an ever-changing cartoon-like backdrop.

The Lucky Country looks at the cultural divide, giving voice to the marginalised, as well as the ties that connect us with wit and heart, and time for reflection. 

It is on at Southbank Theatre, The Lawler, as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, until 18^th October, 2025.

It next moves to Brisbane Powerhouse, as part of the Melt Festival, from 22^nd to 26^th October.