Ian Stenlake, one of Australia’s most popular performers, will star in the Sydney premiere of Uked! – The first play-along ukulele musical, at Bondi Beach from 18 June.
Presented by the Bondi Theatre Company from June 18-28, Stenlake performs alongside charismatic singer-songwriter and actor Josephine Birch.
Uked! is Melbourne playwright Jane Cafarella’s love letter to the humble ukulele.
‘I wrote the show for all the Karlas out there, and to celebrate the humble ukulele’s ability to bring people together – and as an antidote to the daily misery of the news.’
It’s the hilarious and poignant story of Karla, played by Birch. Dumped on her 50th birthday by her violin-playing boyfriend, Karla buys a ukulele and joins a dating site, learning that love and the ukulele have a lot in common.
The show premiered in Melbourne to sell-out audiences in 2019, and in Auckland, NZ, in 2024.
Audience members can sit back and enjoy the show OR they can bring their ukes and sing and play- along too! A screen displays all the chords and lyrics, so no-one misses out.
Ian Stenlake will play thirteen different characters – including all of Karla’s YouTube ukulele teachers and love interests
Best known for starring in the TV series Stingers and Sea Patrol and seen most recently at the Sydney Opera House in The 39 Steps, Stenlake took up the ukulele during Covid to entertain his child.
“It’s such a fun instrument to play for family sing-alongs – and so much more portable than a piano!”
Josephine added “I love the ukulele; it’s got that Hawaiian feel and what better place to play it than at Bondi Beach?”
An uplifting interactive musical about finding love after 50, Uked! will provide a much-needed tonic for Bondi – being staged right on the beach at the Bondi Pavilion Theatre. Cafarella said the musical resonates with many people. “I wrote the show for all the Karlas out there, and as an antidote to the misery of the news.”
Those who have always wanted to tread the boards, can register to be on stage for a cameo appearance playing Karla’s fellow club members. Register at info@bonditheatrecompany.com.au (Eight places per performance).
Uked! is directed by London-trained Ali Bendall. Bondi Theatre Company is an independent theatre company, founded by theatrical agency David Spicer Productions to promote Australian writers.
The season includes a bonus concert by north coast YouTube ukulele teacher Stuart Eadie (Stukulele) with his daughter Rosie and plays jointly with the comedy My Fair Lawyer by local writer Tony Laumberg.
There are ten performances of Uked! at the Bondi Pavilion between June 18 and 28. Come along… and strum along! Bookings: www.bonditheatrecompany.com.au
View video trailer at Bondi Beach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUqYS5o1kPg
Media: for more information, interviews, great images, review tickets and more, contact
Geoff Sirmai Arts Publicity m: +61 412 669 272 e: geoff@sirmai.com.au.
Kristin Harris (RUTH, BAND), Josephine Birch (KARLA), Ian Stenlake (EVERYONE ELSE!) and Jamie Burgess (JOEL, BAND), at Bondi Beach. Photos: Geoff Sirmai.
Here’s what audiences said about the Victorian premiere of Uked!
MUST SEE! Take your uke, join in, sing or smile along! A GREAT NIGHT! Laughed a lot.‘ – Michelle Robie, Castlemaine, Vic.
‘If you only get to indulge in one ukulele fantasy this year, make sure it’s this one. A great night out!‘ – Kim Burns Music.‘Gave in, going again! please don’t miss this!‘ – Kaye Nankervis, Bendigo.
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