Written October 7th, 2026.
As a student of international relations, you learn a lot of history. Especially the history of major powers like the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China and Russia. The Cold War between the US and USSR has had major ramifications on international politics for decades after, and still shapes attitudes towards conflicts today. Personally, I found the Russian Revolution and the rise and fall of the Soviet Union to be a fascinating time period, and it was one that I studied extensively throughout my degree
The story ‘begins’ (as much as any historical story can begin with one event) with the February Revolution. Mass protests against the war in Europe, food rationing and general discontent with the monarchy led to a wider uprising. It ultimately resulted in Tsar Nicholas abdicating his throne in March.
However, the Provisional Government that formed afterwards was not popular either, as it was unable to resolve the issues the Russian people were facing. Workers thus organised into councils (known as soviets) wherein revolutionaries criticised the provisional government and its actions, demanding change.
The far-left Bolshevik party was the most vocal, and when Vladimir Lenin returned to Russia from his exile in April he issued his April Theses, calling on the Bolsheviks to take over the Provisional Government, usurp power, and end the war.
In October, the Bolshevik’s did just that, organising a coup to take over the government that led to the Russian Civil War.
As for Anastasia, the legend goes that as the revolutionary forces advanced on Yekaterinburg where they were under house arrest, the family was woken in the night and ordered to dress. While they were told that they would be moved to a safer location, they were led into a small room in the sub-basement and then informed that they would be executed. The royal family and their servants were all murdered there that day.
Despite this, legends began to grow of Anastasia Nikolaevna‘s survival. As the fourth daughter of the Tsar, and bearing a Greek name meaning “of the resurrection”, many used this to fuel their stories about her rumoured survival. Apparently, when the soldiers were shooting the family to death, bullets ricocheted off their bodices. Later, it was discovered that the princesses had the crown jewels sewn into the linings of their corsets, hidden from their captors when they were removed from the royal palace. Some believe Anastasia survived this initial onslaught, and escaped with the help of a compassionate guard.
Of course, while many imposters arose over the years, the stories of her survival have since been disproven, but the story is fascinating nonetheless.
This mystery inspired the 1997 Disney film Anastasia, wherein another legendary figure of the Russian Imperial Court, Rasputin, is the villain. If you want to read another story where truth is somehow stranger than fiction, you should definitely read about the infamous ‘holy man’, Grigori Rasputin.
ANASTASIA the Musical, performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre was an adaptation of this Disney film.
Getting There…
I’ve been trying a lot of new things this year, and going to different shows and events is one of them!
We arrived very early—an hour early in fact, due to my mother’s insistence that we not be late. Anyway, we got two of the Red Romanov slushy cocktails and wandered around for a while, people watching as we waited for the audience to file in.
The drink was fine, albeit very sweet. I could appreciate a slushy though, as it has become so hot in Brisbane so quickly. I always joke that we don’t really have a ‘winter’ here, just a couple of months where it is less hot.
Anyway, we settled in as people began to arrive, scouting the various attires people chose to wear. I love that some people prefer to dress up while others still rock-up casual as can be in a t-shirt and shorts. I was dressed a lot more casually, and while my jacket was too warm to wear outside, it was perfect for the chilly air-conditioned hall.
The Musical
While I’m very inexperienced in the musical space, I thought this one was amazing.
Every singer was incredible, each with their own stunning voice and style. The lead actress, Georgina Hopson who played Anya/Anastasia, had the most beautiful voice. I’d describe it as round and clear, and she shone in every scene and musical number she was a part of. Her counterpart, Robert Tripolino was also fantastic, a powerful singer in his own right, able to balance the humorous and serious sides of the ‘dashing conman’ so well.
Other characters included the funny and ‘lovable ex-aristocrat’ Vlad (Joshua Robson), Rodney Dobson as Gleb the army-officer villain, Rhonda Burchmore as the fabulous Countess Lily, and Nancye Hayes AM as the regal Dowager Empress.
Other characters included the funny and ‘lovable ex-aristocrat’ Vlad (Joshua Robson), Rodney Dobson as Gleb the army-officer villain, Rhonda Burchmore as the fabulous Countess Lily, and Nancye Hayes AM as the regal Dowager Empress.
The entire cast was wonderful, with all the background actors and dancers breathing such life into every scene.
The theatre-production was very different to my beloved childhood movie, but I could appreciate that the changes kept the message and flow of the story mostly consistent. Adapting any form of art from one form to another is no easy feat, but I thought they did a good job.
I especially love the creative ways stage designers are able to transport us into the worlds. The settings, screens, and props used onstage were marvellous, from the royal palace setting to the rotating train carriage to the bright pink cherry blossom scene as they reached Paris.
The costumes were also fantastic, and I would have loved to see them up close. The Russian Imperial family inspired much of the royal family in my own book series, so their customs and fashions are endlessly interesting to me. I thought they did a good job of capturing the elegance and unique styles of the Russian court. Of course, Anastasia’s blue dress (a cult favourite) was also lovely, though I always imagined it to be a made of velvet. The 1920s inspired costumes were also magnificent!
I found the humour to be excellent too, not too much or too cringey. The Countess and Vlad were hilarious together, and the audience seemed to be in stitches as their antics continued.
Final Thoughts
This was a fantastic show, and one that I really enjoyed. The changes made from the film to the show were reasonable and enacted well, and it didn’t feel like it went too long. The actors were incredible, so talented, funny, and brilliant in all their scenes.
I always enjoy the theatre productions I get to see at QPAC, and this was no exception. This was a wonderful evening, and I’m already looking forward to my next show!
Leave a Reply