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NIKKI GAERTNER
(Website & Events Manager)

Nikki would generally describe herself as a "techie" who loves the limelight! She has worked in the Information Technology industry since 1998 and has been involved in both large and small IT projects.

Nikki first stepped on stage at the age of 5 with Allegro School of Dance, and was involved in a number of productions with the company, including Hansel and Gretel and Mary Poppins.

Nikki's favourite theatre roles include Lila in Holiday Inn for The Therry Dramatic Society, Gladys in The Pajama Game and Grace in Annie, both for Northern Light Theatre Company, Miss Adelaide in Guys & Dolls for Marie Clark Musical Theatre, Helene in Sweet Charity for Hills Musical Company and Maureen in Time of My Life for Galleon Theatre Group. She has appeared in numerous other shows with Northern Light, Galleon, The Met and Marie Clark.

Nikki is thoroughly enjoying being able to combine her love of performing and theatre with her IT flair in her role as Manager of the Adelaide Theatre Guide.
JANICE BAILEY
(Review Scheduling Coordinator)

Janice started performing at a young age on Adelaide children’s television shows. She soon progressed to regular performances in local Cabaret and on Channel 9s ‘Adelaide Tonight’, while completing a teaching degree at Adelaide University. The Sydney Clubs beckoned and Janice moved interstate. Frequent trips to Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore kept her busy as well as regular stints on cruise ships. On her return to Adelaide 20 years later, Janice also returned Drama and English teaching, which still keeps her occupied. Involved in amateur theatre for several years she has been a reviewer for two years and thoroughly loves it.
JAMIE WRIGHT
(Reviews Editor)

Having moved to Adelaide from the somewhat culturally-starved northern Queensland in late 1997, Jamie's life was changed forever by the arrival of the 1998 Fringe Guide in his letterbox. From then on he became a dedicated theatre-goer, and, despite having the desire to try his luck at performing, the demands of work and study kept him on the other side of the stage. But at the end of 2002 he found himself with a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and Communication in one hand and a sudden increase in spare time in the other.

Since being cast in his first production, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' with Burnside Players, Jamie has rarely been away from the theatre for more than a few weeks. While the majority of roles have been with Burnside - including their ATG 'Curtain Call' award-winning 2006 production of 'The Crucible' - he has also performed with The Rep, Therry, SALOS, Marie Clarke and Unseen Theatre Company/Insight Presents. When not on stage he can often be found backstage, having worked as one or more of stage manager, production manager and crew for nearly every Burnside Players show in the last few years, and even found time to move things around for Northern Light on a couple of occasions.

Reviewing combines two of his great loves - theatre and writing - and he's rarely happier than when scribbling notes on the back of programmes in the dark. Reading his own handwriting afterwards, of course, is another thing entirely...
HOLDEN WARD
(Communications Coordinator)

Holden’s passion for the performing arts has been demonstrated in diverse ways. Initially as both performer and lighting designer for his Year 12 Drama production, Holden subsequently learnt guitar, played in various bands, and occasionally busked for fun and bus fares.

From 2001-2013, Holden was a regular performer on the Adelaide Comedy scene and acted in amateur theatre. More recently, Holden has sought to focus on writing, and is studying media and marketing at the University of Adelaide, as part of a career transition from social work and psychotherapy.

Holden looks forward to supporting amateur and professional theatre productions in his new Communications role via the Adelaide Theatre Guide.
KYLIE PEDLER
(Assistant Reviews Editor)

Dancing at 3. Performing in musicals at 7. Kylie’s ardor for the stage has always been evident in her smile. Often recognized for her dancing in the chorus, Kylie has played minor roles in ‘The Boyfriend’ and ‘Music Man’. Involved in a variety of companies over the years, her favourite productions include ‘HMS Pinafore’, ‘Copacabana’, ‘Jesus Christ, Superstar’ and ‘Shout’.

A qualified CSTD teacher, Kylie has taught dance for 17 years. While fulfilling her love for travel, Kylie studied at the Broadway Dance Centre, took classes with the Radio City Music Rockettes, and performed at the Martin Luther King Theatre (NYC). Combining her teaching experience and love for dance and theatre, Kylie had no hesitation about choreographing a large children’s ensemble for ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’….twice! She has also choreographed ‘Guys and Dolls’.

Having already completed a Diploma in Arts and a Bachelor of Education, Kylie competed a Bachelor of Writing and Creative Communication, with a major in editing and publishing and is excited to share her skills with the Adelaide Theatre Guide as an assistant editor.
ALEXANDRA BULL
(Reviewer)

FRAN EDWARDS
(Reviewer)

Fran has been involved in amateur theatre in South Australian for almost Forty years. That involvement has spanned just about every aspect of productions. She has notched up close to 150 productions doing everything from set and costume design, operation of lights and sound, stage management, publicity, front of house, direction and, of course, treading the boards.

Fran has directed a number of award-winning productions for Northern Light Theatre Company, including Annie and The King and I.

Fran has been on the committees of several theatre companies over the years and is currently President of Northern Light Theatre Company and The President of the Theatre Association of South Australia. She has been a reviewer for ATG almost since the inception. Fran loves all forms of theatre and she firmly believes that critics and reviews are another important part of theatre and every show deserves balanced feedback.
CHRISSY GOW
(Reviewer)

GEORGE JANKOVIC
(Reviewer)

ROSS JOHNSTON
(Reviewer)

LANCE JONES
(Reviewer)

Lance started his acting career at the age of four appearing on his parent's back porch singing "I'm Popeye The Sailor Man" to a group of neighbours while dressed as a fairy and wearing a mop on his head for a wig. Things only got better from there, spending those long, hot, endless Australian suburban summers surfing and playing guitar in one of his many garage bands.

Not taking university as seriously as he should have, Lance ran the local student radio station for a time, where he graduated with the completely fake degree of "Doctor of Boogie". This took him to great heights running the local Police Citizens Club discos and, eventually, some commercial Radio work in country NSW.

Returning to his musical roots, Lance ended up as Guitarist and Blues Harmonica player in various touring bands in Australia and SE Asia. He sort-of tripped over and fell into Musical Theatre where he has played a few principal roles in such gems as "Jekyll & Hyde", "Anything Goes", "High Society", Phantom of The Opera and "Mamma Mia!".

When he isn't reviewing, performing, barracking for The Rabbitohs or entertaining himself by writing amusing bios, Lance is a Practice Professor of Law at a funky university on The Gold Coast, and runs a “boutique” Law Firm in Adelaide that offers discount rates for thespians.
HELEN KARAKULAK
(Reviewer)

Helen’s passion for drama began at age 11, in a school holiday program that introduced her to the wickedly fun world of Oliver! A keen interest in theatre followed her throughout her schooling, filling in where ever needed. Whether it was teaching younger children how to juggle, being a chorus member, or learning stage combat, Helen dived into every opportunity she had with no hesitation, and an abundance of curiosity.

Helen was largely influenced by the time she spent on a performing arts tour in New York City and Los Angeles in 2016. Being able to partake in and observe the incredible work that goes into preparing for a Broadway show or putting together a short film filled her with inspiration. Although dabbling in performing here and there, her passion for the arts came out most fiercely in conversation regarding artistic choices throughout her final years of high school. Frequent theatre-going and a love of writing then grew into an urge to share her opinions with anyone who’d listen.

In the past year, Helen has been honing her critical writing skills while undergoing a Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing. She has had the pleasure of connecting with lovely members of the Adelaide amateur theatre community and is extremely grateful for the opportunities she’s had and all that’s to come.
DOUG PHILLIPS
(Reviewer)

Doug’s been involved with theatre in some way or another since the age of ten when he joined the cast of Comedy Capers gang Show through the Scout Association. Performing in semi-professional and amateur shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, with Northern light Theatre Company, Marie Clark Musical Theatre, Le Fevre Dance Co, Berowra Musical Society, Dandenong Theatre Company, Versus Production Company, amongst others. Doug has also appeared in TV shows and commercials, as well as performing Stand-up comedy around Adelaide.

After recently embarking on a career as a professional Writer, Doug now writes content for websites, product descriptions, blogs, articles, advertising, reviews, and editorials. Reviewing for ATG has given Doug the opportunity to combine his love of theatre with his love of writing.

Above all, Doug is also the father of three beautiful children with his wife Lisa. A role he relishes more than anything else.
LUKE WAGNER
(Reviewer)

Luke has been part of theatre in SA for several years now. Currently serving as president of Venture Theatre Company, Luke has acted and directed with the company since 2008. Luke has performed with several amateur groups around and loves seeing a production grow into something special.

In 2010, Luke directed Venture's award nominated play, The Murder Room. He has also played characters from bumbling detectives to handsome prince and loves to try something new. Luke is a fan of theatre in all forms, everything from the large scale of shows like Wicked to those by small theatre companies that have given him the chance to develop his skills.
BRENDAN WATTS
(Reviewer)

From his first role on stage in primary school Brendan has been a theatre kid at heart. Humbling participating in the Scout Association Gang Shows as a child, he graduated to performing in the Port Pirie Gilbert & Sullivan Society (whilst also holding the role of Secretary) as the Pirate King (Pirates of Penzance), Captain Van Trapp (Sound of Music), Jesus (Godspell) and Lt. Gruber (‘Allo ‘Allo) amongst others.

He now enjoys performing with the Murray Bridge Players and Singers, in recent years playing the Wizard (Wizard of Oz), D.I. Craddock (A Murder is Announced), Amos (Chicago), Wild Bill Hickock (Calamity Jane) and the Priest (Mamma Mia).

Whilst paying the bills as a High School teacher he loves nothing more than taking in a show and riding the waves of emotion and anticipation that the performers create via their interwoven storylines and characterisations.
JOHN WELLS
(Reviewer)

John Wells has a broad and lengthy involvement in theatre: from early productions with the University of Adelaide Drama Department, to Theatre Sports, to being a co-founder of the much-lauded comedy troupe Parting Company, through radio and film, and on to directing and writing. Latterly, he has directed productions for the University of Adelaide Theatre Guild and served on its board for a short time.

As well as a theatre critic, Wells has worked as a farmhand, a late-night console operator, a Judge’s associate, a nude model and a night porter. He drives a 1961 Rover, writes with a fountain pen, eats too much duck confit, and lives in the Bohemian inner-West with a Buff Orpington rooster.

Wells is a member of the Adelaide Critics' Circle.
SARAH WESTGARTH
(Reviewer)

Sarah Westgarth studied Drama, English and Education at Flinders University and currently works as a high school Drama teacher. As a child, she attended classes Drama and Musical Theatre classes at Theatre Bugs, becoming a member of their Performing Team and performing lead roles in productions such as 'Peter Pan', 'Alice in Wonderland', and '101 Dalmatians' (as Cruella DeVil.)

In Western Australia, she worked with the Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company, playing the role of Aldonza in 'Man of La Mancha', and directing the youth production of 'What's Up In Sherwood.' Also in Albany, she ran her own performing arts classes for kids and teenagers, directing productions of 'Pinocchio' and 'The Secret Garden.'

Sarah currently works at Investigator College in Victor Harbor as the Senior Drama teacher, where she directs (and sometimes writes) the annual musical.

Sarah is a geek for all things pop culture, and is fascinated by how the performing arts are able to reflect social norms, explore complex ideas, and challenge thinking. She writes reviews and recaps on her blog, Top 5 Records, and is inspired by the work of critics David Sims, Caroline Framke and Richard Lawson.
RICHARD MANNING
(Regional Reviewer)

Richard's background as an IT geek, in no way prepared him for his addiction to live theatre since joining the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of SA in 2004. As someone who could sing and enjoyed musicals whenever they came along on stage or on television, people had encouraged him to get involved for years.

Richard's first show with the G&S Society was "The Pirates of Penzance" with Dennis Olsen as Major General Stanley. An introduction to performing in musical theatre doesn't get much better than that. That was enough - he was hooked, performing in most of the G&S productions since, including a small principal role in "Oklahoma!" as Andrew Carnes, in 2005.

Not limiting himself to on-stage involvement Richard has production managed and prompted for one of the ATG's 24 hour shows ("Guys and Dolls"). As you may imagine for a show that is announced, cast, rehearsed and staged in 24 hours, prompting was no small task, but so much fun.