A night out with writer Maggie Zhou and Melbourne Theatre Company

“As soon as we met our angsty, big-feeling protagonist, I knew I was in the right place.”

Going to the theatre is one of my favourite activities. I can almost think of no other better way to spend a night than sitting in a dark, temperature-controlled room with other eager theatregoers. There’s something about watching an incredibly talented group of people doing what they love on a stage that’s soul-enriching.

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My little sister recently returned from a three-month overseas trip so I wanted to surprise her with a night out, pulling out all the stops. We stopped for snacks and drinks, made our way to dinner, then strolled on over to Southbank Theatre to watch Melbourne Theatre Company’s brand new musical, My Brilliant Career. In natural Gen Z fashion, we documented the whole thing on a digi cam. Take a look below.

First up, Movida Next Door! Tucked in the iconic Hosier Lane, this was the first time Katie had been to this Spanish institution. We got seated at high tables and people watched the passersby roaming Flinders Street.

I simply do not know anything about wine but asked for a light red that’s not too acidic and was recommended Peixe Da Estrada Mencia which was divine. I paired mine with Movida’s famed anchovy dish (it comes with smoked tomato sorbet!!), while Katie had a ginger ale and a wagyu skewer.

Next stop, Mabu Mabu! We swapped our indoor booking for its outdoor seating – gotta make the most of after-work sun – thank you daylight savings. I’m also wearing my top (a Variety Hour sample) and my op-shopped skirt intentionally backwards. I will always vouch for wearing your clothes back-to-front, inside out or in whatever way feels right to you.

Mabu Mabu is arguably one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne. They play with flavour and local ingredients so well; dishes just sing. Highlights included its golden syrup butter and emu steak.

Katie wore one of my favourite dresses that stopped fitting me a while ago. I love seeing my clothes live another life!

I also wore a thrifted cardigan, my beloved Arnsdorf trench coat and my Baggu shoulder bag. Going from day to night, you gotta layer up!

I love being a tourist in my own city. I was born here and I’ve lived here my whole life, that’s not going to stop me posing next to the Yarra River! Also, one thing I’ll never take for granted again is how flat Melbourne is – our city is so walkable, I’ll never complain again.

Now for the main event, Melbourne Theatre Company’s My Brilliant Career musical! I went in not knowing what to expect from this original production set in Australia’s 1890s. The musical had been adapted from Miles Franklin’s 1901 novel of the same name. Before going in, I worried whether I’d be able to find any relatability in it. But as soon as we met our angsty, big-feeling protagonist, I knew I was in the right place.

There’s something I must get off my chest before we continue, and that is that the ground-floor bathrooms in Southbank Theatre are probably my favourite bathrooms in the city. Pearly pink tiles! Iridescent shell-like sink! I dare you to experience this mermaid-like chamber and not feel joy.

Before the show started, I grabbed one of the Melbourne Theatre Company’s specially themed drinks for this musical, a delightful spritzy and citrusy fizzy moment called the Caddagat Cooler. Delicious!

Don’t worry, I didn’t whip out my camera halfway through the show; the cast greeted the audience entering the theatre with an in-character jam sesh (I don’t think that’s what they would’ve called it in the 1890s though).

I was thoroughly entertained for the entirety of My Brilliant Career. The musical featured a smorgasbord of pop, rock and country music, with a wildly talented (and often multi-instrumentalist) crew. The protagonist Sybylla Melvyn, played by Kala Gare, was a riot. Her comedic timing, earnest vulnerability and generous embodiment of her strong-headed teenage character were captivating. Our audience gave the show a well-earned standing ovation.

Katie and I walked to Flinders Street Station and took the train home. Over the bridge, we listened to fellow theatregoers discuss and gush over the musical.

We finished the night with a slice of overly oily pizza. Absolute perfection.

I loved watching My Brilliant Career, I left feeling reinvigorated and energised. How lucky we are to have such a thriving theatre community here in Melbourne!

Get your tickets here to see My Brilliant Career, on stage from November 7 at Southbank Theatre in Melbourne. Under 30? Snap up half-price seats.