Vidya Makan joined the Showtime podcast to share her journey from soccer hopeful to one of Australia’s most exciting musical theatre voices. Growing up in Brisbane she dreamed of playing for the Matildas and even trained at Manchester United’s summer school. A trip to London changed everything when she saw Wicked on the West End and realised theatre could be a space where she belonged.
Since then Vidya has played major roles including Eliza in Hamilton and Katherine Parr in Six. She spoke about keeping roles truthful, bringing her own perspective to iconic characters, and the thrill of performing with an audience that feels part of the show. Alongside performing she has always written music, inspired by artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda to tell stories that reflect minority voices.
Her own musical The Lucky Country grew from that passion. Written over five years, it mixes humour, camp, and sharp commentary on what it means to be Australian from diverse perspectives. The score is a patchwork of sounds from Baker Boy to Cold Chisel to Kylie, shaped with collaborators Sonia Suarez and Heidi Maguire. Vidya also worked closely with First Nations artists like Shoa Demal to ensure cultural truth and respect.
Audiences have responded with reflection and gratitude, and the recent original cast album further amplifies voices rarely heard in mainstream theatre. For Vidya, Australian theatre needs more authentic, daring stories that reflect our diversity. The Lucky Country, opening at Melbourne Theatre Company, is her answer to that call.
🎭The Lucky Country
🗓️  13 to 18 October
📍 Lawler, Southbank Theatre
🎟️ mtc.com.au
The Lucky Country, a bold new musical about what it means to be Australian, today revealed its cast for the Melbourne and Brisbane seasons. Leading the ensemble are Garret Lyon as Boy, Naarah Barnes as Teacher, Vidya Makan as Cindy, Phoenix Jackson Mendoza as Sexy Australia, Jeffrey Liu as Waiter, and Karlis Zaid as Veteran. They are joined by Anusha Thomas and Tainga Toa in swing and understudy roles.
The show premieres on Monday 13 October at Melbourne Fringe Festival as part of the Guarantee program, before heading to Brisbane Powerhouse for MELT Festival. With a score inspired by Australian icons from Baker Boy to Kylie, the 60-minute production blends humour, heart and music to explore identity and belonging.
Created by Vidya Makan and Sonya Suares, The Lucky Country is a joyful, moving, and unapologetically Australian celebration of who we are and who we can become.
 
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VIDYA MAKAN is one of Australia’s most exciting multi-hyphenates in the entertainment industry. As a leading lady she has captivated audiences nationwide with her powerhouse performances, including Eliza in Hamilton, Catherine Parr in SIX, Ruby in Bloom and Dot/Marie in Sunday in the Park with George. These roles have earned her major industry award nominations and cemented her as a standout talent. Her television appearances include ABC and Michael Cassel Group’s A (Very) Musical Christmas in 2024 and a guest spot as quiz master on Channel 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention in 2023.
As a composer and lyricist Vidya is making her mark with original musicals. Her debut work The Lucky Country premiered to rave reviews in Sydney in 2023 and will be presented this October at Melbourne Theatre Company’s Southbank Theatre before moving to Brisbane’s MELT Festival. The original cast album, released with Origin Music, drops on August 14. She is also developing a new musical with Queensland Theatre alongside collaborator Tasnim Hossain.
Brisbane-born, Vidya first dreamt of being a Matilda before finding her passion in theatre. A skilled pianist and cellist, she graduated from Queensland Conservatorium’s Bachelor of Musical Theatre in 2015.

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