BACKSTAGE AT FRINGE with Amelia Gilday | Hemlines
- TW
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
In today's 'Backstage at Fringe', we spoke to Amelia Gilday, Director and Composer of Hemlines, which opens on September 30 at Explosives Factory as a part of our Fringe 2025 season.
Dive into the delightful and daring world of Hemlines! A fresh and provocative piece of musical theatre that balances on the razor's edge between the silly and the serious. Packed with clever humour, inventive movement, and bold storytelling, this show will take you on a wild ride through themes of sisterhood, resilience, and empowerment. Expect the unexpected in this visually dynamic and joyfully rebellious performance. With its sharp wit and irresistible charm, Hemlines is the perfect pick for anyone looking for a theatre experience that’s fresh, fun, and unforgettable.
Q: Take us back to the start. When did this show first drop into your head? How did it get to where it is now?
A: Hemlines began in early 2024 when Alicia and I were talking about Hemline Theory, which is an economic theory about hemline length influencing the economy, both concluding it was a funny and ridiculous concept. Alicia suggested Hemlines would be a good show name and off we went. Lana and Madison joined us in the devising process, which was supported by Shopfront Arts and KXT on Broadway’s Step Up residency, and the show grew from there.
The show premiered at Sydney Fringe in 2024 to a sell out season and has since played at various venues in Sydney as well as in Adelaide, Prague and London and will be heading to Townsville in October. Along the way, we’ve continued developing Hemlines into the version we’re bringing to the Explosives Factory.
Q: What will audiences find in your show that they won't find anywhere else in fringe?
It’s a feel-good, joyful show that’s equal parts silly and sincere. Expect maypoling, jigging, singing, and bursts of physical comedy. Audiences leave with that warm, fuzzy feeling, like they’ve shared in something connective, fun, and special.
Q: What will surprise audiences about this work?
One of the team's favourite bits of audience feedback was, “I was surprisingly moved”. And I think that really sums it up. On the surface, Hemlines is full of mischief, whimsy, and laughs, but at its heart it’s about friendship, solidarity, and women reclaiming their stories. That unexpected depth is the surprise.
Q: You're on a blind date. Nervously, you walk into the bar. Across the smoke and pool tables you see them - there they are. Your exact target audience member, personified. Can you describe them?
She’s having a banter and a laugh with some people at the bar, perhaps they’ve just seen Hemlines and are having a post show debrief. She’s curious about the fates, loves musical theatre and enjoys hearing historical tidbits, particularly those related to fashion.
Q: What has been the most memorable moment in your process to this point?
Probably the Irish dancing breakthrough. Early on, I felt inexplicably certain that an Irish jig belonged in the show, perhaps to the slight skepticism of my collaborators. But they were game and learned the basics anyway. Then, about two weeks out from our first season, it all just clicked and suddenly a funny idea became crucial to the show (vindicated).
Hemlines plays at Explosives Factory from September 30 - October 4. Stay tuned to the Theatre Works Backstage Blog, where we have loads more Backstage at Fringe content on the way!
What I love most about Melon Playground is how it lets you bring your imagination to life. Whether you’re testing out ragdoll physics or designing wild experiments, it feels like a digital playground with no limits. It’s so satisfying to see your creations move and interact realistically.