STAGES Episode 603: DREW ANTHONY

A dynamic force in Australian and international entertainment, Drew Anthony began a multifaceted career onstage before expanding into producing, directing, choreography, casting, and writing across theatre, television, concerts, events, festivals, and large-scale ceremonies.Since relocating to Perth, Drew has served as Artistic Director of Kaleidoscope, the city’s light and illumination festival, and has directed and choreographed The Boy From Oz at Crown Theatre. At Planet Royale in Northbridge, he has produced and directed a string of acclaimed productions, including Grease, Chicago – A Musical Vaudeville, Strictly Ballroom, A Chorus Line, Saturday Night Fever, The Wedding Singer, Footloose, and Little Shop of Horrors.A specialist in global ceremonies and major events, Drew has held senior creative roles for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, Doha 2006 Asian Games, Doha 2011 Arab Games, Rugby World Cup New Zealand 2011, NRL State of Origin, the World Handball Championship in Doha, and the Flag Handover Ceremony at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.In theatre and live performance, Drew has directed Olivia Newton-John & Friends in Concert at Sydney’s State Theatre; choreographed and appeared in the Academy Award-winning animated feature Happy Feet; directed Carlotta’s Kings Cross at the Big Top, Luna Park; choreographed the Australian premiere of Jolson; the world premiere of the West End musical Jailhouse Rock; and Opera Australia’s celebrated Orpheus in the Underworld. In 2002, he toured to 33 cities as Associate Director, Choreographer, Producer and featured performer in Hot Shoe Shuffle.As Resident or Associate Director/Choreographer, Drew has contributed to the Australian national tours of Singin’ in the Rain, Buddy – The Musical, Hairspray, The Pirates of Penzance, Me and My Girl, Jolson (Mo Award nomination), 42nd Street, Red Hot and Rhonda, Rachael Beck’s Young Judy, as well as the USA and UK tours of Hot Shoe Shuffle.Earlier in his career, Drew Anthony performed with the Queensland Ballet Company and in the Australian and international productions of Cats, 42nd Street, Rasputin, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Me and My Girl, and Sondheim’s Putting It Together. Television appearances included regular performances on The Midday Show and Good Morning Australia, and work as a band member of the swing ensembles Pardon Me Boys and The Fabulous Rhythm Boys.In 1984, Drew won the Fred Astaire International Tap and Jazz Championship in New York City, marking an early highlight in an expansive and enduring career.From January 8th, 2026, Drew Anthony Creative presents Saturday Night Fever at The Atheneum Theatre in Melbourne.The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au