General News
6 October, 2025
HAC revives Godspell
Horsham Arts Council (HAC) is busy preparing for their last production for the year, taking another chance on 'Godspell'.
Reviving it for the third time, audiences are warned it won't be the same show they've seen previously.
First time director Stacey Brennan is no stranger to the production, having starred in both the 1997 and 2012 productions before.
“I thought it was going to be easier having done it twice before,” she said.
“It’s been a great journey and it's been really fun to do it with my friends and share the experience with them."
The 1997 production proved to be a tough and emotional one for all involved.
Directed by the late Michael Giddings, the show was a junior cast with performers between the ages of 10 and 25.
“We got together and Michael said let’s do a show and it was Godspell,” Libby Brennan said.
“Everything was casted and then Michael was diagnosed with Leukaemia."
Libby said Michael sought treatment in Adelaide as that is where he was originally from.
Taking over his directing duties, Libby and HAC continued to check in with him to see when he might make his return.
“It was the final performance and he felt well enough to come see it,” Libby said.
“So he came back to Horsham and he was wheeled down the aisle in the wheelchair.
“It was just amazing."
Libby said Michael then went into remission.
"I ran into him in the street later and he was complaining of a sore back," she said.
After finding out the leukemia had returned, three weeks later, Michael passed away.
"The kids went in and said their goodbyes," Libby said.
"For most of them, this would've been the first time they've encountered grief."
This time around in 2012, it was an all-adult cast and was directed by Simon Dandy and the assistant director was Libby Brennan.
“It’s my favourite show and it’s been good to bring it back,” Simon said.
For the first time, Godspell is being brought to life at the Horsham Town Hall for the first time as it has previously been done at the Wesley Theatre.
“It is an intimate show in a bigger venue to 400 people instead of 200,” Stacey said.
Simon, who has stepped into the role of assistant director said it's all coming together "nicely".
“As a first time director, Stacey is doing a great job,” he said.
“It’s not an easy job.
“It’s a completely different take on it and seeing someone else’s vision come to life has been great."
Seeing her daughter follow in her footsteps in the directing role, Libby said it's "been lovely".
HAC's 'Godspell' opens on October 10 and is set to close on October 19 with tickets on sale now.
Visit https://horshamtownhall.com.au/godspell/ for more information.
