I've written, directed and produced a range of works across theatre and screen. My work aims to find the light in the darkness and always has a focus on social conscience and positive audience experience. I love to collaborate and create a sense of theatricality, charm and hope.
Take a look at some of my projects below!
creative.
beyond the break
Are you proud to be an Australian? Our orator explores the dazzling light and confusing shadow of this question. As a person of mixed race, he finds himself straddling multiple worlds, whilst being truly included in none.
Shifting between poem and prose, this raw and epic work grapples with how we explore and celebrate diversity. A solo performance that weaves past and present together in a heart-warming, and painfully funny journey to discover how we belong.
Directed by Bobbie-Jean Henning.
Currently in preparation to debut at Belvoir’s 25a in October '23.
YOU, ME & HIM
Isolated in the depths of the Australian bush, an ill-equipped drag queen and a young boy with a perpetually dripping ice-cream, are forced to seek shelter amidst a wild thunderstorm. Meanwhile, in a parallel reality and plagued by the same unpredictable natural elements, a man unravels as he struggles to find his way out.
Our short film is directed and co-script edited by Bobbie-Jean Henning, written by Andy Johnston.
The film has just begun its journey on the festival circuit, deputing at the Poland LGBTQIA+ Film Festival last month.
@youmeandhimfilm
The Power of the Dream
Released on Instagram and Facebook July 2021 with development and production funding from Screen Australia, The Power of the Dream is a six-part mockumentary online series that follows two cousin-best friends, Amy and Brooke, who have always wanted to go to the Olympics despite their complete lack of sporting prowess. With the next games approaching, they are determined to achieve Olympic glory no matter how uncoordinated they might be.
A celebration of friendship, passion and women in sport, The Power of the Dream is created and written by Bobbie-Jean Henning and Alexandra Keddie.
@thepowerofthedreamseries
All Hail Me : King Henry VIII
A wild, feminist retelling of the life of King Henry VIII. This one woman show features jousting, pop rock hits and a bottle of Passion Pop.
Created by Bobbie-Jean Henning.
Performed nationally.
'An hilarious hour of bawdy regal humour' – Weekend Notes
'Demands your attention and does not give it back' – LipMag
'It’s simply brilliant, intelligent and commanding' – TAGG
Spread Your Wings
Receiving development from ABC’s Fresh Start Fund, Spread Your Wings is an 8 part, half hour comedy tv series about the wild world of community musical theatre. The series sees a group of oddballs, known as Wings Theatre Company, as they attempt to put on their 50th Anniversary production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Spread Your Wings explores of chosen family, 6 part harmonies and what it means to belong.
Created and co-written by Bobbie-Jean Henning and Alexandra Keddie - the series is in development.
UDDERLY FABULOUS
Nyssa Milligan's hilarious and heartwarming show about what happens when you don't achieve your dreams.
Dramaturgy and direction by Bobbie-Jean Henning.
Adelaide Fringe 2021 - Weekly Award Winner
Everything you could ever want in a cabaret -
★★★★★ - Glam Adelaide
Tales of a Time Travelling Songstress
Performed in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, Tales of a Time Travelling Songstress is a cabaret about love, loss and hope. Music ranging from quirky folk songs to jazz ballads, with hand drawn artwork acting as backdrops
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Written and produced by Bobbie-Jean Henning.
A treasure of a show - Blue Curtains
Highly original...utterly charming...bold and exciting -
★★★★★ - Theatre People
Very Average Girl
A vibrant, campy 8 x 30 minute musical comedy series following a woman from birth to young adulthood, highlighting the gendered moments that have shaped her life.
Original development funded by Screen Australia.
Created by Alexandra Keddie, Bobbie-Jean Henning & Elise McCann.
Currently in development.
midlife
Jodie Stubb’s midlife crisis is brought to you in this 60 minute cabaret! What is it like to be starring down the barrel of 50 trying to make sense of it all? Ageing, social media, body image, love, motherhood and life lessons - its a heartwarming and humorous evening tinged with the dulcet tones of regret.
Dramaturgy and direction by Bobbie-Jean Henning.
PLUCKED
Clare O'Connor's one woman show about shaving her head for charity and discovering being bald not only clips your curls, it also cutthroats your dignity. The show sets out to discover what it takes to f*ck the patriarchy and embrace the bald (and the bush).
Bobbie-Jean directed the most recent development of Plucked and will be directing the upcoming performances.
"O'Connor will have you laughing one moment, wiping a little tear the next" — Weekend Notes
Emerging Artist Weekly Award — Adelaide Fringe
Other Projects and awards
WAAPA's Professional Mentorship Program
Bobbie-Jean is the 2022 recipient of the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts' Professional Mentorship Program and will be going to Perth later in the year to assistant direct on two productions at the university.
City of Melbourne Residency 2022
Bobbie-Jean is a recipient of the City of Melbourne Pop Up Library Residency. She has received in kind work space and stipend to work on her first full length play.
Australian Writers Guild Awards - AWGIE 2022
Bobbie-Jean was nominated for the Best Web Series and Short Works for "The Power of The Dream".
And..
Bobbie-Jean has been involved in a variety of developments for new works including working on Bondi Feast's 24 Hour Play Party, several developments at Kings Cross Theatre (KXT), Griffin Theatre's Scratch Night and The Lysicrates Prize.