Home » Opinion » A marvelous performance at the Bakery

A marvelous performance at the Bakery

The Bakery@1812 theatre in Ferntree Gully presented ‘Mr Bailey’s Minder’ as its first production for 2022.

A story about Leo Bailey, one of Australia’s greatest artists but now an alcoholic and a wreck of his former self. His daughter Margo finds a live-in minder to look after him.

The stage was set as Leo’s home, a complete wreck of a house with paintings all over the walls and floorboards all loose. A well done set.

Chris Hodson played Leo, a magnificent performance. I have reviewed Hodson many times over the years and I consider his portrayal as Leo is his best performance I have seen.

The balance of the cast kept up to the standard set by Hodson. The minder Therese was played by Danielle Payet. A good portrayal of a young lady desperate for a job. A moving performance and violent at times plus the language used in the production can be embarrassing though essential to the play.

Margo, Leo’s daughter, was given a good performance by Jenny Lutz. A dominating person who did love her father but was stern when visiting.

Caleb Hilbig played Gavin/Karl. This is the first time Hilbig has played outside the Youth Theatre. Hilbig gave a fair performance and has the makings of a good career on stage.

An exhausting lay. Both for the players and the audience. It covered all aspects expected of theatre and Bakery@1812 put on a wonderful evening of theatre and is one not to be missed.

Digital Editions


  • New funding targets soaring living costs

    New funding targets soaring living costs

    By Shamsiya HussainpoorBy Shamsiya Hussainpoor As the cost of living continues to put pressure on families across Victoria, the 2025 State Budget has delivered a…