Blog One — Friday 7 August 2026
And so, on Friday 7 August 2026, I am thrilled to share with you, dear friends, that socially inclusive music theatre is alive and flourishing in Melbourne.
Having recently returned from a sizzling London summer to a chilly and grey Melbourne winter, I can report that Ordinary Heroes has begun with extraordinary momentum. The many strands of this ambitious project are now coming together — bringing together wonderful people, inspiring stories, creative energy and a shared sense of purpose — as we count down to the world premiere on Sunday 25 October 2026.
And there is nothing ordinary about the participants, the work, or the stories that are emerging.
The vision behind Ordinary Heroes is simple but powerful: to create a brand-new work of music theatre that brings communities together, builds bridges between people, celebrates diversity, and shines a light on ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
And, when we think about it, that means virtually anyone and everyone.
You do not need to live in the White House, wear a mask and cape, or possess supernatural powers to make a profound and meaningful difference to the world around you.
Everyday acts of courage, kindness, resilience and compassion are happening all around us.
The Beginning of a Vision
Last year, I was approached by Sheela Edwards, Principal of Aurora School. After a brief conversation, we asked ourselves a simple but important question:
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to create a project at a time when society feels increasingly divided — one that uses music theatre to bring people together?
We live in an era where social media can often become an echo chamber amplifying fear, anger and division rather than love, generosity, kindness and connection.
What better vehicle, then, than music theatre — an art form that combines storytelling, music, movement and shared human experience — to create understanding and community?
My belief in the transformational power of music theatre was reinforced during my recent visit to London.
A Powerful Example of Transformation
While there, I was contacted by Yamin Choudhury , who first began working with me many years ago at Haringey Shed in North London.
Yamin joined the program as a young person who was struggling — disconnected from society and involved in challenging circumstances, including gang culture and troubled behaviour.
Through music theatre, he discovered a pathway for creativity, confidence and purpose.
He became deeply immersed in the performing arts, developing exceptional skills in sound and lighting, completing an arts degree, and eventually working at Hackney Empire, where he rose to become Artistic Director and CEO.
He also travelled to Hong Kong and Australia with me as a gifted drama practitioner.
Today, Yamin is the Director of Learning at the Royal National Theatre on London’s South Bank — an extraordinary achievement and a wonderful testament to the life-changing power of creativity and opportunity.
His journey is precisely why projects like Ordinary Heroes matter.
Four Communities, One Shared Story
The clock is now ticking, and Ordinary Heroes is gathering pace with four distinct groups working together.
Aurora Preschool Group — Thursdays
Our youngest participants come from Aurora, with children from Doncaster, Rowville and the Melbourne CBD taking part.
Their imagination, enthusiasm and openness bring a unique joy and energy to the project.
Tongji Alumni Group — Saturdays
Led by the fabulous choreographer Nancy Yang, our Saturday group brings together around 30 members of the Tongji community.
They are working incredibly hard to present their section of the production in both Mandarin and English, creating a beautiful example of cultural exchange and collaboration.
Neurodivergent Group — Sundays
Based in Elizabeth Street, our Sunday group includes six to eight remarkable participants whose enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to share their stories have been truly inspiring.
They have been an absolute breath of fresh air.
Core Community Group — Mondays
Our Monday group meets at Sokol (formerly the Czech Club) in North Melbourne, right beside the Town Hall.
Together, these four groups represent the heart of Ordinary Heroes — celebrating people of all backgrounds, abilities and experiences.
The project is proudly intergenerational, multicultural and multi-faith, welcoming people across all walks of life.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
A huge thank you to Ariel and Miriam in North Melbourne, whose tireless dedication, passion and advocacy helped secure the wonderful grant that has made so much of this project possible.
A special call-out also goes to Karen Kim at Hello Music and her team — Darcy and, more recently, Andrew Rogers — who have joined the production team and are doing a remarkable job helping bring this ambitious vision to life.
Huge thanks also to Maurice Gleeson and Gigi from Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria for their passion, commitment and determination to see this project reach its dramatic opening on 25 October.
And a heartfelt thank you to the Lithuanian community, who welcomed us so warmly at a Sunday lunch at the Lithuanian Club in Errol Street, North Melbourne.
This magnificent venue will become our destination on 25 October, when we present Ordinary Heroes to the world.
Stories Beginning to Emerge
There are so many more people to thank — including Rommy and Peter Germans, who are contributing so much to this journey, Nancy Yang for her encouragement and support with Tongji, and Karishma at Aurora for her incredible enthusiasm.
Already, wonderful stories are beginning to emerge.
One particularly moving example comes from a participant originally from Croatia, who arrived in Australia just before the devastating conflicts that affected her homeland.
Her deep friendship and devotion to another group member, Alba has inspired an entire scene within Ordinary Heroes.
These are the stories that matter.
These are the stories of ordinary heroes.
The Journey Ahead
So, watch this space for videos, photographs and regular updates as the stories continue to unfold.
The lyrics are emerging.
The music is emerging.
The characters are emerging.
And slowly but surely, Ordinary Heroes is taking shape as a genuine celebration of humanity, connection and hope.
I look forward to sharing more in our next blog — which we hope will arrive each week as we continue this extraordinary journey together.
Warren Wills – Artistic Director
Our 3 Ordinary Heroes Groups
And concert August 30th
