🎭 Here You Come Again
🗓️  23 October to 2 November
📍 Comedy Theatre, Melbourne
🎟️  hereyoucomeagain.com.au

Ash Murdica’s story is one of talent, persistence and passion for musical theatre. Growing up in the regional town of Laurel in Victoria, Ash did not have parents who played instruments, but music was present in their home through siblings and extended family. Their sister, who played guitar and sang at local pub gigs, became a key early influence. Ash’s own journey began almost by accident in Year 8 when a classmate commented on their hair and suggested they form a band. That casual invitation sparked a path that has taken Ash from playing Blur’s Song 2 in a high school band to performing in some of Australia’s biggest professional productions.

The early years were about discovery rather than formal training. Ash learned piano chords from bandmates and played popular rock songs in school. They went on to achieve a Grade A in classical piano and studied contemporary guitar at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Their first taste of professional musical theatre came in 2021 when they played in the orchestra for a community production of Wicked. That experience opened their eyes to the possibility of music as a career. From there, musical theatre became the dominant part of their life, with Ash estimating that 90 to 95 per cent of their performing time in recent years has been in the theatre world.

Ash’s first paid professional opportunity came as a deputy keys player for Mamma Mia at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne. Since then they have played in national tours of Rent, Dear Evan Hansen and Six. Each show brought its own blend of pressure and joy. The pressure comes from the expectations of musical directors and the need for near perfect execution every night. The joy comes from the privilege of sharing shows they love with large audiences. Dear Evan Hansen in particular was a dream come true for Ash who had loved the show long before joining the cast. By just 21, they felt they had already achieved what they once thought was the ultimate milestone, playing their dream musical on a professional stage.

Ash is now rehearsing for Here You Come Again, the Dolly Parton musical opening at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. The role came about through a connection with the musical director from Rent who invited Ash to audition. They submitted videos showcasing their guitar and keyboard skills and were chosen not just for technical ability but also for the energy they brought to the performance. Although country music was not their strongest area, the project has deepened Ash’s appreciation for both country and pop styles. While their background is strongest in piano, this new challenge is helping them develop new skills on guitar and broaden their artistic range.

Touring life has been a significant part of Ash’s career so far and it comes with its own set of challenges. During a week long season of Rent in Canberra, Ash became unwell from not eating properly, a reminder of the importance of self care on the road. Balancing rehearsals, nightly performances and personal practice can be demanding, so Ash has developed personal rituals to stay grounded. On their music stand they keep sentimental items such as a Lego figure of themselves and cards from friends. They give themselves pep talks in the mirror and write in notebooks to process emotions before stepping on stage. These rituals have become an important way of managing performance anxiety and the high expectations of the job.

Mentorship has also played a crucial role in Ash’s development. They often think of advice from their regional guitar mentor, Nathan Perry, whose encouragement continues to guide their decisions. When asked what they would say to young people from regional areas who dream of a professional theatre career, Ash’s message is simple: you got this. They believe that full commitment and immersion in the world of theatre is the key to making progress. They also acknowledge that while professional theatre comes with more pressure than they imagined as a teenager, the rewards make it worthwhile.

Away from the big picture of career milestones, the rapid fire questions at the end of the interview offered a glimpse of Ash’s personality. They prefer electric guitar for its versatility and their most listened to band is Panic! At the Disco. Their favourite musical is still Dear Evan Hansen and the first album they ever bought was by Fall Out Boy. As for guilty pleasures, Ash admitted to loving Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac, a song that has found new popularity on social media.

The interview revealed the many layers of Ash’s story. From growing up in a regional town to playing leading musicals on national tours, their career demonstrates how passion, support and opportunity can shape a life in the arts. Their openness about the pressures of perfection, the strategies they use to manage anxiety and the importance of mentors provides valuable insight for anyone considering a similar path. At the same time, Ash’s story is full of joy and gratitude. They clearly love what they do and are excited by the chance to share music with audiences across Australia.

Their upcoming performances in Here You Come Again at the Comedy Theatre in July and again in October and November, before the show tours nationally, will continue this journey. For Ash, each new production is both a challenge and an opportunity to grow. They are proof that with dedication and resilience it is possible to build a successful career in the competitive world of musical theatre.

Listening to Ash’s reflections, one thing is clear. They represent a new generation of Australian theatre musicians who combine technical skill with versatility and emotional honesty. Their path from a teenager in a regional high school band to performing on major stages shows what is possible when talent meets opportunity and hard work. It is also a reminder that behind every polished performance is a person finding ways to manage nerves, maintain balance and keep their love for music alive.

In sharing their story on the Showtime Podcast, Ash has offered a generous and inspiring glimpse into life as a professional theatre musician. Their journey is still only just beginning and there is no doubt that audiences will be seeing and hearing much more from Ash Murdica in the years to come.