Wicked Insights | Mr Matt Cocking
This week marks the commencement of Stage Academy, a Terrace Culture program that focuses on developing the skills of our students through a series of classes and workshops led by industry professionals. Our first professional came to us from Wicked the musical, which is currently playing at QPAC in Brisbane.
Mr Adam Murphy, currently starring onstage as Doctor Dillamond, shared his knowledge of stagecraft, theatre and the art of storytelling. Mr Murphy dove into the intricacies of character development, vocal techniques, and the magic of live performance. Our young actors had the chance to ask questions, engage in hands-on activities, and even try out some scenes. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from a seasoned professional and gain insights into the theatre world.
Adam has been delighted to return to the musical theatre stage in Wicked after appearing as Major Metcalf in the world’s longest-running play, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. With other recent credits including the role of Bruce Bechdelin Fun Home, and Happy End with the Victorian Opera, learn more about Adam's journey to a life on stage:
"Adam trained in New Zealand and established an impressive stage career with roles in many Court Theatre shows including Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me Kate, Blue Sky Boys, Travels With My Aunt, Desire Under The Elms, Caesar and Cleopatra, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, Mother Courage, The Queen and I, This Other Eden, Wind in the Willows and She Loves Me. Since arriving in Australia, he has worked steadily in all aspects of the industry, carving out a particularly notable career in music theatre. Career highlights include the role of Jafar in Aladdin for Disney Theatrical and Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone. He also appeared in Shakespeare in Love, True Minds, His Girl Friday and Urinetown. Adam had a long and successful association with the stage also appearing in many shows including Ragtime, Guys and Dolls, The Pirates of Penzance, Crazy for You, Little Me, 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Pajama Game, Kiss Me Kate, Annie Get Your Gun, Carousel and Call Me Madam. Adam was invited to develop and then play the role of Ron Edgeworth in the Australian premiere of Georgy Girl - The Seekers Musical.
Adam’s other credits include Mary Poppins (Disney Theatrical), Dirty Dancing and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Graduate, Mamma Mia and Les Misérables. His TV credits include Mychonny Moves In (webisode), House Husbands, Utopia, City Homicide, Blue Heelers, Neighbours and The Weatherman. Adam’s film credits include The Forest, Sucker and most recently Ricky Stanicky. He was nominated for a Helpmann Award and a Green Room Award for The Drowsy Chaperone and received a Green Room Award for Best Ensemble in Cabaret for Beautiful Losers."