Musical revue to support dementia
Published on 23 October 2025
The return of the much-loved pantomimes and revues to the Armidale musical calendar – The Revue 2025 – A Musical Time Machine, is a lively community production paying tribute to local theatre pioneer Pam Menzies.
Pam, who introduced musical revues and pantomimes to Armidale over 30 years ago, is now living with dementia. In her honour, director Jenny Hanna, Amber Wightman, Sharon Donnan, Warren Bartik and a cast of 50 have created a nostalgic and comedic musical journey through the decades, raising funds for Dementia Australia.
Keeping Pam’s tradition of involving public figures, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will make several appearances – including a cheeky ‘Full Redwood’ moment from Todd, inspired by The Full Monty.
The production received a recent $4,500 Armidale Regional Council community grant to support the fundraiser, continuing Pam’s tradition of involving public figures in the arts.
Jenny Hanna, who has taken over the helm of running the production, ably assisted by a team of volunteers, wouldn’t have it any other way than putting on a show to raise funds for dementia in honour of her friend.
“Pam was a woman of our community that gave to this community,” said Jenny.
“She was very selfless; she put on pantomimes with me as part of the St Mary’s Revue, and then she would organise the town pantomimes for many years that raised a lot of money for the Armidale Hospital. We wanted to do this show as a tribute to Pam.”
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said the Community Small Grants Program gives Council the opportunity to support the community in the various initiatives that play a huge role in creating a dynamic and vibrant place.
“Supporting organisations and volunteers to deliver great events like the revue is one of the more rewarding parts of my role with Council,” said Mayor Coupland.
“Pam Menzies is a wonderful member of the Armidale community, and it’s great to see Jenny and all the team revive the revue to celebrate Pam’s theatrical legacy. You’ll even see me, very briefly, and Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood popping up in the show, which should be a lot of fun.”
The Revue 2025 – A Musical Time Machine commences tonight, Thursday 23 October, in the Armidale Town Hall, with additional shows on Friday 24 and Saturday 25.
For bookings https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1467323