12/08/2026
Our theatre industry is unpredictable. Brutal at times. And then there are moments that remind you exactly why the people in it are so extraordinary.
This is Ally Cashmere.
When Ally woke up yesterday, she was enjoying a well earned break in Sydney. By midday, she was running to the Theatre Royal to join rehearsals for a show she would be performing in that night.
That’s right. Six hours to learn the roles and get on stage.
I took the call from the producers and, yes, I was shocked.
“Ally?”
Absolutely. I’ll make the call.
And this is the part of my job that makes me incredibly proud.
Ally Cashmere, you are pure class.
You’ve had one of the roughest introductions to our professional industry. Back to the Future closed early. Waitress closed early. Two experiences that should have been huge chapters in your career, both cut short through absolutely no fault of your own.
Then comes a call to step into a first class production and make your debut within hours. No contract. Very little clarity. Just, we need you.
And Ally said yes.
She showed up, learnt the work, supported a company that needed her and got on that stage.
That is professionalism. That is generosity. That is pure class.
People like Ally are rare. And only someone pretty magical could pull off what she did yesterday, with some wonderful people around her giving her the support and love she needed.
So the next time you’re wondering whether to see a show, see it. Buy the ticket.
The people on those stages aren’t saving lives, but they give everything they have to what they do. Sometimes with months of preparation. And sometimes, apparently, with six hours.
They deserve a full house.
And they absolutely deserve the applause. ❤️
