Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan
Some shows make you tap your feet, and others hit you right in the heart. Big Name, No Blankets does both—effortlessly. Co-directed by Dr. Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher for Ilbijerri Theatre Company, this biographical musical is a true standout at this year’s Perth Festival. Written by Andrea James and developed with Sammy Butcher (Anyupa Butcher’s father) and the families of Warumpi Band members, it’s a high-energy, deeply moving tribute to one of Australia’s most influential bands.
The best way to describe Big Name, No Blankets? It’s like the lovechild of a classic rock gig and a traditional theatre production. The show tells the story of Sammy Butcher and the Warumpi Band—his brothers, their music, and their rise to fame. Featuring iconic songs like Blackfella/Whitefella and My Island Home (performed in Gumatj), the play blends these legendary tracks with anecdotes and imagined moments to chart the band’s journey from the desert to the international stage. And let me tell you, by the end, the entire audience was on their feet—more than once.
Biographical musicals can sometimes feel a little forced, but this one doesn’t. It’s fresh, it’s engaging, and it absolutely rocks. The only downside? Some minor mic balance issues that made it tricky to catch a few of the sung language moments—but honestly, that’s nitpicking.
For those who don’t know, the Warumpi Band were absolute trailblazers. They were the first band to record rock songs in language (mostly Luritja), they toured internationally, opened for Midnight Oil, and scored ARIA nominations. Big Name, No Blankets doesn’t just celebrate their music—it brings it roaring back to life for old fans and new audiences alike.
Baykali Ganambarr takes center stage as Sammy Butcher, and wow—what a performance. He’s in every scene, balancing humor, charm, and raw emotion to tell Sammy’s story. Joining him are Jackson Peele as Neil Murray, Jack Hickey as Gordon Butcher, Corey Saylor-Brunskill as Brian Butcher, and Taj Pigram as George Burarrwanga. Pigram is a powerhouse, capturing George’s electrifying energy and rockstar presence. Cassandra Williams rounds out the cast, taking on multiple key roles with ease, including the Butcher brothers’ mother and their sister Suzina, who later married George.
The set design by Emily Barrie is also worth a mention. It seamlessly blends two worlds—the band’s desert home and the international rock stage—highlighting the tension between their roots and their success. A fire burns onstage throughout, a subtle but powerful symbol of home and family, always present, always calling them back.
At its core, Big Name, No Blankets is about music, culture, and the push and pull between ambition and home. It’s exhilarating, emotional, and a must-see. If you have the chance to experience it, do it. You’ll walk away feeling completely uplifted—and probably humming Warumpi Band songs for days.
Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by Perth Festival.
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