Kelvin Grove-trained performer Sarah Bakker has returned to Brisbane to appear in “Dusty The Musical – In Concert”, following a stage career across Australia, Broadway, and London’s West End.
Kelvin Grove Performer Returns to Brisbane Stage
Sarah Bakker, who began her performance training in Kelvin Grove, is back on the Brisbane stage from 5 to 8 June for “Dusty The Musical – In Concert” at QPAC’s Concert Hall. She joins a 17-member cast brought together by Prospero Arts, portraying Lynne from Dusty Springfield’s early vocal trio, the Lana Sisters.
International Career Built on Local Foundations
Ms Bakker studied at Queensland Dance School of Excellence and The Young Conservatorium, both based in Brisbane, with QDSE operating out of Kelvin Grove State College. These formative years provided a strong technical foundation in dance, vocal performance, and stage presence. She went on to build an extensive career in musical theatre, first appearing in Australian productions of “Mary Poppins”, “Chicago”, and “The Phantom of the Opera”.
She was 23 when she secured her first role on Broadway, joining “Mary Poppins” at the New Amsterdam Theatre, where she performed as understudy after playing the role more than 130 times in Australia. Later, she returned to Broadway to again understudy Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” and took part in several UK productions, including “Follies in Concert” at the Royal Albert Hall and West End shows like “An American in Paris”, “Chess”, and “Mrs Henderson Presents”. Ms Bakker also performed in “Evita” during a European tour, gaining valuable international touring experience.
Adapting Theatre for Working Parents
Now based in Sydney with her two children, Ms Bakker said short-run, semi-staged shows like “Dusty” provide rare flexibility for performers with families. With a condensed rehearsal period and limited performance schedule, these formats enable experienced artists to contribute without long touring commitments.
She is also part of an online community of over 650 mothers in the performing arts industry, advocating for greater inclusion and job-sharing models. Her latest appearance at QPAC brings her career full circle, returning to the venue where she once played Little Cosette in “Les Misérables” as a child.
Published 7-June-2025