2025 Canberra artist of the year Michael Simic and his charming alter-ego Mikelangelo blend songs and storytelling in a funny, vulnerable and brave voyage into the deep waters of fatherhood.
What happens when a man meets his alter ego in the belly of a whale?In the Belly of the Whale is a rollicking and revealing tale by acclaimed Croatian-Australian singer, songwriter and performer Michael Simic. This is a Jekyll and Hyde tale turned upside down, as Simic’s own story as a new dad juggling home life with life on the road intertwines with the mythic ocean adventures of his charming alter ego, Mikelangelo. Shipwrecked and swallowed by a giant sperm whale, the two meet in its belly and must find a way to escape. Combining songs, storytelling, comedy, and physical theatre, In the Belly of the Whale is vibrant, tender and incredibly entertaining. This deeply personal work shines a light on what it means to be a father, a son, a husband, and an artist. 2025 Canberra Artist of the Year, Simic is best known as the frontman of his long-term group Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, and for his role in the Olivier-award winning international hit La Clique. He has sold out headline shows from the Sydney Opera House to London’s West End, garnering accolades and a dedicated following for his highly original work. In the Belly of the Whale was created in collaboration with writer/director Tracy Bourne, who has worked extensively in music and theatre in Australia, including productions with Chamber Made Opera, Melbourne International Festival and the ABC. This production has been supported by the Canberra Theatre Centre and the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, where the show debuted to a sell-out season in February 2025.
