INCOGNITA ENTERPRISES: Award-winning Film, Theatre & Digital productions in Melbourne, AustraliaPress & Reviews

REVIEWS

What Others Said

We are so thrilled with the response our various stage and screen projects have received in the wider world and thank everyone who shared their thoughts about our work publicly.

Read on to see selected highlights of our projects’ reviews and Incognita Enterprises’ press coverage to date …

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

“… polished, beautifully made series from director/producer Sally McLean … a fine use of the platform and, more importantly, a very fine adaptation of the Bard … Shakespeare Republic is put together with grace and wit. An assortment of actors do terrific work making the (non-dumbed down) dialogue accessible, prying it open with great care and skill.”

Luke Buckmaster

THE GUARDIAN

A LITTLE RAIN MUST FALL (FILM)

“… a tightly written and superbly acted piece that explored the difficulties of being a twenty-something living in London in the last throes of the 20th Century. Very similar to the Australian television series “The Secret Life of Us” (which aired here on Channel 4 in 2001), this film is funny, touching, absorbing and confronting. The relationships between the characters are raw and realistic – sometimes disturbingly so.”

Sara Angel

IMDB

CHASING PEGASUS (THEATRE)

“… strong performances from a cast containing many familiar faces from Australian television … engaging … insightful … if you’re in the mood for some dramatic theatre with interesting characters, inspiring stories and a feel-good, uplifting message, Chasing Pegasus provides an ultimately engaging hour of theatre.”

Luke Troynar

3RRR FM

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

“… magnificent interpretations of some of Shakespeare’s most well known monologues and soliloques filmed gorgeously in contemporary settings.”

Paul LaNave

THEATRE PEOPLE (USA)

WALKING SHADOWS (SERIES)

“McLean transforms the comedic case of mistaken identity into a serious monologue. Kale stands in her kitchen speaking directly into the camera, positioning the viewer as the source of her unwanted attention. The effect is one of discomfort, the actor and director forcing the viewer to suddenly and unexpectedly be thrust into proximity and conspiracy …”

Benjamin Broadbribb

BRITISH SHAKESPEARE ASSOCIATION

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

"Shakespeare Republic is an anthology series that turns the playwright’s classics on their head ... embracing diversity and bringing the traditional text into a more contemporary world ... There was a lot to love and even more to admire. I couldn’t believe how glued to my screen I was with each episode ... it’s some of the best Shakespeare I’ve ever seen put on and in a creative and timely way."

Spring Marie Cullen

STARRY MAG (USA)

P.S. I LOVE YOU (THEATRE)

“… entertaining … for some of the audience it brought back many memories … very satisfying evening with emphasis on authenticity with costumes, furnishings and radios … A very successful evening with a great audience appreciation.”

Peter Kemp

STAGE WHISPERS

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

“If you haven’t seen the #AllTheWebsAStage series I can’t recommend it highly enough. Smart, poignant and brilliantly crafted in lockdown by Sally McLean and a fantastic cast and crew. Brilliant short films of Shax (sic) speeches exquisitely shot in black and white – little slices of cinema that capture the mood of 2020 perfectly … they really are like Shakespearean Pringles: once I press play, I just can’t stop!”

Editor

ACTION IS ELOQUENCE: (RE)THINKING SHAKESPEARE

A LITTLE RAIN MUST FALL (FILM)

” … immensely enjoyable … wonderfully realistic … refreshing … The cast played their well defined characters superbly without exception … (the dramatic events in the film) were handled both by the cast and writers with skill and sensitivity.”

Lori Jacobs

BBC FILM

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

“After an amazing run of gathering up awards everywhere they went, Season Two of the Shakespeare Republic series will be appearing over 2017. These are beautifully produced soliloquies from Shakespeare’s most famous characters, interpreted by a wide range of talented actors.”

Anna Kamaralli & John Galea

SHAKESPEARE TWENTYSCORE

SPEAKING DAGGERS (FILM)

“It’s lucky film and theatre aficionado Sally McLean has a passion for the Bard’s work … Speaking Daggers shows the best of Shakespeare.”

Angela Perez

BE MELBOURNE

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

“McLean’s combined expertise is on full display in Shakespeare Republic, which features both a critical eye and ear to Shakespeare’s text, and high production values for a series of this kind … Shakespeare Republic disrupts and refracts traditional approaches to Shakespeare’s plays … the vignettes are themselves a metaphorical gauntlet thrown down to the viewer, daring them to imagine what a full production in this world might look like.”

Tony Tambasco

BORROWERS AND LENDERS: THE JOURNAL OF SHAKESPEARE AND APPROPRIATION

CHASING PEGASUS (THEATRE)

“You know you’ve had a good night at the theatre when you walk out the door at the end of the show and realise you’re seeing the world a little differently than before – and it’s changed your perspective for the better. It’s the sort of work you’d expect to see at one of the professional theatre companies ... well-written … confronting, thought provoking and engaging … plenty of laughs as well … I have gained a great respect for the writer/director, Sally McLean and the talented cast she has assembled … an experience that shouldn’t be missed.”

Susan Michaels

THEATRE ALIVE

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

“Sublime! Shakespeare at it's finest! Each episode is a perfect gem, beautifully presented and so very relevant to our current times. Each actor unfolds their story, using Shakespeare’s original words, with such skill and talent. Kudos to Director, Sally McLean, and her entire team & ensemble. From heart-breaking to hilarious and so powerful. Highly recommended viewing.”

IMDB

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

"Taken on their own, the individual episodes that make up The Lockdown Chronicles are great examples of how to take moments from Shakespeare’s plays and make them resonate for contemporary audiences. It is as a cumulative experience, however, that the series is at its most effective; to watch all twenty-four episodes is to relive those horrible first months of the pandemic ... Although no series could hope to capture the totality of experience under coronavirus, The Lockdown Chronicles is a powerful reminder of the ecological lesson of interrelatedness. The tragic thread that is woven through this series dramatizes the ways in which all of us are vulnerable."

John Garganourakis

SHAKESPEARE BULLETIN

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

“… taking the world by storm, done in an inventive, captivating way … creative and entertaining … the entire series is astonishingly smart.”

Melissa Malone

STAREABLE.COM

CHASING PEGASUS (THEATRE)

"... a highly engaging and, at times, confronting, night of theatre ... Written and directed by Sally McLean, “Chasing Pegasus – a play in 10 chords” is an engaging, beautifully written and staged piece of theatre that doesn’t disappoint. The production I saw last evening would very ably hold it’s own on any of our professional stages and I look forward to seeing more from this innovative young company."

Marian Robson

INDEPENDENT THEATRE ASSOCIATION

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

“… an innovative and exciting ride ... a fantastic way to take a dip in the Shakespearean swimming pool.”

Marilyn Michaels

RADIO GIRL PRODUCTIONS

Audience Feedback

“Watch this series. It’s a master class.” – Laura Dowling Shea, SAG-AFTRA award-winning actress & producer (USA)

“Loving what’s going on with gender diversity in recent eps of Shakespeare Republic Check it out!”– Dr Kathleen Neal, Centre for Medieval & Renaissance Studies, Monash University Faculty of Arts (Australia)

“This should be in EVERY classroom!”– KIN Collective (Australia)

“By far one of the best interpretations of the sonnet I have seen in a long time.” – David Hovan, COO Brightlight Pictures (Canada)

“Loved it! Dynamic performance and thank you Shakespeare Republic for revitalising Shakespeare into contemporary society!” – Maree Shefford (Australia)

“Brava, Sally McLean!! Bravo, Shakespeare Republic!!! These pieces made me remember why I enjoyed studying the Bard!! Well done!” – Jeanne (USA)

“Not only real, but current and alive. Old W.S. would appreciate the social media use. Gr8 way to experience W.S. More of this please.” – Kurt Ovard (USA)

“Its a shame this wasn’t around when when i had to study shakespeare in school” – Dannie Plant

“I have to say the complete team of Shakespeare Republic made a great job. I learned to have a different look on Shakespeare in the last weeks!” – Berit (Germany)

“Wonderful job! I was one of those kids who actually liked studying Shakespeare. So nice to revisit him in such a clever way!” – Jeanne K. (UK)

“Well played. It was spoken truly, and trippingly on the tongue. Thank you, that was fun!” – Sam Wills (Australia)

“Another great episode! It is sad that this season ended. Fingers crossed for another one!” – The Michala Banas Fan Page (Germany)

PRESS

What The Press Said

We have had a large amount of press coverage for our various productions over the years and have compiled the highlights of that coverage here for you to peruse as you see fit.

We are still compiling the links, but the ones with images will take you to the news articles, radio, podcast and TV interviews to read, hear or see the full report …

OLDER ARTICLES YET TO BE LINKED

Crowdfund this!, Lee Zachariah’s Very Own Web Page, August 15, 2014
A Life Unexpected: The Man Behind The Miracle Mile, Running Divas, July 29, 2014
The Future is in the Past, RUN Magazine (Singapore), November 11, 2013
Bob & Judy to feature in ‘doco’ A Life Unexpected, 3RPP-FM, October 25, 2013
RPP FM “Sugar n’ Spice” Program Interview, October 24, 2013
Wide shot at rare life,The Stonnington Leader, July 24, 2012
Taking a look at Franz Stampfl, Live For The Run (USA), June 28, 2012
Roger Bannister, Chris Chataway, Ulick O’Connor in “A Life Unexpected”, Bring Back The Mile (USA), May 19, 2012
Sally’s home to make a new movie, Mornington Life Magazine, March 10, 2012
Der unbekannte Gigant, ÖLV Nachrichen (Austria), November 18, 2011
Dunera Boy, Franz Stampfl: The Movie, Club Troppo, July 7, 2011
REVIEW: Chasing Pegasus (A Play In Ten Chords), Theatre Australia, October 2006
Chasing Pegasus, The Mail, October 2006
Experienced cast strikes a chord, The Leader, October 2006
Star cast in fringe hit, The Standard, October 2006
Pegasus wings into Mt Martha, The Mail, October 2006
Breaking Showbiz News: ‘Chasing Pegasus’ at Mt Martha, Melbourne Observer, October 2006
REVIEW: Chasing Pegasus (a play in ten chords), 3RRR, October 2006
REVIEW: Theatre that makes you think, TheatreAlive, October 2006
Neighbours Stars Take to the Stage, Neighbours.com, October 2006
Chasing Pegasus (a play in ten chords), Arts Hub Australia (Feature Article), October 2006
Black Book Interview, “M” Magazine, The Sunday Age, October 2006
Theatre & Shows To See, “M” Magazine, The Sunday Age, October 2006
Melbourne Weekender segment, Channel 7 Melbourne, September 2006
My Family Album, The Sunday Herald Sun, September 2006
Cheeky actor gets scream role, Free Press Leader, September 2006
From a different script, The Age Green Guide, September 2006
Chasing Pegasus (a play in ten chords), Metro News, September 2006
Jen Hansen’s Chasing Pegasus, Ros Reine’s Gossip, August 2006
“Whispers” Column, The Sunday Herald Sun, July 2006
Quick flick set for Cannes: a fairytale film journey, The Weekender (Front Page & Feature Story), March, 2005
Brigit and Benny off to Cannes, The Mail, March 2005
Writer’s Chance, The Leader, July 2005
Acting Up Returns, The Mail, December 2005
Playing for attention Pt. II, Arts Hub Australia, December 2005
Playing for attention Pt. III, Arts Hub Australia, December 2005
REVIEW: PS I Love You, Stage Whispers, October 2004
REVIEW: PS I Love You, Reviewed by Peter Kemp, August 2004
Hearts on the line, The Weekender (Front Page & Feature Story), July 2004
Keeping home fires burning, The Age, July 2004
Love story set in wartime, The Leader, July 2004
World Premier of “PS I Love You”, The Mail, July 2004
Life during wartime now a hit on stage, The Weekender, July 2004
ABC Radio Interview, Sally McLean’s ABC Radio Interview with Derek Guille, ABC774 July 2004
Chasing Pegasus at Mt Martha House, The Mail, December 2003
Screenwriters hooked, The Leader, November 2003
Now’s the time to act up, The Weekender, October 2003
Chance to act up on film, The Independent, October 2003
REVIEW: Chasing Pegasus (a play in ten chords), Tara Wilkins, Theatre Talk
Forever Chasing Funds, The Age, February 1998
Super Star Coup For Sally, The Flier, October 1997
British Acting Star Lends Support, The Standard, October 1997
British Star Actor Lends Support, The Leader, October 199

2022-2024

Incognita Enterprises featured in Broadway World – January 2024
Article about the Incognita@Montsalvat launch an the play reading of ‘Til The Boys Come Home.
https://www.broadwayworld.com/australia-melbourne/article/TILL-THE-BOYS-COME-HOME-Launches-Incognita-Enterprises-And-Montsalvat-New-Partnership-In-Victoria-20240129

Official Launch to celebrate Montsalvat and Incognita Enterprises’ new Performing Arts partnership for 2024 – January 2024
Article about the upcoming launch for the Incognita@Montsalvat Performing Arts Program
https://northerncommunitynews.org/official-launch-to-celebrate-montsalvat-and-incognita-enterprises-new-performing-arts-partnership-for-2024/

Celebrating Shakespeare with Sally McLean
Sally McLean chats all things Shakespeare during his birthday week with My88FM Breakfast presenter Wayne Tunks – April 2023
https://incognitaenterprises.com/sally-mclean-interviewed-on-my88fm-breakfast-radio-in-sydney/

Review of Walking Shadows Vol. 1 for British Shakespeare Association(UK) – July 2022
A lovely review of Sally’s new series Walking Shadows Vol. 1 for the British Shakespeare Association by Benjamin Broadribb (The Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham)
https://www.britishshakespeare.ws/creating-meaning-through-shakespeare-in-and-out-of-lockdown-walking-shadows/

2020-2021

Sally talks all things Shakespeare Republic and web series on the ViewFinder Podcast (USA) – December 2021
In-depth interview with Sally about her work as creator, director and ensemble member of Shakespeare Republic on the industry podcast The Viewfinder Podcast with Chris Hadley
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chris-hadley/episodes/Episode-060—SHAKESPEARE-REPUBLIC-CreatorDirector-Sally-McLean-e1bb81e

Review of Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (USA) – August 2021
An unexpected and lovely review of Shakespeare Republic Season Three in Starry Mag (USA) as part of their Web Series Wednesday feature series
http://starrymag.com/web-series-wednesday-shakespeare-republic/

No Rest for the Weekend Podcast Interview – May 2021
In-depth review with Republic creator/director, Sally McLean and discussion about how we made Shakespeare Republic Season Three – #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://behindtherabbitproductions.wordpress.com/2021/05/12/episode-908-sally-mclean/

Sally talks all things Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage with the Director of the Unrestricted View Film Festival (UK) – April 2021
In-depth interview with Sally about her work as a director and actor, as well as her work with Shakespeare Republic with James Wren, UVFF Festival Director. Sally was nominated for Best Actress and Best Director at the festival, going on to win the Best Actress Award.
https://vimeo.com/540135276

Review of Shakespeare Republic – February 2021
In-depth review and academic analysis of Shakespeare Republic Seasons One & Two in Borrowers and Lenders: The Journal of Shakespeare and Appropriation
http://www.borrowers.uga.edu/784650/show

Online theatre emerges from the wings – January 2021
Interview with Republic creator/director, Sally McLean in The Age about filming Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://www.theage.com.au/culture/theatre/online-theatre-emerges-from-the-wings-20210114-p56u3c.html

Sally McLean Talks All Things Shakespeare And Republic On The Bard Brunch Podcast Out Of NYC – January 2021
Interview with Republic creator/director, Sally McLean on the Bard Brunch podcast with Genny Yosco about filming Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://shakespearerepublic.com/2021/01/19/sally-mclean-talks-all-things-shakespeare-and-republic-on-the-bard-brunch-podcast-out-of-nyc/

Sally McLean talks Shakespeare Republic on ABC Melbourne Radio – December 2020
Interview with Republic creator/director, Sally McLean on the ABC Radio program, Saturday Afternoon with Shelley Ware about filming Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles) and the series’ win for Best Web Series of All Genres at the 2020 Asia Web Awards.
https://shakespearerepublic.com/2020/12/15/republic-creator-director-interviewed-on-abc-radio-about-latest-season-of-the-series/

Aussie Shakespeare series wins big internationally – December 2020
Article in FilmInk about Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles) wins at the New York City WebFest for Best International Series and Best Director
https://bit.ly/filmrepublic

Catorce proyectos de series web pugnan por la Luna de València en Cinema Jove – November 2020
Article in La Vanguardia about the 14 web series officially selected for Cinema Jove and in competition for the La Luna de València award for the best series, including Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20201117/49523661762/catorce-proyectos-de-series-web-pugnan-por-la-luna-de-valencia-en-cinema-jove.html

Las webseries de Cinema Jove abordan la homosexualidad, la inmigración y el estigma de la enfermedad mental – November 2020
Article in 20 Minutos about the 14 web series officially selected for Cinema Jove and in competition for the La Luna de València award for the best series, including Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/4477711/0/las-webseries-de-cinema-jove-abordan-la-homosexualidad-la-inmigracion-y-el-estigma-de-la-enfermedad-mental/

Les ‘websèries’ de Cinema Jove obrin debats sobre l’homosexualitat, la immigració, la intel·ligència artificial i l’estigma de la malaltia mental – November 2020
Article in Valencia Extra about the 14 web series officially selected for Cinema Jove and in competition for the La Luna de València award for the best series, including Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://valenciaextra.com/webseries-de-cinema-jove-2020/

2020 NYC Web Fest Announces Line-Up & Award Nominees Ahead of Virtual Festival – October 2020
Article in Celebmix.com about the 2020 New York City Web Fest and announcement of award nominees, including mentions of Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles) nominations for Best Original Concept, Best International Web Series and Best Director
https://celebmix.com/2020-nyc-web-fest-announces-line-up-award-nominees/

Creating, directing and adapting a series over Zoom – September 2020
Interview with Republic creator/director, Sally McLean, in Mornington Peninsula Magazine about the making of the new season – Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://issuu.com/mornpenmagptyltd/docs/webpagessept2020/22

Sally McLean on Shakespeare in a pandemic – August 2020
In-depth interview with Republic creator/director, Sally McLean, in Limelight Magazine about the making of the new season – Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/features/sally-mclean-on-shakespeare-in-a-pandemic/

Melbourne Shakespeare Digital Series Filmed On Three Continents And In Lockdown – August 2020
Article on Theatre People about the new season – Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://www.theatrepeople.com.au/melbourne-shakespeare-digital-series-filmed-on-three-continents-and-in-lockdown/

Award-winning Shakespeare Series Premieres Season Filmed On Three Continents Entirely In Lockdown – August 2020
Article on BroadwayWorld.com about the new season – Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Award-winning-Shakespeare-Series-Premieres-Season-Filmed-On-Three-Continents-Entirely-In-Lockdown-20200813

Award-winning director Sally McLean premieres new digital series filmed on three continents in lockdown – August 2020
Article on AussieTheatre.com about the new season – Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
https://aussietheatre.com.au/news/award-winning-director-sally-mclean-premieres-new-digital-series-filmed-on-three-continents-in-lockdown

Award-winning Director Sally McLean Premieres New Digital Series Filmed on Three Continents Entirely in Lockdown – August 2020
Article on Filmink about the new season – Shakespeare Republic: #AllTheWebsAStage (The Lockdown Chronicles)
http://bit.ly/filminksr

Meet Sally McLean, the award-winning actress, screenwriter, director and playwright with a passion for Shakespeare | Melbourne WebFest Advisory Board – June 2020
Announcement about Republic Creator, Sally McLean, joining the MWF Advisory Board with an interview with Sally about her take on web series.
https://melbournewebfest.com/sallymclean-advisoryboard/

BIG WONDER PODCAST – Episode #18 Sally McLean – February 2020
In-depth interview with Sally about organising Shorts Relief: Flicks For The Fires film festival fundraiser at The Capitol Theatre, Melbourne, as well as her career as an actor, writer and director in Australia & the UK.
WATCH INTERVIEW

Shorts film festival for bushfire relief announced at Capitol Theatre – FilmInk – February 2020
Announcement of Shorts Relief: Flicks For The Fires film festival fundraiser organised by Sally at The Capitol Theatre, Melbourne.
READ ARTICLE

Shorts film festival for bushfire relief announced at Capitol Theatre – Toorak Times – February 2020
Announcement of Shorts Relief: Flicks For The Fires film festival fundraiser organised by Sally at The Capitol Theatre, Melbourne.
READ ARTICLE

2018

How Do You Do You? Sally McLean – November 2018
In depth interview on podcast “How Do You Do You?” with Republic Creator/Director, Sally McLean with a focus on her creative processes as actor/director
https://vimeo.com/919543560/6a708d868c

Sally McLean: All The World’s A Stage – October 2018
Feature interview on FilmInk with Creator/Director, Sally McLean focusing on her career to date as actor, writer & director
https://www.filmink.com.au/sally-mclean-worlds-stage/

OffBeat Interview with Sally McLean – September 2018
Interview on “Offbeat” TV show on RMITV with Republic Creator/Director, Sally McLean, about her work with Shakespeare.
https://www.facebook.com/makelivetv/videos/612453622482206/?t=478

“Speaking Daggers”, showcases crème of Aussie talent, screens at NIFF – July 2018
Article in IndieActivity.com about Speaking Daggers’ selection at the 2018 Noosa International Film Festival and updates on Shakespeare Republic
https://www.indieactivity.com/speaking-daggers-showcases-creme-of-aussie-talent-screens-niff/

Chillpak Hollywood Hour #581 – July 2018
Weekly podcast about all things Hollywood and creativity, hosted by Dean Haglund and Phil Leirness, with a discussion in the first 15 minutes about Shakespeare Republic and Dean’s work in the series.
http://chillpakhollywood.com/chillpak-hollywood-hour-581/

Can Michala Banas hit the post? – May 2018
The fabulous Michala Banas being interviewed on Nova FM Breakfast about Speaking Daggers’ screening at the 2018 St Kilda Film Festival, plus other fun things (full interview + video)
https://www.novafm.com.au/show/chrissie-sam-browny/michala-banas-hit-the-post/

Talking Shakespeare with Sally McLean – April 2018
Interview with Shakespeare Republic creator, Sally McLean by Catherine Hallam at Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia, discussing Shakespeare and Sally’s return to teaching Shakespeare at the studio
https://www.howardfinestudio.com.au/blog/2018/4/16/talking-shakespeare-with-sally-mclean

El ‘Carballo Interplay’ arranca este miércoles (The ‘Carballo Interplay’ starts on Wednesday) – April 2018
Article about the 2018 Carballo Interplay festival, including the mention of Shakespeare Republic’s official selection and nomination.
http://www.europapress.es/galicia/noticia-carballo-interplay-arranca-miercoles-20180404081933.html

OZZIES 2018: NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL OZFLIX AWARDS – April 2018
Article about the inaugural Ozflix Awards mentioning Shakespeare Republic’s nomination for “Best Web Series”
https://thereelbits.com/2018/04/03/ozzies-2018-nominations-announced-for-inaugural-ozflix-awards/

Interview with Shakespeare Republic creator/director, Sally McLean – April 2018
In-depth interview with Sally McLean about her life, career and work with Shakespeare on screen with Vaishnavi Sundar at Women Making Films
http://www.wmfindia.com/blogs/australian-multi-hyphenate-sally-mclean-shakespeare-republic/

2017

Or So the Web Series Go(es): Women in Web Series Shout-Out #1 (Sally McLean) – December 2017
Article in Stareable (USA) about Shakespeare Republic and creator/director, Sally McLean as the first featured female content creator in this new series of articles about the web series world.
http://community.stareable.com/t/or-so-the-web-series-go-es-women-in-web-series-shout-out-1-sally-mclean/3462

The Act Of Storytelling: Ch02.Podcast05 Sally McLean – November 2017
Nick and Lauren discuss ‘holding the line’, creating space and being present before turning their attention to a great conversation, and a lot of laughter, with actress, producer, writer, Shakespeare Republic creator and Melbourne WebFest General Manager, Sally McLean.
https://vimeo.com/919557652/347134fe44

First Annual Baltimore New Media Web Fest is a smash – November 2017
Article about the inaugural Baltimore New Media Web Fest, with mention of Shakespeare Republic
http://us.blastingnews.com/showbiz-tv/2017/11/first-annual-baltimore-new-media-web-fest-is-a-smash-002147111.html

The 4th Annual NYC Web Fest Nominations Have Been Revealed – October 2017
Article about the 2017 New York City Web Fest nominees, including Shakespeare Republic
http://celebmix.com/4th-annual-nyc-web-fest-nominations-revealed/

SYN FM Interview – Sally McLean & Christopher Kirby – September 2017
Interview with Sally and Chris on ArtSmitten about Shakespeare, the Republic and working together in web series
http://syn.org.au/interview-sally-maclean-christopher-kirby/

3RRR FM Radio Interview – A Room With A View – September 2017
Interview with Republic creator, Sally McLean on A Room With A View about Shakespeare, independent filmmaking and webseries.
https://shakespearerepublic.com/2017/09/07/listen-to-our-3rrr-fm-interview-minnesota-web-fest-nominations-september-is-off-with-a-bang-shakespeare-webseries-webfest/

Australian Shakespeare web series wins top screen award in USA – September 2017
Article with interview with Sally McLean about Shakespeare Republic’s CINE Golden Eagle Award win in the USA
http://www.artnewsportal.com/art-news/australian-shakespeare-web-series-wins-top-screen-award-in-usa

“Don’t Be Afraid Of It” — Sally McLean, Shakespeare Republic – August 2017
Interview with Sally McLean on podcast ShakenBake in the USA
https://soundcloud.com/laurence-r-baker/dont-be-afraid-of-it-sally-mclean-shakespeare-republic

Shakespeare Republic – August 2017
Article in the Melbourne Observer by Cheryl Threadgold about Shakespeare Republic’s recent win at the CINE Golden Eagle Awards in the USA (Page 39)
https://issuu.com/mediaflash/docs/ob170830z

Festival accolade for Speaking Daggers – August 2017
Article about Speaking Daggers being officially selected and nominated at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s Shakespeare Film Festival and receiving a Highly Commended nod from Festival Jury President, Sir Kenneth Branagh.
https://www.artslearningfestival.org.au/festival-accolade-for-speaking-daggers/

Los Blogos de Oro en el Festival Internacional de Cine de Fuengirola – August 2017
Another article from Spain about the official selections for the Fuengirola International Film Festival which highlights Shakespeare Republic’s inclusion in the Web Series category.
http://www.tavernamasti.com/2017/08/los-blogos-de-oro-en-el-festival.html

Diez webseries internacionales compiten en Fuengirola Web Fest – August 2017
Article from popular Spanish entertainment blog, ElrinconTV about the official selections for the 2017 Fuengirola International Film Festival, with emphasis on the Fuengirola WebFest element, featuring Shakespeare Republic.
http://elrincon.tv/cine/festivales/diez-webseries-internacionales-compiten-fuengirola-web-fest/

Diez webseries internacionales competirán en el VI Festival de Cine de Fuengirola – August 2017
Article from La Tribuna about the official selections for the 2017 Fuengirola International Film Festival, again featuring Shakespeare Republic.
http://www.latribunahoy.com/_n1033951_diez-webseries-internacionales-competiran-en-el-vi-festival-de-ci.html

Diez webseries internacionales compiten en el Festival Internacional de Cine de Fuengirola – August 2017
Article from 20 Minutos (Spanish newspaper) about the official selection list for the Fuengirola International Film Festival’s Web Fest section, featuring Shakespeare Republic.
http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/3111334/0/diez-webseries-internacionales-compiten-festival-internacional-cine-fuengirola/

Sally McLean talks to DWF about Shakespeare Republic! – August 2017
Interview with Republic Creator/Director about what Shakespeare Republic has been up to since our official selection and nomination for Best Actress (Comedy) for Michala Banas for Season One at Dublin Web Fest.
http://dublinwebfest.com/2017/08/sally-mclean-shakespeare-republic/

From The Katering Show to Fighting Isis: eight of the best Australian web series – July 2017
The Guardian’s list of the Top 8 Australian web series worth the watch, with Shakespeare Republic: #LoveTheBard (Season Two) at Number 3 (although TV & Film critic, Luke Buckmaster, who compiled the list did go to pains to point out that the series’ were listed in no particular order … ).
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jul/13/the-katering-show-fighting-isis-eight-best-australian-web-series

Shakespeare Republic: breaking it down for Melbourne Web Fest – June 2017
Interview with Republic creator, Sally McLean for Scenestr Magazine about Shakespeare Republic and our official selection and Best Australian Drama nomination for Melbourne Web Fest
http://scenestr.com.au/movies/shakespeare-republic-breaking-it-down-for-melbourne-webfest

2017 Official Selection: Shakespeare Republic: #LoveTheBard (AUS) – June 2017
Interview with Republic creator, Sally McLean about the inspiration behind Shakespeare Republic, the challenges faced when making Season Two and thoughts on web series creation in general
http://www.melbournewebfest.com/2017-official-selection-shakespeare-republic-lovethebard-aus/

Shakespeare Republic Series (Review) – June 2017
In-depth and very complimentary review of both Seasons of Shakespeare Republic from “Books By The Window” in the UK
https://booksbythewindow.wordpress.com/2017/06/21/shakespeare-republic-shakespeare-republic-2015-2017/

Local talent shines at St Kilda Film Festival – May 2017
Round up of what’s on offer at St Kilda Film Festival this year, with a special mention for Shakespeare Republic as part of their “Australia’s Favourite Web Series” showcase (which has also been listed as Be Melbourne’s #1 session to attend!)
https://www.bemelbourne.com/single-post/2017/05/16/LOCAL-TALENT-SHINES-AT-ST-KILDA-FILM-FESTIVAL

‘Speaking Daggers’, the new film by Shakespeare Republic – May 2017
Lovely review of our first film “Speaking Daggers” and article about the Shakespeare Republic web series from The Plus Ones
https://theplusones.com/melbourne/2017/05/18/speaking-daggers-shakespeare-republic/

“Speaking Daggers” shows the best of Shakespeare – April 2017
Article about Shakespeare Republic‘s first film Speaking Daggers with short interview with creator/director, Sally McLean
https://www.bemelbourne.com/single-post/2017/04/18/%E2%80%98Speaking-Daggers%E2%80%99-shows-the-best-of-Shakespeare

Will social TV ever be a success? – February 2017
Interview with Tim Gibbon of Elemental Communications, Paul Telegdy of NBC Entertainment and Sally McLean in her role as Creator/Director of Shakespeare Republic about the success web series are having with disrupting traditional media outlets
http://www.alphr.com/social-media/1005377/will-social-tv-ever-be-a-success

BOOK, STAGE AND SCREEN – February 2017
In-depth interview with Director, Sally McLean and Executive Producer, Billy Smedley about Shakespeare Republic, Season Two
https://shakespearerepublic.com/2017/02/28/shakespeare-republic-on-book-stage-screen-interview-shakespeare-lovethebard/

Lord Somers Camp hosts Shakespeare – January 2017
Article from Somers Nautilus Paper about Shakespeare Republic filming at Lord Somers Camp for Season Two
http://somers-nautilus.org.au/2017/01/25/lord-somers-camp-hosts-shakespeare/

PRE-2017

New Work from Shakespeare Republic – December 2016
Lovely concise review of Shakespeare Republic‘s work to date from ShakespeareTwentyScore.org
http://shakespearetwentyscore.org/2016/12/30/new-work-from-shakespeare-republic/

Shakespeare’s Republic – November 2016
Article in the Melbourne Observer about the Live Show Official Launch of Shakespeare Republic: #LoveTheBard (Season Two) at the Courthouse Hotel, North Melbourne

Get ‘on Bard’ with Shakespeare Republic – bringing Shakespeare to modern audiences in a brilliant way! – September 2016
Article about our crowdfunding campaign and announcements for Season Two
http://radiogirlproductions.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/get-on-bard-with-shakespeare-republic.html

THE NEW CURRENT – August 2016
In-depth interview with Director, Sally McLean about Shakespeare Republic after the series’ Official Selection for the NightPiece International Film Festival at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland
http://www.thenewcurrent.co.uk/nightpiece–shakespeare-republic

MELBOURNE WEB FEST: 2016 OFFICIAL SELECTION: SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (AUS) – June 2016
Interview with Director Sally McLean about Shakespeare Republic Season One and her obsession with Shakespeare.
http://www.melbournewebfest.com/2016-official-selection-shakespeare-republic-aus/

WE ARE MOVING STORIES – SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC – April, 2016
In-depth interview with Director, Sally McLean, about Shakespeare Republic Season One and what the future holds for Shakespeare Republic in 2016.
http://www.wearemovingstories.com/we-are-moving-stories-videos/2016/4/13/nq19oh0hvenrgu7om1h1m416siwmme

Art Smitten – Radio SYN FM (Australia) – October 2015
Interview with Sally about her new series Shakespeare Republic.
HEAR INTERVIEW

KURIOSITAS.COM – October 25, 2015
A short review of Ben Steel’s episode of Shakespeare Republic by video review site Kuriositas.com in the UK.
http://www.kuriositas.com/2015/10/ben-steel-as-shakespeares-juliet.html

NEIGHBOURS NEWS – TENPLAY – September 4, 2015
A short article and interview with photos from Neighbours about Alan Fletcher’s work in Shakespeare Republic. Thanks guys!
http://tenplay.com.au/channel-eleven/neighbours/features/alan-fletcher-takes-on-shakespeare-republic

AUSTRALIA’S SHAKESPEARE – THE SHAKESPEARE BLOG – September 1, 2015
An article about Shakespeare being alive and well in Australia, with mentions of Bell Shakespeare and Shakespeare Republic, among others, from the blog of Sylvia Morris, former Librarian at the Shakespeare Centre Library in Stratford-upon-Avon (responsible for the RSC’s Archives), featured interviewee in the documentary Stealing Shakespeare and current member of the British Shakespeare Association, among many other fascinating Shakespeare-related things.
http://theshakespeareblog.com/2015/09/australias-shakespeare/

JOY 94.9FM “Escape Pod” Program (Australia) – February 2015
Interview with Sally about her documentary, Champion, and her filming in Australia, the UK, Ireland and Europe for the film.
https://vimeo.com/919571809/cc0137f76f

ABC Radio774 “Overnights” Program (Australia) – August 2014
Interview with Sally about her documentary, Champion, and story of Franz Stampfl that inspired it.
https://vimeo.com/919575234/2efdfc748b

BBC Radio 3 “Free Thinking” Program (UK) – May 2014
Leading artists, writers, thinkers discuss the ideas shaping our lives & links between past & present and new academic research. Interview with Sally about her documentary, Champion, and story of Franz Stampfl’s work with Roger Bannister to mark the anniversary of the breaking of the Four Minute Mile.
https://vimeo.com/919582137/d7254255e9

OLDER ARTICLES YET TO BE LINKED

Crowdfund this!, Lee Zachariah’s Very Own Web Page, August 15, 2014
The amazing life of QE’s wartime athletics coach, The Elizabethan (UK), July 31, 2014
A Life Unexpected: The Man Behind The Miracle Mile, Running Divas, July 29, 2014
The Future is in the Past, RUN Magazine (Singapore), November 11, 2013
Bob & Judy to feature in ‘doco’ A Life Unexpected, 3RPP-FM, October 25, 2013
RPP FM “Sugar n’ Spice” Program Interview, October 24, 2013
Documentary profiles an unsung hero, IF Magazine, July 23, 2013
Wide shot at rare life,The Stonnington Leader, July 24, 2012
Taking a look at Franz Stampfl, Live For The Run (USA), June 28, 2012
Roger Bannister, Chris Chataway, Ulick O’Connor in “A Life Unexpected”, Bring Back The Mile (USA), May 19, 2012
Sally’s home to make a new movie, Mornington Life Magazine, March 10, 2012
Der unbekannte Gigant, ÖLV Nachrichen (Austria), November 18, 2011
Dunera Boy, Franz Stampfl: The Movie, Club Troppo, July 7, 2011
REVIEW: Chasing Pegasus (A Play In Ten Chords), Theatre Australia, October 2006
Chasing Pegasus, The Mail, October 2006
Experienced cast strikes a chord, The Leader, October 2006
Star cast in fringe hit, The Standard, October 2006
Pegasus wings into Mt Martha, The Mail, October 2006
Breaking Showbiz News: ‘Chasing Pegasus’ at Mt Martha, Melbourne Observer, October 2006
REVIEW: Chasing Pegasus (a play in ten chords), 3RRR, October 2006
REVIEW: Theatre that makes you think, TheatreAlive, October 2006
Neighbours Stars Take to the Stage, Neighbours.com, October 2006
Chasing Pegasus (a play in ten chords), Arts Hub Australia (Feature Article), October 2006
Black Book Interview, “M” Magazine, The Sunday Age, October 2006
Theatre & Shows To See, “M” Magazine, The Sunday Age, October 2006
Melbourne Weekender segment, Channel 7 Melbourne, September 2006
My Family Album, The Sunday Herald Sun, September 2006
Cheeky actor gets scream role, Free Press Leader, September 2006
From a different script, The Age Green Guide, September 2006
Chasing Pegasus (a play in ten chords), Metro News, September 2006
Jen Hansen’s Chasing Pegasus, Ros Reine’s Gossip, August 2006
“Whispers” Column, The Sunday Herald Sun, July 2006
Quick flick set for Cannes: a fairytale film journey, The Weekender (Front Page & Feature Story), March, 2005
Brigit and Benny off to Cannes, The Mail, March 2005
Writer’s Chance, The Leader, July 2005
Acting Up Returns, The Mail, December 2005
Playing for attention Pt. II, Arts Hub Australia, December 2005
Playing for attention Pt. III, Arts Hub Australia, December 2005
REVIEW: ‘Till The Boys Come Home (as PS I Love You), Stage Whispers, October 2004
REVIEW: ‘Till The Boys Come Home (as PS I Love You), Reviewed by Peter Kemp, August 2004
Hearts on the line, The Weekender (Front Page & Feature Story), July 2004
Keeping home fires burning, The Age, July 2004
Love story set in wartime, The Leader, July 2004
World Premier of “PS I Love You”, The Mail, July 2004
Life during wartime now a hit on stage, The Weekender, July 2004
ABC Radio Interview, Sally McLean’s ABC Radio Interview with Derek Guille, ABC774 July 2004
Chasing Pegasus at Mt Martha House, The Mail, December 2003
Screenwriters hooked, The Leader, November 2003
Now’s the time to act up, The Weekender, October 2003
Chance to act up on film, The Independent, October 2003
REVIEW: Chasing Pegasus (a play in ten chords), Tara Wilkins, Theatre Talk
Forever Chasing Funds, The Age, February 1998
Super Star Coup For Sally, The Flier, October 1997
British Acting Star Lends Support, The Standard, October 1997
British Star Actor Lends Support, The Leader, October 1997

To read the Press Coverage for individual projects, click on the links below:

Shakespeare Republic (2015-2018), click here.
Chasing Pegasus (2004-2006), click here.

What Others Said

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

A LITTLE RAIN MUST FALL (FILM)

CHASING PEGASUS (THEATRE)

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

WALKING SHADOWS (SERIES)

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

P.S. I LOVE YOU (THEATRE)

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

A LITTLE RAIN MUST FALL (FILM)

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

SPEAKING DAGGERS (FILM)

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

CHASING PEGASUS (THEATRE)

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

CHASING PEGASUS (THEATRE)

SHAKESPEARE REPUBLIC (SERIES)

Audience Feedback

What The Press Said

“Don’t Be Afraid Of It” — Sally McLean, Shakespeare Republic – August 2017

Festival accolade for Speaking Daggers – August 2017

Local talent shines at St Kilda Film Festival – May 2017

“Speaking Daggers” shows the best of Shakespeare – April 2017

Shakespeare’s Republic – November 2016

THE NEW CURRENT – August 2016