Tommy (2015)
The Who's rock opera re-imagined by Eric Mingus and Hal Willner
Between February 27 and March 1, 2015, Gavin Friday joined a diverse cast of performers for a unique reinterpretation of Tommy, The Who’s seminal 1969 rock opera, at the Adelaide Festival. This one-off staging was conceived by maverick producer Hal Willner and vocalist-composer Eric Mingus, known for their bold, genre-bending work across music and performance.
Unlike traditional productions of Tommy, this version stripped back the psychedelic theatrics in favor of a jazz- and blues-infused soundscape. The cast included Robert Forster (The Go-Betweens), Camille O’Sullivan, Harper Simon, Elana Stone, and Yael Stone. The musical direction reimagined Pete Townshend’s original score, giving familiar songs new emotional and tonal dimensions.
Gavin Friday took on multiple roles, most notably Uncle Ernie and the Acid Queen. His interpretation of Uncle Ernie leaned into the character’s dark, unsettling nature, while his turn as the Acid Queen offered a more subdued take compared to its traditionally flamboyant portrayals. The minimalist set and stylized lighting placed the focus squarely on the voices and the storytelling, creating a mood that was at once intimate and surreal.
Reviewers consistently recognized Gavin’s performance for its commitment to character and willingness to take risks.