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Lily Bartlett is a local standout talent who, if you have been around the TheatreINQ main stage in the past few years you would have seen in notable roles such as Lilly Cahill in TheatreINQ’s explosive 2024 production of PUNK ROCK. Current Bridgee Faith Taylor, understudied Lily in that production and she reflected, “She is such a generous actor who is very focused and fully embodies her characters, giving them a very human touch.” It’s clear to see that Lily’s dedication to acting and hard work on and off stage is what makes her stage presence so magnetic. She has also performed with the ensemble in shows like, MEASURE FOR MEASURE (2023), THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR (2024) and PUFFS (2023). It was during her time on PUFFS that Lily recalls she “really found her people". Reminiscing on the production, Lily recalls it as a time where she was truly able to take what she was learning from training as a sessions actor and applying those skills to the stage.
Like all Bridge kids, Lily joined the Bridge Project to learn more about being an actor. But being in the Bridge has also taught her about all aspects of being part of a professional theatre company. “You gain so much from just watching other people work with Terri and how they receive notes in rehearsals”. Lily can attest that her time with TheatreiNQ and the Bridge Project has shaped the way she views being an actor moving forward in the industry.
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In 2025, after completing her 3rd year of The Bridge Project, Lily moved to Melbourne to study at 16th Street Actors Studio. This was a time when she really got to know herself as she adjusted to life beyond regional Townsville. “I was so glad to have had the training and experience from the Bridge to back myself up.” Anyone who has moved away from home can agree that it can be challenging and scary at first. But, with such a positive support system behind her, made up of people who know what it’s like and genuinely care for you, it’s hard to fail. Lily has found this to be true and says that she still seeks guidance from TheatreINQ and is ever grateful for the connections she built from her time with the company.
Lily has definitely made a splash in Melbourne. The course at 16th Street gave her the opportunity to learn valuable new techniques for acting and solidify skills she had developed through training at TheatreINQ. It also gave her the opportunity to build connections and network with industry professionals. Lily has continued her success by working at a local theatre, doing front of house and working behind the bar.
Most recently, Lily took things a step further and recently produced a show under her own production company, Almost Pieces Productions, founded by her and others she met in Melbourne. The production was an all-female adaptation of MOJO by Jez Butterworth, a typically all male cast play. The dark comedy is set in the 1950s and follows a group of workers in a nightclub. “Producing the show basically involved budgeting, promotion, fixing any problems that came up.” Amazingly, she also made all the props used in the show and played the role of Sweets.
. he production gave her the chance to work alongside three other Bridge Project alumni living in Melbourne, who all were involved on the technical side of the show - Sasha Lea-Rowell (Set), Fionn Baker Goodson (Sound) and Heath Roberts (Lighting) “They just get it” she said referring to working with fellow bridgees, "they understand what goes into putting on a show."
It’s another reminder of how the connections made through the Bridge Project continue long after leaving Townsville. Producing her own show has given Lily a whole new perspective on theatre and a deeper appreciation for everything that goes on behind the scenes to bring a production to life, especially the work that goes into a TheatreINQ show. “It made me realise that Terri does like, 6 people’s jobs, all at once.”
Lily is keen to keep powering on and advance her career further and begin auditioning for new projects. She has recently signed with an acting agent, and continues to explore opportunities to produce her own work. Although there are plenty of exciting opportunities ahead, Lily will always hold a special place in her heart for TheatreINQ and The Bridge Project, and she has returned to be our understudy/swing for the return season and regional tour of THE ASSIGNMENT. “I mean, the best thing I’ll ever do is a TheatreINQ show.” From the stages of Townsville to the Melbourne theatre scene, it’s clear that the Bridge will always be a big part of Lily’s journey, and we can’t wait to see where she goes next.
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