Gregory J Wilken
Gregory J Wilken
Actor, Executive Producer & Producer
Gregory (IMDb) is Executive Producer for Ad Astra Theatre Company.
He is also Head of Acquisitions & Sales for Radioactive which is an Australian film production, development and distribution company.
Biography
Ad Astra Theatre Company - Executive Producer
In his first season (2022), Ad Astra produced seven shows. In the same year Ad Astra received five nominations, all for female cast and crew. Gregory was producer for the Normal Heart which won the Matilda Award for Best Supporting Actor (Maddie Little and Janelle Bailey shared this award). He was also Producer for Toy Symphony which was nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Bernadette Pryde). In 2023, we were again nominated for five awards, four of them being for female cast and crew.
In 2024, he produced the first tour to Qtopia Sydney which was an overwhelming success for the company.
Radioactive Pictures - Head of Acquisitions and Sales
Gregory is passionate about bringing Australian films to bigger audiences both here in Australia but internationally too. He works with Australian filmmakers to get their films on Australian television and streaming services. Gregory also attends international film markets to bring back great films and series to get seen here in Australia.
Acting Career
Gregory’s passion for acting began early, playing the Narrator in the musical Joseph and his Technicolor Coat at school in Adelaide. At the time he also attended the Royal Academy of Dance graduating with honours each year. During his high school years his family moved to Noosa and he joined Noosa Arts, performing in the musical Oliver, followed by the play The Man Who Understood Women. He quickly realised that acting was his true calling and he hasn’t stopped treading the boards since.
He has worked in Sydney for a number of years performing at the stunning Eternity Playhouse, York Theatre, Bordhello Theatre, New Theatre, Kings Cross Theatre, The Stables, King Street Theatre and Darlinghurst Theatre in roles such as Brett in The Boys, Nathaniel Goundry in Holy Day and Lloyd in Reckless. In 2019 he was cast in the role of Detective Sargent Ray Kelly, one of Australia’s most notorious policemen in The Deadly Escape - Simmons and Newcombe, as part of the immersive Deadhouse Series.
Most recently he has performed in the lead roles of Ned Weeks in The Normal Heart, by Larry Kramer, Roland Henning in Toy Symphony by Michael Gow, American, Bob Jones in The Realistic Joneses , a Will Eno classic, and Tradie Dave in the Queensland premiere of 2.20am by Rebecca Lister. In 2017, Gregory played the role of The Father in Luido Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author in the Underground Reservoirs in Spring Hill, Brisbane.
54 Days was his breakthrough performance in a feature film where he was cast in a lead role as the American, Professor Dirk Schindler. His role received excellent stand-out reviews and the film won awards at Idyllwild, Andorra, and Sydney film festivals. Gregory has also had roles in over a dozen professional and graduate level student short films shot in Sydney and Brisbane.
Reviews
“Wilken plays the yearning writer with commitment and verve, he portrays the questioning and searching soul that looks for a way out of his dilemma. He strives with a grounded essence that accents Henning's journey.
Wilken nicely executes an earnest and introspective performance.”
Kym Vaitiekus/Jade Kops - Broadway World | Read Review Here
Gregory Wilken is the show’s smarmy, cynical lead, infusing the role of Roland Henning with a humanity that shines in every scene he’s in - and Wilken deserves an especially big props for swapping from a grizzled, drug addicted playwright to a bright eyed, socially awkward 11 year old with fluidity and grace.
Webb and Wilken have this unique chemistry that makes every conflict between them filled with tension and emotion, even with Webb’s range spread across multiple characters, and Wilken’s across multiple ages.
Indicative of the enthralling, utterly addictive performance of Wilken, Lanham, and the other actors”
Michael Di Guglielmo - Stage Door Podcast | Read Review Here
“The performances are first rate. Gregory J Wilken gives a powerful performance in the lead role, becoming Roland. Each member of the cast inhabits their characters, many playing multiple roles.”
David Kary | Sydney Arts Guide | Read Review Here
“Gregory J Wilken plays Roland and delivers a standout performance of a writer in turmoil. Gow is a great writer, especially as he shifts the power dynamics. He builds audience empathy for Roland, sharing his history and years of school trauma. Then when Roland becomes bleak and bitter, he takes on a different persona using aggressive manipulative tactics. Through it all Wilken commands the stage and shows incredible emotional range playing both sides of the protagonist - not to mention switching from age 5 to a middle-aged man.”
Natasha Ciesielski | Sydney Scoop | Read Review Here
“Gregory J Wilken is extremely focused as leading man, with an unwavering commitment that makes the experience feel worthwhile and authentic.”
Suzy Wrong - Suzy Go See | Read Review Here
“Gregory J Wilken as Roland gives a performance that’s vibrant and always engaging; juxtaposing the wide-eyed child with the jaded artist.”
Paul Gilchrist - Theatre Red | Read Review Here
“Gregory J Wilken plays Henning with both poignancy and vicious bastardry as required and is supported by a strong ensemble.”
Kate Gaul - Theatre Travels | Read Review Here
Gregory J Wilken was assured in the lead role and a skilled ensemble of actors kept the drama moving briskly.
David Spicer - Stage Whispers | Read Review Here
Gregory Wilken, who also serves as Producer, plays the lead role of Ned Weeks. Powerful and passionate, Ned is driven to give the community a voice and alert the government to the crisis as he watches his friends dying around him. Wilken's performance of Ned is nothing short of superb. From moments of intense frustration, exhilarating passion, and harrowing loss, he holds the audience in the palm of his hand
Michael James - Frooty Magazine | Read full review
Gregory J Wilken’s passionate, furious energy as Ned was balanced by the restraint and level-headedness of Sam Hocking’s Bruce, and the relaxed charisma of Felix Jarvis’ Felix. Small expressions and subtle movements – the intensity in Ned’s eyes when he spoke with Felix, for example – are made visible as there are only a few rows of seats, and this is a further testament to the commitment and skill of the actors. The chemistry and comfortable physicality between Wilken and Jarvis held this secondary storyline together through a wide range of emotions and events, with intimacy coaching by Michelle Miall, and in portraying the joys of their evolving relationship.
Elise Lawrence - Backstreet Brisbane | Read full review
It is often said that the first step of successful character development is to find their walk. And Wilken inhabits his character through this, as well as his gesture, head tilts and turns, and eyes wide in astonished emphasis at the preposterousness of Emma’s first request that he tell gay men to stop having sex. It is a detailed, authentic and absorbing performance of a reluctant leader but furious activist. Later his vitriolic ‘how dare you’ advocacy and determination to yell louder and apply more pressure in a meeting with a representative of New York Mayor Ed Koch’s administration is palpable in its fiery frustration as the organisation grows, still without acknowledgement of there being a problem despite the increasing percentage of New York deaths in the USA’s statistics.
Meredith Walker - Blue Curtains Brisbane | Read full review
As Ned, Gregory J Wilken holds the weight of Kramer’s script on his capable shoulders, and he shows the depth of his range, moving between one of the funniest first date scenes ever, to the rage of frustration as he tries to create change for his community. As Ned says to Felix: “Talking’s not my problem; shutting up’s my problem!” Wilken’s passion for this project (he is also producer) infuses his energetic and heartfelt performance.
Beth Keehn - Stage Whispers | Read full review
Ad Astra have staged The Normal Heart in a simplistic and slick style, directed by Michelle Carey and Anna Loren. The cast, led by experienced actor, Gregory Wilken as Ned Weeks, are confident and compelling.
Lilian Harrington - Absolute Theatre | Read full review
The strongest component of the show was the stellar cast. Taking on the role of leading man, Ned Weeks, was Gregory J Wilken. Wilken’s performance brought a fast paced, stubborn but energetic passion to his character that emphasised his high sense of morality. Playing opposite him as Ned’s love interest, Felix Turner, was Felix Jarvis. Jarvis conveyed such true emotions for Wilken’s character whilst maintaining a grounded but playful, layered performance. His descent into illness was covered with grace and strong physicality. Additionally, Michelle Miall must be applauded for her intimacy coaching as Jarvis and Wilken’s characters truly felt comfortable in each other’s embrace. A memorable moment involves Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ underscoring Wilken and Jarvis whilst moves are made at a first date.
Annabel Gilbert - TheatreHaus | Read full review
With the weight of the show predominantly on his shoulders, Gregory J Wilken carried it with elegance and strength. His multifaceted characterisation of the struggling playwright took us on a journey from childhood through the rest of his life. Wilken gave us an in depth insight to the hopes, dreams and fears of Roland, all the while pulling the audience through a roller-coaster of raw emotions .
It was a truly commendable performance by Wilken which was strongly backed by the rest of the cast.
Marita Bellas Miles - Theatre Travels | Read full review
It tells the story of Roland Henning, a writer in turmoil, (played sensitively and skillfully by Gregory J Wilken), who is in search of inspiration and who needs to seek professional help.
Because Carey had the actors in well-costumed multi-roles, they supported and tapped into the rhythm, and energy from Wilken, who portrayed a strong characterization of Roland Henning, as he developed and orchestrated his scenes, e. g. the scene between Steve Gooding (Samuel Webb) and Roland Henning, over a drug deal, showed sharp contrasts and good intention.
Lilian Harrington - Absolute Theatre Read full review
‘A display of Astra-nomical talent. The performance is enthralling owing to its animated and dynamic reel of highly relatable characters. Each of the cast members demonstrates an impressive range, employing dramatic tension and impeccable comedic timing. Samuel Webb is a standout performer, along with Wilken, playing the central role. Ad Astra Theatre is unmistakably polished and professional, showcasing the depth of local talent’ .’
Jessica Forbes - My Village News | June edition
Blackboarded walls featuring graffitied quotes, allow audience members the satisfaction of seeing how they are woven into the essential fabric of the story, while trunks and suitcases stack about the stage to become a range of set pieces. They provide appropriate imagery for these is a lot to unpack in the story of playwright Roland Henning (played to perfection by Gregory J Wilken), a character who appeared in Gow’s earlier play “Furious”.
Act Two takes a turn as Rowland, now a successful playwright, faces the consequences of his past along with the loss of his parents, the combination of which spirals him into the writer’s block that prompted his therapy. From being a bullied youngster, he has now become an intimidating oppressor himself and it is uncomfortable to watch his evisceration of university student and wannabe actor Daniel, such is the power of Wilken’s performance. At times intense, and others turmoiled, he evokes both psychological depth and emotional range in his realisation of all of Roland’s selves, from his schoolboy energy to the despair of a layered man who is at his rock bottom. And his one-sided phone conversation soliloquy serves as a magnificent celebration of the play’s language and its show of the human of humanity.
Meredith Walker - Blue Curtains | Read full review
Gregory J Wilken’s Roland is charmingly childlike but also grumpy and conniving, as Act 2 reveals some of the writer’s darker side. Ultimately he gives a heart-warming and humorous portrayal of the contradictions of a creative persona. Wilken’s final scenes as Roland describes his parents’ funerals was particularly emotional.
Beth Keehn - Stage Whispers | Read full review
In addition to producing Toy Symphony, Gregory J Wilken delivered an impressive performance as Roland Henning. Onstage for every scene, including a number of lengthy monologues, Wilken’s characterisation included strong enunciation and a number of physical mannerisms which evolved from Roland’s childhood into his adult life. Roland is difficult to like, but Wilken’s performance made it possible to sympathise with him and Toy Symphony’s final scene suggested the possibility of redemption; Roland is seeking to make amends, his ‘gift’ has returned, and he is using it to connect with others rather than to manipulate them.
Backstreet Brisbane Read full review
‘Performed with a cast of six, this dynamic cast unpack the life of writer Roland Henning, expertly played by Wilken. Roland Henning is suffering from writer’s block, with the aid of his therapist he explores his life to try and fix himself. Wilken brings the audience with him perfectly from moment to moment, bringing a strong emotional range to the role..’
Michael James - QNews | Read full review
The role of Roland Henning is no easy feat, as the character ages from 5 to 65 years old. Similarly, his personality morphs from the most charming person on the planet to the biggest arsehole alive. The pure scope of the role is not easy; thankfully producer and lead Gregory J Wilken was up for the challenge. He brought a camp glee to every scene. Wilken was brimming with energy whenever on stage, which to be fair was pretty much the entirety of the two and a bit hours run time.
Oliver Hetherington-Page | Read full review
The role of the brutal and brutalising Detective Sergeant Kelly ( portrayed by a chilling Wilken) gives frightening insight into police corruption.
Catherine Skipper - Sydney Morning Herald | Read full review
Far from being bleak, however, the show is quite lively and very funny, thanks mostly to Wilken’s Bob. From his first scene response to his new neighbours’ drop-in introduction, we learn so much of his malaised and temperament approach to life through his non-verbals of crossed arm reactions, shrugged shoulders of disapproval and eye-roll responses!
Meredith Walker - Blue Curtains | Read full review
Wilken finds Bob’s humour, even though the character is less successful at adapting to change and navigates through obsessive behaviour and jumpy mood swings. It’s a difficult ask.
Beth Keehn - Stage Whispers | Read full review
The show was an intellectual feast and the stagecraft was of a high calibre!
Virag Dombay - Nothing Ever Happens | Read full review
Gregory J Wilken as Dave offered a poignant performance. His character’s devastation had an overwhelming sense of loss brimming under the surface of a rough, ‘tradie’ exterior, as he explains the tragedy that brought him to the class: “‘Is anything missing?’ the copper asked me. ‘Yeah mate, one-quarter of my family is in your van.’”
Erika Tucker - Theatre Haus | Read full review
Wilken is spot-on as Dave, the tough tradie who wears his hi-vis jacket like an armour to protect his raw emotions. The performances in this production are the perfect balance of heartache and humour, touching all the right tones.
Beth Keehn - Stage Whispers | Read full review
It's not everyday that you see a production that has an exceptional script, characters, direction and production design.
Virag Dombay - Broadway World | Read full review
The bulk of the dialogue which is quite an ask was brilliantly handled by the powerful voice of Gregory J Wilken as the Father.
Barry Stone - Absolute Theatre | Read full review
Like a narrator of sorts, Wilken plays The Father with an engaging authority. Part passionate self, part pontificator, he delivers bold statements for contemplation about words and illusions, presenting the audience with many interesting analogies upon which to ponder (such as truth being like a sack).
Meredith Walker - Blue Curtains | Read full review
Gregory J Wilken was vocally perfect for The Father, his voice was soothing but chilling. His interactions with The Director were easily my favourite scenes as he tried to convince her to be their ‘author’. HeartBeast must be credited for their flawless execution of Pirandello’s challenging material. They have delivered a first class production that is guaranteed to stay with you for days.
Katherine Sullivan - The Creative Issue | Read full review
54 Days is a tight and suspenseful addition to the post-apocalyptic genre.
Benjamin Poole - The Movie Waffler | Read full review
Theatre Reviewer Annual Lists
Interviews and Press
Two very different theatre companies in Adelaide and Brisbane will mount productions this year of The Normal Heart – Larry Kramer’s powerful play set in 1980’s New York at Ground Zero of the AIDS crisis. Beth Keehn explores why the play still resonates today and interviews Gregory J Wilken, Executive Producer of Ad Astra Theatre Company and Mitchell Butel, Artistic Director of State Theatre Company South Australia who are both playing the central lead role of Ned Weeks.
Beth Keehn - Stage Whispers | Read Interview
“It is approximately 40 years since this was first performed, and now is the perfect time for it to be retold when people have witnessed all that was done by governments and communities to fight COVID-19 compared to what didn’t happen when a virus hit a community that many felt deserved it”.
Frooty Magazine | Read Interview
What inspired you to take on this show in particular?
It was Australian, it was by one of Australia's greatest playwrights, Michael Gow, and it is just a great play. There is such a kaleidoscope of stories that can be told about the LGBTQIA+ community, this is one of them. It is also one of the very few stories for the stage, film or television that the story isn't necessarily about being gay, but the lead role is gay. We need to see more LGBTQIA+ characters in stories that are about a whole range of different aspects, not just gay stories! Thanks to Michael Gow, we have one such story.
Frooty | Read the interview
“To be able to do the very first production in this beautiful building just astounds me”
Sarah Skubala - Theatre Matters | Read the interview
Why do you think that this play resonates so much even for today’s audiences? Why this play and why now? What makes Michael Gow such a compelling playwright?
All of us feel a connection to the characters and stories that Michael Gow has blessed our dramatic landscape with. Toy Symphony draws us in with these glorious, recognisable characters…the rough (but vulnerable) school bully; the nasty, inappropriate school headmaster; that one encouraging teacher who made us believe in ourselves. Somehow, we all make it through and go on to live our lives, but there is no doubt the impact that these ‘characters’ have on us during such formative years. Like Roland Henning, trauma can rear its ugly head in many forms later in life. It’s a story we can all relate to, and Gow tells it with a good dose of flashbacks, humour, realism, and the classic play-within-the-play.
Elizabeth Surbey - Sydney Arts Guide | Read the interview
“It is uncomfortable, disconcerting and hilarious, as the young Roland’s ‘magical’ ability to summon up historical characters, battles with the many adults in his childhood who are desperately trying to suppress his imagination”
Michael James - Sydney Star Observor | Read interview here
The old Police Station is the new home for The Loading Dock – Qtopia, Sydney’s flagship theatre. Ad Astra Theatre Company has been chosen to produce the venue’s first ever production – Michael Gow’s ‘Toy Symphony’, about playwright Roland Henning who is suffering from writer’s block. Audiences in attendance will truly be a brand-new part of Australian history.
Scenestr - Read Interview here
Ad Astra Plays
Upcoming Plays
Past Plays
Other Theatre, Feature and Short Film, Commercial Work
THEATRE CREDITS
Toy Symphony - Roland Henning Ad Astra Theatre Written by Michael Gow Dir : Michelle Carey (This was a touring production at Qtopia, Sydney)
The Normal Heart - Ned Weeks Ad Astra Theatre Written by Larry Kramer Dir: Michelle Carey
Toy Symphony - Roland Henning Ad Astra Theatre Written by Michael Gow Dir : Michelle Carey
Baedeker Murder Mystery immersive. Written by Pierce Gordon Dir : Pierce Gordon
The Realistic Joneses - Bob Jones Ad Astra Theatre Written by Will Eno Dir : Fiona Kennedy
2.20am - Dave - Ad Astra Theatre Written by Rebecca Lister Dir : J MCarthy
Deadhouse II Simmons & Newcombe Character - Detective Sergeant Ray Kelly St James Crypt Written by Liviu Monsted Dir : Liviu Monsted
Falling Skies - Robert - Bordhello Theatre Written by Brayden Frascone Dir : Carly Fisher
Six Characters searching for an author - 'The Father' Underground Reservoirs Spring Hill Written by Luigi Pirandello Dir : Anna Loren
Toy Symphony - 'Roland Henning' Eternity Playhouse Written by Michael Gow Dir : Glen Hamilton
Moonage Daydream - ‘Bruce’ King Street Theatre, Sydney Written by Vee Malnar Dir: Tom Richards
Moonage Daydream won overall best production for Short and Sweet Festival 2014
Holy Day - ‘Nathaniel Goundry’ Darlinghurst Theatre Written by Andrew Bovell Dir: Glen Hamilton
A Different Client - ‘Marshall’ King Street Theatre, Sydney Dir : Paul Bugeja
Get Me To The Stage On Time - ‘Bernie’ King Street Theatre, Sydney Written by Ryan Watson Dir: Ryan Watson
Get Me To The Stage On Time was voted into Peoples Choice Showcase Short+Sweet
Private Eye - 'Detective Jones' King Street Theatre, Sydney Written by : Victoria Vinson Dir : Emmanuel Nicolau
The Subtle Art of Flirting - ‘Thomas’ Darlinghurst Theatre Written by Wayne Tunks Dir: Tina Bursill
Bedroom Farce - ‘Nick’ Darlinghurst Theatre Written by Alan Ayckbourn Dir: Sean O’Riordan
Reckless - ‘Lloyd’ Darlinghurst Theatre Written by Craig Lucas Dir: Emily Weir
Girl with Red Hair - ‘Irvan’ Darlinghurst Theatre Written by Sharman Macdonald Dir: Talya Rubin
The Boys ‘Brett’ Darlinghurst Theatre Written by Gordon Graham Dir: Gavin VanceTheatre in Newtown.
FEATURE FILM CREDITS
54 DAYS Lead Role - Character : Professor Dirk Schindler (Quiet, calculating, friendly Californian Professor) Written by Tim Lea Dir: Tim Lea
54 Days the feature movie has won multiple awards at various international film festivals including Idllwyld and Andorra
SHORT FILM CREDITS
Heart for Vendetta (Griffith Graduate) Character : Hugh (leader of militia group) Written by : Jack Vernon Dir : Jack Vernon
Transgression Character : Bad cop Written by : Tyler Lemo Dir : Tyler Lemo
Captains Quarters (SAE Creative) Character : Captain Edwards Written by Jake Heinemann Dir : Jake Heinemann
The Interview (Griffith Graduate) Character : The Interviewer Written by Patrick Robertson Dir : Patrick Robertson
DNA (Griffith Graduate) Character : Husband Dir: Katie John
The System (Aryavision Films) Character : Marc Dir : Eddie Arya
Laundromat (SAE Creative) Character : Cop
Ransom (Griffith Graduate) Character : Kidnap Victim (lead) Written by : Tyson Yates Dir : Tyson Yates
Run Away (BK Productions) Character : Greg (violent, angry, homophobic father) Written by : Brodie Pyke Dir : Leah Pellinkhof
54 Days - Original Short Film (Nickleby Productions) Character : Dirk Written by Tim Lea Dir: Tim Lea
*** 54 Days the short film won two awards at the Sci Fi Film festival in Sydney ***
COMMERCIAL WORK
Destination Brisbane - 'Visitor' Online Campaign Brisbane Marketing/BCEC/The Precinct Studios - Sydney
Cybergrad - 'CEO' Online Advertising Campaign Grant Marshall Productions, Brisbane
Interview Techniques 'Trainer' Online Training Employment Australia
Together Let's - ‘CEO’ Online Advertising Campaign
Training
The fACTORy : Anthony Brandon Wong MasterClass
Travis Method - Mark Travis
The fACTORy : Various courses
Travis Method - Mark Travis
Peter Rasmussen : Acting classes
SceneORama : Screen training
Peter Rasmussen MasterClass : Uta Hagen
SceneORama : Weekly Film and TV screen technique
Darlo Drama : Ensemble Showcase
Meisner - Actors Pulse
Larry Moss Masterclass - Sydney
Ivana Chubbuck Masterclass Sydney
Anthony Brandon Wong Masterclass : Chubbuck Method
Anthony Brandon Wong Masterclass : Character development
Meisner - Actors Pulse
Ensemble Showcase : Darlo Drama - Glen Hamilton
Actor's Lab : Darlo Drama - Glen Hamilton
In Camera Acting Intensive : Darlo Drama - Glen Hamilton
Kevin Jackson : MasterClass - Audit
The Studio Show : Darlo Drama
The Play : Darlo Drama
The Monologue : Darlo Drama
The Dialogue : Darlo Drama
The Play : Darlo Drama