Curtain Call for Lynch & Paterson: A Legacy of Passion and Talent

As one sun sets over Brisbane’s skyline, another sets on one of its iconic theatre producers, Lynch & Paterson. Co-founded in 2017 by Samantha Paterson and Lucas D. Lynch, the company has been a tour de force in the theatre community, bringing forth an eclectic mix of productions and nurturing new talent. However, as Lucas prepares to relocate overseas, this beloved partnership is drawing to its final bow. The city’s theatre community is tinged with sadness but also brimming with gratitude and pride for what Lynch & Paterson have achieved.

Lynch & Paterson’s inception was a serendipitous one, conceived over coffee and a shared dream of enriching Brisbane’s cultural tapestry. Samantha reflected on their journey, reminiscing about how they “dreamed up [Lynch & Paterson] over coffee one Wednesday back in 2017.” The duo brought together artists from all walks of life, providing a platform for creativity to blossom.

Their production catalogue is impressive, with the two agreeing on two standouts. Samantha shared that one of their most cherished projects was “The Phantom of the Opera”. Not only was it a sold-out season, but it also marked the foundation of her deep bond with Lucas. Lucas echoed this sentiment and also highlighted their Australian Premiere production of Beethoven’s rare ballet, “The Creatures of Prometheus”, as a monumental achievement. It was his teenage dream to stage this production, and they did so with gusto, breathing life into a 220-year-old masterpiece.

As they navigated the trials and tribulations of theatre production, the duo faced challenges head-on. From dealing with the pandemic and its numerous disruptions, to weathering personal tragedies, their relentless commitment kept them going. Samantha alluded to the sense of camaraderie that sustained them through tough times, stating that their “solid family of support within L&P” was invaluable.

One of the hallmarks of Lynch & Paterson was the nurturing environment it fostered. Samantha hoped that everyone involved “enjoyed being part of the project.” She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the participants were “entertained and happy.” The duo created an ecosystem where emerging professionals could feel valued and supported, which, according to Lucas, is one of the essential takeaways from their journey. He stressed that “people are the show – value and support your people from directors to orchestra members, to props managers, to front-of-house greeters.”

But what does the future hold for these remarkable individuals as they part ways? Samantha is exuberant about carrying forth her passion under the banner of Paterson Productions, ensuring that the values she held dear with Lynch & Paterson will continue to be the cornerstone of her new journey. She is also excited about embracing new genres and talents, and she doesn’t rule out the possibility of collaborating with Lucas again.

Lucas, on the other hand, is setting sail for the United Kingdom with his fiancé, Ebony, to broaden their horizons. He aspires to grow as a musician and producer among the theatre giants, drawing inspiration from the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh. For Lucas, it’s about achieving that magical moment when an audience is spellbound by the spectacle on stage.

As Lynch & Paterson take their final curtain call, their legacy is far from over. It lives on through the artists they’ve inspired, the audiences they’ve captivated, and the indelible mark they’ve left on Brisbane’s cultural landscape. Their message to the theatre community and aspiring producers is unambiguous – tell stories with love and unyielding passion.

Here’s to a standing ovation for Lynch & Paterson. Through tears and applause, Brisbane’s theatre community bids them adieu with hope and excitement for what lies ahead. To catch their work one last time, see ENCORE! Playing at Twelfth Night Theatre on July 29th. Book tickets here or find out more about Lynch & Person.