A Triumphant Celebration of Love, Laughter & Limitless Imagination!
The Lovers opened officially in Sydney at The Theatre Royal this week and it has permanently engrained the magic abundance of joy that is often felt in the euphoria of sharing and expressing love. Seriously one of the best productions and performances I’ve had the pleasure to witness.
Written and Created by Laura Murphy, this all new and exciting Australian original musical is pure genius. It is truly uplifting, as we are treated to an incredible witty masterpiece version of the the well acclaimed Shakespearean tale “A Midnight Summers Dream”.
This certainly isn’t pompous Shakespeare, yet more so Pop in all it’s perfection.
What a night! The Lovers exploded onto the stage with the kind of exhilarating energy that can only come from a story written straight from the heart .
This is music-theatre that knows exactly what it wants to say, and sings it boldly. Murphy’s brilliance radiates through every lyric and laugh, delivering a narrative that’s modern yet timeless — reminding us why we keep returning to love, even when it’s complicated, chaotic, and beautifully imperfect.
Presented proudly by Shake & Stir Theatre Co and John Frost for Crossroads Live, The Lovers is a vibrant celebration of what contemporary theatre can be, brave in its originality, joyously inclusive, wildly funny, and deeply resonant.
Directed by Nick Skubij steers this exhilarating production with precision and playfulness, ensuring every beat lands with impact. The result? A theatrical roller- coaster that has you laughing through tears one minute and cheering with joy the next. You will be engaged from start top finish, not wanting it to end!
Producers and directors deserve immense applause for believing in this work and bringing together a collaboration of this calibre.
Executive Producers, Ross Balbuziente and Emma Gloede, Associate Producer, Nelle Lee, and Technical Director Michael Rogerson, whose commitment to bold Australian storytelling shines throughout.
Their dedication to championing fresh Australian musical theatre shone brightly — setting a benchmark for powerful new storytelling on our stages.
The cast are absolutely electric. Each performer delivered powerhouse vocals and emotionally charged performances that had the audience leaning forward one minute and roaring with laughter the next.
Their onstage chemistry sparked with authenticity — every character, every moment felt lived-in and compelling.
There was a joyous bravery in their storytelling that made the theatre feel alive. Each dynamic shift and romantic disaster drawing the audience deeper into the chaos and comedy of love.
Stellar Perry commands the stage with regal magnetism as Oberon, powerful and captivating from start to finish.
Jayme-Lee Hanekom is sheer delight as Puck — mischievous, magnetic, and impossible to take your eyes off.
As Hermia, Loren Hunter dazzles with fire and vulnerability, her vocals soaring effortlessly.
Mat Verevis delivers charm and charisma in spades as Lysander.
Natalie Abbott shines with comedic brilliance and heartfelt authenticity as Helena.
Jason Arrow brings the perfect balance of swagger and sincerity to Demetrius.
The creative team’s vision was executed with striking clarity, direction that kept the pace tight yet graceful, choreography pulsing with originality, lighting and stagecraft that amplified emotion, and costumes that made the show pop with style and individuality. Seamlessly marrying heart, humour, and theatrical innovation, they shaped a world the audience never wanted to leave.
The show pulses with visual and artistic flair thanks to an award-worthy creative team. Designer of the show, Isabel Hudson’s imaginative creativity, brings vibrancy and character to every moment. The Choreography by Yvette Lee’s injects irresistible energy, rhythm and wit intertwined with storytelling and perfection with the comical timing. Lighting Designer, Trent Suidgeest enriches the atmosphere with mood and magic, its true such a masterpiece. Sound and Video Design by David Bergman adds a cinematic layer that elevates the entire production. Nigel Poulton’s fight and intimacy choreography is slick, safe, and sizzling.
Murphy, who also crafted the show’s infectious music and clever lyrics with this bold new musical proves that love, in all its messy glory, is worth every risk, every stumble, and every spectacular moment in between.
The music wrapped perfectly around the performers, a sonic heartbeat that drove the show forward with every groove and breathtaking crescendo.
The music is next level. I couldn’t keep my shoulders from dancing and feet from tapping away throughout the entire performance.
Under the stellar Music Direction of Heidi Maguire (also on keys), alongside Associate MD, Ben Kiehne, also on keys, the music bursts to life with precision and passion. Danielle Colligan (guitar), Sam Blackburn (bass), and Alysa Portelli (drums) drive the heartbeat of this musical’s tight, dynamic, and utterly exhilarating rhythm.
Opening night felt like witnessing something truly special — a production destined to resonate long after the lights come up. The Lovers is a triumph of creativity, courage, and connection. A must-see celebration of love in all its forms.
A Fearless, Fresh & Fiercely Funny Triumph!
See it ASAP with it’s limited season! I could seriously watch it again and again and certainly hope to see it return for an extended season!
Love is chaotic. Love is powerful. Love is worth seeing live. Don’t walk — run and fall head over heels….
