Shake & Stir Theatre Co, in association with Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Brisbane Festival, has announced the cast for its new production of The Lovers, set to premiere in the Playhouse at QPAC from 13 September to 5 October 2025.
Written and composed by Laura Murphy, The Lovers reimagines Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a contemporary pop musical. With a high-energy score performed by a live band, the production blends romance, rebellion, and humour into a bold reworking of the classic tale.
Leading the cast are several acclaimed performers from Australia’s musical theatre scene. Natalie Abbott (Muriel’s Wedding The Musical) stars as Helena, joined by Jason Arrow (Hamilton) as Demetrius, Jayme-Lee Hanekom (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Puck, Loren Hunter (SIX – The Musical) as Hermia, Stellar Perry (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Oberon, and Mat Verevis (Beautiful) as Lysander. The ensemble is rounded out by Indigo Hunt (Hamilton), Jenni Little (Titanique), and Nic Van Lits (Rocky Horror Show).
The production also brings together an experienced creative team, including choreographer Yvette Lee (Follies), music director Heidi Maguire (SIX – The Musical), designer Isabel Hudson (Dear Evan Hansen), lighting designer Trent Suidgeest (Frankenstein), and TONY Award nominee David Bergman (The Picture of Dorian Gray) as video and sound designer.
Nick Skubij, Artistic Director of Shake & Stir and director of The Lovers, expressed enthusiasm about the team behind the production:
I am so excited to have the opportunity to take Laura’s addictive pop masterwork to the next level. To do that I needed three things – incredible source material (check), a brilliant creative team (check) and a top-shelf cast (check!). After all, this show requires virtuosic vocalists, brilliant actor/dancers and charisma for days. I can proudly confirm that our cast is nothing short of mind-blowing. One of them would have been a coup – to have ALL of them on stage, at the same time, is extraordinary.
The Lovers is scheduled to run from 13 September to 5 October 2025 at the QPAC Playhouse, with tickets are now available via the QPAC website or by phoning their box office team during business hours on 136 246.
