Sydney has a knack for rolling out a spectacular welcome, and the red carpet opening night of The Lovers at the magnificent Theatre Royal Sydney was the perfect, vibrant culmination to my 2025 theatre year. Stepping into the foyer, the air buzzed with electric anticipation, a feeling that rarely accompanies a new Australian musical. We were there for the premiere of a bold, glitter-bomb reclamation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and what unfolded on stage proved that the Bard and a killer pop score by Laura Murphy are a match made in magical, neon heaven. Director Nick Skubij had promised spectacle, and the production absolutely delivered.
Isabel Hudson’s set design was a visual feast, framing the stage with stark, Elizabethan-inspired ruins that created a striking contrast to the luminous, pastel-hued forest within. The true star, however, was the innovative use of a triple revolve, three spinning stages, which kept the chaos and chase of the lovers feeling fluid and utterly dynamic, reflecting the characters’ constant, dizzying confusion. Combined with Trent Suidgeest’s stadium-pop lighting and David Bergman’s playful video design, the set became a dazzling, constantly transforming playground that, at times, felt straight out of a music video. The moment a giant, lit-up heart descended upon the stage, followed by a glorious abundance of confetti, sealed the deal: this was a high-octane theatrical spectacle.
The production boasts a cast of Australian theatre heavyweights, each performer a powerhouse of vocal talent and razor-sharp comedic timing. Natalie Abbott was the undeniable emotional anchor and comedic queen as Helena, capturing the heartbreak and humour of unrequited love with such warmth, making her yearning for Demetrius incredibly relatable. She absolutely nailed her anthem, “Chasing My Tail,” a song that perfectly blends Elizabethan woe with a modern-day pop punch. Alongside her was Jason Arrow as Demetrius, who shone as the initially arrogant, yet endearingly f-boyish, object of her affection. Arrow’s vocals were smooth, and his comedic skills came alive in the magical chaos; his rendition of “What I Cannot Have” was a spectacular display of his velvety range, blending vulnerability with his character’s cocky bravado.
Loren Hunter brought a sharp wit and genuine emotional depth to Hermia, anchoring the more sincere moments of the romantic tangle, while Mat Verevis played the love-struck Lysander with a giddy, infectious goofiness. Verevis balanced the heightened language and pop choreography with ease, and his vocal agility shone in the rapid-fire energy of the all-cast numbers. Their duet, “Start Over,” was a beautifully sung moment of pure, honest love before the spell-induced mayhem began.
Commanding the stage as the disco-cowgirl fairy leader was Stellar Perry as Oberon. Her powerful, distinctive voice and magnetic presence gave Oberon an almost rock-star authority, particularly in her key song, the central theme “Down to Love,” a soul-stirring, powerful call to action. Finally, Jayme-Lee Hanekom was electric as Puck, fizzing with physical energy as the mischievous sprite who orchestrates the whole affair. Her movements and facial expressions were a masterclass in comedy, and she absolutely owned the stage in her more anarchic moments, especially around the pivotal “Puck’s Spell” sequence.
The Lovers is smart, funny, visually gorgeous, and utterly addictive. It’s a sparkling, joyful, and emotionally resonant celebration of desire, confusion, and the chaotic beauty of finding yourself in love.
When the lights came up, the entire audience was on its feet, giving a thunderous, hooting, and hollering standing ovation that was unequivocally deserved.
This is a pop-fuelled triumph, rivalling the energy of global hits, and is, without a doubt, one of the best musicals of 2025 and the perfect high note to end the theatrical year.
Despite the buzz of opening night, the good news is that tickets are still available for the rest of its Sydney season. Do not miss this show, it’s everything you want in a modern musical.
The Lovers
Theatre Royal Sydney
108 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Season 31 October – 16 November
Prices From $69 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings theloversmusical.com.au or 1300 163 808
