Sydney’s spring theatre calendar just got a lot more thrilling. Cheers Productions has announced the full cast for We Are The Tigers, the cult hit musical that mixes pop anthems, sharp choreography and a genuine whodunnit, and it’s landing at Hayes Theatre from 9 October 2026. If you love a night out that’s equal parts cheer competition and murder mystery, this one belongs on your calendar.
Tickets are on sale now through hayestheatre.com.au, so if you’re planning a girls’ night, a date night or just a solo treat, now’s the time to lock it in before the good seats go.
We Are The Tigers is set at the annual sleepover of the Giles Corey High School cheerleading squad, where the team’s biggest problem quickly shifts from a viral fail to a dead teammate. As rivalries intensify and loyalties get tested, the surviving cheerleaders have to uncover the truth before they become the next target. It’s part high school drama, part slasher thriller, all set to an infectious pop rock score.
The show has built an international cult following for its sharp wit, unapologetic energy and suspense filled storytelling, and this Sydney season looks set to continue that streak.
Leading the cast is Brianna Bishop (Grease, Hairspray) as determined team captain Riley, alongside Olivia Vásquez (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, In the Heights) as the effortlessly popular Cairo.
Newcomer AJ Betts and Chelsea Dawson (SIX, Zombie! The Musical) play Kate and Chess, lifelong friends navigating the growing pains of ambition and change. Anabel Jamieson (Tivoli Lovely) stars as the devoted Annleigh, determined to keep both her faith and her cheer squad intact, while Artemis Alfonzetti (Pretty Woman, Titanique) brings attitude and edge to rebellious stepsister Farrah.
Rounding out the squad are Jenny Guigayoma (The Addams Family) as eager freshman Mattie, and newcomers Caitlin McCalligan and Millie Seeto, who play loyal team mascot Reese and scholarship star Eva, who’s simply trying to make it to graduation. Recent WAAPA graduate Pippin Carroll plays Clarke, the patient and devoted boyfriend caught in the chaos.
Supporting the company are Carla Venezia (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) as Swing and Dance Captain, and Jake Tyler (Cats, The Deb) as Cover.
Making her directorial debut, Chiara Assetta has assembled a company of some of Australia’s most exciting emerging performers alongside established musical theatre favourites. She’s joined by Kim Gilbert (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) as Music Director and Zoe Ioannou (The Dismissal) as Assistant Director and Choreographer, leading a dynamic, female driven creative team behind the production.
“This cast has extraordinary chemistry, incredible vocal power and the athleticism needed to tackle one of the most demanding contemporary musicals around,” said Assetta. “They’re fearless performers who capture both the humour and heart of these characters while embracing the show’s thrilling twists. Audiences are in for a wild ride.”
The score comes courtesy of Preston Max Allen, whose pop rock songwriting is a huge part of why this show has such a devoted following worldwide.
If you haven’t caught We Are The Tigers before, think of it as the musical theatre answer to a binge worthy teen thriller. Every routine raises the stakes, every character has something to hide, and the show doesn’t let up until the final bow. For anyone who loves live performance with a bit of an edge, this feels like one of the more original nights out on offer in Sydney this spring.
We Are The Tigers
Hayes Theatre
19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011
Season starts: 9 October to 8 November 2026
Tickets: On sale now via hayestheatre.com.au
This October, Sydney audiences are invited to join the squad, but keep your eyes open. At Giles Corey High, they have killer school spirit.
