INTERNATIONAL HIT MUSICAL & JULIET CAST ANNOUNCED FOR NEWCASTLE SEASON

Newcastle audiences will experience the global smash hit & Juliet when it arrives at the Civic Theatre in June 2026, with a vibrant cast of local and national talent bringing this bold reimagining to life.

Leading the company as Juliet is actor, singer and songwriter Anaiya Mahony, delivering a fresh and empowering take on one of theatre's most iconic heroines. Anaiya returns to Newcastle having recently completed a Diploma of Musical Theatre at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

Playing the role of Anne Hathaway is acclaimed actor and director Rachel Parish, whose recent onstage credits include Scaramouche in We Will Rock You and Fantine in Les Misérables. Musical theatre performer Bree Bennett, whose many credentials include a CONDA Award for Excellence for her standout performance as Verica Sawyers in Heathers, takes on the role of witty maternal nurse Angélique.

Dance and musical theatre performer Jules Hawson, Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance graduate from NIDA, will portray May. Well-known local, actor, backing vocalist and vocal coach for the first 6 seasons of Nine's The Voice Australia, Marty Worrall is stepping into the pivotal role of William Shakespeare.

Seasoned performer Danny Folpp, recently seen in Newcastle's Mamma Mia! season plays Lance, while acclaimed performer Will Sanson, who lit up the stage in the Hunter's STARSTRUCK performing for 9 years as a dancer, choir member and actor, portrays shy Frenchman François. The iconic role of Romeo is brought to life by Tyler Chapman who has a string of theatre roles. Beyond the theatre, Tyler has recently appeared on Season 10 of Australian Idol (2025) and toured Europe and the UK with Australian pop diva BEKS, performing as not only her dancer and backing vocalists, but the tour's choreographer. 

The principal cast is supported by a dynamic ensemble of more than 20 talented performers including an enviable pool of exceptional dancers chosen from across the region.

Directed by theatre creator Lauren Harvey, THE VERY POPULAR THEATRE COMPANY production features musical direction by renowned conductor Dan Wilson and choreography by dance teacher Vanessa Ambrose, whose extensive musical theatre credits span both national and international stages.

The Olivier Award-winning musical reimagines Juliet Capulet, asking: what if her story didn't end with Romeo? Instead of tragedy, Juliet seizes the chance to take control of her own future in a bold, funny and uplifting retelling of Romeo and Juliet.

Featuring a soundtrack of pop megahits including Since U Been Gone, Roar, Baby One More Time and Larger Than Life, & Juliet has been described as "a jukebox musical like no other," blending contemporary chart-toppers with a witty and modern twist on a classic story.

"& Juliet is a bold, joyful celebration of second chances, independence and unapologetic female empowerment," said Associate Producer Hayley Stoddart. "What makes this show so special is the way it takes a story we all think we know and turns it on its head, giving Juliet the freedom to choose her own path and write her own ending. There's something incredibly powerful in that, and audiences really connect with it."
"Set against a soundtrack of some of the biggest pop anthems of the last 30 years, the show is vibrant, funny and full of energy, but it also carries real heart. It's not just a night of great music and big laughs, it's an experience that lifts you up. You leave the theatre feeling joyful, inspired and genuinely empowered."

Having played to sold-out seasons on Broadway and the West End, & Juliet now brings its fearless remix of love, life and second chances to Newcastle for a strictly limited season.

Meet the Cast & Creatives: https://andjulietnewcastle.com.au/cast/ 

Event Details
What:              & Juliet
Where:           Civic Theatre Newcastle
When:            19 - 28 June 2026

More information:     https://andjulietnewcastle.com.au/

Booking link: https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/juliet 

About & Juliet
Premiering in London's West End in 2019, & Juliet quickly became one of the most celebrated new musicals of the decade. It has won three Olivier Awards, played to packed houses on Broadway, and continues to tour internationally. With a book by Emmy Award-winning writer David West Read (Schitt's Creek) and music from Grammy-winning songwriter Max Martin, the show has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its wit, energy and empowering message.

For interviews contact:

Lyn Thurnham, Thurnham Teece

0418 490 989, lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au

Media assets: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/u0resffiqld1fz8d8guob/AAIics3wtd9bmeVM2v1THHs?rlkey=r7lb2nmc178z9h0t80vc64wzv&st=gzanqed6&dl=0