Meet the Cast

Lucy

Aziah Jenkins

Aziah Jenkins is ecstatic to make a return to the stage after her very first performance with Chookas as an ensemble member in KINKY BOOTS in 2025! She may be little however her big personality shines on stage for all to see. Being on stage is Aziah’s dream come true, she feels very blessed to make it her reality. She would like to send thanks to her loving and supportive family and friends especially her pop who is her no 1 fan.

Helena / Juliet (Cover)

Bella Nakhoul

Bella is thrilled to return to musical theatre after a five-year hiatus. This marks her first Newcastle production after performing with numerous Central Coast companies since beginning theatre at age 10, including The Attic Productions, Gosford Musical Society, Wyong Musical Theatre Company, Wyong Drama Group, and Jopuka. She has trained with Toni Williams Singing Studio since 14, alongside acting training with Danielle Brame Whiting since 12.

She has enjoyed a range of lead, supporting, ensemble, and featured dancer roles, including Dorothy in THE WIZARD OF OZ (2017), Rizzo in GREASE (2020), and most recently AVENUE Q (2022). Bella also frequently appears in cabaret shows such as BURN (2024, 2026) with The Attic Productions, where she recently joined her first production team as Assistant Vocal Director for Ghost (2025).

Juliet

Anaiya Mahony

Anaiya Mahony is a 20 year old actress, singer and songwriter from the Hunter Valley, NSW.

Recently, Anaiya completed the Diploma of Musical Theatre at the National Institute of Dramatic Art where her performances include appearing in Nine, directed by Dean Drieberg. Along with theatre, Anaiya grew up with a love of songwriting and graduated from the Talent Development Project where she performed her own music in concert at the ICC Sydney and recorded her first single at Studios 301. Anaiya has been in many projects that include Girls Like That (The Very Popular Theatre Company), voicing the role of Dot in the Studio Cast Album of Dot and the Kangaroo Jr and most recently performed in Songs for a New World at Qtopia Sydney.

Bouncer

Benjamin Dare

Benjamin’s love for theatre ignited at seven while watching the 2011 Sydney production of MARY POPPINS. Since then, he has performed in THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. at St Philip’s Christian College in 2018, as Wayne in STRICTLY BALLROOM in 2019, and as Ryan in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: ON STAGE! in 2021. Through intensive musical theatre classes, Benjamin played Oscar in Hunter Drama’s 2020 SWEET CHARITY. In 2023, Benjamin began his studies at the University of Newcastle to become an English and Drama High School Teacher and will complete this later this year. In 2024, he was proud to perform in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s MARY POPPINS and privileged to play the role of Sky in MAMMA MIA! in 2025. In 2026, he was grateful to perform in SUPERSTARS: HEROES AND VILLAINS, and he is honoured to bring more joy and theatrical experiences like & JULIET to Newcastle.

Francois (Cover)

Bill Parry

Bill started his love of theatre in a Jr production of ALADDIN with Hunter Drama in Singleton back in 2018. He eventually moved to Newcastle to continue performing in numerous shows with Hunter Drama for a few years from 2018-2021. In 2021 he joined the Metropolitan Players in their production of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT and has performed with the Metropolitan Players up to the present year where he recently performed in MAMMA MIA with the VERY POPULAR THEATRE COMPANY.

Bill is very excited to be on stage at the Civic yet again to perform in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s &JULIET.

Ensemble

Blake Skafte-Grieve

Blake realised his passion for Musical Theatre at a very young age. Since 4 years old, Blake has starred in theatre performances across the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and the Central Coast. Blake’s standout accreditations include Iago in ALADDIN JR. with Gosford Musical Society in 2022, as well as their 2023 production of FROZEN JR. performing as the Duke of Weselton, and the 2024 production of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. For 5 years, Blake has been involved in the annual ASPIRE mainstage productions, and in 2024, performed the lead role, Daniel, in DISCONNECTED. He is also a participant in ASPIRE’s DIOSOUNDS event each year. Blake has also worked on numerous productions with the Maitland Musical Society (DOCTOR DOOLITTLE, and HONK JR.), and Hunter Drama (ALADDIN JR.). Blake is ecstatic to perform on the Civic stage again and can’t wait to bring &JULIET to Newcastle!

Angelique

Bree Bennett

Bree Bennett is a musical theatre performer, voice teacher, and musician. She received a CONDA Award for Excellence by a Performer in a Leading Role for her standout performance as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers with Chookas Entertainment. Her stage credits include Megan Jones in Puffs and ensemble in Mamma Mia, both with The Very Popular Theatre Co., Brooke Lohst in Be More Chill, and ensemble in Pippin, both with Chookas Entertainment. Passionate about both performance and education, Bree continues to thrive on and off the stage—committed to creating meaningful work and helping the next generation of performers find their voice.

Rosaline / Anne (Cover)

Chauntelle O'Brien

Chauntelle has been passionate about the performing arts from a young age, with early interests in both acting and dance. Over the years, she has built a diverse career in the entertainment industry, appearing in commercials, short films, music videos, theatrical productions, and musicals.

Some of her most memorable theatre roles include Molly Jensen in Ghost the Musical (2025), Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde the Musical (2024), Janet Van de Graaf in The Drowsy Chaperone (2023), Yvette in Clue (2023), Miriam in Fly By Night (2016), and Sandra in Trevor (2017). She has also performed in the ensemble of Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shrek, and Young Frankenstein.

She is the co-founder of What Theatre Company, created as a space for aspiring performers of all ages to develop and refine their skills in the performing arts.

Lady Capulet

Claudia Fuller

Originally from regional New South Wales, Claudia is a Newcastle-based performer who has appeared in a variety of local productions. With Chookas Entertainment, she performed as Chloe Valentine in BE MORE CHILL (2021), Six/Ensemble in CHICAGO (2022), Stoner Chick/Ensemble in HEATHERS (2022), and Fastrada in PIPPIN (2023–24). She has also appeared as Alison in Newcastle Theatre Company’s FIRST DATE (2024), Missy/Ensemble in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL, and Prince in ROMEO & JULIET: A REIMAGINING (2024).

Claudia has been acting since childhood, participating in various workshops and training programs, including Hunter Drama’s Pre-Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2023. She continues to refine her vocal and performance skills through ongoing singing lessons at The Voice Studio.

Orchestrator, Musical Director & Conductor

Dan Wilson

Dan is currently the Head Teacher of Creative & Performing Arts at Lambton High School. For 24 years he was either been the Creative, Vocal or Musical Director and Conductor of Starstruck at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, for which he was nominated for the Telstra ARIA Award for Music Teacher of the year. He has also conducted productions of MAMMA MIA!, MARY POPPINS, BILLY ELLIOT, JERSEY BOYS, CHESS IN CONCERT, SCHOOL OF ROCK, ROCK OF AGES, THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, INTO THE WOODS, DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, OLIVER, GREASE, ANNIE, WUTHERING HEIGHTS and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. In Sydney, he has played in the orchestra for the original Australian productions of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, WICKED, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and DISNEY’S THE LION KING and SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM starring West End star Ruthie Henshall. In 2013, he was the Music Producer and Assistant to John Foreman for the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony. As an arranger, he has provided arrangements for Silvie Paladino, Marina Prior, Debora Krizak, Lucy Durack, Michael Cormick, Debra Byrne, Avagail Herman the Hunter Singers and regularly has orchestrations performed by John Foreman’s Aussie Pops Orchestra, the Western Australian, Adelaide and Queensland Symphony Orchestras. Dan has also been Musical Director for The Rumour’s You Oughta Know: The Songs Of Alanis Morissette, In The Air Tonight: A Night Of Phil Collins and B & B: A Night Of Benny And Bjorn, starring Silvie Paladino and is the creator of the SUPERSTARS brand, beginning with A MUSICAL CELEBRATION LIVE IN CONCERT in 2024 starring Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, Joshua Robson and Chloe Zuel.

Lance

Danny Folpp

Danny is an educator, director and performer with 18 years of stage experience. He trained under leading industry mentors at The Australian Institute of Music, igniting a lifelong commitment to the performing arts as both artist and teacher.

Recent performances include The Very Popular Theatre Company’s MAMMA MIA! as Bill Austin, BILLY ELLIOT as Jackie Elliot, SUPERSTARS, and CHESS. What Theatre Company’s CATCH ME IF YOU CAN as Frank Jr. Metropolitan Players’ SHREK as Shrek, BEAUTY & THE BEAST as Beast. Chookas Entertainment’s CHICAGO as Billy Flynn.

Recent directing credits include ADDAMS FAMILY YOUNG@PART, 13 Jr, MADAGASCAR JR, Aladdin JR, ANNIE, LEGALLY BLONDE, 12 ANGRY MEN, and SHREK JR.

His latest venture is co-founding What Theatre Company. Built for budding performers of all ages to hone their craft in performing arts with classes, musical productions and private lessons.

Lord Capulet

Francesco Bertoni

Francesco began his theatrical journey at the age of 13 in Verona, Italy, performing in hundreds of concerts and stage productions throughout his youth. He earned a Diploma of Musical Theatre at BSMT in Bologna in 2016, before touring extensively across Italy in a variety of musical productions. In 2018, he relocated to Paris, where he worked as a dancer and character performer at Disneyland Paris.

Since moving to Australia in 2022, Francesco has quickly established himself on the local stage playing many different roles such as Richard Bailey/Ensemble in KINKY BOOTS, Sam in GHOST, Judge Turpin in SWEENEY TODD, Neleus/Valentine/Ensemble in MARY POPPINS, Jack Barnes/Ensemble in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Lewis in PIPPIN, Paul in COMPANY. He also appeared as part of the ensemble in SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, SUPERSTARS, SUPERSTARS HEROES & VILLAINS and MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.

Stage Manager

Elese Murray

Elese Murray has been an active member of the Newcastle theatre community for nearly 20 years. After earning her Advanced Diploma of Technical Production/Live Events in 2007, Elese has taken on various technical roles across both theatre and corporate events. Her dedication and expertise have earned her multiple CONDA nominations for Excellence in Lighting for her outstanding work with Stooged Theatre. Elese is also deeply committed to arts education and works as a Primary School and Drama Teacher. This show marks her eighth time stage managing with The Very Popular Theatre Company, following her recent role as Stage Manager for MAMMA MIA in 2025.

Ensemble

Indigo Weisselberg

Indigo began her dance journey at Twinkle Toes at the age of 6. She trained at Studi-O from 2015 then moved to another Dance School called Ablaze in 2023. Indigo studied her schooling at Hunter School Of Performing Arts joining HSPA in 2021 and completing her HSC in 2025. She performed in the school musical LEGALLY BLONDE in 2023. Also studied at Hunter Drama in 2025. With trips to New York and Los Angeles with HSPA in 2025 and years of stage experience, she’s now ready to shine as a dancer in &Juliet!

Associate Producer

Hayley Stoddart

Hayley Stoddart is a passionate leader in the Australian entertainment industry, known for her dedication to developing new and emerging talent while fostering international recognition for Australian performers. With a strong background in arts administration beginning in 2008, Hayley has been instrumental in creating innovative programs that nurture the next generation of artists, helping them succeed both locally and on the global stage for nearly 20 years. Her expertise extends into Work Health and Safety, ensuring that productions meet the highest standards of organisation, safety and wellbeing. This unique skill set makes Hayley a vital figure in both the creative and operational aspects of theatre and live events, balancing artistic innovation with a focus on safety. Hayley’s commitment to bringing international attention to Australian talent drives her efforts to connect artists with global opportunities and audiences. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire the arts community, blending her administrative expertise with her passion for cultivating creative excellence.

Eleanor

Imogen Bamback

Imogen Bamback began performing at a young age, training with Hunter Drama from the age of eight, developing skills in acting, singing and dance. Imogen performed in various productions with Hunter Drama, most notably, Peter Pan in PETER PAN JR. After graduating from Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Imogen began her journey with The Very Popular Theatre Company, performing as ensemble in BILLY ELLIOT (2023) and MARY POPPINS (2024). Most recently, she played Sophie in the 2025 production of MAMMA MIA, her first lead role with the company.

Imogen is excited to continue building her theatre experience and is grateful for every opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to new productions.

Ensemble

Jacky Sim Ming Ting

Jacky debuted his first Theatrical stage with TVPTC sold out and multiple awards winning show - Mamma Mia in 2025 at Civic Theatre. He is also part of the local Toprock Company Crew 2025 and has been performing in different dance shows in Newcastle and Sydney, including doing an Opening Act for local artist Justice Crew’s Australia Tour in Newcastle. He always brings his best energy onto every stage that he stepped on. His passion in dancing and infectious energy always left a strong impression to the audience. Jacky is excited to be on stage once again and working with TVPTC. He can’t wait to rock the stage Civic Theatre with all the amazing pops of &Juliet.

Production and Sound Designer

Jacob Harwood

Jacob is Newcastle’s favourite production designer. He does all the big stuff like SCHOOL OF ROCK, BILLY ELLIOT, CHESS - THE MUSICAL, JERSEY BOYS, MAMMA MIA, ROCK OF AGES, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, OLIVER, STRICTLY BALLROOM, HAIRSPRAY, MARY POPPINS, WICKED, SHREK! DISNEY’S ALADDIN JR., RENT and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. He is a versatile designer, also having designed small scale plays at the Civic Playhouse, including The Very Popular Theatre Company’s ENDGAME. Jacob is a multi-CONDA Award winning lighting and sound designer. He has many other areas of expertise in the technical arena and has also spent time filling the role of Technical Manager at the Civic Theatre.

Ensemble

Hannah Smith

Hannah fell in love with dance at age 3 and has pursued her passion and dedication ever since. She has trained extensively across a range of styles and achieved success in many eisteddfods, earning recognition. From 2016-2020, Hannah was a proud member of ASPIRE, as a dancer. In 2024, Hannah was a part of The Very Popular Theatre Company’s production of SUPERSTARS: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER AND TIM RICE in the dance ensemble. In 2025, Hannah was a part of The Very Popular Theatre Company’s production of MAMMA MIA! in the Ensemble. She is very excited to take the stage once again in &JULIET!

Ensemble

Josie McIntosh

Josie is thrilled to be back performing on the Civic Theatre Stage after her involvement in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s 2025 production of MAMMA MIA! as part of the ensemble.

She is a passionate performer with a dance background that spans over 17 years, she is currently training at Galaxy Talent Academy in Rutherford and takes any opportunity to continue developing her skills.

She was involved in ALADDIN JR with Hunter Drama Maitland in 2018 and has been involved in various high school productions. Josie has been featured in the tap and jazz ensembles in STARSTRUCK Newcastle and also performed in the SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR in Sydney as part of the tap ensemble.

She cannot wait to perform in such a powerful and dynamic show.

Ensemble

Kaitlyn Priest

Kaitlyn has always loved the creative arts and now works in performing arts education after completing her education degree. She made her Newcastle stage debut with The Very Popular Theatre Company in the 2025 production of MAMMA MIA! as part of the dance ensemble. She returns in 2026 for & JULIET, joining the cast as a Player. Kaitlyn is excited to be back on stage and continue growing as a performer.

May

Jules Hawson

Jules Hawson is an Australian-born actor of South African and British descent. Born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, Jules began discovering his passion of performing through his experience in dance training from an early age. This love of performing led to him discovering musical theatre. Moving to Sydney in 2024, Jules studied and graduated from the Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

He is represented by RMK Management.

Director

Lauren Harvey

Lauren is a theatre creator with over 15 years experience in the arts. Whilst she started her career on stage, you can now find her peering through the curtain to watch her creations come to life. She has immersed herself in many different aspects of the theatre world as a choreographer, director, vocal coach, performer, and costume creator. Lauren has been contributing to the Newcastle theatre scene for the last 12 years, winning awards in choreography, costume design, and hair and makeup for works such as Seussical (Hunter Drama), The Pecking Order, The Cost of Wishes, and Dark Matter (Aspire). She has also choreographed and performed in shows such as Oliver! (Hunter Drama), and Monty Python’s Spamalot (The Very Popular Theatre Company). Lauren has been a part of the creative team for Aspire (the Catholic Diocese’ performing arts program) since its inception. She is proud to have helped create 12 original works held at the Civic Theatre, performed and also created by local talented youth. She is passionate about youth involvement in theatre and will continue to use her broad range of skills to help nurture young people to become all round performers.

Will Shakespeare

Marty Worrall

Marty has appeared in several Newcastle productions, including JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, PETER PAN, RENT, OLIVER!, ROCK OF AGES, SCHOOL OF ROCK, SPAMALOT, CHESS, SUPERSTARS: A CELEBRATION OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER and TIM RICE, BILLY ELLIOT, COMPANY, AIRNESS, GOOD KING WENCESLAS, TICK, TICK…BOOM! and THE WILD PARTY. He was a backing vocalist and vocal coach for the first 6 seasons of The Voice Australia for Channel 9, and has toured Australia as a backing vocalist with a number of shows, including The Madden Brothers (2014) and the ‘Long Way to the Top’ national tour (2012). When not coaching vocalists or performing on the theatre stage, Marty can be found singing with one of his bands Dr Zoom, The Rumour, or The Usual Suspects at various venues around Newcastle and the Hunter region

Ensemble

Mia Byrnes

Born and raised in Nelson Bay, Mia began her dance journey at a small local studio before pursuing professional training at the National College of Dance (NCD) in Newcastle, where she built the foundation of her career and remains deeply connected to the college’s legacy.

Mia continued her training in Queensland at Atelier Australia under Heidi Landford and Prudence Bowen, before launching her professional career at 19 with The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada, performing nationally and internationally in original works by Artistic Director Igor Dobrovolskiy.

During the pandemic, Mia transitioned into teaching, discovering a passion for mentoring dancers through private coaching and choreography across multiple styles. She has since taught extensively in both Australia and Canada.

Most recently, Mia performed with Ballet International Gala in their Christmas Spectacular. In 2024, she was selected from over 1,000 applicants to attend the prestigious, invite-only Rockettes Fundamentals program. As a teacher at NCD, she is proud to inspire the next generation with technical excellence, artistry, and discipline.

Ensemble

Nic Ridgeway

Nicholas Ridgeway is a passionate and energetic performer whose journey began at age eight with training in tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop, later expanding into acting and singing. Through extensive training at Bling Performing Arts, he developed strong technique and discipline, performing in LEGALLY BLONDE JR, HAIRSPRAY JR, and FAME JR, which strengthened his versatility as a triple-threat. Nic has earned multiple accolades in tap and jazz at the Australian National Dance Championships, showcasing his passion for the performing arts. In 2025, he completed the Hunter Drama Pre-Diploma of Musical Theatre, further refining his acting, singing, and dance skills. His notable roles include a tap-dancing chimney sweep and ensemble member in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s MARY POPPINS, and Sonny in Hunter School of the Performing Arts’ GREASE. Nic is excited to return to the stage with The Very Popular Theatre Company’s & JULIET.

Ensemble

Patrick Howlett

Patrick has shown an enthusiasm and love for everything performing since his first primary school talent show. His love for the stage landed him in ASPIRE, the Catholic Schools creative and performing arts program which he performed in for 7 years in the drama ensemble and later interned for, further developing both his love and understanding for the craft. Since leaving school his love for theatre hasn’t dwindled, performing in BILLY ELLIOT, MARY POPPINS, SCHOOL OF ROCK, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and MAMMA MIA. Patrick is stoked to be a part of another performance.

Portia

Rachael Sebastian

Rachael Sebastian is a singer, dancer, and actor whose recent performance credits include MAMMA MIA (2025, Ali – Very Popular Theatre Company), LEGALLY BLONDE (2023, Pilar – Chookas Entertainment), and TWISTED (2022, Princess swing – UON Musos). She has also been behind the scenes working as a Vocal Director for shows such as INTO THE WOODS (2024 - UON Musos), DROWSY CHAPERONE (2025 - UON Musos) and THE LUCKY STIFF (2025 - Newcastle Theatre Company). Beyond theatre, she is a professional vocalist with jazz/funk band MOODWATCH performing covers as well as originals. She is also a professional hip hop and commercial dancer with Top Rock Company Crew with credits including opening for Justice Crew and various corporate events and showcases. Rachael is excited to join the Players in &JULIET.

Anne Hathaway

Rachel Parish

Rachel has appeared on and off the stage in many Upper Hunter and Newcastle based productions. In June she Directed DISNEYS THE LITTLE MERMAID for Singleton Theatrical Society 2025, in her home town where she first stepped on stage in 1999 as an urchin child in OLIVER. Rachel’s recent onstage credits also include Scaramouche WE WILL ROCK YOU (SATS 2024), Fantine LES MISERABLES (Metropolitan Players 2017), Understudy Eva Peron EVITA (National Theatre Company 2016), Stella STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (DAPA Theatre 2013) where she won “Best Supporting Actress” CONDA (City of Newcastle Drama Award), Nancy OLIVER (Metropolitan Players 2012), Lucinda INTO THE WOODS (Pantseat Productions 2012) and Sandy GREASE (Metropolitan Players 2011). Rachel has also performed in various cabaret shows and concerts, most recently the 2025 University of Newcastle 60TH ANNIVERSARY ALUMNI CONCERT. Rachel is excited to say the least to introduce Anne Hathaway to the people of Newcastle in &JULIET.

Richard

Sam Lane

Sam began acting in 2016 with Hunter Drama at 8 years old, and participated in many youth shows, including ALADDIN JR, and Robbie Hart in THE WEDDING SINGER. Since then, he has completed the Actors Company and Pre Diploma of Musical Theatre courses in 2024 and 2025 respectively with Hunter Drama. In 2025, Sam also had the opportunity to play Tobias Ragg in Opera Hunter’s production of SWEENEY TODD as well as John Proctor in Hunter Drama’s THE CRUCIBLE. Sam is now excited to join the cast of & JULIET.

Judith

Siddha Crossley

Siddha Crossley is a Newcastle based performer and also works in arts administration. Siddha’s on stage highlights include performing in Hunter Drama’s productions of OLIVER! as Bet and THE WEDDING SINGER as Linda, Chookas Entertainment’s HEATHERS as Ram Sweeney, BE MORE CHILL as Chloe and KINKY BOOTS as Lauren, Alls One Theatre Company’s THE SEAGULL as Masha and The Very Popular Theatre Company’s MYSTERY MUSICAL VOL.3 as Kathy/Ensemble. She has also been Stage Manager for Hunter Drama’s SEUSSICAL and SCHOOL OF ROCK, The Very Popular Theatre Company’s BILLY ELLIOT and most recently took on Hunter Drama’s THE CRUCIBLE as Co-Director. Siddha is so excited to hit the stage with the incredible company of & JULIET.

Choreographer

Vanessa Ambrose

Vanessa is a current dance teacher at the Hunter School of the Performing Arts High School. Her Musical Theatre credits including Thoroughly Modern Millie, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Little Shop of Horrors and most recently Legally Blonde. Her work on Thoroughly Modern Millie earning her a City of Newcastle Drama Award Nomination for excellence in choreography. Vanessa has experience teaching a range of students through her continued work with Star Struck as Assistant Dance Director, Segment Director and Choreographer. Her work with select and auditioned ensembles has seen back-to-back acceptances into the State Dance Festival.

Romeo

Tyler Chapman

Tyler Chapman is a dynamic performer who has been captivating audiences across Newcastle and the Hunter region since his teens. He graduated the Talent Development Project in 2016, and later with a Diploma of Musical Theatre from Brent Street Performing Arts (2018).

Tyler’s theatre credits include standout performances as Melchior Gabor in SPRING AWAKENING (Brent Street, 2018), Pepper in MAMMA MIA! (The Very Popular Theatre Co., 2019), Fred Casely in CHICAGO (Chookas, 2022), Kyle in LEGALLY BLONDE (Chookas, 2023) and Carl Hanratty in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (What Theatre Company, 2024) and most recently Lola/Simon in KINKY BOOTS (Chookas, 2025).

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 tours choreographer (2025).

Francois

Will Sanson

Will first lit up the stage over a decade ago in the Hunter Region’s STARSTRUCK, performing from 2014-2023 as a Dancer, Choir member, Backing Vocalist, and Featured Artist. From 2018-2023 he strengthened his vocal abilities with Mathew Gallimore at The Voice Studio whilst also developing his music, singing, and drama skills at HSPA. He was cast in the lead role of Seymour in HSPA’s 2021 production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS before its COVID-19 cancellation, and appeared as Tommy in MATILDA (2019), Shan in LIGHTS IN THE PARK (2022), the titular role of Michael Swordfish in MICHAEL SWORDFISH (2023), and in HSPA’s A-Z MUSICAL CABARET (2023). Most recently, he played the lead role of Jeremy in Chookas Entertainment’s 2024 production of BE MORE CHILL at the Civic Theatre Playhouse. Will is now thrilled to join the Very Popular Theatre Company as Francois in & JULIET!

Ensemble

Zoe Eldridge

Zoe has always been very passionate about musical theatre ever since she saw her first ever musical, Aladdin, at the Capitol Theatre.

Zoe attends a musical theatre development program and is a part of the elite dance troupe at Dance @ Nikki Webster, performing in multiple eisteddfods per year as well as attending vocal training with Todd Keys. Zoe has performed multiple shows at Gosford Musical Society, playing Cherry Sundae in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (2024) and Carrie in POPSTARS THE 90s MUSICAL (2025). Zoe recently performed in the show ON BROADWAY (2025) with Dance @ Nikki Webster on the Carnival Splendour cruise line.

Zoe is thrilled to be part of such an amazing production and is excited to share her experience with the very talented cast. She is also grateful for all her peers and is particularly grateful for her parents’ support.