Ex Hi-5 star now in award-winning Hamilton the Musical

A former Hi–5 member is set to take the stage in a new role for a multi-award winning musical and for the first time in Sydney – his home town.

Lachlan Dearing will star in Hamilton in Sydney and be supported by his Home and Away star girlfriend Angelina Thomson.

A former Hi-5 member is set to take the stage in a new role for a multi-award winning musical and for the first time in Sydney – his home town.

Lachlan Dearing joined the Hamilton the Musical ensemble in 2022 as a swing – where he was on standby to fill roles. But now, the 26-year-old from the Sutherland Shire will perform as the one character.

“This my first time being an onstage company member and the first time I’m doing the show in Sydney,” he told Confidential.

“Coming back home I was like, I really want to be on stage and focus on the one track and have friends, family and students I teach come and see the show and see me in it. It feels like a great way to close off the Hamilton Australia journey.

Dearing plays Samuel Seabury – the first American Episcopal bishop and rival of lead Alexander Hamilton, a role he feels suits him well.

Former Hi-5 cast member Lachlan Dearing is set to take the stage in a new role for a multi-award winning musical and for the first time in Sydney – his home town. Picture: Richard Dobson

“It works awesomely that Samuel Seabury is this juxtaposition character with Hamilton. He’s rapping and I’m this little theatre boy in my head that is just happy to be here happy to be a part of this show,” he said.

“It’s really cool to be able to do all six tracks as a swing but this one (Seabury’s track) is my personal favourite to do.

Dearing plays Samuel Seabury - the first American Episcopal bishop and rival of lead Alexander Hamilton. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I’ve learned so much as a swing and for anyone who wants to work in theatre, being a swing is an important thing in your career (but there is) the emotional toll it takes, not knowing whether you’re on or off every day.”

The star performer landed one of his first big breaks while studying for his HSC in 2016 as a cast member of the iconic children’s television show, Hi – 5, a position he says is surprisingly similar in ways to his character in Hamilton.

“Funnily enough I feel the role I play is almost very Hi-5. He (Seabury) is very smiley, he’s talking to everyone in a soft tone,” Dearing said.

“There’s so many correlating things about it, about how powerful relationships are and music, dance, movement and creativity is.

Dearing joins a star cast and creative crew as Hamilton returns to the Sydney Lyric Theatre on Thursday night. Picture: Richard Dobson

Among Dearing’s supporters who will be in the stalls at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on Thursday night is girlfriend and Home and Away star Angelina Thomas. Picture: Don Arnold/Getty Images

“Other than that, it’s a completely different world. Hi-5 shows would go for 20 minutes because the kids would lose attention span.”

Having toured with the crew across the country and overseas for two years, viewers may assume the excitement of the role for Dearing is wearing off, but he says there is still lots to learn.

“It’s three hours long and there’s so much content, 50 songs and we’re on for pretty much all of them,” he said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done a perfect show yet, that’s the one thing that keeps me going.

“There’s still words in the show I don’t know. I listen to Jason (Arrow) and I’m like ‘oh wow you say that, it’s been two years I didn’t even know you said that’.

“The best part of the show is it’s constantly breathing and evolving.”

Among Dearing’s supporters who will be in the stalls at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on Thursday night is girlfriend and Home and Away star Angelina Thomson.

“It’s cool to be both excelling in what we are doing together and to be home now in Sydney with her,” he said.