The Lovers: Shakespeare gets a pop makeover at QPAC
From heartbreak to harmonies, a Shakespeare classic gets a glittery, pop-fuelled makeover in this bold new production, with some of the biggest names in the biz.
QLD News
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A star-studded line-up of Australian musical theatre royalty has been unveiled for the new pop musical The Lovers, set to dazzle Brisbane Festival audiences in September.
Brisbane’s own Shake & Stir Theatre Co, in association with Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Brisbane Festival announced the extraordinary cast on Wednesday.
Headlining the new production are musical sensations Natalie Abbott, who starred as Muriel in Muriel’s Wedding The Musical, Jason Arrow, best known for playing Alexander Hamilton in the Australian production of Hamilton, Loren Hunter, who captivated audiences in SIX – The Musical, and Mat Verevis, whose breakout role was in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
They will be joined by Jayme-Lee Hanekom, fresh from TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, and Stellar Perry, known for her powerhouse performances in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Shake & Stir’s Artistic Director and The Lovers director, Nick Skubij, described the ensemble as a “hand-picked selection of a who’s who of contemporary Australian music theatre performers”.
“The cast is so ridiculous,” Skubij said.
“One of them would have been a coup – to have ALL of them on stage, at the same time, is extraordinary.”
Penned by acclaimed composer Laura Murphy, The Lovers catapults Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream into the modern era, fusing electric pop music with timeless romantic themes.
Murphy, described by cast members as a “genius,” explained the production as “electric”, “mystical”, and “incredibly moving”.
“Music is at the forefront of the storytelling. It can say so much without words,” she said.
Verevis, who grew up performing in amateur shows in Far North Queensland, said he was “really excited” to sink his teeth into a role that blends Shakespeare with modern pop.
“I’ve never done something like this, where it’s a mix of old and new,” he said.
Arrow, fresh from his run as Hamilton, said the show brings a refreshing new energy to the stage.
“Audiences can expect something fun, loving, romantic, and heart-loving,” he said.
Brisbane native Loren Hunter said returning to perform at QPAC will be especially meaningful.
“It’s my hometown, so to come to QPAC and be able to perform here is always just so welcomed,” she said.
“I feel so grateful to be a part of it … there’s something special in the air about this whole thing.”
Presented by Shake & Stir Theatre Co and QPAC in association with Brisbane Festival, The Lovers premieres at QPAC’s Playhouse from September 13 to October 5, 2025.
Originally published as The Lovers: Shakespeare gets a pop makeover at QPAC
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