John McRae Photography & Studio
Sydney Professional, Commercial & Corporate Photography
I am posting an article written by Manan Luthra and published by ArtsHub, outlining some of the challenges facing independent theatre in New South Wales. I noticed that the article features two recent images from my production shoots for “Pharlap” and “Barbra: The Greatest Star”, both staged at the Hayes Theatre.
The article was published in February 2026 as part of ArtsHub’s Creative Journalism Fellowship, an initiative supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
I’ve had the pleasure of contributing photography to the current production at the Hayes Theatre, Phar Lap – The Musical. This brand-new Australian work takes inspiration from the legendary racehorse Phar Lap and the mythology that surrounds him, blending history, humour and heart into a sharp, witty and wonderfully entertaining story.
My involvement began back in July with an initial studio shoot designed to create key promotional imagery for the production. During that session, I also captured a series of interviews with the cast, director and writer — offering insight into the creative process and the unique spirit of the show as it took shape.
More recently, I photographed the dress rehearsal, capturing the energy and visual richness of the full production. These images are now being used to further promote the season and highlight the incredible performances and vibrant staging that make this show such a standout.
I loved the music…..Phar Lap boasts an irresistible electro-swing score, with inspirations from Duke Ellington to Daft Punk. Brassy, lively and retro. I was concentrating on the photography, the angles, the action however, I found myself tapping my leg and moving to the beat.
The season is now in full swing at the Hayes, and it’s brilliant — smartly written, beautifully performed, and exceptionally funny. It’s always a thrill to collaborate with the team at Hayes Theatre and to help visually tell the story of a production that so perfectly celebrates Australian talent and storytelling.
Starring Shay Debney, Lincoln Elliott, Joel Granger, Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Amy Hack, Nat Jobe, Joey Phyland and Justin Smith.
Director Sheridan Harbridge
Musical Supervisor Steven Kramer
Musical Director David Gardos
Choreographer Ellen Simpson
Associate Director & Stage Manager Daniel Cottier
Set Designer Hailley Hunt
Costume Designer Mason Browne
Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest
Sound Designer Liam Roche
Arranger & Orchestrator Jack Earle
Orchestrator & Track Producer Steve Toulmin
Associate Track Producer Glenn Moorhouse
Ableton/Keyboard Programmer David Youings
Sound Content Designer Matty James
Production Manager Damion Holling
Assistant Stage Manager Nathan Sandy
Sound Engineer Em-Jay Dwyer
Set Design Assistant Adrien Stark
Costume Design Assistant Jess Dilworth
Musical Director’s Assistant Lauren Shaw
Intimacy Coordinator Chloë Dallimore
