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Pictured: Ellen Simpson (Choreographer), Steven Kramer (Book, music, Lyrics) & Sheridan Harbridge (Director)
Over two vibrant opening nights at The Hayes Theatre in Potts Point, I was invited to photograph guests as they arrived to celebrate the launch of Phar Lap – the brand new electro-swing musical about Australia’s beloved racehorse with the big heart.
Set against a large Phar Lap banner and the theatre’s red carpet, I photographed a stream of excited theatre-goers, cast members, and supporters as they entered the venue. This kind of photography isn’t my usual genre — I’m more often behind the lens at rehearsals and production shoots — but I really enjoyed the fast-paced, spontaneous interaction with people as they arrived. There’s something energising about these quick moments of connection: a brief exchange, a smile, and a frame that captures the anticipation of opening night.
It was a wonderful experience to be part of the buzz and celebration surrounding this fresh, lively musical that reimagines one of Australia’s most iconic stories.
Happy to hear it has been a SOLD-OUT season at the Hayes Theatre.
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.
Pictured: Justin Smith (plays Harry Telford, Joel Granger (plays Phar Lap), Sheridan Harbridge (Director) and Steven Kramer (Writer, music and lyrics)
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
Back in July, I hosted a photographic session at my Lilyfield studio for the different actors appearing in forthcoming productions for the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. We were shooting imagery for the promotion of the 2025 season.
Together we worked on images for a new production called “Pharlap”, an end-of-year special Xmas performance by Nancye Hayes in “Merry and Bright”, and finally the lead imagery for the production of “Pirates of Penzance”, set for February 2025
These are the latest additions to the impressive list of musicals and stage-plays performed as part of the Hayes Theatre’s busy program. Once they have been fully rehearsed, I will write more about these productions in this blog.
For more information on each show, as well as performance dates and times, click here:
