Doth art thou want to bask in glittered giggles through song and clever innuendos until your hearts desire?
Well Done Creative productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents HEAD OVER HEELS THE MUSICAL. A perfectly timed ‘camp’ theatre production in the midst of ‘Pride Week’ celebrating expression, inclusivity, debauchery and fun! Just a stones throw from famous Kings Cross.
The cast members dress accordingly in quirky bedazzled costumes and speak in received pronunciation, as would be appropriate for talking dirty in Shakespearean times. Blasting the stage with their joint first act showcasing their harmonised vocals and unique but familiar character personalities. The cast members are all eccentrically “themselves” with Thomas Campbell as “Basilius” and J Ridler as “Gynecia”. Grounding the cast with their characters hilarious traditional sexual values and relationship woes, recited with a never-ending cocktail in hand.
A special mention to cast member Lucy Lalor, who stood in for Shannen Alyce Quan playing the bitsy-boppy, confused and vain, “Pamela”. Her adaptation to the role in a last minute request showcased her musical theatre skills and impressed the audience. Attributed to her recent graduation at WAAPA, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Minerva Khodabande as “Mopsa” shines in a beautifully staged, ‘under the sea’ themed act, as a lady who is very open and sure about her sexual preferences.
Gas Dutlow is the sassy and fabulous “Pythio” with much to prophesies about these characters inner desires and consequences or “red flags” as “Dametus” would see it. Played by Nancy Denis , Dametus’ slap stick comedy adventure strikes a head back with laughter.
Ensemble stars Ellen Ebbs and Alana Iannace were not sheepish at all…their theatrical impressions of various characters had the audience in absolute titters the entire show.
The old tale love story throughout the night between Adam Noviello as “Musidorus” & Jenni Little as “Philoclea” demonstrated a cross dressing appreciation for the power of woman and loving the man under the wig. Adam showcased them’s hilarious take on acting both as a “woman” and a man whilst Jenni highlighted her soaring theatre vocals and skilfull acting.
A thank you to the live band that did not skip a beat, with music director Zara Stanton, visibly conducting from the keyboard. And, the well orchestrated and prompt scene lighting by Lighting Designer Sidney Younger, along with sound setting, by sound designer Em-Jay Dwyer, creating vibrant transitional moods between scenes.
Another special mention to the set design! The extremely effective and very clever use of props on an intimate stage setting that was so well done I felt like taking notes. Award Winning set designer, Josh Mcintosh, is innovative and inspiring.
Cross dressing between traditional Shakespearian language, modern humour, prophetic Greek myths, erotic thoughts and mistaken identities, this show will give you something to talk about!
The show ends with a standing ovation and bright faces all around. Congratulations on a great musical theatre to the cast and director, Ellen Simpson, as well as, Choreographer/Assistant Director Ryan Gonzalez, Associate Producer Sasha Lian-Dinz, Stage Manager Thomas Hamilton and Assistant Stage Manager Angelique Riou.
HEAD OVER HEELS THE MUSICAL is playing the Hayes theatre, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Elizabeth Bay until the 22nd March 2026.
Saw the show tonight, it was good but not great.
“The whole is definitely not greater than the some of the parts”