Review by Tim Garratt
One of Shakespeare’s finest comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has sparked inspiration in countless forms, from ballets and operas to novels and paintings. More recently, the play inspired Australian writer, composer and lyricist Laura Murphy to place its central characters at the heart of a 21st century pop-driven musical.
The Lovers was originally developed and produced by Bell Shakespeare in 2022, and in 2025, it’s returned to the stage in a brand-new production by Shake & Stir Theatre Co and John Frost for Crossroads Live. Following a successful season at QPAC’s Playhouse, the show arrived at Theatre Royal Sydney last week.
In The Lovers, Oberon (Stellar Perry) and Puck (Jayme-Lee Hanekom) take credit for having brought together, over many centuries, couples who have proved to be perfect romantic matches. But the world is changing, and Oberon thinks the concept of ‘true love’ is dying. Enter Hermia (Loren Hunter), Lysander (Mat Verevis), Helena (Natalie Abbott) and Demetrius (Jason Arrow), who offer a seemingly ideal opportunity for Oberon and Puck to work their matchmaking magic once more. The question is, will it have the intended effect?
Directed by Nick Skubij (co-Artistic Director of Shake & Stir Theatre Co), The Lovers is a thoroughly entertaining reimagining of the Bard’s tale of four young Athenians entangled in love in a magical forest. It draws on Shakespeare’s text for its dialogue, pairing it with Murphy’s wonderfully catchy pop tracks, and the combination is surprisingly cohesive. It provides a contemporary perspective of the foursome’s predicaments and playfully challenges the concept of ‘true love’.
Designer Isabel Hudson creates a physical space that bridges enchanted forest and awards-show spectacle, integrating David Bergman’s video content with a restrained selection of physical props. Hudson’s costumes honour the story’s Shakespearian origins while adding a 21st-century flavour. The show’s visual aesthetic is further elevated by Trent Suidgeest’s dynamic use of light.
The production rests in the hands of only six performers, but the ensemble here proves more than up to the task. Perry evokes strong Chappell Roan vibes as Oberon, commanding our attention every time she appears and always sounding superb. Hanekom charms as Puck and is an undeniable asset to this production.
With her striking tone and feisty energy, Hunter succeeds in portraying a character with far greater strength than in the original play. Similarly, Abbott’s Helena is more in control than her counterpart in the source material, giving a performance defined by great comedic timing and impressive vocals.
Rounding out the sextet, Arrow and Verevis bring their musical theatre expertise to Demetrius and Lysander respectively, delivering on-point vocals and showcasing comedic flair, particularly through some delightfully amusing dance moves (choreography is by Yvette Lee). It’s difficult to imagine a cast more capable than these six artists of bringing this premiere production to the stage.
Though far from a faithful adaptation of the revered play, The Lovers brings Shakespeare’s characters into the modern world to challenge the idea that romantic love is the be-all and end-all. Packaged with Murphy’s poppy earworms and a top-tier cast, this experience is worthy of your time and attention.
The Lovers is now playing at Theatre Royal Sydney until 16 November. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
