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& JULIET
This hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told with the most addictive and joyous pop anthems to ever hit the stage.
Produced by The Empire
#Romeo who?
Juliet's just getting started
Created by the Emmy®–winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & JULIET asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
With every twist of the tale, & JULIET reimagines iconic pop songs you know and love—in ways you’ll never expect. Featuring 'Since U Been Gone,' 'Larger Than Life,' '…Baby One More Time,' 'I Want It That Way,' 'It’s Gonna Be Me,' 'Roar,' 'It’s My Life,' 'That’s The Way It Is,' and more.
The only thing tragic about this musical would be missing it!
Music by Max Martin & Friends
Book by David West Read
Friday 13 March - 7:30pm
Saturday 14 March - 7:30pm
Friday 20 March - 7:30pm
Saturday 21 March - 7:30pm
Sunday 22 March - 2:30pm
Q&A SessionAuslan InterpretedMusical
If you're after wheelchair seating or Companion Card (limited number available) book via our Ticket Office or over the phone on 1300 655 299.
#Meet The Larger Than Life Cast Of & JULIET
#Meet The Cast
Kate Hudson-James
JULIET
Kate was raised on the road in a travelling family and first became involved in theatre to make friends. Now her life’s passion, Kate graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre in 2025. Her recent performance highlights while studying include ‘Carrie’ Carrie the Musical, ‘Bebe’ A Chorus Line, ‘Enid Hoops Cover’ Legally Blonde and ‘Hedy LaRue’ How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Prior to her studies she performed as ‘Scaramouche’ in The Empire’s We Will Rock You. Music, travel and community remain the core tenets of her life.
Chris Thomson
Shakespeare
Christopher grew up in Toowoomba spending many an hour watching shows or performing at The Empire. He studied a Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium before completing a Masters of Fine Arts (Directing) at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts. He has worked as a professional director of theatre and returned to study psychology during the COVID-19 pandemic Have finished his psychology degree, Christopher returned to Toowoomba to work as a social worker and freelance creative. In 2025, Christopher performed as ‘Oz’ in The Empire’s Come From Away.
Claire Sutton
Anne
Claire Sutton is a local triple-threat performer with extensive training and international experience. After completing three years of Musical Theatre study in Brisbane, she was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, graduating in 2024. Claire then spent another year living and performing in New York City before returning to Australia. She is thrilled to make her Empire Theatre debut as ‘Anne’ in & Juliet. Previous credits include ‘Diva’ in Paterson Productions’ Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, ‘Cordelia’ in NYCDA Productions’ Falsettos, ‘Natalie Haller’ in BAMT’s All Shook Up. Claire has also performed as part of the ensemble in Lynch and Paterson, Heathers, Godspell, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Luca Blyth
May
Luca Blyth is a Toowoomba-based performer appearing as May in & Juliet, marking his Empire debut. Most recently, Luca played ‘Gleb Vagonov’ in Anastasia: The Musical and is deeply grateful for every opportunity that has led to this “pinch-me” moment. Being part of a production that celebrates diversity, self-expression, and the journey of identity holds special significance for Luca, who hopes to authentically share this story with audiences who may see themselves reflected on stage. Luca extends heartfelt thanks to his parents, brother, teachers, and friends for their unwavering support.
Orlando Vella
Francois
Orlando is a Melbourne raised baritone, actor, dancer, and violinist whose work balances sharp comic timing with dramatic presence. Most recently, Orlando appeared in the pilot production of Any Moment, a new musical by Bradley McCaw., other roles include ‘Don Kerr’ in A Chorus Line, ‘Stokes’ in Carrie, and ‘Ensemble/Callahan u/s’ in Legally Blonde, along with featured performances in Edges and Cry Baby. As a 2025 graduate of the Bachelor of Musical Theatre from the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre (QAEMT), Orlando brings musicianship, physical energy, and theatrical versatility. He’s a uniquely multifaceted performer, equally adept at commanding the stage with voice, movement, and instrumental flair.
Nicholas Doyle
Lance
Nick has been involved with Toowoomba’s musical theatre community since 1994. He has participating in Helen Early Academy, Toowoomba Junior/Senior Choral Society productions, as well as The Empire’s first production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1999.
Nick completed a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay, where he worked with industry professionals such as Nancy Hayes. Returning to Toowoomba after university, Nick performed in The Empire’s Chicago as well as the Toowoomba Choral Society production of Fiddler on the Roof in 2003.
Meg MacKenzie
Angelique
Meg discovered the depth of her voice and her passion for singing later in life, finding her way into the music industry in her 30s. Her powerful, versatile voice, developed through more than a decade of cover band performances, has given her a confidence that is both natural and palpable. Meg has performed in Sydney with 2 More Mondays, Red Whiskey, Down Thunder, and her current musical project, LIAR Birds, which performs regularly across South East Queensland. A lifelong fan of musical theatre, Meg comes to this production as a blank slate, ready to take on the world.
Lachlan Dodd
Romeo
Lachlan is a South East Queensland based performer, director and writer. As a performer his recent credits include ‘Warner’ in Legally Blonde, ‘Sebastian Valmont’ in Cruel Intentions, ‘Galileo’ in We Will Rock You, ‘Frederick’ in The Pirates of Penzance and more. As an emerging director, Lachlan has had the opportunity of directing the recent productions of The Boy from Oz (The Peter Allen musical) and 17 Again The Musical. As a writer, his political piece Fleance won ‘Best Design’ and ‘Best Actor in a Short Play’ at the Beenleigh Theatre Group One Act Theatre Festival in 2024.
#Meet The Ensemble
Micah Adamson
Micah has been performing on The Empire stage since he was 10 with many of his theatre credits with the Toowoomba Choral Society, including ‘The Toymaker’ in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, ‘Maugrim’ in Narnia the Musical, ‘Tarzan’ in Tarzan the Stage Musical, 'Mal Beineke' in The Addams Family and performed as part of the ensemble in Le Misérables. He played the role of ‘Kurt Kelly’ in Crescendo Theatre Company’s Heathers the Musical. Micah made his debut for The Empire in the ensemble of 2022’s We Will Rock You, followed by 2023’s Boy From Oz and 2024’s Cinderella. He hopes you enjoy the show as much as we do bringing it to life.
Dylan Ashton
Dylan started musicals at 11, starring in Oliver in the small town of Maclean, NSW. He has always had a strong passion for performing and bringing stories to the stage. After moving to Toowoomba, he took on the role of ‘Carlos’ in The Empire’s Legally Blond The Musical, ‘Teen Angel’ in Toowoomba Philharmonic Society’s Grease, and ‘Angel in The Empire's Kinky Boots, ‘Felisha JollyGoodfellow’ in Toowoomba Choral Society’s Pricilla Queen of the Desert, ‘Ned Schneebly’ in Toowoomba Choral Society’s School of Rock, ‘Kevin J’ in Come From Away, ‘Gomez’ in Toowoomba Choral Society’s The Addams Family and ensemble roles in Toowoomba Choral Society’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and The Empire’s Cinderella.
Rhiannon Baird
Rhiannon began dancing at 11 and started performing in musicals at 13, beginning nine years of committed training in both dance and musical theatre. She first completed her Certificate III in Dance at Roar Company before progressing to the Queensland College of Dance, where she achieved her Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Musical Theatre. Her training covers ballet, tap, acro, lyrical, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, along with dedicated singing and acting studies. During her time at QCD, she performed in Australia Made Showcase, Alice by Heart, Page to Stage, and Chicago.
Emma Bettinson
Emma is a Brisbane-based musical theatre performer and graduate of the Queensland College of Dance. Her theatre credits include ‘Jan’ in Millennial Productions’ Grease, ‘Gertie’ in Lynch and Patterson’s Oklahoma!, ‘George’ in QCD’s Godspell (George), ‘Isobel’ in Lynch and Patterson’s The Pirates of Penzance, and performed as part of the ensemble for QCD’s Chicago where she was also the understudy for ‘Mama Morton’. These are among many performances she has been part of since beginning her training, and she looks forward to continuing her work in the years to come.
Jayden Blaxland
Jayden Blaxland’s performance credits on The Empire stage include flying monkey ‘Chistery’ in The Empire’s 2017 production of Wicked and ‘Mark Herron/Ensemble’ in The Empire’s 2023 production of The Boy From Oz. He has also featured in the ensemble of The Empire’s 2018 production of Essgee’s Pirates of Penzance, the highly popular 2020 ABBA jukebox musical Mamma Mia!, and the 2024 production of Cinderella.
Bruce Blessing
Bruce is thrilled to be part of the ensemble in this year’s production of & Juliet! After having a great experience being a lead in his school’s production of Anastasia and being a part of The Empire Youth Arts Senior Impact Production When I think of The End, Bruce was convinced by those around him to take the leap and audition for & Juliet. As a young artist, this show has been an incredible learning experience, allowing him to work with and learn from highly experienced creatives on a large-scale production.
Niamh Cadoo-Dagley
Niamh is a non-binary performer from Meanjin/Brisbane and graduated from QAEMT’s Bachelor of Musical Theatre in 2025. They performed roles such as ‘Richie Walters’ in A Chorus Line, ‘Miss Gardner’ in Carrie: The Musical, ‘Judge, Understudy for Vivienne’ in Legally Blonde, ‘Rona Lisa Peretti’ in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and ‘Orlando’ in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. They have worked alongside the creative team as Dance Captain for A Chorus Line and Stage Manager for Edges with QAEMT. Niamh is passionate about performing and loves nothing more than taking to the stage and bringing characters to life.
Megan Cattell
Megan is a Brisbane-based performer who is passionate about storytelling and sharing her love of musical theatre. She began dancing at age four and trained extensively in various styles at Corina School of Dance and The Dance Department on the Gold Coast. Megan completed a Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2025 and is currently studying an Advanced Diploma of Musical Theatre at Queensland College of Dance (QCD). Most recently, she performed in QCD’s Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville and Page to Stage Showcase. She also danced at Fearaphobia Scream Park and the Gold Coast Show.
Lydia Cunnington
Lydia is a performer and podiatrist whose love of music and storytelling has taken her from the clinic to the stage. Holding a Certificate IV in Musical Theatre, she has been involved with several Toowoomba theatre companies and groups taking on roles in community productions in Chinchilla including ‘Mrs Potts’ in Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol and Urinetown. She has performed as ‘Crystal’ in Shoebox Theatre Company’s Little Shop of Horrors and ensemble roles in Toowoomba Choral Society’s School of Rock, Les Misérables, The Addams Family as well as ‘Charlotte’ in The Empire’s Cinderella and most recently ‘Delores & Brenda’ in The Empire’s Come From Away.
Lucinda Isbel
Lucinda is an emerging Australian musical-theatre performer with strong foundations in dancing, singing, and acting. In 2025, she completed a Diploma of Musical Theatre at Queensland College of Dance. Credits include ‘Ensemble/Hunyak Understudy’ and Dance Captain for QCD’s Chicago, ‘Featured Performer’ in QCD’s Page to Stage, The Good Room’s I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You for Brisbane Festival 2018, and Queensland Ballet’s 2015/2016 The Nutcracker. Lucinda’s trained in multiple dance styles since 2009, has choir experience, plays several instruments, and holds qualifications from various exams. Her passion, discipline, and work ethic bring a loving commitment to a career in the performing arts.
Jenny Kempe
Jenny is a 2016 musical theatre graduate from Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance in Melbourne. She has performed in professional productions across Australia, including The Logie Awards, Channel 7’s Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, and Foxtel’s Rockwiz.
After relocating to Toowoomba for a quieter lifestyle, she has loved joining the local theatre community. Her credits include ‘Rosalie Mullins’ in Toowoomba Choral Society’s School of Rock, Dance Captain for The Empire’s The Boy From Oz and Come From Away, and the dance ensemble for Cinderella. Jenny also teaches a monthly adults’ class, Toowoomba Dancing Queens, giving back to the community through accessible dance.
Georgia McNamara
Georgia is a passionate musical theatre performer currently completing her Advanced Diploma of Musical Theatre at Queensland College of Dance, having previously received her Diploma in 2024. Recent performance credits include ‘Annie Young, Merry Murderess, Featured Ensemble’ in Chicago, ‘Ensemble, Dance Captain’ in Alice by Heart, and multiple QCD Showcases as a featured soloist. With extensive training in dance, acting, and voice, Georgia has studied with NIDA, Mad Dance House, Promenade Dance Studio, and Brighton Dance Academy, achieving RAD Advanced with Distinction. She has been honoured with numerous scholarships and awards, including National Champion at Follow Your Dreams. Georgia is thrilled to be performing in & Juliet.
Rebecca Peake
Rebecca has been performing from a young age and trained in ballet throughout her childhood. Since leaving school, she has been vocally trained (IMEB Level 8), studied additional styles of dance (Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary), and has performed in many local productions. Her favourite credits include; ‘Leanne’ in Shoebox Theatre Company’s Puffs, ‘Josephine Bloom’ in TPS’ Big Fish, ‘Gabrielle Cover’ in The Empire’s Cinderella, ‘Ali Cover’ in The Empire’s Mamma Mia!, ‘Teen Queen’ in The Empire’s We Will Rock You, ‘Erin’ in Homegrown Production Kill All The Teachers. Rebecca currently sings as half of the acoustic duo ‘Locals & Co’, and is excited to be in her fourth production with The Empire.
Madelyn Robinson
Maddy is qualified Primary School Teacher by day and dedicated dance instructor by night, she brings a wealth of experience in performing arts. Having trained extensively in a variety of styles through Dance Central Toowoomba, Maddy has performed in numerous showcases, community events, musicals and competitive dance eisteddfods across Queensland. Most recently, she performed as an ensemble member in The Empire’s The Boy From Oz. Her passion for performance and education shines through in everything she does, and she is thrilled to share her love of the arts with audiences in this production.
Madeleine Tooley
Madeleine is a 17-year-old performer who is beginning full-time Musical Theatre training at the Queensland College of Dance after graduating high school as part of the Class of 2025. She has a deep passion for musical theatre, particularly the “big three” of acting, singing, and dancing, as well as commercial performance, and feels most at home when combining all these elements on stage. Madeleine also loves sharing her passion through teaching at Dance Central Toowoomba where working with her students inspires her every day.
Flynn Walmsley
& Juliet is Flynn's third production with The Empire, after performing as ‘Jean Michelle’ in Cinderella and playing the fiddle for Come From Away. His other highlights include performing as ‘Enjrolas’ in Toowoomba Choral Society’s Les Misérables and ‘Jason’ in Bear Minimum Theatre’s Ordinary Days. He has also directed Crescendo Theatre’s Heathers: The Musical, Jack Mullins Play The Hand That Feeds and wrote/directed Bear Minimum Theatre’s Christmas at the Movies. Flynn works as a strings tutor, violinist, violist, photographer, videographer, and is working toward his Associate Degree of Creative Arts at UniSQ.
Micah Walmsley
Micah is a passionate performer with a love for both pop music and musical theatre. His credits include ‘Bert’ in Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir’s Mary Poppins, ‘Pugsley’ in Toowoomba Choral Society’s The Addams Family, and ‘Willy Wonka’ in Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Beyond the theatre stage, Micah has also performed at local music events, including the Triple M Mayoral Carols by Candlelight, as a vocalist and guitarist. & Juliet is Micah’s first production with The Empire, and he is thrilled to be part of such a fun, high-energy show.
#Meet The Creatives
Tim Hill
Director
NIDA graduate and Matilda Award nominated Queensland-based director of musical theatre, plays, cabaret, dance and film, Tim Hill returns to The Empire to direct the 2026 production of & JULIET after his highly popular production of fairytale comedy Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version) in 2024.
Mr Hill’s recent directorial credits including Chicago (Queensland College of Dance/ QDC), Into the Woods & Merrily We Roll Along (Ad Astra Theatre Company) and taking on the role of Resident Director for The Woman in Black (Woodward Productions) starring Daniel MacPherson and John Waters, which premiered at The Empire in 2024 before touring the country.
Mr Hill took on his first director role at The Empire fresh from a successful season of Billy Elliot The Musical at The Star Gold Coast in 2023. His other musical theatre credits include Godspell (QDC – 2023), Mamma Mia! (Star Gold Coast, 2021), Wicked & Fame (Matt Ward Entertainment/HOTA, 2019), Spring Awakening (Underground Broadway 2018- Matilda Nomination for Best Director), Bang Bang: Featuring Ronda Burchmore (TAM Presents/Brisbane Festival 2018), a sold-out production of RENT (QPAC/Matt Ward Entertainment- 2018) and Mary Poppins (Arts Centre Gold Coast 2016).
Luke Kennedy
Music Supervisor
Luke Kennedy shot to international attention in 2013 as Ricky Martin’s grand finalist on Season 2 of The Voice Australia. As series runner-up, Luke was the first artist to secure a #1 single on the iTunes charts with ‘Time To Say Goodbye’. He performed with Ricky Martin as a special guest on his 2013 Australian tour and released his debut album, ‘A Time For Us’, which debuted at #6 on the ARIA charts.
Luke has extensive international touring experience with The TEN Tenors and is a founding member of the big band supergroup Swing On This. He has toured the country with The Little Red Company productions From Johnny To Jack, Rumour Has It, Skyfall, Your Song, Golden and There’s Something About Music.
In addition to his performance credits, Luke has considerable experience as a music supervisor and vocal coach. Luke is currently Senior Producer and Music Supervisor for The Little Red Company’s broadcast and theatrical work including Nine Network’s Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols from 2021 to 2024. Luke’s vocal coaching credits include The Voice Australia - Seasons 6, 7, 8 and 9, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and Creative Generation.
Tess Hill
Choreographer
Tess Hill is a Brisbane based teacher, choreographer and director. The Empire welcomes Tess back for the third time to choreograph the 2026 production of & JULIET after she brought to life the choreography in two of The Empire's major productions of Mamma Mia! in 2020 and Cinderella in 2024.
Her credits include; Rent (QPAC – choreographer), Spring Awakening (Metro Arts - Assistant Director and assistant choreographer), Mamma Mia (Empire Theatre - Choreographer), I am King I am Queen (Sydney Fringe - Director), Billy Elliot (The Star Gold Coast - Children's Director), Cinderella (Empire Theatre - Choreographer), The Unreal Housewives of the Gold Coast (Grand Electric - Director & Choreographer).
Frances Story
Scenic Designer
Frances first experienced the arts and entertainment industry as a contemporary dancer with Choreographer Claire Marshall. Following a Bachelor of Interior Design (QUT) and encouragement from Claire, Frances found her niche as a Set Designer, combining her love of live performance and design.
Frances has been with Iceworks Design for the past 10 years, during which time she has worked on a wide variety of shows and projects including Set and Costume Design for SK Entertainment's Friends! the Musical Parody, Set Design for SK Entertainment's Menopause The Musical, Set Design for The Show Co's Mamma Mia The Musical and Set Design for The Empire's Cinderella and Come From Away.
Aaron Hannant
Audio Designer
After starting out lighting high school drama productions (of which he was never a student), Aaron completed his Diploma of Music Industry - Technical Production in 2006 to follow his desire to mix bands and travel the world.
Although having not yet toured the world, Aaron has been a part of the music industry for 17 years, working firstly in Brisbane as a freelance operator - honing his skills with touring tribute bands, corporate functions, and everything in between. Then moving onto working for 9 years at Brisbane Sound Group in the hire and production departments, building his skills in larger scale productions and events.
Aaron joined The Empire technical team in 2017 and since then has worked as A2 for several of The Empire’s productions including; 2019’s Kinky Boots, 2020’s Mamma Mia, and 2022’s We Will Rock You.
Aaron has also operated the 2024’s Love Stories written by Trent Dalton, and Head of Audio for Queensland Theatre’s 2025 production of Pride and Prejudice and the 2026 production of The Great Gatsby.
Aaron returns to design and operate The Empire’s major production for the third time, after The Boy from Oz (2023) and Cinderella (2024).
Debra Nairn
Costume Designer
Debra has been working in theatre, starting as a teenager, for 50 years. She started as a dresser but very quickly moved on to costume manufacture. Over the last 30 years The Empire and Toowoomba Choral Society have given Debra the opportunity to work in a place she loves, and also to move forward into costume design. Debra has designed costumes for Mary Poppins, Wicked, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!, Cinderella, and 2025's Come From Away. Debra's love for theatre and sewing meshes perfectly with her work.
Ben Hunt
Lighting Designer
Ben has been in the entertainment industry for over twenty years with his work in technical production beginning “behind the spotlight” and soon after he was hooked. Whilst working for The Empire as the resident Head of Lighting, Ben has also worked freelance as a programmer & lighting designer and has toured nationally. He has worked across an array of entertainment genres including rock & roll, musicals, film and television, dance works and corporate events. A collection of his Lighting Designs includes: Come From Away, Cinderella, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia!, Kinky Boots, Pirates of Penzance, Sweeney Todd, Grease & Miss Saigon.
Jake Lodder
Video Designer
Jake Lodder is a multi-disciplined freelance video artist working across Toowoomba and Brisbane. With a background in corporate video production, he has found his creative home in video design for theatre, helping bring stories to life through dynamic visual storytelling.
Since 2022, Jake has worked with award-winning video projects company, Optikal Bloc, as an associate/assistant video designer, contributing to productions like Round the Twist The Musical, James and the Giant Peach, Frankenstein, First Casualty, and We Will Rock You for companies including Queensland Theatre, Shake & Stir Theatre Co, Queensland Ballet and The Empire.
Beyond video design, Jake was assistant video editor on Sydney Theatre Company’s Dracula and has created and collaborated on video marketing for various shows, festivals, and companies.
Following his work as video designer on The Empire's The Boy From Oz and Come From Away, Jake is excited to collaborate again with the talented team behind & JULIET.
#The story continues on the dancefloor
When the Curtain Falls, the Party's Just Getting Started!
This isn’t some tragic ending. Get ready for a night of pure pop joy as you step into the ultimate afterparty! For two nights only, when & JULIET wraps, Juliet’s Club takes over the Armitage Centre for an all-ages pop-fuelled dance club, complete with a live DJ spinning back-to-back hits.
#Gold Partners
#Silver Partners
#Bronze Partners
#Media Partners
#What's on
Kenny Rogers Glen Campbell & Friends
Beatlemania
On Tour
Queen Forever: Greatest Hits Tour
Calamity Jane
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