The cast has been announced for the Sydney season of the new Australian production of HAIR, the revolutionary tribal love-rock musical phenomenon that changed the face of theatre forever.
First performed in Sydney in 1969, the Grammy and Tony Award-winning production of HAIR will open at Theatre Royal Sydney from 6 June 2026 for a strictly limited season, bringing together a dynamic ensemble to revive its message of freedom, rebellion and hope for a new genera on.
Leading the HAIR tribe will be Maxwell Simon (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Grinning Man) as Berger, Alex Cooper (Much Ado About Nothing) as Claude, Elizabeth Brennan (Pride and Prejudice) as Sheila, Tane Williams-Accra (Family Next Door, Six Degrees of Separation) as Hud, Rosie Meader (Everybody Loves A Wedding) as Jeannie, Jackson McGovern (Macbeth, Animal Farm) as Woof, Niylesh Palani (Hello Dolly!) as Walter and Mariah Lewy as Chrissy.
They are joined by Maverick Newman (Murder for Two, Footloose, Boys in the Band) as Leonard, Nicole Nabout (Return to Paradise) as Susan, Grant Young (Is God Is) as Leroy, Linden Trescott (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) as Apache, Larissa Teale (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Angela, Bronte Horswood (Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies) as Linda, and John Marc Desengano (Looking For Alibrandi) as Chuck.
Bailey Hayward (The PM’s Daughter) as Natalie, Kelly Lim Harris (NZ Opera, The Drowsy Chaperone) as Alma, Madeleine Somers (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Astrid, Cameron Shook (Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies) as Cammy, Ashleigh Hermann (Alice in Wonderland) as Louise, Luke London (The Pirates of Penzance) as Johnny and Melody Kiptoo as Tina.
When HAIR first exploded onto the Australian stage, it shocked and thrilled audiences capturing the nation’s attention and sparking debate on politics and censorship. It quickly becoming one of the most talked about productions of its era.
Amid that turmoil, the production also helped launch the careers of some of the country’s most beloved performers. Hair created legendary stars such as Marcia Hines, Reg Livermore, John Waters, Lyndsay Field and Silvie Paladino all appeared in early productions, cementing their places in Australian music and theatre history.
Created by Gerome Ragni and James Rado (book and lyrics) and featuring an electrifying score by Galt MacDermot, it became an anthem for a generation, and included unforgettable hits such as Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine, Let the Sunshine In, I Got Life and the title track HAIR – songs that broke records, topped charts, and helped define the sound of the era.
Set against the backdrop of a decade defined by social change and cultural revolution, the groundbreaking musical captures the 1960s counterculture spirit and its quest for peace, truth and freedom, telling the story of free-spirited young hippies who advocate a lifestyle of pacifism and free love in a society riddled with intolerance and brutality.
As they explore sexual identity, challenge racism, experiment with drugs and burn draft cards, the “tribe” not only create an irresistible message of hope and change, but also address timeless themes of alienation, civil disobedience, and youthful defiance that continue to resonate with audiences almost 60 years later.
“We are thrilled to announce this strong Australian cast, bringing together a great mix of performers with a stunning variety of talents. They’ve each got something distinct to bring to HAIR, and I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together on stage,” said Director Glenn Elston.
HAIR premiered off-Broadway in 1967 before transferring to Broadway the following year. It quickly became a global phenomenon – both for its soundtrack and for the way it challenged the boundaries of traditional musical theatre.
HAIR
Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King Street, Sydney
Season: 6 June – 12 July 2026
Bookings: www.theatreroyalsydney.com
For more information, visit: www.hairthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: HAIR The Musical (Australian production 2025) – photo by Ben Fon