Flyer of a performance at "Big Gay Day" festival at "The Wickham" hotel in Brisbane

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Samantha Jade will perform at "Big Gay Day" festival at "The Wickham" hotel in Brisbane, on sunday october 04 2026.

''What You’ve Done To Me - Samantha Jade'' Smook Happy Hardcore remix

28/08/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on ''7News Adelaide''

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

It was announced during the interview that she will perform at ''Carols By Candlelight'' at ''Elder Park'' in Adelaide, on saturday december 12 2026.

24/08/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on ''The Joel Creasey Show'' podcast

Full audio interview:

Video interview snippets:

Behind the scenes:

Recorded on thursday august 13 2026.

''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' promotional video

22/07/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed for the ''Nine.com.au'' website

Samantha Jade’s urgent message to Australia as ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' wraps

Exclusive: As empty theatres across Australia suffer from major cancellations, Samantha Jade feels “very lucky” to be on stage:

“There’s a bit of sadness, weirdly”, said the 39-year-old following her final opening night of "Pretty Woman: The Musical" as the production premiered in Melbourne’s "Regent Theatre" this week: “There’s excitement too...obviously the industry is in a really weird place right now, we’re so aware there’s a lot of shows closing”, she told ''Nine.com.au''.

Those shows include two major productions "Beetlejuice" and "Waitress" which will no longer be making their way to Sydney theatres, and "Anastasia: The Musical" closing this weekend:

“I’ve been in the industry since i was 15 and there’s always an uncertainty until i’m actually doing the job”, said the 2012 "X Factor" winner, who shines as Vivian Ward the "Pretty Woman" stage adaptation, “But i couldn’t imagine going to work every day and having to close early. You become a family with these people. It’s not lost on us how lucky we are, truly.”

Fellow aussie Natalie Bassingthwaighte was not so lucky, following the abrupt cancellation of her musical "Waitress" in Sydney.

The 50-year-old said her “heart was hurting” for australian theatre and the arts, after all planned shows in the city were cancelled due to low ticket sales:

“You know what i love about Nat, she’s such a girl’s girl”, Jade responded, “She’s always been supportive of me.”

In fact, Bass was a judge on "X Factor when Jade made her debut to the world:

“I think it’s just so important to show support for australian art. Go to australian films, stream australian TV shows, australian music”, Jade urged when then asked if she had a message for fans, “Go to the theatre if you can, enter the theatre lottery for $40 tickets. If you can’t get out to see a show, which I totally understand, my god things are expensive, just post about it with your community of friends. We need to support each other and to know how great we are, and not play things down. We need to start playing things up because we have so much talent here”, she said.

Jade’s talent shines in her first-ever theatre role. Forget her collective 91 million streams and 2.3 million sales worldwide, it’s this role that’s been her most challenging to date:

“Julia Roberts is my favourite actor and i remember thinking: "Oh gosh, how do you take on something that is so iconic by someone so iconic?”, she recalled.

The heart-warming musical, which kicked off in Brisbane in October 2025, has begun its final run in Melbourne, until its spectacular close september this year:

“You know, we’ve been doing it for nearly a year now, and it’s one of the hardest things i’ve ever done”, she admitted, “The respect i have now for theatre performers is on another level”, she laughed.

As the star was hours away from hair and make-up ahead of her next performance, Jade confessed she still gets “nervous” going out on stage:

“I think it’s because i want to do a great job”, she explained, “I love what i do, and i want the audience to love it too.”

"Pretty Woman: The Musical" is showing now until 13 september 2026 at "Regent Theatre", Melbourne. 

Lien: [X]

Samantha Jade and Ben Hall finishing off their first week in Melbourne for ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' with a challenge

16/07/26 - ''The Herald Sun'' newspaper scan

16/07/26 - Samantha Jade attending the opening night of Pretty Woman: The Musical at ''Regent Theatre'' in Melbourne

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

4 minutes of stage play:

16/07/26 - ''The Herald Sun'' newspaper photoshoot

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

23/06/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on Channel Seven's ''Sunrise''

Interview:

Behind the scenes:

22/06/26 - Samantha Jade attending the ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' media launch at ''Farmer’s Daughter Wine House'' in Melbourne

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Interview:

''I Can't Go Back'':

Highlights:

17/06/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed by content creator Lisa Davenport on her Instagram stories in Adelaide

13/06/26 - Samantha Jade attending the ''Brunch With Betty'' at ''Taikunthi'' restaurant in Adelaide

Highlights:

Celine Dion recording & playing an unreleased demo by Samantha Jade called ''Map To My Heart''

During an interview on the ''Mitch Churi'' podcast, Samantha revealed that she recorded a song called ''Map To My Heart'' in her early career that ended being passed around to Celine Dion, who recorded her version in july 2007, but did not end up on her twenty-third studio album ''Taking Chances''. Although, there's a behind the scenes video of Celine Dion recording the song and playing Samantha's demo to help herself figure out how to sing the song: ''No kidding, i'm not that great, this is helping me tremendusly''.

04/06/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on ''The Mitch Churi Chat Show'' podcast

Full video interview:

Full audio interview:

Video interview snippet:

03/06/26 - Samantha Jade at the premiere of ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at ''Her Majesty's Theatre'' in Adelaide

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Behind the scenes:

Highlights:

31/05/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on ''The Jungle Room'' podcast from the ''On Your Markus'' website

24/05/26 - Samantha Jade performing at Telethon Leeuwin lunch at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club 🎤🎶

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

New video on the ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' social media

14/05/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on Triple M's ''Robbie And Carly'' in Perth

Video snippet interview:

14/05/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on Mix 94.5's ''Pete & Kymba'' in Perth

04/05/26 - Samantha Jade attending the K2Dance Elevate Program at ''K2Dance'' studios in Perth

Click on the picture to access the gallery 📷

 

Behind the scenes:

Highlights:

04/05/26 - Samantha Jade mentioned during an interview of Amy Shark on the ''Villain Edit'' podcast from the ''Pedestrian TV'' website

01/05/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on the ''Villain Edit'' podcast from the ''Pedestrian TV'' website

Samantha Jade posing with Lachlan Guertin.

Interview:

Recorded on wednesday april 01st 2026.

Behind the scenes:

22/04/26 - Samantha Jade and Ben Hall posing during a photoshoot at ''The Parade'' in Adelaide

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

21/04/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on FiveAA's ''Evenings With Leith Forrest'' in Adelaide

Click on the picture to access the gallery 📷

21/04/26 - Samantha attending a ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' styling session at ''Burnside Village'' in Adelaide

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

 

21/04/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on 7News Adelaide

19/04/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on 7News Perth

19/04/26 - Samantha Jade at the premiere of ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at ''Crown Theatre'' in Perth

 Click on the picture to access the gallery 📷

Highlights:

New date

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Samantha and Ben Hall will be part of the K2Dance Elevate Program for their dancers to learn from two leading australian performers in an exclusive, intimate studio setting at ''K2Dance'' studios in Perth, on monday may 04th 2026

12/04/26 - Samantha Jade on the cover of the ''Sunday Times'' magazine in Perth

 Click on the picture to access the gallery 📷

Behind the scenes:

31/03/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on 96.9 Nova FM's ''Ricki-Lee & Tim'' in Sydney

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Audio interview:

Behind the scenes:

16/03/26 - Samantha Jade mentioned on Channel Seven's ''Australian Idol''

Samantha Jade appeared and was mentioned on Channel Seven's ''Australian Idol'', after John, a contestant, went backstage on one of the Sydney dates of the ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' and sung ''Pretty Woman'' on the show.

10/03/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on Channel Seven's ''The Morning Show'' in Sydney

Interview:

Behind the scenes:

10/03/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on Channel Seven's ''Sunrise'' in Sydney

Interview:

Behind the scenes:

07/03/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed for the ''By Jules'' website

Samantha Jade appears on the ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' latest Instagram video

Samantha Jade appears on comedian Tanya Hennessy's latest TikTok video

''Very That!'' music video

The music video was directed by Alex Gibbs, Samantha Jade's brother in feburary 2026 in Sydney.

Behind the scenes:

''Very That!'' on the "Independent Label Singles" chart in Australia

Samantha Jade's new single ''Very That!'' debuts at #12 on the Independent Label Singles chart in Australia this week.

24/02/26 - Samantha Jade attending a special welcoming event for ''Pretty Woman The Musical'' at ''Crown Towers Perth''

Click on the picture to access the gallery 📷

Highlights:

24/02/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on 6PR in Perth

Audio interview:

''Pretty Woman'' acapella (Roy Orbison cover):

Behind the scenes:

24/02/26 - Samantha Jade being interview on 102.5 ABC Radio in Perth

Audio interview:

Behind the scenes:

24/02/26 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on 93.7 Nova FM's ''Nathan, Nat & Shaun'' in Perth

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Full audio interview:

Video snippet interview:

Behind the scenes:

22/02/26 - Samantha Jade performing at the ''Beresford Sundays'' nightclub in Sydney

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

''Step Up'':

''What You've Done To Me'':

''Firestarter'':

''Soldier'':

''Sweet Talk'':

''Always'':

''Bounce'':

''Very That'':

''Dancing On My Own'' (Robyn cover):

''Very That'' single cover art

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

New ad for the new fan from the brand ''Shark''

New date

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Samantha Jade will perform at the ''Beresford Sundays'' nightclub in Sydney, on sunday february 22nd 2026.

02/02/26 - ''Woman's Day'' magazine scans

Click on the picture to access the gallery 📷

24/12/25 - Samantha Jade performing on Channel Nine's ''Carols By Candlelight'' at Melbourne's ''Sidney Myer Music Bowl''

Click on the picture to access the gallery 📷

 ''My Grown Up Christmas List'':

23/12/25 - Samantha Jade rehearsing for Channel Nine's ''Carols By Candlelight'' at Melbourne's ''Sidney Myer Music Bowl''

''My Grown-Up Christmas List'' (The Paul Goldheart Band cover):

21/12/25 - Samantha Jade performing on Channel Nine's ''Christmas With Delta''

''Jingle Bell Rock'' with Amy Shark, Delta Goodrem and Sophie Monk:

Preview of Samantha Jade performing on ''Christmas With Delta'' shown on Channel Nine's ''A Current Affair''

''Jingle Bell Rock'' performance preview:

Backstage at ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' for ''Australian Womens Life & Style''

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

New date

Samantha Jade will perform on Channel Nine's ''Carols By Candlelight'' at Melbourne's ''Sidney Myer Music Bowl'', on wednesday december 24 2026.

Ad from the luxury hotel ''Sofitel Sydney'', partner of ''Pretty Woman: The Musical''

Preview of Samantha Jade on Channel Nine's ''Christmas With Delta''

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Preview of Samantha Jade performing ''Jingle Bell Rock'' from the movie ''Mean Girls'' on Channel Nine's ''Christmas With Delta'' alongside, Sophie Monk, Amy Shark and Delta Goodrem. 

Set to air on sunday december 21st 2025.

Behind the scenes:

Funny moment:

10/12/25 - Samantha Jade featuring in Amy Shark's new TikTok video with Delta Goodrem and Sophie Monk

Samantha Jade will perform ''Jingle Bell Rock'' from the movie ''Mean Girls'' on Channel Nine's ''Christmas With Delta'' alongside, Sophie Monk, Amy Shark and Delta Goodrem, on sunday december 21st 2025.  

08/12/25 - ''The Australian'' newspaper scan

07/12/25 - Samantha Jade recording an interview on Channel Seven's ''Sydney Weekender''

Click on the picture to access the gallery 📷

Ad:

Behind the scenes:

04/12/25 - Samantha Jade at the premiere of ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at ''Theatre Royal Sydney'' in Sydney

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Red carpet:

Ending:

After party:

04/12/25 - Samantha Jade performing during a media call for ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at ''Theatre Royal Sydney'' in Sydney

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Interview:

04/12/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed for the ''Stage Whispers'' website

They are stepping into big shoes. Samantha Jade and Ben Hall are taking on the roles made famous by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in ''Pretty Woman''. David Spicer spoke to the pair as they prepared for the australian premiere of the musical version of the famous movie.

For Samantha Jade there is all that comparison to Julia Roberts’ long legs and the thousand-watt smile, with those dazzling teeth. Whilst Ben Hall must compete with memories of Richard Gere’s charm, good looks and dimples. 

The casting announcement for the australian premiere of ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' attracted a huge response on Stage Whispers' social media accounts.

Samantha Jade’s  pop music career was launched when she won Channel 7’s ''The X Factor Australia'' in 2012. She’s had guest roles on ''Home And Away'' and played as Kylie Minogue in the tv miniseries ''INXS: Never Tear Us Apart''.

Ben Hall is a WAAPA graduate with music theatre credits and was a regular on ''Neighbours''. 

''Pretty Woman: the Musical'' ran for over a year on Broadway, attracting lukewarm reviews at best, but has been described as “slick and crowd pleasing” at other international outings.

The score by Bryan Adams has an ‘80s/’90s feel, with the famous Roy Orbison song part of the curtain call. 

Large sections of the script have been lifted from the movie, which is about a prostitute, Vivian, who is engaged as an escort by a businessman, Edward, who gives her a Pygmalion transformation. I spoke to both Australian stars.

David Spicer:  Congratulations. When did you first become aware of the phenomenon of ''Pretty Woman''?

Ben Hall:  I wasn't born when the movie came out,  but over the years,  as it's such a cultural phenomenon,  i became aware of it quickly.  All those iconic moments are referenced so often that you start seeing bits of it on tv, and then at some point i've watched it and loved it like everyone else. It was the forerunner to all those other ‘90s rom coms. Such a great period in film. 

DS: So you were born two years after the movie came out in 1990.  Is it intimidating to step into the shoes of Richard Gere? 

BH: It is, because he has such a calm presence about him, such an aura. Many women, my mum included, are very big fans, so there's big, big shoes to fill, but i'm looking forward to it. 

DS: Samatha what was your introduction to the movie?

Samantha Jade: I was very much alive (when it was released). I obviously didn't see it when i was little, but i do remember watching it with my mum, and i loved it.  My mum and i had these little comfort films that we would always watch; they were always rom coms and Pretty Woman was number one on the list. I was a little bit in love with Richard Gere. 

DS:  Julia Roberts is known for her famous smile. Do you have teeth like Julia? 

SJ: No, I don't. I wish i did. I've talked about that a lot. Julia has so many teeth. I have very big teeth for my mouth. That's from my Mum. I would never try that big smile. 

DS: What about a Richard Gere dimple?

BH: Do i have a dimple? 

SJ: You do.

BH: I try to get a little sparkle in the eyes.

SJ: Ben can smile. That’s what Richard Gere is really good at. Ben can nail a smile. That’s why he got it.

DS:  Richard Gere blushes a bit.

BH: He gets a bit uncomfortable at the beginning. Yeah, he's definitely not an intimate man to begin with. 

DS: How do you put your own stamp on the role?

BH: I didn’t watch the movie recently but going into the audition i read the script of the musical first.  I think obviously there needs to be a balance. The audience is going to expect to see those iconic moments, and they're all in there. But without it being a carbon copy of the movie.

SJ: It is different to the movie because obviously it’s a musical take on it, and the music plays such a big role. Bryan Adams is an amazing songwriter. He  gives it a new feel, and in a very good way. 

DS: When we think of the movie, we think of the Roy Orbison tune. How does it match that classic rendition of Pretty Woman?

BH: Bryan Adams is very much of that period. I think the rock music, and particularly the ballads, lends itself well to those key emotional moments and pivotal shifts for the characters. It gives you a  good  insight into their interior life, which the film can only hint at. That's the new element for audiences. 

SJ: I think he's leaned into that kind of era and then, obviously, the late 80s era of the film. There are power ballads, super memorable choruses  and memorable ear worms that are embedded in the back of my head.

DS: What are your favourites?

SJ: I think for me and for Vivian, it is a song called “Anywhere But Here”. It’s early in the show and is an important part of character.

DS: Ah yes, the famous traditional ‘I want’ song which establishes a character’s yearnings. What is your favourite Ben?

BH: ‘Long Way Home’, which is their beautiful moment towards the end of the musical when they think they are not going to get together.

DS: What literary traditions does it to draw on? Is it a ''Cinderella'' story?

SJ: Yes, but i think this musical highlights her strengths a lot. 

BH: It is more empowering and modern (than the traditional ''Cinderella'' story). 

DS: In the story, the male lead Edward doesn’t take advantage of his pretty woman when he first hires her. Does that make it modern or old fashioned?

BH: If you're looking at these transactional relationships, these power dynamics and differences in self-worth - all of those sorts of things are relevant across any time in any sort of genre. I don't think there's anything in there that is too on the nose. It manages to traverse that fine line very well.

SJ: I agree. There's a line in the movie at the very end, when he climbs up the tower and she rescues him right back. That's really important; throughout the whole musical they rescue each other. It's not just about a man getting her off the streets, obviously that’s the story, but she rescues him in a different way. 

DS: What does she rescue him from? 

SJ: A boring life?

DS: Is there anything in your own lives where you have seen people plucked out of obscurity to be sort of rescued?

BH: I suppose the one that i could think of is actors that are living in share houses, in rough conditions, working rough night jobs, and then suddenly they get a huge role in something. That has got a little bit of that rescued out of obscurity feel. And then they go on to kind of crazy fairytale lives. You can be cleaning toilets one day and a Hollywood star the next.

DS: Finally, is there anything in your training or other jobs that have helped you prepare you for this role?

BH: I think all roads lead to your current job. I think you take a little bit of everything from every job. 

SJ: I've been racking Ben's brain. I'm like, tell me everything, because obviously it's my introduction into musical theatre, and he's done it. So i'm like: ''What do i do? How do i do it?''. And yes, he just keeps saying it's about stamina and working hard, and you'll be so fine. Fingers crossed. 

What Stage Whispers’ Facebook followers said.

The casting announcement of Samantha Jade as Vivian drew some 2,000 likes and loves, along with 450 comments on our social media. The posting about Bens Hall’s casting drew a further 500 plus likes and loves. 

While the vast majority were thrilled with the casting, like KB: “Beautiful lady - just perfect for the role”, as usual, Facebook Central Casting offered several alternate suggestions.

Rhonda Burchmore was mentioned, but while her legs considered a great match, was she perhaps a little too old?  MK felt that Samantha is more like Kylie Minogue than Julia Roberts, and while SG loves Samantha’s voice, they thought Delta would be a better fit. RW also says Samantha is an amazing singer, but they can’t see her as a prostitute, suggesting she’s more like Sandy from ''Grease''.

Far more comments, though, supported the casting. 

“Some of you are so cruel. Why can't people be nice? I'm sure Samantha will be fantastic. Instead of being judgmental, have an open mind and give her a chance.” LB 

“She’ll be amazing! Why is it all grumpy old ladies on here are trying to tear someone down.” EK. 

''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' opened at the ''Lyric Theatre'', QPAC, Brisbane in october, ahead of seasons at the ''Theatre Royal Sydney'' from november, Perth from april, Adelaide from may and Melbourne from june.

Link: [X]

03/12/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on Channel Ten's ''10 News'' in Sydney

Behind the scenes:

02/12/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on Channel Seven's ''Sunrise'' in Sydney

 Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Interview:

Backstage:

04/11/25 - Samantha performing during a surprise appearance at Timomatic's show at the Melbourne cup celebrations at the ''LiveWire'' sports bar in Brisbane

''What You've Done To Me'' with Timomatic:

37 questions with Samantha Jade backstage at the ''Pretty Woman: The Musical''

21/10/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed for the ''Hello Darlink!'' podcast

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Rom-com challenge with Samantha Jade and Ben Hall from ''Pretty Woman: The Musical''

12/10/25 - Samantha Jade performing during the ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at ''Queensland Performing Arts Centre'' in Brisbane

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Ending:

Samantha Jade getting rave reviews for the Brisbane leg of ''Pretty Woman: The Musical''

''Aussie Theatre'' website:

''The AU Review'' website:

''Harlequin Ink'' website:

''The Courier Mail'' newspaper:

''Firestarter'' DJ十三 Melbourne remix

10/10/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed for ''The AU Review'' website

Interview: Samantha Jade on moving from the pop studio to the ''Pretty Woman'' stage:  ''It’s really nice to be able to say you’re proud of yourself.''

Australian pop sensation Samantha Jade has long been a powerhouse in the music industry – from winning ''The X Factor Australia'' in 2012 to topping charts with her platinum-selling hits and captivating audiences with her dynamic performances.  Known for her stunning vocals and undeniable stage presence, Samantha has continually evolved as an artist, expanding her talents across music, television, and fashion.

Now she’s taking on one of her most exciting challenges yet: stepping onto the theatre stage as Vivian Ward in ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'', a role originated in the hit film by one Julia Roberts.  You know, no pressure.  Bringing her signature charm, vocal prowess, and emotional depth to the role, Samantha is proving that her artistry knows no bounds.

As the show premieres in Brisbane (you can read our review here), before moving onto Sydney, our Peter Gray spoke (and perhaps fanned out) with the pop superstar, talking to her about utilising the different aspects of her voice, making the character her own, and how she keeps the strict structure of the show exciting each night.

It goes without saying, congratulations on ''Pretty Woman''.  I can only imagine how exciting it was when you received that news.

Oh, my Gosh.  I can’t even tell you.  Musicals have always been something i’d love to do, but i always just put it in the ''too hard basket.'' It always seemed to be something that i watched and i was like: ''How are they doing all of those things at once? It seems too hard.'' I just thought i couldn’t do it.  And this movie, i love this movie so much.  And my mum and i, it was one of our favourite films to watch together.  So it just felt like the stars aligned for this one.  I just knew i was going to try it out, see how i go, and, yeah, receiving the news that i actually got it…i was like: ''Oh, God. Now i’ve actually got to do it well!''

As you mentioned it was in the ''too hard basket'', but with pop, your voice is often leading the storytelling, and in theatre it’s the character.  How did you shift between Samantha Jade, the artist, and Vivian Ward, the character?

Do you know what? It’s a very different way of singing. That’s something that i’ve definitely learned. It’s a different way of expressing and pushing and vibrato, and just technically, it’s very different to how I sing my music. I think that was really nice, because it really does separate me from the character. I think people will be surprised, because i am singing in such a different way.

And as this one of your favourite films, as you mentioned, and Julia Roberts’s performance is so iconic.  Is there any pressure for you in honouring the character, but at the same you’re making Vivian your own.

Oh, God, absolutely. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t pressure. There definitely is. But i think that i can take on the Julia Roberts that i know so well, because i love the film so much. She’s one of my favourite actors of all time. But, mostly for me, because this is a musical and a music platform, i feel like i get to do it my own way.  Obviously, i’m acting and saying all the iconic lines, but the singing is when you can’t have any more spoken word, and it’s the perfect thing for me. I’m a singer and it’s my favourite art form. But i’ve been trying to find a balance.

Do you find that with pop music and performing in concert, you can improvise in a lot of ways, but with theatre it’s about hitting your mark. Is there a way for you to keep performances fresh, even though there’s a structure?  

I think what’s lovely about (''Pretty Woman: The Musical'') is everything is very choreographed. Obviously, you’ve got to hit all your lighting cues and there’s things coming off and on stage, so if you’re in the wrong place, it doesn’t work.  I’m very aware of that. But what’s really nice is, there’s one song called ''I Can’t Go Back'', which is my favourite song of the show. And that song i really have free reign on how I do it. As long as i’m walking to hit my lines, and Rusty (Mowery), who is just the best, he’s our director, who’s come from Broadway, he was like: ''This song is your chance to just tell the story and do it however you want.'' So i kind of have that, which is really nice. That’s my part of the show where i’m just going to see how it goes every night.

Do you feel playing Vivian has changed or deepened your own sense of self as an artist?

Definitely.  Truly.  They’re big songs, and they’re big in a different way than my songs are, or even how i do corporates. The big, long, straight note was something i thought i couldn’t do, because i was so used to riffing off things. In pop, you can kind of go up there and riff off whenever you want.  You can hit it in a scream and then stop.  But this is like: ''No, let’s go ahead and hold those really high notes, every single night.''  It’s challenged me.  Honestly, when i got off the stage after the preview, i was like: ''I can do this!'' I didn’t believe in myself enough.  I didn’t believe i could, and i was really proud of myself. It’s really nice to be able to say you’re proud of yourself.

Well, i might be biased, but knowing your voice, i knew you could do it. You should be so proud.

Oh, that’s so sweet. Thank you.

And with Vivian as a character, going through this transformation, both emotionally and visually, how do you track and calibrate that journey each night so it feels authentic and connected?

A huge thing for me is the costumes and the wigs.  Whenever i step into the character, i become her.  As soon as i have the clothes and wig on, i know who I am. On the side stage, before i walk out, i just tell myself the story of where i’ve been, and i’m just her. The transformation is so fun. That’s why theatre is so fun. You’re a different person for two hours a night.

I imagine it’s one of those things where you put the classic red dress on and then there’s the jewelry snapping moment…

Oh, absolutely. We have to do that every night. It was a blooper in the movie, so it’s not that easy, but Ben (Hall) is just the best Edward ever, and he does it different every night, so i don’t know when it’s coming.

We’re obviously seeing a lot of popular films be adapted for the stage. Is there a favourite film of yours that you would like to see be given the musical treatment?

Oh, that’s such a great question. Do you know? ''Notting Hill''. I feel like that would be such a winner. It’s another Julia (movie), so i’m going to get typecast (laughs), but i just think that would be an amazing musical.

We’ll put it out there in the universe, shall we?

Oh, yes. I’m already auditioning (Laughs).

Personally, i can see you doing a good Kate Beckinsale in ''Serendipity''. I think that would make a great musical.

Oh, my God, that was another of my mum and i’s favourite films. We even went to ''Serendipity'' in New York and had hot chocolate in the spot.

And before i let you go, i’d be a terrible fan if i didn’t ask about new music.  Another EP? Another album? ''Love.Sick'' has kept me going, such a great two-parter, but we are starving for more! So i have to ask…

Well, you’ll be happy to know that there a few songs i’ve been writing. I’m giving myself some time here in Brisbane to focus on the musical, so i need to see how my voice goes and how i go mentally. This is all new to me. But when i’m in Sydney, i think i’ll be used to it by then, so i’ll be putting down some demos. I have a few things planned. There will be new music. If not January, then February.

Well, that’s not too far away! I do have to say congratulations again, it really is so awesome to see everything you’ve achieved in your career. I look at you as the poster child for resilience and never giving up. So, with everything, you deserve to be on this stage where you are, so truly thank you for taking the time out.

You don’t know how much that means to me. Thank you. I really appreciate you.

Link: [X]

''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' 2026 tour dates announcement teaser

10/10/25 - ''The Advertiser'' newspaper scan

10/10/25 - Samantha Jade mentioned on 97.3 KIIS FM in Brisbane

''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' official australian trailer

09/10/25 - Samantha Jade during the australian premiere of ''Pretty Woman The Musical'' at '''Queensland Performing Arts Centre'' in Brisbane

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Red carpet:

Scenes:

Leaving:

Natalie Bassingthwaighte praising Samantha Jade:

Audience reaction:

Highlights:

09/10/25 - Samantha Jade during a media call for ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at '''Queensland Performing Arts Centre'' in Brisbane

Click on the pictures to access the gallery 📷

Scenes:

''I Can't Go Back'':

''Brisbane Times'' highlights: