Friday, December 12, 2025
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Preview of Samantha Jade on Channel Nine's ''Christmas With Delta''
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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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
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.
Monday, December 8, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Thursday, December 4, 2025
04/12/25 - Samantha Jade at the premiere of ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at ''Theatre Royal Sydney'' in Sydney
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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
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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]
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
02/12/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on Channel Seven's ''Sunrise'' in Sydney
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Interview:
Backstage:
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
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:
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
21/10/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed for the ''Hello Darlink!'' podcast
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Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Sunday, October 12, 2025
12/10/25 - Samantha Jade performing during the ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at ''Queensland Performing Arts Centre'' in Brisbane
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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:
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Friday, October 10, 2025
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]
Thursday, October 9, 2025
09/10/25 - Samantha Jade during the australian premiere of ''Pretty Woman The Musical'' at '''Queensland Performing Arts Centre'' in Brisbane
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09/10/25 - Samantha Jade during a media call for ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at '''Queensland Performing Arts Centre'' in Brisbane
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09/10/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on 90.9 Sea FM's ''Harry And Aimee'' on the Gold Coast
09/10/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on 102.9 Hot Tomato's ''Galey & Emily Jade'' on the Gold Coast
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
08/10/25 - Samantha Jade performing during the ''Pretty Woman The Musical'' at '''Queensland Performing Arts Centre'' in Brisbane
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Tuesday, October 7, 2025
08/10/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on the ''Move Over Mama'' podcast
The interview was recorded on monday september 29 2025.
Announcement:
07/10/25 - Samantha Jade performing during the ''Pretty Woman The Musical'' at '''Queensland Performing Arts Centre'' in Brisbane
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Sunday, October 5, 2025
05/10/25 - Samantha Jade performing during the opening night of ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' at '''Queensland Performing Arts Centre'' in Brisbane
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
30/09/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed on ''The Scoop'' website
Falling in love: Samantha Jade & Ben Hall on the magic of ''Pretty Woman''
This weekend, ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' makes its highly anticipated australian premiere in Brisbane before touring to Sydney. Starring Samantha Jade as Vivian and Ben Hall as Edward, the rom-com that launched Julia Roberts’ career is now a smash hit stage musical.
''The Scoop'' had the pleasure of sitting down with Samantha and Ben for a chat ahead of the season. The pair talk all things ''Pretty Woman'', including what’s similar about the musical, what’s different from the film, and why they work so easily together. Read the full interview below.
Samantha, can you share the story of your connection to the original film and where you were when you got the call that you’d booked this role?
Samantha: ''Yes, it’s quite a great story. I love the movie. I always have. I always used to watch it with my mum. We would watch these couple of films, and ''Pretty Woman'' was always number one on the list. And last year, it was the ten-year anniversary of her passing. And so i watched that movie a lot, just because it made me feel close to her. And then i got this call to maybe audition for the musical, and i thought: ''You know what? It feels like a stars aligning thing''. So i thought i’d just go in and see. I didn’t expect to get it. But i did. I was in LA performing at ''G’day LA'', that event for australians in LA. And as i was checking out of the ''Beverly Wiltshire'' hotel, i got the call. Which is so crazy. I only stayed there for one night. But it was just such an amazing thing. It just felt like all of the things lined up, and it was such an orchestrated moment.''
I’ve heard it said a few times, actually, that what’s meant for you is easy.
Samantha: ''Yes, wow! That’s a great saying.''
Ben, what was your connection to the film? And do you have a story that you can share when you found out?
Ben: ''I’d been moving around a lot the last 12-18 months. I was living down in Wye River when i found out. But it was one of those really easy moments, as you just mentioned. Like the initial audition process was with someone i knew and loved as a director, and an MD who i also knew and loved. And so that first process was like a two-hour sit-down with the script, just to have a play and see what comes out. And it was such a nice process, such an easy process, that i think they got my best work out of me. And it was kind of all like that. The rehearsal process has been like that, too.''
Samantha: ''Yeah, so nice.''
Ben: ''It has been really, really lovely. Connection to the film? The film came out before I was born.''
Samantha: ''I was four. He loves to talk about our age gap (Laughs).''
Ben: ''But it was so iconic that it was on all the time. I felt like i knew the references from the film. I feel like i’ve known them forever. But sitting down and actually watching the full film, i think it was when i was in high school. I was taking a sick day or something and it was on. And then obviously, i re-watched it again when i got the call about doing this. It took a long time to sink in when i got the news, actually. I was living in this tiny little town, and i didn’t have my friends or family, apart from my partner, to share it with and go crazy about. So i was just on the beach, kind of sitting there, thinking about how everything’s about to change massively, touring around with this incredible show.''
It’s hard to believe, but there are some people who have never seen the original film. So, for those people, can you tell me, in a nutshell, what ''Pretty Woman'' is about?
Samantha: ''It’s a classic rom-com. It’s a love story about two people who are from completely different worlds, unlikely to meet, unlikely to fall in love, and they do. And it’s really about them saving each other in different ways.''
Ben: ''I like that with the musical, we flip it on its head a little bit. I feel like it’s more weighted on the fact that she saves him from this world of believing that money, wealth and power are everything. But he finds that it’s sort of soulless. And she is so in touch with herself, so charismatic and alive. She’s the one who makes him realise what’s important in life.''
For people who know and love the film inside and out, what can audiences expect to see in the musical that has been retained from the film?
Ben: ''Well, the film’s original writer wrote the script for the musical as well. Therefore, he was allowed to steal as much as he wanted from the original. So there are scenes that are pretty much word-for-word. All the iconic moments that you’d expect to see, they’re all there. Apart from one, which I will maybe ruin for people. The one that I wish was in there is the ‘slippery little suckers’ scene with the snails.''
Samantha: ''I think they had to change that because that was when they were going to dinner. And now they go dancing. But all the big moments are in there, like the bath, the jewellery box. The opera scene.''
Ben: ''We have some proper opera singers for that, too. It’s their first time doing a musical, and their voices are just unreal.''
Samantha: ''And the music is so good. I mean, Bryan Adams knows how to write a hit. So he’s really captured that ‘80s pop-rock sound. They’re really memorable and really great. There’s also a lovely thread throughout it, about never giving up on your dreams, and yourself, really. And you get to know some of the characters much more in the musical.''
What are some of the new elements audiences can expect?
Ben: The character of Happy Man, played by Tim Omaji, is a much bigger role. He actually plays multiple characters throughout.
Is he the one who says: ''Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream?'' in the film?
Samantha: ''Yeah!''
Ben: ''So he’s our narrator, our fairy godfather figure; he is there throughout the whole story, making things work. And his dancing is unreal, his acting is unreal. So that’s a big shift.''
Samantha: ''And i think even Kit’s character. In the film, you don’t really get to know her. In the musical, you really do. Michelle Brasier, who plays Kit, is so funny. She’s so brilliant. She’s such a powerhouse singer, too. And there’s also some really great moments with different people, like the opera singer.''
Ben: ''And there are some big ensemble numbers, too.''
What have you learned about yourselves as performers during this rehearsal process? Has anything surprised you or challenged you in ways you didn’t expect?
Samantha: ''I guess i’ve learned that maybe i can do this.''
Ben: ''You definitely can.''
Samantha: ''I was so nervous going in. But i think that for me, i’ve kind of surprised myself with how i’ve taken it in my stride. I mean, i haven’t actually done it yet. (Laughs) But so far so good.''
Ben: ''I think we always place a lot of pressure on ourselves, and we have such huge doubts about what we can achieve. Part of the message of this show is: never give up on your dreams, keep working, find your self-worth and believe in yourself. Those sorts of themes have resonated with me while I’ve been in the rehearsal room. I haven’t really done a big song and dance musical like this for seven or eight years. So once we’re back in the arena, it’s like: ''Does this thing still work?''
Samantha: ''Yeah, it does.''
That’s so great, i love that. I just found out that you’re both from Perth! Do you guys have anything else in common, or are there things where you are complete opposites?
Ben: ''We both have dogs.''
Samantha: ''We are both obsessed with our dogs from Perth.''
Ben: ''Me and Pat both wear 'WHOOPs'.''
Samantha: ''Yes, my husband also wears a 'WHOOP'. I don’t think there are any opposite things. I think we’re pretty similar in the way that we’re quite chill.''
Ben: ''Yeah. That chill Perth energy.''
Samantha: ''Thank God, because we didn’t do a chemistry test. We just met and started working.''
Ben: ''It would have been a lot harder if we really didn’t get on.''
Samantha: ''Really hard.''
It might be too soon to ask, Samantha, but now that you are in the musical world, are there any roles or shows on your bucket list?
Samantha: ''My dream role has always been to play Roxy in ''Chicago''. That’s always been a dream role of mine. I love that era. I love that musical.''
How about you Ben? Are there any projects or people you’d still like to work with?
Ben: ''One thing that i’ve always thought would be really great to do, like i’m too old now, but an american high school drama. I don’t know why that’s stuck in my mind for years. But it always looked like so much fun. That, or some sort of fantasy, ''Game Of Thrones'' thing. I just think one of those epic, big-budget crazy tv series would be really cool to be a part of.''
Samantha: ''My dream is to play Khaleesi. That is my favourite show of all time.''
I love those answers! And my final question is, what advice would you give to anyone who wants to get into this industry?
Ben: ''I think you really need to trust your management and agency, so make sure you do your research and that you get on really well with those people who represent you. Because that can come back to bite you. And then the other thing i always say to people is, know your contracts, read your contracts.''
Samantha: ''I think as well, you’ve got to be able to work hard. A lot of people see the highlights reel. They see the show, and it looks so fun. But it’s a lot of hard work, and you’ve got to love what you do. Some days are long and tiring. You’ve really got to have the passion for it. And don’t give up on yourself. There are so many talented people out there that it didn’t work out for, and they gave up. Don’t give up. There’s a role out there. There’s room for everyone.''
Ben: ''You never know what tomorrow will bring.''
''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' runs from 5 october – 23 november 2025 at the ''Lyric Theatre'', ''QPAC'' in Brisbane.
Link: [X]
Monday, September 29, 2025
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Saturday, September 27, 2025
28/09/25 - ''The Daily Telegraph'' newspaper photoshoot
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Friday, September 26, 2025
26/09/25 - Samantha Jade performing on her Instagram story
''Dangerously In Love'' (Beyoncé cover - Acapella):
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Teaser of an interview of Samantha for the ''Hello Darlink!'' podcast
Premiering tuesday september 30th 2025, on the ''Hello Darlink!'' podcast YouTube channel
Friday, September 19, 2025
19/09/25 - Samantha Jade performing at the ''Halo Ball'' at ''The Fullerton'' hotel in Sydney
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Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Sneak peek behind the scenes of ''Pretty Woman: The Musical''
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13/09/25 - Samantha Jade performing at ''The Nelune Lilac Ball'' in the Grand Ballroom at the ''Four Seasons Hotel'' in Sydney
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Thursday, September 11, 2025
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
26/08/25 - Samantha Jade being interviewed for the ''Sydney Travel Guide'' website
Catch Samantha Jade in ''Pretty Woman: The Musical'' when it makes its australian debut in Brisbane in october before coming to Sydney’s ''Theatre Royal'' in november. We spoke with the star about making her own theatrical debut in the lead role as Vivian Ward.
When Samantha Jade takes the stage later this year, it will mark a major career milestone. The ARIA Award–winning pop star, who rose to fame after winning ''The X Factor Australia'' in 2012, is about to make her professional musical theatre debut—and she’s diving straight in as the lead in ''Pretty Woman: The Musical''.
Samantha will first bring Vivian Ward to life in Brisbane this october, before Sydney audiences get their first taste of her stage debut at ''Theatre Royal'' in november:
''It’s so exciting and i feel so lucky'', she says of the opportunity, ''At my age, to do things that scare you and to jump into a whole new world is kind of rare. Musical theatre is something i’ve always admired, but i’ve also been intimidated by it — the singing, acting and dancing all at once, live every night. It’s next level. I can’t wait to learn from everyone and just be part of this world that I’m such a fan of.''
Finding strength in ''Pretty Woman''
For Samantha, ''Pretty Woman'' is more than just another role. The story holds a special place in her heart:
''My mum was a huge fan of the film and Julie Roberts was one of her favourite actors'', she recalls, saying, ''We would have these little comfort films that we would always watch if it was a rainy day or a movie on the couch kinda day. [''Pretty Woman''] was probably top of the list.''
Last year, the tenth anniversary year of her mother’s passing, Samantha found herself turning to the film for comfort:
''It was a tough year, and i watched ''Pretty Woman'' a lot. When this role came along, it just felt like the timing was meant to be — almost like the universe stepping in.''
Of course, stepping into the role of Vivian Ward comes with a certain weight:
''I mean i’m not gonna try and take on Julia Roberts! She’s one of the best actors of all time in my opinion'', says Samantha. But she’ll be drawing on Roberts’s original portrayal while also putting her own stamp on the iconic character:
''You’d be silly not to draw on certain things [from Julia’s performance], but i think there’s more that i can bring to [the role] in different ways. Like for me, i feel so lucky to get to sing these songs as music is really my way of expressing myself. So it’s about balancing it out: taking some things from her [portrayal] and then putting my own stamp on it.''
Naturally, movies and musicals are very different. On stage, the characters are explored in far more depth, as ''the songs sum up a lot of things you were probably feeling in the movie, but didn’t quite experience.'' Audiences will also see Vivian stepping into her power much more, and also helping Edward step into his own emotions more too.
That’s the magic of live theatre: a familiar story that hits even harder when it’s unfolding right in front of you, complete with soaring, heart-wrenching songs.
For audiences, that means revisiting a beloved classic in a fresh way.
Preparing for the spotlight
They’ve not yet started group rehearsals, but Samantha has begun warming up for the role. The australian director, Liam, said to me:
''In week three, if you’re not pulling your hair out and wondering: ''How am i going to do this?'', you’re doing something wrong.''
She’s also been picking the brain of her co-star — and her Edward — Ben Hall. Also from Perth, Hall has several major musical theatre credits under his belt, including ''Les Misérables'' and ''Only Heaven Knows'':
''He’s been amazing to talk to through the promo process'', she says.
And while the story carries weighty themes, Samantha says audiences can also expect plenty of fun:
''The whole show, i feel, everyone will leave with such a smile on their face because it really is about remembering what your dream is. Everybody has a dream, and you should never give up on that dream — no matter how old you are or what your circumstances might be. The sentiment of the show really is beautiful.''
As our conversation winds to an end, Samantha reflects ''what an honour to originate such an iconic role in my home country?''. From a comfort film she used to watch with her mum, to a brand-new opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and into the next chapter of her career — her excitement is palpable, and it’s clear that this is a production she’s deeply invested in.
Whether you know every line of the film by heart or you’re meeting Vivian and Edward for the very first time, this is one show that is sure to sweep Sydney off its feet when it arrives in november.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
24/08/25 - Photoshoot for ''Stellar'' magazine
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Behind the scenes:
23/08/25 - Samantha Jade performing at the ''Ronald McDonald House Charities' Glitter Ball'' at the ''International Convention & Exhibition Centre'' in Sydney
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Friday, August 22, 2025
Saturday, August 16, 2025
16/08/25 - Samantha Jade performing at the ''Pink Ribbon'' gala ball at the ''Pan Pacific Hotel'' in Perth
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Friday, August 8, 2025
08/08/25 - Samantha Jade performing on her Instagram stories
''It Must Have Been Love'' (Roxette cover - Acapella) from the ''Pretty Woman'' movie soundtrack:
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Samantha Jade's short artist profile video directed by her lttle brother Alex Gibbs
Samantha Jade's little brother Alex Gibbs, directed a video called ''Three hours in a studio'': ''A short artist profile created in real time exploring movement, presence, and instinct in a bare studio space.''
Friday, August 1, 2025
01/08/25 - Samantha Jade performing at the ''Ronald McDonald House'' charity gala at ''Crown Palladium Ballroom'' in Melbourne
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Sunday, July 27, 2025
26/07/2025 - Samantha Jade performing at the tribute of Papua New Guinea's 50th year of independence for the ''Sir Theo Foundation'' at the ''Airways Recreation Park'' in Papua New Guinea
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Thursday, July 24, 2025
24/07/25 - Samantha Jade attending the opening night of ''The Book Of Mormon'' the musical at ''Capitol Theatre'' in Sydney
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