MEDIA RELEASE 14TH AUGUST 2025 - HOLD YOUR HORSES! THE CAST OF PHAR LAP ANNOUNCED
The Cast of Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical announced
Hayes Theatre Co is thrilled to announce a herd of purebred talent for the upcoming World Premiere of Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical, with book, music and lyrics by Steven Kramer and directed by Sheridan Harbridge. This brand-new Australian musical with the biggest heart comes to Hayes Theatre Co from 17 October, and due to huge demand an extra final week of performances has galloped in. Tickets are on sale now from www.hayestheatre.com.au.
With horsepower in spades and charisma to match, the titular role of Phar Lap will be played by New Zealand born but Australian claimed triple threat, Joel Granger (Guys and Dolls, The Book of Mormon). His trainer, Harry Telford, will be played by Justin Smith (Into the Woods, Billy Elliot) with commentary by Manon Gunderson-Briggs (Come From Away) who plays The Announcer. Galloping into the spotlight as Jim Pike, Phar Lap’s leather-cladded jockey, is Shay Debney (The Wizard of Oz). Phar Lap’s owner, David Davis, is played by Nat Jobe (Shrek) and the role of Phar Lap’s brother, Nightmarch, will be played by Wiradjuri performer Lincoln Elliott (Ride the Cyclone). Hayes favourite Amy Hack (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) is Madame X and bringing up the rear as Swing is newcomer Joey Phyland.
Composer Steven Kramer said of this cast, “I’ve been chomping at the bit to announce this hilarious and talented cast. Bringing to life singing and tap-dancing horses, domineering jockeys and fanatical horse-girls, you can bet they’ll have you laughing all night and then falling in love with Australia’s big-hearted equine hero.”
Not just another absurdist, electro-swing musical comedy about a thoroughbred racehorse, Phar Lap is a rags-to-riches story with a big heart. Forget puppets and dazzling effects and suspend your disbelief as an actor swaps his horseshoes for tap shoes to play one of Australia’s most beloved icons.
When an awkward, gangly horse from New Zealand meets a hapless, down-on-his-luck trainer, they embark on a classic underdog story to win the Melbourne Cup, and Australians’ hearts and minds. The road isn’t easy – there are gambling scandals, double-crosses, an attempted shooting and a career-threatening addiction to sugar. It’s high stakes, high drama and highly historically accurate.
Phar Lap boasts an irresistible electro-swing score, with inspirations from Duke Ellington to Daft Punk. Brassy, lively and retro, these songs will take you from the racecourse to the rave hall.
Pop the champagne, harness up and get ready for a wild ride. Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical is the show that will stop the nation!
The musical that stops the nation
WORLD PREMIERE
Directed by Sheridan Harbridge
Not just another absurdist, electro-swing musical comedy about a thoroughbred racehorse, Phar Lap is a rags-to-riches story with a big heart. If you’re thinking elaborate life-size puppetry and dazzling special effects, you couldn’t be more wrong (we don’t have the budget). Suspend your disbelief as an actor swaps his horseshoes for tap shoes to play one of Australia’s most beloved icons.
When an awkward, gangly horse from New Zealand meets a hapless, down-on-his-luck, trainer, they embark on a classic underdog story to win the Melbourne Cup, and Australians’ hearts and minds. The road isn’t easy – there are gambling scandals, double-crosses, an attempted shooting, and a career-threatening addiction to sugar. It’s high stakes, high drama, and highly historically accurate.
Phar Lap boasts an irresistible electro-swing score, with inspirations from Duke Ellington to Daft Punk. Brassy, lively and retro – these songs will take you from the race course to the rave hall.
Pop the champagne, harness up, and get ready for a wild ride.
Event Details:
Dates: 17 October - 22 Nov 2025
Times:
Monday 6:30pm
Tuesday – Saturday 7:30pm
Thursday 1:00pm
Saturday 2:00pm*No matinee performance on Sat 18 Oct
*No matinee performance on Thu 23 Oct
*Post show Q&A on Mon 27 Oct
*Captioned performance on Wed 5 NovDuration: Approx. 90 minutes – no interval
Ages: To be advised.
Location: Hayes Theatre
Warnings: To be advised.
Notes:
Wheelchair AccessibleCaptioned Performance - WED 5 NOV