Rewrite Your Story: & Juliet Bursts onto Geelong’s Playhouse Stage in March 2026

What if Juliet’s ending wasn’t the end? What if, instead of tragedy, she chose a second chance? This March, CentreStage invites you to witness one of the boldest reimaginings of Shakespeare’s work ever staged. The Tony Award-winning musical sensation & Juliet will light up the Playhouse Theatre at Geelong Arts Centre from 13 to 28 March 2026—and you don’t want to miss it.

Featuring the biggest pop hits of the last three decades by global songwriting icon Max Martin (Roar, Since U Been Gone, ...Baby One More Time, Can't Stop the Feeling), and a razor-sharp book by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), this musical flips the script—literally. Juliet lives, laughs, sings, and dances her way through heartbreak, identity, and self-discovery with her best friends at her side and a soundtrack that will shake the walls of the Playhouse.

But this isn’t just a show about rewriting history—it’s a show about reclaiming power, voice, and authenticity. At its heart, & Juliet celebrates what it means to live truthfully and joyfully in all your complexity. That’s why this CentreStage production is deeply committed to reflecting the show’s core values through its people, practices, and creative approach.

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A Creative Team Fuelled by Inclusivity, Energy, and Vision

CentreStage has assembled one of its most exciting and diverse creative teams to date. At the helm is Matthew Henderson, a theatre veteran with more than 25 years’ experience working with Disney Theatricals on global productions like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Frozen. Following his acclaimed direction of Come From Away in 2025,

Matthew brings both cinematic vision and emotional nuance to the staging of & Juliet.

Choreography is led by Natalya Munro, whose recent work on RENT and Come From Away was lauded for its intensity and storytelling clarity. In 2021, Natalya was recognised at the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Awards winning for Mamma Mia. Her movement vocabulary is a thrilling blend of modern dance, theatrical finesse, and commercial edge, promising choreography that is as fierce as it is meaningful.

Musical direction comes from Britteny Ling, a world-travelled musician and multi-instrumentalist who brings both pop precision and theatrical flair. Britteny’s live arrangements will honour Max Martin’s iconic sound while amplifying it with a fresh, dynamic band that lifts every vocal line to new heights.

Overseeing vocal performance is Sallyanne Cowdell, a longtime leader in Geelong’s theatre scene and music education spaces. Her approach to vocals centres on stamina, technique, and character-driven expression—perfectly suited to the powerhouse score of & Juliet.

Behind the scenes, Brett Greenwood and David Greenwood OAM will co-produce the season, building on their shared legacy of producing groundbreaking regional theatre. Brett brings experience in costume design, staging, and logistics, while David—whose Order of Australia Medal recognises his leadership in arts education and community engagement—ensures the production is resourced, supported, and ambitious in scope.

A Production That Reflects Our Community

In staging & Juliet, CentreStage is proud to honour the spirit of the show by affirming and celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories, cultural diversity, and inclusive representation across its cast, crew, and creative leadership. This is not just a theme—it’s a practice embedded into the production's casting process, storytelling approach, and community outreach. CentreStage will continue its commitment to partnering with local schools, youth groups, and First Nations organisations to ensure the creative process is accessible, educational, and empowering for all. Workshops, talkbacks, and behind-the-scenes access will extend the life of the production beyond the stage—giving young people in the Geelong region a chance to engage directly with professional theatre-making.

The staging itself promises to be a visual spectacle: think neon lights, electric colour palettes, sharp choreography, live on-stage musicians, and unexpected shifts between classical imagery and full-scale pop concert energy. Whether you're seeing it for the empowering story, the unmatched soundtrack, or the sheer spectacle of it all, & Juliet is a theatre experience like no other.

& Juliet runs from 13 to 28 March 2026 at the Playhouse Theatre, Geelong Arts Centre.Tickets are on sale now via www.geelongartscentre.org.au or by calling 1300 251 200.

Auditions will open soon for performers aged 18 and over, with details to be released via www.centrestage.org.au and CentreStage’s social media platforms.

This production of & Juliet is loud, proud, and unapologetically bold. It’s about breaking free, rewriting endings, and claiming joy—no matter who you are or where you come from.

Geelong, get ready to sing louder, dance harder, and feel more than you ever have in a theatre. Juliet’s just getting started.

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For up to date audition and production announcements, follow us on @centrestageaus