29/05/2026
Photox was fortunate to be invited along to photograph the media launch for The Sapphires at the Canberra Theatre Centre yesterday.
The preview was short and sweet, but even from those few songs, you could immediately hear the raw and powerful vocal talent throughout the cast.
This new production is a collaboration between the Canberra Theatre Centre and Queensland Theatre Company, bringing one of Australia's most beloved musicals back to the stage under the direction of Wesley Enoch.
Based on the true story of four Yorta Yorta women who took their music from country Australia to the front lines of Vietnam, The Sapphires is packed with heart, humour and some of the greatest soul classics ever written.
The cast features Jack Bannister (Dave Lovelace), Ruby Henaway (Cynthia McCrae), Cameron Leonard (Robby), Aurora Liddle-Christie (Kay McCrae), Garret Lyon (Jimmy), Tehya Makani (Julie McCrae), Chris Nguyen (Joe) and Taeg Twist (Gail McCrae).
Behind the scenes, the production is brought to life by writer Tony Briggs, director Wesley Enoch, musical director Nathaniel Andrew, choreographer Yolande Brown, set and costume designer Richard Roberts, lighting designer Ben Hughes, video designer Craig Wilkinson, sound designer and sound system designer Isaac Ogilvie, assistant director Chenoa Deemal, fight choreographer NJ Price, intimacy coordinator Andrea Moor, vocal coach Naomi Andrew, stage manager Yanni Dubler and assistant stage manager Lialize du Plessis.
If yesterday's performance was anything to go by, Canberra audiences are in for something pretty special.
The Sapphires runs from 30 May - 7 June 2026, with tickets available via the Canberra Theatre Centre.