Every year, I wait with bated breath to see what original Australian musical the Hayes Theatre Company will put forward. In recent seasons, I’ve seen rock-singing country wrestlers, breakdancing zombies, and now – tap-dancing horses? Yes, Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical gallops onto the Hayes stage with all the energy, heart and irreverent Aussie spirit you’d expect from this beloved company.
Even for those unfamiliar with Australia’s horse-racing history, the name “Phar Lap” carries mythic weight – the underdog chestnut who became a national hero during the Great Depression, and whose story is forever tied to “the race that stops the nation.” This new musical takes that legend and runs with it, blending history and humour with plenty of high kicks to create a crowd-pleasing spectacle that’s equal parts hoofbeats and hope.
What's the premise of Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical?
At the centre of the story is Harry Telford (Justin Smith, Into the Woods, The Dismissal, Dubbo Championship Wrestling), a down-on-his-luck trainer who’s never managed to produce a winner. His fortunes change when he stumbles upon Phar Lap (Joel Granger, Guys & Dolls, The Book of Mormon), a New Zealand–born thoroughbred with the makings of a champion. Sensing an opportunity, Telford strikes a precarious deal with the ever-money-hungry David Davis (Nate Jobe, Shrek the Musical).
To get Phar Lap into winning form, the unlikely pair must navigate the horse’s relationship with his jockey Jim Pike (Shay Debney), a fierce rivalry with his half-brother Nightmarch – played with suave charisma by Lincoln Elliott (Ride the Cyclone, The Dismissal) – and the meddling of mysterious gambler Madame X (Amy Hack, Yentl). Manon Gunderson Briggs brings the whole story together as the delightfully boisterous Announcer, guiding us through the complexity of the racing world.
What are the highlights of Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical?
Writer Steven Kramer has developed the book, music and lyrics of Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical, leaning heavily into the great Australian tradition of making fun of those we love most. He deserves credit for the sheer inventiveness of his approach: there’s sultry R’n’B that teases the jockey-horse relationship, classic swing numbers to liven up the races, and even a burst of electronic dance music for an imagined horse rave – complete with sugar highs.
Kramer’s musical is a big swing, but in the hands of director Sheridan Harbridge, it effortlessly finds its tone. From the outset, it’s clear that Kramer and Harbridge are out for laughs, and the production team meets that brief with gusto. The playful lighting by Trent Suidgeest, the intimate yet versatile set design by Hailley Hunt, the quirky choreography from Ellen Simpson, and the cleverly exaggerated costumes by Mason Browne all lean into the show’s satirical spirit. Browne’s costumes, in particular, provide a steady stream of physical comedy and situational mockery that keeps the audience grinning.
The ensemble proves their versatility throughout, slipping seamlessly between roles to populate the bustling, high-stakes world of racing. Their quick character changes, unified energy and razor-sharp timing give the production a lively, ensemble-driven pulse that feels quintessentially Hayes.
Does Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical explore the horse-racing industry's dark sides?
Beneath the irreverence of Kramer’s book, however, runs a more serious undercurrent: a commentary on the horrific treatment of horses within the racing industry, and on capitalism’s relentless cycle of greed that drives us to exploit the very creatures we claim to adore. This deeper thread, while potent in concept, hasn’t quite found its footing on stage.
Too often, these ideas are told rather than shown, leaving them feeling like last-minute additions. Our beloved horse hero becomes the butt of many jokes – clever as they are – but that constant mockery sometimes undermines the audience’s emotional investment. Can we truly root for a character we’re invited to laugh at so relentlessly?
The result is a musical brimming with hubris and humiliation, but still searching for its heart. For a world premiere, though, it’s certainly off to the races – and with a little grooming and some iteration, it could easily take home the cup. The Hayes bet on it, and so would I.
Who is Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical for?
There is a laugh in this show for everyone. So wear your raceday best, grab your favourite bubbly drink and support this original Australian musical. Enjoy the race!
Find out more and book your ticket here.
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