Samantha Jade is stepping out of her comfort zone for Pretty Woman The Musical – here’s what she has to say

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 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.

Pretty Woman: The Musical

When: From November 30, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000
Tickets: From $69 per person

For more information visit prettywomanthemusical.com.au