There’s something deliciously fitting about THE PROM landing at the Teatro at the Italian Forum in Leichhardt — a musical about inclusion, ego, and the transformative power of theatre finding a home in a venue that feels both grand and intimate. This Australian premiere is a joyous, sharply executed production that leans into the heart and humour of the piece while showcasing the depth of talent within the company.
For those unfamiliar, THE PROM follows a group of fading Broadway stars who descend upon a small Indiana town to champion a high school student, Emma Nolan, who simply wants to take her girlfriend to the prom. What begins as a performative act of self-interest quickly evolves into something more genuine, as the characters confront their own biases and insecurities. It’s a story that balances satire with sincerity, and in the right hands, it lands with both bite and warmth — which it certainly does here.
Direction by Andrew Bevis and Nathan M. Wright is effective, striking a confident tonal balance between the show’s broad comedy and its more grounded emotional beats. They clearly trust both the material and their cast, allowing moments to breathe where needed while keeping the pacing buoyant and engaging. The storytelling is clean and easy to follow, ensuring the show’s message never feels heavy-handed, even as it resonates strongly.
Nathan M. Wright’s choreography is tight, energetic, and well-suited to the space. The ensemble work is particularly impressive, with numbers delivered with precision and a sense of joy that radiates into the audience. There’s a polish here that speaks to a well-drilled company, but it never feels mechanical — instead, it feels alive and celebratory.
Musically, the production is in very safe hands with Bev Kennedy. The orchestra delivers a full, vibrant sound that supports the performers, and the vocal work across the cast is consistently strong. Harmonies are crisp, solos are assured, and the score’s infectious energy is carried beautifully from pit to stage. Sound balance meant that at times the harmonies overpowered the melody.
Nick Fry’s set is eye-catching and highly functional, making excellent use of the Teatro’s unique layout. Scene transitions are smooth, and the design supports the storytelling effectively. The glitter walls, while visually striking, do occasionally prove a distraction, with reflections sometimes revealing offstage movement. It’s a minor quibble in an otherwise thoughtful design.
The cast is where this production truly shines, blending experienced lead performers with emerging ensemble talent from the company’s THEatreBRIDGE program. Scott Irwin is pitch-perfect as Principal Hawkins, bringing warmth, sincerity, and a grounded presence that anchors the story. Bella McSporran is thoroughly entertaining as Angie Dickinson, delivering charisma and comedic flair in equal measure. Brendan Monger leans fully into the flamboyance of Barry Glickman, earning some of the biggest laughs of the night with impeccable timing.
However, the evening undeniably belongs to Sophie Montague as Emma Nolan. Their performance is a standout, combining powerhouse vocals with a beautifully observed vulnerability that makes Emma’s journey deeply affecting. It’s a performance of both strength and nuance, and one that lingers well after the curtain call. Alongside them, Caroline O’Connor is a force as Dee Dee Allen, relishing every moment of the character’s narcissistic theatricality. She commands the stage with ease, drawing repeated bursts of laughter while never losing sight of the character’s eventual growth.
This production of THE PROM is a triumph — vibrant, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining. It’s a celebration of community, authenticity, and the joy of live performance, brought to life by a company clearly passionate about the work they’re doing. For a night out in Sydney, you’d be hard-pressed to find something more uplifting.
– The other Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is an international performer and has established himself as a trusted theatre specialist on the Sydney Arts Scene. While he understands the technical side of theatre, Dan writes for the everyday theatregoer (unlike some of those more prominent publications). When not in the audience, he loves to travel the world and try new gins.
THE PROM runs for 2 hours 25 minutes (with a 20-min interval) and plays at Teatro at the Italian Forum through 19 April 2026. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of SLIP Publicity.
Image credit: Robert Miniter
