It’s not often that you see the name of the Australian Shakespeare Company attached to a production like Hair, but after a successful season in Melbourne, this iconic rock musical has made its way around Australia to the Theatre Royal, Sydney. More than fifty years after it first shocked audiences, Hair still feels remarkably relevant, with its themes of war, identity, protest, freedom and youth continuing to resonate.
Set during the Vietnam War era, Hair follows Claude, a young man caught between the expectations of military service and the free-spirited counterculture movement embraced by his tribe of friends. Led by the charismatic Berger, the group challenges authority, celebrates individuality and searches for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Beneath the peace signs, long hair, and psychedelic imagery lies a surprisingly moving story about friendship, loyalty and the cost of choosing one’s own path.
Director Glenn Elston OAM has delivered a vibrant and energetic production that captures the heart of the musical. The production moves at a relentless pace and maintains its sense of joy and rebellion throughout. While the famous LSD sequence is certainly effective, it felt like a missed opportunity not to push further into the surrealism and chaos that the moment invites.
Sue-Ellen Shook’s choreography strikes an interesting balance between period-inspired movement and contemporary musical theatre vocabulary. The result is fresh and accessible for modern audiences while still capturing the communal spirit of the era. The ensemble throws themselves wholeheartedly into every number, creating an infectious energy that sweeps across the stage.
Musically, the production is in excellent hands. Under the direction of Osibi Akerejola, the on-stage band delivers a powerful and authentic rock sound that drives the show forward. Unfortunately, the sound design occasionally works against the performers. During several ensemble numbers, vocals were swallowed by the band, making lyrics difficult to discern. It raises the perennial question: when will sound operators step out from behind the console and actually walk through the auditorium to hear what audiences hear, rather than relying solely on headphones and monitors?
Kaspa’s costumes are a constant delight, bursting with colour, individuality and personality. Every character feels distinct and believable within the world of the tribe. However, the staging often felt a little too contemporary for a musical so intrinsically tied to the 1960s protest movements. More visual references to the era may have strengthened the production’s political impact.
The cast is uniformly excellent, each bringing a unique and memorable personality to the stage. And for those wondering whether that scene remains in the show, rest assured—it certainly does. Rosie Meader delivers a warm and endearing performance as Jeanie, while Jackson McGovern’s Woof is charming throughout. Crowd favourites Maverick Newman as Iris and Madeleine Somers as Herbert nearly steal the show every time they appear, their comic timing proving irresistible.
At the centre of it all are Alex Cooper as Claude and Maxwell Simon as Berger. From the opening moments, the pair establish a compelling partnership, embodying the yin and yang of the story. Cooper brings sincerity and vulnerability to Claude’s journey, while Simon radiates charisma and confidence as Berger. Together they ground the production and provide the emotional core that makes Hair more than just a nostalgic celebration of peace, love and rock ’n’ roll.
This is a joyous, energetic and ultimately moving production that reminds us why Hair remains one of the most influential musicals ever written. It’s a crowd-pleasing production bursting with talent, heart and some truly terrific performances.
– 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.
Hair The Tribal Love-Rock Musical runs for 2 hours and 20 minutes (with a 20-minute interval) and plays at the Theatre Royal Sydney through 12 July 2026. Tickets are available through the Theatre Royal Box Office.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of TS Publicity
Image credit: Daniel Boud
