Star of stage and screen Ben Hall will join Samantha Jade in the cast of the upcoming Broadway and West End smash hit Pretty Woman: The Musical, which makes its Australian premiere at the Lyric Theatre – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane, in October, before playing at Theatre Royal Sydney from November 2025.
Based on the iconic film, Ben will play the role of Edward Lewis, famously played by Richard Gere and is joining Samantha Jade, who will play the role made famous across the globe by the much-loved Julia Roberts.
“Ben certainly has the charm, charisma and talent to step into the role that made Richard Gere so recognisable around the world. When we first heard him sing at the auditions though, we knew that Australian audiences would instantly be besotted by him,” said Producer Suzanne Jones of JONES Theatrical Group.
Born and raised in Perth, Ben is best known for his series regular role as Ned Willis on Neighbours and his leading role in the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey. He is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and most recently toured on stage as Sam Phillips in Elvis: A Musical Revolution. His other musical theatre credits include Boublil & Schönberg’s Les Misérables and the beloved Australian production Only Heaven Knows.
On screen, Ben has appeared in acclaimed dramas including the role of Mark Waugh in Warnie, Alan Fitzgerald in Love Child and Phillip ‘Pin’ Brock in Brock, as well as roles in Total Control (Season 3), ANZAC Girls and Devil’s Playground alongside Toni Collette. Ben will also feature in the upcoming Liam Neeson film, The Mongoose.
The Broadway and West End smash hit musical Pretty Woman: The Musical features music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, alongside Jim Vallance. The musical broke box office records at the Nederlander Theatre when making its Broadway debut in 2018 and has also wowed audiences in Spain, Italy, Poland and Germany as well as an extended West End season.
Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages – and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way – in a sensational show that took London’s West End by storm, guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart.
With a blazing rock score from GRAMMY® winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (Summer of ’69, Heaven), direction and choreography by Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray) and a book by the original movie’s director Garry Marshall & screenwriter J.F. Lawton, a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway ensures you’ll have a pretty magical time at Pretty Woman: The Musical.
Further casting announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
Pretty Woman: The Musical will play the Lyric Theatre – QPAC, Brisbane, from 5 October, before heading to Theatre Royal Sydney from November 2025. For more information, visit: www.prettywomanthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Samantha Jade and Ben Hall to star in Pretty Woman: The Musical (supplied)