Phar Lap: The Electro Swing Musical has just rounded the first corner and is heading into the straight at the Hayes Theatre, already getting the crowd on its feet cheering it on.
This home-grown musical, about an almost home-grown equine hero that won the nation’s heart around a 100 years ago, is proving that it has the legs to last the distance.
The unlikely idea of mounting Phar Lap as a musical began as a workshop idea four years ago at the Hayes (Steven Kramer), during which time it has developed into a fully fleshed production that is at once endearing and at times challenging as it tackles universal themes of loyalty, greed, power and lasting friendship.
At first Phar Lap takes a big stretch of the imagination as the horses are played by humans wearing caps with ears, but this is quickly forgotten the moment the hapless and naive New Zealand import, Phar Lap (Joel Granger), opens his mouth to trainer Harry Telford (Justin Smith), who sees the almost two-year-old as having potential.
Enter David Davis (Nat Jobe), playing the first villain of the piece who strikes a partnership with Telford regarding the horse’s future.
One big danger sign already is that this deal is verbal, with no documentation.
Opening with archival footage of the real Phar Lap we get a sense of just how the nation took this horse to its heart, almost like a Taylor Swift of the day.
The opening scenes also introduce us to the Announcer (Manon Gunderson Briggs), the linking device through the musical who absolutely dazzles with her rapid fire account of the Great Depression and how Phar Lap became the one ray of sunshine in their gloomy lives.
We are also introduced to other horses in the stables, especially Phar Lap’s half-brother Nightmarch (Lincoln Elliott).
Enter Madame X, played by the indefatigable Amy Hack, who’s wealth is derived from gambling and possibly race rigging. She immediately sees an ally in Davis, and we know where that is going to lead.
The narrative is studded with songs, also by Kramer, that underline the important moments, such as The Race That Stops the Nation, and very importantly, We’ll Stick Together Like Glue which underscores the bond between Phar Lap and Telford after they have been through a testing time.
Phar Lap would not work if it were not for the believability of the relationship between the horse and Telford.
Granger pulls this off with great dexterity as he swings from naivety to distrust and later, as he gains belief in himself, assuredness and strength. His connectivity with Telford gives an added dimension to the show.
Shay Debney almost steals the show with his leatherman interpretation of Phar Lap’s rider, Jim Pike, sticking to his ride like glue.
Besides his role as Nightmarch, Elliott also has a standout role as Andy the bookie, while Jobe shines in other roles, including that of a diminutive jockey waiting in the wings.
Director Sheridan Harbridge has been with Phar Lap since early development, and it shows in this show with her assured hand evident throughout the production, while choreographer Ellen Simpson has the ensemble and cast hoofing like a team of Broadway pros.
Under the hand of arranger and orchestrator Jack Earle, Kramer’s music and lyrics are given a modern treatment that sees techno fused with the swing of the day.
On Hailley Hunt’s set, Phar Lap brings to life the full gamut of characters expected at the track and we get a broad sweep of human emotions mixed with those of the equine stars that are often overlooked in the pursuit of our pleasure.
As the Melbourne Cup looms, Phar Lap is a chance to have a great laugh, be dazzled by artistry, bond with each other and remember there was a time when a horse united the nation.
Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical
Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Elizabeth Bay (Sydney)
Performance: Monday 27 October 2025
Season continues to 22 November 2025
Information and Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au
Images: The Cast of Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical – photo by John McCrae | Justin Smith and Joel Granger – photo by John McCrae | Lincoln Elliott and Joel Granger – photo by John McCrae | The Cast of Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical – photo by John McCrae
Review: John Moyle