An unlikely mix of an Elizabethan play set in a mythical kingdom with a soundtrack by the all-girl group The Go-Go’s has received a rapturous reception on its opening at the Hayes Theatre Co.
From the pen of Jeff Whitty, and loosely based on the 16th century long prose Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney, Head Over Heels brings camp and non-binary queerness to a truncated story driven by the pulsing beats of the eighties LA rockers, The Go-Go’s.
The story is complex, but briefly, involves the King of Arcadia and his retinue embarking on a journey to save their world, and along the way they undergo multiple transformations of their identities and love interests.
Opening strongly to The Go-Go’s signature song We Got The Beat, we are introduced to many of the main characters as they discuss keeping the beat in the kingdom alive, before setting out to finding it.
Early on we are introduced to Musidorus (Adam Noviello), who at this stage is a shepherd who has designs on King Basilius’ daughter, Philoclea (Jenni Little).
Even though the Basilius (Thomas Campbell) thinks that he will be unable to provide former, Musidorus follows anyway, eventually finding a magic box of theatrical props that belonged to a long dead theatre troupe.
The prophecy dictates that once four flags fall the kingdom is lost, and it is the duty of Dametus (Nancy Denis) to collect them, as the wandering troupe are dazed and confused with gender swaps, adulterous deceits and fatal duels from within.
At the heart of the story is Pamela (Lucy Lalor), the oldest daughter of the King and his wife Gynecia (J Ridler), who also happens to be the most beautiful female in the land.
Eventually the group realise that they have come full circle in their journey and the power, or beat, is within, no matter what the changes they have undergone are.
Director Ellen Simpson has somehow made sense and light of this incredibly dense script, to the point that we can identify with the characters and follow what is unfolding.
On opening night, the audience found an instant affinity with Lucy Lalor, who was filling in the central role of Pamela for Shannen Alyce Quan.b Lalor brought a sense of glamour and strong voice to the role, particularly her solo, How Much More.
As Basilius, Campbell did not always hit the role with strength, but really shone in Cool Jerk as he strutted the stage. J Ridler brings a display of glamour and reflection to her Gynecia, while Jenni Little also shines with their Philociea.
Gaz Dutlow’s Pythio is also outstanding, delivering more than a touch of humour and reflection as needed. Another fully engaging character is Adam Noviello as the shepherd Musidorus, who later undergoes a gender change, with their dance moves in the ensemble pieces to kill for.
Another character who the audience fell in love with is Nancy Denis, who only needs a prop moustache to become Dametus. Mopsa, also a central character, is well played by Minerva Khodabande.
Rounding out the cast are Ellen Ebbs and Alana Iannace, who help deliver a rousing version of Our Lips Are Sealed and assist with scenery changes and dance moves.
Special note must be made for the live band of Danielle Colligan (guitar), Daniel Billing (guitar), Gen Campbell (bass) and Libby Scott (drums), under the musical direction of Zara Stanton (keyboards). With the banging soundtrack, choreographer Ryan Gonzalez has plenty to work with and makes the cast shine.
On the night the chorus vocals appeared to be slightly undercooked, particular on the rising notes, when some of the cast at times competing with each other, instead of melding.
All up Head Over Heels is an absolute cracker of a night out, guaranteed to engage and a great affirmation of queer and non-binary roles during the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebrations.
Head Over Heels
Hayes Theatre Co. 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Elizabeth Bay (Sydney)
Performance: Wednesday 25 February 2026
Season continues to 22 March 2026
Information and Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au
Images: Thomas Campbell, J Ridler, Adam Noviello, Jenni Little, Gaz Dutlow, Nancy Denis, Shannen Alyce Quan and Minerva Khodabande in Head Over Heels – photo by Kate Williams | Adam Noviello and Thomas Campbell in Head Over Heels – photo by Kate Williams | Thomas Campbell, Jenni Little, Nancy Denis, Shannen Alyce Quan, Adam Noviello, J Ridler and Gaz Dutlow in Head Over Heals – photo by Kate Williams | Minerva Khodabande and the Company of Head Over Heals – photo by Kate Williams
Review: John Moyle