Once On This Island at Hayes Theatre: Review

I don't think I have words big enough to describe how beautiful this show is but I’ll try. Once On This Island at The Hayes is pure magic. From the first beat to the final bow, I was absolutely blown away. It’s one of those shows that leaves you grinning through tears, clutching your heart, and wondering how on earth you’ll go back to real life afterward.

Directed with incredible heart by Brittanie Shipway, this production draws on its Caribbean origins while embracing the rich cultural melting pot that is Australia and honouring our first storytellers, breathing fresh life into an already beloved classic. The result is something that feels deeply personal, electric, and alive. This isn’t just a revival. It’s a reimagining. A celebration of identity, legacy, and the power of community. And I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything quite like it on an Australian stage.

Credit David Hooley

This cast. Where do I even begin? Thalia Osegueda Santos is a total revelation as Ti Moune. She fills the stage with loud, infectious joy, and her voice is crystal clear, emotionally charged, and endlessly expressive. She lights up the stage and holds it with such joyful intensity that you can’t look away. And her magical quick change? Utter perfection. It’s a moment that captures everything this story is about, transformation, growth, and the courage to step into your future.

Zahrah Andrews as Mama Euralie completely floored me. Her voice is so rich, so stirring, that it sent me straight into another universe. She brings both warmth and steel to the role and I was enraptured by every moment she was on stage. Where has she been hiding? Truly.

Sione Mafi Latu as Ton Ton Julian is another standout, bringing both depth and humour to the role with a decadent, soul-soaked voice that wraps around you like a hug. I could have listened to him sing all night.

And the gods. Wow. Paula Parore (Asaka), Googoorewon Knox (Agwe), Cypriana Singh (Erzulie), and Rebecca Verrier (Papa Ge) each brought something wildly unique and powerful to the stage. Their vocals were phenomenal, yes, but it was the way their individual heritages and personalities were woven into their characters that really took it to the next level. They didn’t just play gods. They were gods.

Paula Parore: Credit David Hooley

Alexander Tye shines as Daniel, a role that requires both emotional depth and vocal finesse. His silken, soaring voice carries the weight of the story with effortless grace and genuine warmth. His chemistry with the rest of the cast adds another layer of heart to an already rich production.

The ensemble, Paul Leandre Escorrido, Chaya Ocampo, Sebastian Nelson, and Sara Camara, is stacked with talent. Each performer brought vibrant storytelling and incredible physicality to every moment. There’s a real sense of generosity in this company, and the way they hold the space together is nothing short of stunning.

Leah Howard’s choreography is alive and bursting with meaning. It draws from a range of cultural influences but never feels performative or surface level. Every movement feels rooted, expressive, and joyful. Paired with Rita Naidu’s gorgeous costume design, which reflects each actor’s heritage in subtle and beautiful ways, the entire production feels like a living, breathing piece of art. And that quick change for Santos was the cherry on top. Seamless and symbolic.

Nick Fry’s set design makes brilliant use of The Hayes’ space. It’s functional, flexible, and visually striking, creating a sense of place that shifts and evolves right alongside the story. Dylan Pollard’s musical direction brings the whole piece together with warmth and drive. The band is tight, the vocals are soaring, and the music pulses with life throughout.

There is so much love in every inch of this production. It’s built on trust, collaboration, and deep creative care. Once On This Island is the kind of theatre we need more of in Australia, work that reflects the richness of our cultural tapestry, that opens doors and tells stories with heart and authenticity. I cannot wait to see where each of these performers goes from here. This show is packed with some of the most exciting talent I’ve seen in years.

It’s vibrant, heartfelt, and wildly moving. A production filled to the brim with joy, power, and purpose. This is the kind of theatre that stays with you. Do not miss it.

5 Stars!

Once On This Island plays at Hayes Theatre until August 31. Grab tickets here!