Ben Hall has been announced as Edward Lewis, the role made famous by Richard Gere, in the upcoming Australian production of “Pretty Woman: The Musical”.
He will star alongside Samantha Jade, who takes on the iconic Julia Roberts role in this Broadway and West End hit.
Producer Suzanne Jones of Jones Theatrical Group expressed her confidence in Hall’s casting, stating: “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.”
Perth-born Hall is perhaps best known to Australian audiences for his series regular role as Ned Willis on “Neighbours.” His diverse career includes the leading role in Michael Gracey’s Robbie Williams biopic “Better Man” and various stage performances, including as Sam Phillips in “Elvis: A Musical Revolution.” A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Hall’s previous musical theatre credits include “Les Misérables” and “Only Heaven Knows.”
His screen career features roles in notable Australian productions including playing Mark Waugh in “Warnie,” Alan Fitzgerald in “Love Child,” and Phillip ‘Pin’ Brock in “Brock.” Hall will also appear in the upcoming Liam Neeson film “The Mongoose.”
Jade, who first rose to prominence after winning “X Factor” in 2012, brings significant star power to the production. With 91 million streams and 2.3 million sales worldwide, her music career includes collaborations with Pitbull and her album “NINE,” which reached #2 on the ARIA charts. Her screen credits include portraying Kylie Minogue in the TV miniseries “INXS: Never Tear Us Apart” and a recurring role in “Home & Away,” Most recently, she was runner-up on the 2024 season of “Dancing With The Stars” and released her single “Peachy.”
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” features music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, with direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. The production has already enjoyed successful runs on Broadway, in London’s West End and across Europe, breaking box office records at the Nederlander Theatre during its 2018 Broadway debut.
The musical adaptation of the 1990 romantic comedy tells the story of Vivian and Edward’s unexpected romance, promising to bring the beloved characters to life in a fresh, theatrical experience. With its rock score featuring the talents of Adams and Vallance, and a book by the original film’s director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton, the production combines the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway.
Described as a “dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages”, “Pretty Woman: The Musical” promises to bring the iconic characters to life in a fresh new way, backed by a “blazing rock score” that includes Adams’ renowned songwriting talents.
Additional casting announcements are expected in the coming weeks.