Once On This Island is a musical retelling of a Caribbean folktale, loosely inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid, in a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and transformative.

Directed by Gumbaynggirr and Turkish storyteller, Brittanie Shipway (Waltzing the Wilarra) the show reimagines the Olivier Award-winning story, based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy. The production reconceptualises the Broadway classic with cultural depth and authenticity. “The text is a work of art,” says Shipway:  It’s one of those shows that sits within the musical theatre cannon and yet outside of it.”

Sent on a journey by the gods to test the power of love, and death, Thalia Osegueda Santos, as Ti Moune is undoubtedly the star of the show. She’s captivating from the moment she bounds onstage. Early in the piece, Costume Designer Rita Naidu orchestrates onstage magic: a bubble skirt cleverly conceals a ripcord waistband that falls out into a full, tiered circle skirt. It’s a highlight moment in the show—Ti Moune twirling into transformation before the audience’s eyes. As she spins, her long coiled hair unravels, and she shifts from child to vivacious young woman.

Whilst she looks perfect for the part, it’s clear her appearance isn’t why she got this role. Lynn Ahrens’ lyrics and emotive melodies Stephen Flaherty sore in Santos. Her powerhouse of a voice is reminiscent of Christina Anu, especially when she hits the high notes. While her vocals sometimes overpower her co-star Alexander Tye (Daniel), her duet with her Zahrah Andrews (Mama Euralie) is energetic and vibrant.

During our interview, Shipway made it clear that audiences expecting a Broadway-style revival will be in for a surprise. “I didn’t want to cast a group of people that had to pretend they were from the Caribbean.” Instead, the cast includes performers from islands around the world—Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand and Aboriginal communities. Each performs in their own accent, wearing costumes that acknowledge where they’ve come from. “Cultural storytelling is not cheap entertainment—it is vital, it’s the lifeblood to culture. It has language, morals and ethics,” says Shipway.

This is Shipway’s directorial debut, though she’s no stranger to collaboration. She previously worked with all three of the show’s producers: Stephen Kramer was the music director for The Dismissal, Keith Murr produced Big Fish (her first professional performance credit), and Sam Dukka works at the Hayes. That sense of creative solidarity is evident throughout the production.

Nick Fryand’s set is a visual playground. Movable shipping crates become raised stages and climbing structures. The clever staging provides the actors with hidden trap doors and dynamic spaces to leap and dance over.

Lighting Designer Veronique Bennett heightens scenes with moody, ethereal colours and created a standout moment of shadow play, using a simple giant-sized bedsheet stretched across the stage to create a story of the island’s history and the social divide between the peasants and the wealthy—a tale as old as time.

Another highlight is a cleverly staged car scene, conveyed through handheld headlights, cast choreography, and soundscape. The design team—Dylan Pollard (Musical Director) and Christine Pan (Sound Designer), weave ambient sounds with tribal beats, crashing ocean waves, and carolling of birds to immerse the audience in the life of the island.

Shipway shares how Choreographer Leah Howard created a safe environment for all of the cast to bring in their cultural dance practices. “I wept the first time I saw it—it’s so beautiful, what they came up.” 

Afro-Latina performer Santos once again bewitches the audience—especially when she lets loose, and dances, the folds of her skirt and her long hair becoming part of the movements, her foot stomps syncing rhythmically with the drums.

In this age of female empowerment, some of Ti Moune’s actions are questionable, but if you look beyond this aspect, the show is sensational. The cast, creative and fable all come together to provide a joyful, exuberant musical escape.

4.5 stars.

Run time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (no interval)

Once On This Island is playing now at Hayes Theatre Co, Sydney until 31 August 2025. 

Presented by Curveball Creative with Hayes. For tickets visit Hayes Theatre Co

A Conversation with Brittanie Shipway (Director/Playwright)

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