The Quick Five with the cast of Bright Star

What should audiences expect from Bright Star? When is it coming to Sydney and what makes this musical unique? We heard from some of the cast for a Quick Five ahead of its NSW premiere.

Presented by Sport for Jove Theatre Company in association with Hayes Theatre Co, the musical adaptation of Bright Star is set to be SfJ’s first musical production. With music, book and story by Steve Martin, and music, lyrics and story by Edie Brickell, the inspiring muiscal Bright Star is drawn from a true story and features a Tony-nominate score. Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s.

When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past, and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.

Ahead of its Sydney premiere, we heard from cast members Deirdre Khoo (she/her), Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward (he/they), Kaya Byrne (he/him), and Hannah McInerney (she/her) for a Quick Five Q&A.

With a stunning cast of actor/musicians, helmed by co-directors Miranda Middleton (she/her) and Damien Ryan (he/him), Bright Star is set to take over the Hayes Theatre space with its stunning melodies and powerfully moving characters that is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.

Read the full Quick Five Q&A below, then head over to Hayes Theatre’s website to book your tickets to the season which runs from the 5th September.

Describe your role in Bright Star in three words

Deirdre Khoo: Girlboss, confident and self-assured

Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward: Intelligent, passionate, naive 

Kaya Byrne: earthy, loving, hothead

Hannah McInerney: Fiery, resilient, and true-hearted.

Which song grabs you the most in Bright Star?

KB: ‘I Can’t Wait’ is such a beautiful song about the excitement and apprehension of becoming a parent. It’s hard to pick a favourite but this one really grabs me every time!

HM: ‘Ashevill’e. The music is so beautiful, and Genevieve Goldman’s voice is absolutely angelic.

CBH: Probably’ I Had a Vision’ especially with the beautiful performances Hannah and Kaya are giving. 

DK: ‘Sun’s Gonna Shine Again’. Because it always does

What makes Bright Star unique as a musical?

HM: Definitely the bluegrass music. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell are geniuses.

DK: Actor-muso BLUEGRASS FOLK!!!

KB: Bright Star’s uniqueness comes from the scope of emotion throughout its scenes. It manages to jump constantly between raw human moments and uplifting comedy, just like a Steve Martin film.

CBH: Other than its music, probably its perfect balance of wit and heart

What’s one thing you love about your fellow cast?

CBH: Everyone is so kind and generous both on and off stage!

KB: This cast has such a wonderful sense of play. It’s honestly such a dream getting to create alongside them and to watch their beautiful work!

HM: Their talent blows me away! They can play just about every instrument under the sun. Some of them even play four instruments in the one show!

DK: They’re too talented for the world AND such kind souls!!

What’s one thing you would tell audiences about to come and see the show?

DK: Don’t search up the storyline, let yourself get immersed in the narrative of it!

CBH: I’d tell audiences to come with an open heart and be ready to laugh and cry. 

KB: This show will take you on an incredible journey, and I’m sure these songs (performed by a killer troupe of actor/musicians) will be stuck in your head for a long time.

HM: You’ll laugh, cry, and probably want to pick up a banjo by the end.

Event Name: Bright Star
Presenter: Sport for Jove Theatre Company
Location: Hayes Theatre Company
Dates: Fri 5th September – Sun 5th October 2025
Tickets: $75 – $89