UPDATE: Excitement is building as 20-year-old Madidi McKenzie gears up to star as Anne Hathaway in the highly anticipated jukebox musical & Juliet, set to run at Lighthouse Theatre in Warrnambool from January 3-10, 2026. This reimagining of the classic Romeo & Juliet promises to captivate audiences with its fresh take on a timeless tale.
McKenzie, a talented performer from Camperdown, has been a part of the Holiday Actors troupe since she was just 13. Her journey in the performing arts began much earlier, influenced by her siblings and parents, who have long been involved in local theatre productions. “It’s always been a part of my life and I’ve grown up loving it,” McKenzie shared.
While the stage feels like a second home to her, McKenzie recalls a memorable incident that tested her composure. During a performance of Freaky Friday in 2024, she accidentally stepped onto stage without her bike shorts. “I had to do a whole scene just in my dance tights,” she laughed. “There was a moment where I thought, ‘do I run off stage or do I just fake it till you make it?’ I just went with it.” This humorous mishap has since become a cherished memory for the young actress.
As McKenzie prepares for this significant role, fellow performer Iesha Kenna, 21, reflects on her journey with the troupe. Kenna, who will be performing in her final show after joining in the 2018 production of Wicked, describes & Juliet as a “heartwarming” experience that encourages audiences to think deeply about life. “It’s really emotional and it helps people to maybe think deeper about things they might not have thought about before,” she stated.
The upcoming production, directed by Ashley Rogers-Brigden, is expected to be a standout event in the local theatre scene. As anticipation builds, both McKenzie and Kenna are eager for audiences to experience the magic of & Juliet.
Stay tuned for further updates as the performance dates approach, and be ready to witness a unique twist on a beloved classic that promises to resonate with the Warrnambool community.
