Liam Head is Australia’s Fiyero!
In the vibrant world of musical theatre, few productions have achieved the level of success and adoration as Wicked.
Set in the enchanting Land of Oz, the musical tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch before Dorothy’s arrival. Exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the power of perception, Wicked has resonated with audiences around the globe, becoming a timeless classic since its 2003 Broadway premiere.
Australians will once again have the chance to transport to Oz, with Wicked opening at Sydney’s Lyric theatre from August. Among the star-studded cast is the accomplished Liam Head, who continues to rise up the musical theatre ladder.
Liam is an accomplished performer and creative hailing from Brisbane. With a string of impressive theatrical credits to his name, Liam has showcased his talent and versatility both on and off stage, as both an actor in major professional productions, and producing with his own company The Head Bros. He made his breakout performance as Nick Healy in the recent Australian tour of Jagged Little Pill, and is excited to be adding Fiyero, arguably one of the most desired leading man roles in the theatre canon, to his rapidly growing CV.
For many performers, Wicked is the absolute dream show. How are you feeling about being part of theatre history?
Liam: I’m absolutely stoked. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I’d be here, let alone so quick. It’s everything a 12 year old musical theatre lover could ask for! I’ve known Wicked for the longest time – it was probably one of the shows that got me into musical theatre, such a bucket list show, so it’s such a privilege to be a part of this cast.
Do you see any of yourself in Fiyero?
Liam: I think it doesn’t matter who you play, you know, no matter how sinister or how wonderful a character is, there’s always a part of yourself in there. And I think that’s the best part about theatre, or the best part about art, is that everyone is good, everyone is bad, and then we just play on those kind of parts. I mean, I’m a country boy from Brisbane who loves the Broncos. I don’t come from money, but there will always be similarities that we have with our characters.
The cast of this production is made up of a wonderful combination of up-and-coming actors, as well as some of Australia’s most prolific performers. How have you found working with everyone?
Liam: It’s an absolute treat. To have the opportunity to work alongside people like Robyn Nevin and Todd McKenney. Courtney [Monsma] and I went to the same uni and we’ve been in touch over the years, but to actually be able to do work together is very exciting. And above all of that, I think the thing that excites me the most is the community that you build and the friendships you form. I remember the first time for Jagged [Little Pill] we all got in a circle and they made you feel so special. And it is special. It’s a really exciting time, and maybe I’ll have some wisdom to share even though I’m still learning myself.
Do you have a favourite song or moment in the show?
Liam: A favourite moment in the show… I like this one line that Boq sings towards the end. I’m pretty sure it’d be spoiling the show if I said what it was, and I’ve been told that I’m not allowed to do that [laughs]. As for my own songs, Fiyero’s songs, I’m very much looking forward to singing “As Long as You’re Mine.” I think that is just such a beautiful song, the harmonies are great, and you get to throw absolutely everything at it and you leave everything on the stage. It’s going to be heaps of fun.
Why do you think Wicked still resonates with audiences 20 years after its Broadway debut?
Liam: It’s got everything. It’s got the romance. It’s got the action. I think it’s particularly important right now, with the politics of the world, which we’re always going to have. We’re always going to have propaganda. We’re always going to have contrasting opinions. We’re always going to have the idea of ‘fake news.’ It’s still a problem that we’re facing today, so to be able to remind our audiences of that within a fictional world, and how we how we could possibly address those issues, hopefully it’s a lesson that they will take away to their own lives, their own conversations, the voting box, all of those things.
Wicked The Musical opens at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre from August.
For tickets and more information, visit wickedthemusical.com.au
