Samantha Jade Honors Mother's Memory in Pretty Woman The Musical Role
Perth-raised performer Samantha Jade has a cherished history with STM magazine, fondly recalling past cover shoots for her hometown publication. In 2014, she graced the cover twice, first in January wearing a striking red Wheels & Dollbaby dress to celebrate her portrayal of Kylie Minogue in the TV miniseries INXS: Never Tear Us Apart. The second cover came in May, following her mother Jacqueline Gibbs' sudden cancer diagnosis, with Gibbs passing away just a month later.
"The cover I did for my mum was amazing, and I loved the black leather top so much that I bought it the next day," Jade, winner of The X Factor Australia 2012 from Lockridge, reminisces. "I was obsessed with Wheels & Dollbaby but could never afford it, and they gifted me the dress after the shoot. I still have it and feel so special."
Emotional Connection to Pretty Woman
Now, Jade dons a different red dress as Vivian Ward in the Australian production of Pretty Woman The Musical, a role deeply connected to her mother. They frequently watched the film together as a comfort, making the script familiar territory for Jade.
"It was one of our comfort films, and I knew it by heart, so when I got the script, I thought, 'Good, I already know some lines,'" the 38-year-old laughs during her latest STM photo shoot in Perth. "Mum would have loved seeing me in this musical. She'd be in the front row in a red dress and gloves, probably attending so many times she'd cycle through all of Vivian's costumes. She'd be very proud of me trying something new—this might be her favorite thing I've done."
Embracing a New Challenge
Never one to avoid challenges, Jade, who was runner-up on Dancing With The Stars in 2024, signed on for her first musical with a mix of nerves and excitement after being asked to audition for the role made famous by Julia Roberts. She describes the experience as a rollercoaster, emphasizing the importance of self-challenge as she ages.
"As you get older, opportunities to challenge yourself dwindle, and I hadn't done a musical before, so this was huge," she explains. "I was beyond nervous initially, but in rehearsals, I vowed to absorb everything like a sponge and ask countless questions. It was the best decision, as it prepared me thoroughly. This is definitely the hardest thing I've done—there's no hiding on stage."
Redefining Vivian's Character
Contrary to the musical's title, Jade asserts that Vivian is not merely "pretty." Instead, she views her character as strong, fearless, and unapologetically authentic, qualities Jade admires and embodies nightly.
"I get to step into that power every single night," she shares. "I sing a song called I Can't Go Back, where Vivian decides to leave her past life behind. She's incredibly strong, and playing her has given me a strength I didn't have before."
Musical Details and Personal Milestones
The rock score, crafted by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, debuted on Broadway in 2018 and later in London's West End. The Australian production premiered in Brisbane in October, touring to Sydney before arriving at Crown Theatre Perth this month. Jade stars alongside Ben Hall as Edward Lewis, with Michelle Brasier as Kit De Luca and Bobby Fox in dual roles.
Jade warns that the songs are catchy earworms, often hummed by her husband, Pat Handlin, whom she married in Venice in October 2022. "My husband sings them all the time at home—I tell him to stop since I perform them daily, but they're great songs," she says.
In a heartwarming twist, Jade will celebrate her 39th birthday on stage during the first two Perth preview performances on April 18. She admits to emotional moments upon arriving in Perth, where memories of her mother abound.
"Every time I'm in Perth, it's bittersweet because my mum isn't here," Jade adds. "It affects me sometimes, but it's nice to have memories everywhere. I want to visit Rottnest Island again—it's been too long."
Co-Star Ben Hall's Perspective
Ben Hall, Jade's Perth-raised co-star, proposed to his wife Prue Bell on Rottnest Island two years ago and returned to marry there last November. A Lathlain native, Hall discovered acting at Aquinas College and trained at WA Academy of Performing Arts, graduating in 2012.
Known for roles in Neighbours and musicals like Elvis: A Musical Revolution, Hall had avoided musicals for nearly a decade due to their demanding nature. "They're really hard work—like a marathon with eight shows weekly, living out of a suitcase," the 33-year-old states. "But this production has a great culture, and working with Sam is a joy."
Inspired by Richard Gere's performance in the film, Hall aimed to blend Gere's suaveness with his own interpretation of Edward. "I focused on the chemistry with Sam, making the age gap less prominent for modern audiences," he explains. "Gere's stillness and calmness ground the show, contrasting with Vivian's energy."
Audience Experience and Final Thoughts
Hall highlights how the musical's score enhances emotional depth, offering insights into characters' thoughts that the film couldn't convey. "If you love the film or Bryan Adams' music, you'll enjoy this," he says. "We have fun on stage and encourage audiences to get involved. It's not Shakespeare, but you'll leave happier than when you arrived."
Pretty Woman The Musical runs at Crown Theatre Perth from April 18 to May 24, promising a night of entertainment and heartfelt storytelling.
