Ben Hall || Pretty Woman The Musical

The Fame Reporter interviewed Australian Musical Theatre and screen performer, Ben Hall, known for his work in the Devils Playground and as Ned Willis on Neighbours (2021), he is currently starring as Edward Lewis in the brand-new Broadway Musical, Pretty Woman playing its Australian Premiere in Brisbane at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre 5 October – 23 November.

Vivian and Edward are unlikely soulmates who overcome all odds to find each other – and themselves. Brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood, and Broadway, Pretty Woman: The Musical is a guaranteed big night out that will lift your spirits and light up your heart.

We talked to Ben about why audiences will enjoy Pretty Woman The Musical, how he is making the iconic film role his own, launching the Australian Premiere in Brisbane and more.

Congratulations on landing the iconic role of Edward Lewis! What drew you to Pretty Woman: The Musical and this character in particular?
Thank you – I think firstly the story of how the film came about, the changes to the script and ad-libbed moments, Richard and Julia’s incredible chemistry and its enormous somewhat unexpected success drew me in.

Then secondly – the creative team, JF Lawton the original script writer with Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance music and Jerry Mitchell directing, you just know it’s going to be done right.

Edward Lewis is such an iconic character originally brought to life by Richard Gere. How are you making the role your own while still honouring the charm fans know and love?
Gere is so collected and smooth, I obviously want to keep the charm that people will expect, but I think the musical allows me to lean into the characters dry humour and go further with the vulnerability.

Hopefully audiences see a man they recognise from the film — but also discover a new side to him.

Pretty Woman is known for its sweeping romance, glamour, and heart. How does the stage musical expand or reinvent the story we all know from the film?
The essence is the same— and that’s why fans of the film will love the musical, but with Bryan Adam’s music we get to see more of the characters interior lives.

Moments that are understated in the film are lifted to make them more emotionally available.

You’ve starred in everything from Neighbours to the Robbie Williams biopic and Elvis: A Musical Revolution—how does this role challenge or excite you differently?
I do love the variation.

This role is challenging because it’s a very different vocal style especially when you want to add in some of Bryan Adams rasp to the sound.

I’m excited for the banter and cheekiness in Vivian and Edwards relationship.

There’s a blazing rock score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance in this show. What’s it been like diving into their music, and do you have a favourite song from the show?
Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance have written a score that’s so full of drive. It’s rock at its core, but it has this cinematic feel that really carries the story.

The duet Long Way Home is my standout— I think it captures that moment of the story really well.

You trained at WAAPA and have worked across both screen and stage—what keeps pulling you back to musical theatre?
I think musicals are probably the most difficult medium because of the discipline required to consistently do 8 shows a week for long runs.

I think the challenge and the joy of working with such dedicated and hardworking performers keeps pulling me back in.

Pretty Woman: The Musical premieres at QPAC in Brisbane – how does it feel to launch such a feel-good, international hit right here in Queensland? What can local audiences expect from opening night?
Queensland is the perfect place to launch Pretty Woman, which is pretty evident from the record ticket sales! People here love to have fun, and they want to come and support great shows with plenty of nostalgia and joy and cheekiness.

I think the producers will go all out for opening night and really keep that fun going well into the night.

What are you most looking forward to diving into as you bring Edward Lewis to life on stage?
Just building a repour with all the cast and creatives and seeing what those new connections bring on the floor. I’m excited to stop reading lines on a page!

From Les Misérables to Only Heaven Knows, you’ve played such diverse roles. What’s been the biggest shift moving into this romantic, big-business-meets-Hollywood-fantasy world?
I think the biggest shift is psychological, how Edward views the world, relationships, money, & politics is markedly different from any other character I’ve played.

Edward’s world is warped and that’s why he needs Vivian – to shift his perspectives.

You’ll be starring opposite Samantha Jade as Vivian—what are you most excited about when it comes to working alongside her?
Listening to her sing – her voice and musicality is second to none.

If you could tell your younger self—growing up in Perth—about landing this role, what would you say?
You never know what’s around the corner – keep working hard.