London UK
Sydney AUS
"The role of Fran requires an actor to transform from within, expressing that transformation in terms of character, voice, and dance. Any wonder why the search for Fran went so far and wide. Phoebe weathered so many tests and hurdles, as Fran the character has to in the story of Strictly Ballroom, to reveal the true star that she is. So I am thrilled to be announcing her in this role, celebrating how resilient and strong she was through the grueling process of proving she had all that it takes, which she certainly does.”
Baz Luhrmann on casting Phoebe
Phoebe Panaretos is an accomplished performer who first gained international recognition when handpicked by Baz Luhrmann to star as ‘Fran’ in the world premiere of Strictly Ballroom: The Musical. Directed by Luhrmann, Phoebe earned nominations for both a Helpmann Award and Green Room Award for Best Female in a Musical.
Phoebe’s extensive theatre credits include; starring as ‘Connie Francis’ in the world premiere of Dream Lover: The Bobby Darin Musical (Gordon Frost Organisation), ‘Whatsername’ in Green Day’s American Idiot (Shake and Stir Productions), earning Phoebe a second Helpmann nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and ‘Elly’ in the Australian premiere of David Bowie’s Lazarus (The Production Company). Phoebe appeared as ‘Mrs. Fox’ in Fantastic Mr Fox for Sydney Theatre Company and in Singin’ in the Rain with The Production Company.
Phoebe made her London debut in 2022 as ‘Inez’ in Zorro: The Musical (Charing Cross Theatre). In 2023, she originated the role of ‘Nancy Sinatra’ in the world premiere of Sinatra: The Musical, directed by Kathleen Marshall. Most recently, Phoebe played ‘Clarice’ Starling in Silence: The Musical, directed by Chris Gatelli, a performance that received unanimous critical
acclaim.
Phoebe has most recently returned from New York, where she performed a concert version of Sinatra: The Musical at the iconic Apollo Theatre.
"Australian star Phoebe Panaretos is a delight as Nancy. It might be Sinatra’s show, but she is the one you feel for, the one who pulls at the heartstrings, putting real emotion in her role. It is a wonderful performance and what a magical voice that lady brings to proceedings. Quiet and soft or loud and powerful it is a crystal clear pleasure.”
Roger Clarke - Behind the arras
AGENT
LONDON
Bloomfields Welch
4th Floor Joel House | 19
Garrick Street | London | WC2E
9AX
"‘One thing that can’t be faulted is the cast, led by Phoebe Panaretos as Jodie Fos… sorry, I mean Clarice. Perfectly tapping into the comedy of the role, she always manages to find the funny with a star turn demanding all eyes on her”
All the Dazzles
LAZARUS
"As Newton’s more-than-a-little-smitten assistant, Elly, Phoebe Panaretos is a revelation. Her acting, from early fluster to unhinged Mary-Lou is superb, while her vocals are astonishing. Always Crashing in the Same Car and Changes are especially remarkable. If you’re not holding your breath from how good she is in some moments, then you’re trying to catch it in others."
Australian Arts Review
ZORRO - THE MUSICAL
"Phoebe Panaretos is nothing short of sensational as Diego's paramour Inez, giving one of those rare, perfect supporting turns in which every scene and musical number she features in is elevated by her electric presence. In her mouth, the same lines of dialogue pulse with a renewed intensity and in her hands the song "Bamboléo" becomes an inextinguishable firework that really ought to be the thrilling, blood-pumping conclusion to act one."
What's on Stage - Mickey Jo Boucher
AMERICAN IDIOT
"Phoebe Panaretos, proving herself one of Australia’s most diverse music theatre performers with a rich, chameleonic voice."
The Guardian
STRICTLY BALLROOM - THE MUSICAL
"Relative newcomer Phoebe Panaretos is a stand out as the shy Fran (just Fran), who gains in confidence as the play progresses, from the awkward pimply beginner to the commanding lead lady, culminating in a wrenching duet.
Australian Stage
