Work with Julie O'Brien Performer
On Stage,
On Screen, and Always In the Moment
Julie O’Brien has spent her career bringing stories to life with passion, precision, and personality. With a commanding stage presence and a voice that can shift from powerhouse ballad to tender whisper, she’s captivated audiences across New Zealand, Australia, London, and New York.
Her versatility as a performer is unmatched — equally at home in musical theatre, drama, comedy, and cabaret. Whether playing a complex lead, crafting a cheeky sidekick, or directing from behind the scenes, Julie’s performances are grounded in truth, emotion, and connection.
Theatre & Musicals
Julie’s musical theatre career reads like a highlight reel of modern classics. She’s played some of the most challenging and beloved roles in the genre, earning consistent praise for her emotional depth and powerful vocals.
Theatre CV:​​
KINKY BOOTS Trish GnT Productions, Director David Adkins
MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Soap Star SK Entertainment (NZ Tour) Director Maureen Bowra
SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM Woman 1 Circa Theatre (NZ) Emma Kinane
BLOOD BROTHERS Mrs Johnstone
 UHMT (NZ) Jenny Quin
CARRIE: THE MUSICAL Margaret White
 WITCH: NZ (NZ) Ben Emerson
MAMMA MIA! Donna Sheridan Wellington Musical Theatre (NZ) Lyndee-Jane Rutherford
HAIRSPRAY Velma von Tussle Wellington Musical Theatre (NZ) Simon Coleman
THE RISE & FALL OF LITTLE VOICE Mari Hoff
 Stagecraft (NZ) Mark DaVanzo
URINETOWN Little Becky Two Shoes Downstage (NZ) Catherine Downes
LEADER OF THE PACK Rosie Greenwich
 New Theatricals (MELBOURNE) Glenn T
I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Woman 2 Edge of Your Seat (SYDNEY) Lisa Balaschow​
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK Brenda & u/s Felicia
 Cameron MacIntosh (MELBOURNE) James Powell
ANYTHING GOES Reno Mosman Musical Society (SYDNEY) June Lees
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK Alex Willoughby Musical Society (SYDNEY) Phillip Youngman
THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE L.V.
 Phoenix Theatre (SYDNEY) Suzanne Miller
JEKYLL AND HYDE u/s Lucy & Nellie Stetson Productions (MELBOURNE) Greg Boyd
FULL MARX Ensemble First Star Productions (NZ Tour) John Banas
GREASE Rizzo Wellington Operatic Society (NZ) Stephen Robertson
ME AND MY GIRL Lady Jacqueline Showbiz Christchurch (NZ) Stephen Robertson
THE NEW ROCKY HORROR SHOW u/s Columbia Stetson Productions (NZ TOUR) Richard Wherret
THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE Luciana Village Opera Company( NEW YORK) Nathan Hull
ANYTHING GOES Reno Centre Stage (LONDON) David Walker-Smith
CHESS u/s Florence Stetson Productions (NZ TOUR) Peter Walker
EVITA u/s Eva Stetson Productions (SYDNEY) Tom Guerra
NUNSENSE Sr. Amnesia Wellington Operatic Society (NZ) John Antony
WEST SIDE STORY Minnie Wellington Operatic Society (NZ) John Callen
ME AND MY GIRL Lady Jacqueline NPOS (NZ) Dorne Arthur
HMS PINAFORE Ensemble Wellington Operatic Society (NZ) John Banas
ONE STEP TO BROADWAY Ensemble Wellington Operatic Society (NZ) Stephen Robertson
GUYS AND DOLLS Sarah Brown Wellington Operatic Society (NZ) John Banas
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN u/s Annie Wellington Operatic Society (NZ) John Banas
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE u/s Isobel Stetson Productions (NZ Tour) Craig Schaeffer
“Julie O'Brien takes us right into Donna's world… she makes us laugh, feel her frustrations, her hurt and her deep love for her daughter.”
– Theatreview, Mamma Mia!
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“Artfully and heartfully played and sung by Julie O’Brien.”
– Theatreview, Carrie: The Musical
“O’Brien’s physicality and accents bring colour and spectacle to her exchanges.”
– Theatreview, Downton Adlib
Cabaret & Solo Work
Julie’s cabaret shows have earned acclaim for their humour, intimacy, and personal storytelling. She blends music, character, and honesty into performances that feel like a conversation with an old friend.
Selected Works:
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Julie O’Brien Is… Home
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In Her 40th Year
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The Dating Game
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Julie and... Friends
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An Evening With Rob Guest
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A Right Royal Gala
Each show is uniquely crafted, weaving together songs and stories that speak to the triumphs and absurdities of life — often with a wink and a grin.
Film & Television
Julie’s screen work showcases her range and subtlety as an actor. She has appeared in dramas, commercials, and corporate projects across New Zealand and Australia.
TV Drama Credits Include:
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MISTRESS, MERCY Woman Juror TVNZ on AIR Mike Smith
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HOOK LINE AND SINKER Ronnie
 Torchlight Films Andrea Bosshard
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RESERVOIR HILL Beth’s Mum Kraft: Haus David Stubbs
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UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT Kate's Mum Lippy Pictures Peter Berger
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THE KILLIAN CURSE Charlotte's Mum Torchlight Films Thomas Robbins
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PEPPERMINT TWIST Ronnie Scott TVNZ Various​​
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Presenting / Video
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Hooley Dooleys-Back to School
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The Warehouse 'Love Your Customer’ training – nationwide
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Z Energy Health & Safety retraining – nationwide
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Fair Trading Act

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Alana Haines Australasia Dance awards
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Ministry of Social Development
Directing
As a director, Julie brings the same creativity, empathy, and attention to detail that defines her performances. She’s known for her ability to bring out authentic emotion and connection in her casts, always balancing professionalism with fun.
Directing Credits:
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HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
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THE FULL MONTY
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MAMMA MIA!
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OKLAHOMA!
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GODSPELL
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ANYTHING GOES
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NUNSENSE
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THE BOYFRIEND​
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CHICAGO
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“Her productions are known for their high energy, character depth, and audience engagement.”
Looking to cast, collaborate, or direct your next production?
Let’s make something unforgettable.
