🎭 Legally Blonde
📍National Theatre St Kilda
🗓️ 12 to 27 July
🎟️ booktickets.com.au

In a deeply personal episode of the Showtime podcast, Andrew G sits down with Jackson Cross, a passionate and thoughtful performer currently playing Emmett in the Melbourne revival of Legally Blonde at the National Theatre. What follows is not just a conversation about a role, but a moving reflection on creativity, identity, and the people who shape our journey through the arts.

Jackson grew up in Geelong, a city known for its strong arts community and inclusive spirit. From a young age, he was drawn to music and storytelling, but it was not until high school that theatre became a part of his life. A pivotal figure was Philip Bowen, his music teacher, who introduced him to musical theatre and helped ignite a passion for performance that continues to grow. Bowen’s influence went far beyond the classroom. He created a safe and supportive space that allowed Jackson to explore his talent and identity without fear or judgement. Jackson credits him with changing the course of his life.

Before committing fully to the world of theatre, Jackson spent nearly a decade in a successful indie rock band. That experience was creatively fulfilling, but something deeper was calling. He eventually realised that he was searching for more emotional depth and storytelling in his work. Musical theatre gave him the chance to blend his musicality with acting, unlocking new ways to connect with audiences and express himself on a more personal level.

Jackson’s artistic development has always been closely tied to his personal growth. Growing up in Geelong’s creative and queer-friendly environment helped him understand and embrace his identity as a queer man. It also shaped how he sees the world and his place in it. He speaks openly about how these experiences have made him a more honest performer and a more empathetic person. That authenticity shines through in every aspect of his work.

Returning to the role of Emmett in Legally Blonde has been particularly meaningful for Jackson. He first played the character years ago, before receiving formal vocal training and developing his understanding of musical theatre. Revisiting the role now has allowed him to approach it with fresh insight, stronger technique and a deeper emotional connection. Emmett is more than just the charming love interest. He is a character who grows into himself, finds confidence and learns to stand alongside someone he admires. For Jackson, this journey mirrors his own, and he brings a sense of grounded truth to the performance that makes it resonate with modern audiences.

Jackson also shares the challenges he faced in school due to ADHD. Traditional learning environments often felt restrictive, but theatre offered a space where he could thrive. He found rhythm, purpose and self-expression in performance. One piece of advice from a university voice teacher stayed with him: follow your curiosity. That approach has become a guiding principle in both his personal and professional life. Whether he is diving into Shakespeare or exploring a musical score, Jackson is always asking questions, trying new things and striving to grow.

He speaks with care and thoughtfulness about how his queer identity informs his approach to Emmett. Both Jackson and the character have had to navigate self-doubt and learn to believe in their own worth. There is a shared message of self-acceptance and love that runs through both stories. Jackson’s performance becomes not just an interpretation, but a personal offering. It is about showing audiences that you can be yourself and still be deserving of love, success and happiness.

Jackson’s perspective on auditions is a refreshing contrast to the anxiety often associated with them. Instead of viewing auditions as tests or hurdles, he sees them as opportunities to share what he loves. He describes them as moments of joyful expression, not stressful performance. This mindset helps him stay present and authentic, and it encourages other performers to approach the process with openness rather than fear.

When he speaks about Legally Blonde as a show, his enthusiasm is clear. For Jackson, it is more than a feel-good musical. It is a powerful story about finding your voice, embracing who you are and challenging the expectations placed on you. In today’s world, where people are constantly judged by appearance or background, the message of Legally Blonde remains deeply relevant. It is about lifting each other up, not tearing each other down, and that is a story Jackson is proud to tell.

His approach to the role of Emmett is rooted in nuance. He avoids playing the character as simply comedic or sweet. Instead, he looks for the emotional core of each scene, grounding Emmett in real feelings and experiences. This makes the performance more meaningful and more believable. It also highlights Jackson’s ability to balance lightness with sincerity, something that is essential in a show that blends camp with genuine heart.

Throughout the conversation, Jackson returns to one consistent theme—gratitude. He speaks warmly about the people who have shaped his journey, from his teachers and mentors to his friends, partner and creative collaborators. His success, he insists, is not just his own. It is the product of a community that supported him, believed in him and gave him the freedom to grow. In turn, Jackson hopes to create those same conditions for others, whether on stage or behind the scenes.

As the Melbourne season of Legally Blonde gets underway, audiences can look forward to more than just catchy songs and colourful costumes. Jackson Cross brings honesty, warmth and depth to the stage, offering a performance that is as heartfelt as it is entertaining. His story is a reminder that theatre is not only about applause or spectacle. It is about connection, courage and the power of being yourself. And in Jackson’s case, it is also about paying it forward and celebrating the people and moments that made it all possible.