From Summer Bay to the Bronx: Jacqui Purvis’s Gritty New Chapter

Jacqui Purvis, the actress who captivated audiences as the fiery and complex Felicity Newman on the long-running Australian soap Home and Away, is making a bold, transformative leap in her career. After a dramatic exit from Summer Bay that left fans reeling, Purvis has eschewed the predictable path of Hollywood stardom to return to her roots, launching a mission to redefine female narratives in the performing arts.

Following her character’s tragic departure in late 2024, Purvis spent time in the United States, refining her craft and exploring the international film scene. However, rather than settling into the comfortable rhythm of screen work, she has returned to Australia to take on her first professional theater role—a decision that underscores her commitment to artistic growth and raw, authentic storytelling.

At the heart of this new chapter is the founding of her own production company, Knicknack Productions. Purvis established the venture with a clear objective: to “flip the script” on traditional female characters. Growing up with a passion for sports and action cinema, she often found herself searching for female roles that mirrored her own drive and intensity. This personal history now serves as the engine for her creative choices, as she seeks to portray women who are not just strong, but “messy,” “gritty,” and undeniably human.

Her upcoming project, a production of John Patrick Shanley’s Danny in the Deep Blue Sea, is a testament to this vision. Set to run at Melbourne’s Old Fitz Theatre in early 2026, the play is a visceral, two-person exploration of human connection and vulnerability. Purvis portrays Roberta, a character she describes as breaking out of the conventional “boxes” that women are often placed in. The production is a deeply personal endeavor, featuring her real-life partner, JK Kazzy, as her co-star. Together, they bring to life a story that Purvis describes as dangerous, emotional, and ultimately rooted in the primal need for love.

Preparation for the role took the duo to the Bronx, where the play is set, to immerse themselves in the local culture. In a surreal moment for the rising producer, they met with the legendary playwright John Patrick Shanley himself. The Pulitzer and Oscar winner shared intimate insights into the play’s origins, providing Purvis with a deeper understanding of the characters’ origins.

Transitioning from the expansive ensemble of a daily drama to the high-wire intensity of a two-person stage play represents a significant risk. Purvis acknowledges the shift is “no easy feat.” In Home and Away, the narrative weight was shared across a large cast; in Danny in the Deep Blue Sea, she and Kazzy are on stage for the entire duration of the performance, with nowhere to hide.

For Jacqui Purvis, this “life-changing new direction” is more than just a career move; it is a declaration of independence. By taking control of the production process and choosing roles that challenge societal expectations, she is carving out a space for herself and other women in the industry to be seen in their most authentic, unpolished forms. As she prepares to step onto the stage in Melbourne, it is clear that the former soap star is no longer just following a script—she is writing her own.