Jacqui Purvis, beloved by Home and Away fans for her portrayal of the fiery yet vulnerable Felicity Newman, has taken the entertainment world by surprise with a daring career pivot.

Known for her unforgettable on-screen romance with Tane Parata, Felicity’s sudden and tragic death in August 2024 from a brain aneurysm left fans reeling. While audiences mourned her exit

from the iconic soap, curiosity grew about where Purvis’ talents would take her next. Now, the actress has unveiled a bold new chapter — a return to Australia to take on her first professional theater role.

From Screen to Stage: A Life-Changing Decision

After spending time in the United States to explore screen acting opportunities, including a high-profile role in the film Fear, Jacqui Purvis made the unexpected choice to return home for the stage. Her debut theater project, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, written by the acclaimed John Patrick Shanley, will run at Melbourne’s Old Fitz Theatre from January 13th to February 1st, 2026. Purvis, ever the trailblazer, has also founded her own production company, Knicknack Productions, with a mission to amplify strong female-led narratives and create content that reflects women’s messy, real, and complex lives.

Speaking about the play, Purvis described it as “gritty, violent, and romantic,” noting that at its heart, it is about love and human connection. “I thought it was a really great time to do it,” she explained. “We’ve kind of drifted from human connection, and this play really puts that front and center.”

A Passion for Strong, Complex Female Characters

Purvis’ decision to produce Danny and the Deep Blue Sea stems from her deep admiration for strong female roles. Her character Roberta in the play is a powerful example of a woman breaking free from societal boxes and embracing the raw reality of her experiences — grit, messiness, and all. “Everything’s put out onto the table,” Purvis said. “All your dirt and grit and messiness — that’s what I love about strong female characters. I don’t want to shy away from it because it’s part of us.”

Growing up, Purvis often gravitated toward sports and action films but rarely saw herself reflected in the roles available. “I wanted to be Matt Damon,” she joked, noting the lack of female characters who mirrored her life and energy. This absence fueled her desire to create projects that showcase strong, gritty, and multidimensional women, a mission that now drives every professional decision she makes.

Preparation, Research, and Intimacy

Purvis’ dedication to authenticity led her and co-star and real-life partner JK Kazzy to New York, immersing themselves in the Bronx culture that forms the backdrop of Shanley’s play. She even met with Shanley himself — a Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, and Oscar-winning writer — gaining rare insights into his creative vision and the personal significance of the characters. “It was surreal,” Purvis recalls. “Here’s this incredible writer who’s worked with Meyer Stre, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Viola Davis… and he made time for us. We got a deep dive into why he wrote it and what the characters mean to him.”

This meticulous research speaks to Purvis’ commitment to stepping far outside her comfort zone. Transitioning from the ensemble-driven Home and Away, where storylines are shared across a large cast, to a two-person stage play demanded a new kind of intensity. “It’s literally just JK and I,” she said. “We’re on the stage the entire time. For that one hour and fifteen minutes, there’s no way out. It’s so intimate and so raw. That’s exactly why I wanted to do it — it’s completely different from anything I’ve done before.”

Artistic Vision and Knicknack Productions

Purvis’ foray into theater aligns with her broader artistic vision. With Knicknack Productions, she aims to challenge traditional narratives, shine a light on nuanced female experiences, and produce content that is unapologetically authentic. She describes the company’s ethos as creating “female-led stories that are messy, complicated, and real — stories that resonate because they reflect actual life experiences.”

By producing Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, Purvis is not only taking on a demanding role but also actively shaping the story and the production, ensuring that the female perspective is central and that audiences witness the raw emotional journey unfold with honesty and intensity.

Fans React and Industry Buzz

News of Purvis’ theater debut has ignited a wave of excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. Social media is buzzing with anticipation, with many praising her courage to step away from the comfort of a well-established TV career to embrace a challenging and emotionally intense stage project. Fans are especially intrigued by the real-life dynamic between Purvis and co-star JK Kazzy, which adds a layer of authenticity to the play’s intimate romantic tension.

Industry commentators are noting that this move positions Purvis as a versatile talent capable of navigating both screen and stage with equal skill. Her willingness to explore difficult themes and complex characters signals a new era in her career, one that could redefine her professional trajectory and influence the broader landscape of female-led storytelling in Australia.

Looking Ahead: A Star on the Rise

With Danny and the Deep Blue Sea set to captivate Melbourne audiences in early 2026, Jacqui Purvis is proving that she is unafraid to take risks and push boundaries. Her transition from beloved soap star to theater producer and performer highlights her determination to explore new artistic frontiers while staying true to her core values — celebrating strong women, authentic storytelling, and human connection.

For fans, this represents an exciting evolution of Purvis’ career, demonstrating her commitment to growth, challenge, and creative innovation. Her journey reminds audiences that even after a beloved character’s untimely departure, an actor’s path can take bold, transformative directions.

As Jacqui Purvis steps onto the stage for the first time professionally, she does so not just as an actress, but as a visionary artist reshaping the narrative of women in entertainment. It’s a thrilling moment for her, for theater lovers, and for fans of Home and Away watching a favorite star embark on a daring, inspiring new chapter.