Jacqui Purvis, the actress who captured Home and Away fans’ hearts with her portrayal of Felicity Newman, is taking her career in a daring and unexpected new direction.

Known for bringing depth, vulnerability, and fierce determination to the role of Felicity — whose epic romance with Tarn Parata captivated audiences — Jacqui left viewers devastated

when her character was killed off in August 2024 by a sudden brain aneurysm. The shocking exit left fans mourning, yet eagerly curious about what the talented actress would do next.

Now, Purvis is set to prove that her talents extend far beyond the shores of Summer Bay, with a project that is as emotionally charged as it is audacious.

From Screen to Stage: A Bold Return to Australia

After taking time to focus on her screen career and traveling to the USA, where she was cast in the feature film Fear Is the Rider, Jacqui made the surprising decision to return to Australia to pursue her first professional theater role. This move marks a significant pivot from television to live theater, signaling her determination to challenge herself creatively and explore uncharted territory.

To facilitate her vision, Jacqui founded her own production company, Knicknack Productions, with a mission to flip the script on female narratives and champion strong, complex, female-led stories. Her first project under the banner is Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, a gritty, violent, and romantic play by acclaimed playwright John Patrick Shanley. Scheduled to run at the Old Fitz Theater in Melbourne from January 13th to February 1st, 2026, the play is set to test both her emotional range and technical skill.

Featuring only two characters, the production pairs Jacqui with her real-life boyfriend, JK Catsy. The intimacy of the performance, with both actors remaining on stage for the entire 1 hour and 15 minutes, heightens the intensity of the storytelling. Jacqui describes the play as “kind of dangerous, emotional, violent, but also romantic. At its core, it’s about love and connection. And I thought it was the perfect time to explore that, especially now, when human connection seems to be drifting away.”

Strong Female Characters and Messy Humanity

Jacqui’s choice to produce and star in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is deeply personal. She explains that her character, Roberta, embodies the traits she admires most: strength, messiness, and the courage to defy societal expectations. “Everything’s on the table — all your dirt, grit, and messiness. That’s what I love about strong female characters. I don’t want to shy away from that because it’s a part of us,” she says.

Reflecting on her formative years, Jacqui notes that she was drawn to sports and action films but rarely saw herself represented in the roles she admired. “I used to joke that I wanted to be Matt Damon. That lack of representation has shaped my ethos: I want to see strong, gritty female characters who reflect real lives. That’s a driving force behind everything I do.”

Research, Preparation, and Deep Immersion

Preparing for such a demanding stage role required extensive research. Jacqui and JK traveled to New York, immersing themselves in the Bronx, where Shanley’s play is set. During the trip, they had a rare opportunity to meet the legendary playwright over coffee. Shanley, whose accolades include Oscars, Pulitzers, Tony Awards, and Golden Globes, offered them invaluable insight into the play’s creation, his personal connection to the characters, and the emotional depth required for the roles. “It was surreal to sit with someone who’s worked with legends like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Viola Davis and hear his perspective firsthand,” Jacqui recalls.

Intimacy and Challenge on Stage

Transitioning from a large ensemble television environment to an intimate two-person stage production presents a formidable challenge. Jacqui notes that on Home and Away, storylines often shifted focus across multiple characters, whereas in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, there is no escape. “We’re on stage the whole time. There’s nowhere to hide for 1 hour and 15 minutes,” she explains. The raw intensity of the performance demands complete emotional immersion, making the play as much a personal journey for Jacqui as it is a theatrical experience for audiences.

Fans React and Professionals Debate

The announcement of Jacqui’s new venture sparked a wave of responses from fans and professionals alike. Home and Away followers expressed admiration for her courage, recognizing that she is daring to push beyond television fame to become a serious stage artist. “Hearing Jacqui say the play is dangerous and violent made my heart ache. But she never chooses the safe path,” one fan commented. Others praised her ability to consistently portray characters who are both strong and heartbreakingly vulnerable.

Industry insiders, however, have raised concerns. A veteran Melbourne theater director highlighted the challenge of performing a two-character play, noting that audiences have little tolerance for uneven performances. Television critics also observed that Jacqui’s decision to bypass commercial film opportunities in favor of a heavy, intense script is unconventional for someone transitioning from a popular soap opera.

Supporters argue that the move underscores Jacqui’s long-term ambition. A Sydney acting instructor remarked, “The stage is where an actor’s true potential is revealed. If Jacqui succeeds, she will elevate herself to a whole new level.” Likewise, independent theater producers commended her dual role as lead actress and producer, emphasizing her commitment to deciding which stories are told — a rare combination of artistic and entrepreneurial vision.

The Personal Stakes

Jacqui’s decision to act alongside her real-life partner is more than a publicity tactic. The emotional demands of the play require profound trust and vulnerability, and JK was the ideal collaborator. Behind the scenes, Jacqui also shoulders the responsibilities of creative direction and production, increasing both artistic and financial pressures. According to sources close to the production, she became visibly emotional during the first script reading, recognizing the personal and professional stakes of the project.

“This isn’t a role you play safely,” the insider explains. “Jacqui is confronting the deepest parts of herself, and she’s willing to risk failure for a work she believes in.”

A Defining Moment

Whether Danny and the Deep Blue Sea proves to be a breakthrough or a difficult test, Jacqui Purvis is taking a bold step that distinguishes her from her peers. The play is shaping up to be one of the most challenging projects of her career, forcing her to navigate raw emotion, vulnerability, and complex dynamics on stage. Audiences and critics alike will watch closely, curious to see if she can translate her television success into a commanding presence on stage.

With this venture, Jacqui isn’t just proving her versatility — she’s demonstrating a fearless dedication to her craft and a commitment to telling meaningful, provocative stories. Fans may mourn Felicity Newman’s departure from Summer Bay, but they now have the opportunity to witness Jacqui Purvis redefine herself as a serious stage artist, ready to take risks and push boundaries in the name of authentic storytelling.

Her journey from beloved soap star to daring theater innovator is a testament to her talent, ambition, and courage — qualities that ensure Jacqui Purvis’s career trajectory remains one to watch.