Bio

A formidable new force on the Australian stage, Kelly Lim Harris is an award-winning performer/multi-hyphenate creative, celebrated for her captivating stage presence, sophisticated artistry, and genre-defying edge traversing both the classical and the contemporary. 
 

Hailed as an “unforgettable debut”, Kelly’s solo show, Yellow Fever: An Original Musical Cabaret, was a breakout success at FRINGE WORLD 2026. Developed with the support of the ARTRAGE Next Act Fund and winner of the Melbourne Fringe Tour Ready Award, the production is set for a highly anticipated Melbourne season later this year.
 

WAAPA-trained, Kelly holds a Diploma of Musical Theatre (Title Role, The Drowsy Chaperone), but also a BMus/BA Conjoint Degree in Classical Voice and European Studies on scholarship from the University of Auckland (Title Role, L’enfant et les sortilèges). Beginning her journey as winner of the Sam Wanamaker Award for Most Promising Actor, she was selected for the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company to train and perform at London’s Globe Theatre (Titania, A Midsummer Night’s Dream).
 

Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, Kelly established her career as a leading crossover artist. Her portfolio ranges from collaborations with New Zealand Opera (Voices of Aotearoa) and the Auckland Philharmonia (voicing ‘Eel’ for the musical Hana the Glowworm Album), to appearing as Ada Wells in the hit NZ rock musical That Bloody Woman. A mainstay of the national touring circuit, Kelly performed as Principal Resident Artist in concert seasons across the country, with international engagements in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Slovenia, Japan and Bali. 

 

A “masterful vocalist” with “the audience in the palm of her hand”, Kelly is a compelling new presence on the Australian stage and a vibrant advocate for diverse representation.