2025 is set to be a feast of raucous camp, re-imagined classics, fabulous humour and all we love about the Hayes Theatre!
Written by Bradley Roe
The Hayes Theatre Co has presented a gobsmacking season of shows that are poised to delight audiences throughout 2025. It’s an electrifying mix that celebrates timeless classics, thrilling new productions, and cutting-edge performances. This season promises to continue the Hayes’ legacy of creating incredible theatrical experiences for audiences from all walks of life.
Co-Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer have crafted a season full of shows they personally love, knowing Hayes audiences will share their enthusiasm. As always, the Hayes has focused on innovation and collaboration with partnerships, with new and old collaborators to bring a playful season that highlights what the Hayes is truly about!
Design: Kenney Designs. Photography: John McRae
Antipodes Theatre Company in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
Ghost Quartet
Performances 8 January – 25 January 2025
Music, Lyrics and Text by Dave Malloy
If you liked: Once, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Lizzie, Well Behaved Women
Kicking off the season is Ghost Quartet, an intimate and ethereal production, which marks the first collaboration with Antipodes Theatre Company. Created by the amazing mind of Dave Malloy, who brought us Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, this intoxicating musical odyssey about love, death and whiskey is a brilliant way to start this season.
Hayes Theatre Co in association with The Art House Wyong presents
The Pirates of Penzance or The Slave of Duty
Performances 14 February – 16 March 2025
By Gilbert & Sullivan. Adapted by Richard Carroll
If you liked: Murder For Two, HMS Pinafore, Godspell, Calamity Jane, One Man, Two Guvnors
Next up is a new adaptation of the Gilbert & Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzance! A fun new production adapted by the two co-artistic directors themselves. This new take on the classic stars four actor-musicians playing over 130 characters including Jay Laga’aia as the Pirate king, and Brittany Shipway as Mabel & Ruth. This wild production should prove to be the perfect theatrical event for your Valentines date.
Joshua Robson Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
The Producers, The Mel Brooks Musical
Performances 28 March – 27 April 2025
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan. Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
If you liked: The Book of Mormon, Young Frankenstein, Only Murders in The Building, Murder For Two
The Mel Brooks Broadway hit comes to the Hayes in March 2025! The question on everyone’s lips is HOW?! This is a big, bold and truly hilarious show that will cement its place in Hayes history as so many brilliant Broadway shows do. Brought to the stage by the talented minds of Julia Robertson and Shannon Burns, this production will be one you won’t want to miss!
Pinwheel Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Performances 9 May – 8 June 2025
Book by Jeffrey Lane, Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek.
Based on the film by Pedro Almodóvar
If you liked: Cry Baby, American Psycho, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sex and the City
High Camp. High Fashion. High Comedy. Unmissable Production! In this Sydney Premiere (outside NIDA) this production promises to delight audiences through the month of May. Directed by Alexander Beriage, this crazed production is a slice of theatre that truly shines at the Hayes. This is set to continue the Hayes dedication to incredible shows that don’t need a commercial stage to shine and productions that not only entertain but start a conversation.
Hayes Theatre Co presents
Being Alive: The Music of Stephen Sondheim
Performances 25 June – 12 July 2025
World Premiere
If you liked: Anything from Sondheim
The Hayes theatre’s love affair with Sondheim continues with this cabaret concert extravaganza! What happens when the Hayes runs out of Sondheim shows? They create their own. Being Alive promises to be an unforgettable night of incredible music by incredible talent built by incredibly creative artists. The show is being created, directed and musically directed by Sonya Suares and Luke Byrne to create a personal and beautiful homage to the late great Stephen Sondheim.
Curveball Creative in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
Once On This Island
Performances 2 August – 30 August 2025
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Stephen Flaherty
If you liked: In The Heights, Come From Away, Moana, Romeo and Juliet
Brittanie Shipway makes her directorial debut with this magical retelling of The Little Mermaid. Carroll and Falconer expressed that this show is very proud of its cultural heritage and will put it at the forefront of the story. This production is set to use heritage as a powerful tool to showcase the courage, truth, and curiosity of the story and its tellers. Once on this Island will dazzle, move and delight audiences with some surprises and maybe even animal cast members.
Sport For Jove Theatre Co. in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
Bright Star
Performances 5 September – 5 October 2025
Music, Book and Story by Steve Martin. Music, Lyrics and Story by Edie Brickell
If you liked: Violet, Godspell, Bonnie & Clyde, Once
Sport for Jove Theatre Co is known for its strength in Shakespeare and creating great works of dramatic art. Bright Star is the perfect vehicle for the company to break into the world of Musicals with the Hayes Theatre Co in 2025. This show is a moving story of love and redemption in front of the backdrop of the American south in the 1920s. The Americana and folksy score will be played by the actor-musicians that will make up the cast of the show. This Sydney premiere is not something you will want to miss!
Hayes Theatre Co presents
Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical
Performances 17 October – 15 November 2025
Book, Music and Lyrics by Steven Kramer
If you liked: Dubbo Championship Wrestling, Keating!, The Great Gatsby, Bojack Horseman
A musical about a famous Australian racehorse? Does it work? The answer, according to Carroll, Falconer and the many people who are going to see this show in concert at the Festival of New Work is a resounding YES! This hilarious retelling of the horse that inspired a nation is ready to take on a full-scale production. This show has been built from the ground up at the Hayes, starting as a proof of concept and coming to the stage next season. The excitement for this show mirrors the smash hit of the 2024 season, ZOMBIE! The Musical. If you want to witness history (again), book NOW!
Hayes Theatre Co presents
Merry & Bright
Performances 28 November – 21 December 2025
Starring Nancye Hayes
Book by Jordan Shea and Original Music by Victoria Falconer
If you liked: A Little Night Music, I’ll Eat You Last, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street
The 2025 season at Hayes Theatre Co is set to be an unforgettable celebration of everything that makes this theatre so beloved. With a vibrant mix of re-imagined classics, bold new productions, and campy humour, the season reflects the innovation, creativity, and passion that define Hayes Theatre.
Under the direction of Victoria Falconer and Richard Carroll, audiences can expect to be wowed by daring collaborations, breathtaking performances, and shows that push the boundaries of musical theatre. With something for everyone, 2025 promises to be a season brimming with joy, surprises, and unforgettable moments that capture the true magic of the Hayes Theatre.
Subscriptions are on sale from today, Tuesday 17 September, with single tickets on sale at different times in coming months.
Book at https://hayestheatre.com.au/
