The vibrant world of Australian theatre is set to shine even brighter in 2025, with leading companies across the nation unveiling a diverse and exciting array of productions.
From the intimate spaces of Hayes Theatre Co and Ensemble Theatre to the grand stages of Sydney Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company, and the innovative offerings from Belvoir St Theatre, each venue promises a season packed with fresh performances and beloved classics.
Adding to this theatrical tapestry, Opera Australia introduces a lineup of operas that showcases both timeless works and new musical premieres. Together, these companies will deliver a year of unparalleled artistic experiences, blending local talent with international acclaim. Here’s a closer look at what each of these theatres have in store for the 2025 season.
Sydney Theatre Company
Sydney Theatre Co 2025 Season. Image: STC
Sydney Theatre Company (STC) has unveiled its 2025 season, offering a thrilling blend of timeless classics, riveting adaptations, and original contemporary work. This year brings together some of Australia’s finest acting and creative talent, with returning STC favourites and exciting debuts. Here’s what you can expect:
- The Talented Mr. Ripley: Following the success of Julia and Switzerland, playwright Joanna Murray-Smith and director Sarah Goodes reunite to adapt Patricia Highsmith’s iconic psychological thriller. Starring Will McDonald (Heartbreak High), this gripping production dives into the mind of Tom Ripley, exploring themes of identity and deception.
- The Shiralee: Kate Mulvany returns to adapt another Australian classic following her acclaimed work on The Harp in the South and Playing Beatie Bow. This time, D’Arcy Niland’s beloved tale The Shiralee comes to life on stage, capturing the hardships and beauty of rural Australia.
- Picnic at Hanging Rock: Tom Wright’s eerie adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s novel will be directed by STC Resident Director Ian Michael. Featuring Olivia De Jonge and Kirsty Marillier, this production brings the haunting mystery of the schoolgirls’ disappearance to the stage, blending dreamlike imagery with psychological depth.
- 4000 Miles: For the first time in 20 years, Australian theatre icon Nancye Hayes will grace the STC stage in Amy Herzog’s touching drama. Directed by Kenneth Moraleda, this heartwarming play explores intergenerational relationships and the unexpected bonds that can form through loss.
- Circle Mirror Transformation: STC’s screen-to-stage debutante, Rebecca Gibney, stars in this Annie Baker gem, directed by Dean Bryant. This quirky and touching exploration of a group of people navigating life through acting classes is both humorous and poignant.
- Bloom: After its sold-out Melbourne premiere, Bloom—with a book and lyrics by Tom Gleisner and music by Katie Weston—arrives in Sydney. Directed by Dean Bryant, this captivating new musical tells a story of love and hope amidst the complexities of aging and change.
- Congratulations, Get Rich!: Merlynn Tong’s family drama is a co-production with Brisbane’s La Boite Theatre and Singapore Repertory Theatre. Directed by Courtney Stewart, the play unfolds in the chaotic yet heartfelt setting of a karaoke bar and explores the bond between mothers and daughters.
- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: Kat Stewart and David Whiteley take on the explosive roles of Martha and George in this acclaimed Red Stitch production of Edward Albee’s classic, directed by Sarah Goodes. Expect fireworks in this searing exploration of marital discord and emotional games.
- Happy Days: A unique collaboration between lighting designer Nick Schlieper and director Pamela Rabe will breathe new life into Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days. Rabe’s visionary approach promises an inventive and visually stunning rendition of this existential masterpiece.
- Whitefella Yella Tree: Continuing its collaboration with Griffin Theatre Company, STC presents Dylan Van Den Berg’s profound play about identity, history, and reconciliation. Co-directed by Griffin’s Declan Greene and Wiradjuri/Worimi theatremaker Amy Sole, this is a story that will resonate deeply with Australian audiences.
- Encore Productions: Two of STC’s most beloved recent productions return for encore seasons. Verity Laughton’s The Dictionary of Lost Words—a beautiful adaptation of Pip Williams’ best-selling novel—and Heather Mitchell’s powerful performance in RBG: Of Many, One (directed by Priscilla Jackman) will once again take centre stage due to popular demand.
STC’s 2025 season is an exciting mix of the classic, the new, and the distinctly Australian, offering audiences the chance to reflect, laugh, and be moved by the magic of theatre.
Find more information and book your 2025 STC season here
Hayes Theatre Company
Design: Kenney Designs, Photography: John McRae
Hayes Theatre Co’s 2025 season promises an exhilarating lineup of Australian premieres, bold new works, and reimagined classics. Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer have curated a diverse program packed with joy, irreverence, and musical mastery.
- Ghost Quartet (January): Australian premiere of Dave Malloy’s haunting, magical musical exploring time, love, and the celestial.
- The Pirates of Penzance (February): A boisterous, fresh take on the Gilbert and Sullivan classic, performed by just four actors.
- The Producers – The Mel Brooks Musical (March): The hilarious Broadway smash about showbiz schemers, directed by Julia Robertson.
- Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (May): Australian premiere of the Tony-nominated musical based on Pedro Almodóvar’s cult film, directed by Alexander Berlage.
- Being Alive: The Music of Stephen Sondheim (June): A moving concert celebrating Sondheim’s iconic music, directed by Sonya Suares.
- Once on This Island (July): Sydney premiere of the Olivier Award-winning musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, directed by Brittanie Shipway.
- Bright Star (September): Sport for Jove presents the Sydney premiere of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s uplifting bluegrass musical.
- Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical (October): World premiere of Steven Kramer’s quirky, genre-blending tale, directed by Sheridan Harbridge.
- Merry & Bright (December): World premiere of a new play with music starring Nancye Hayes, written by Jordan Shea.
The season also includes returning events like Musical Bang Bang, Festival of New Work, and Carols by Cabaret. Tickets are on sale now, promising a year of musical excitement at the Hayes.
Find more information and book your 2025 Hayes season here.
Belvoir St Theatre
Belvoir St 2025. Image: Belvoir St
Find more information and book your 2025 Belvoir season here.
Ensemble Theatre
Image: Ensemble Theatre
Find more information and book your 2025 Ensemble season here.
Melbourne Theatre Company
Image: Melbourne Theatre Company
Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) has unveiled a thrilling 2025 season that promises to captivate audiences with 13 diverse productions, ranging from Australian premieres to Broadway hits and beloved classics. Artistic Director Anne-Louise Sarks describes the program as one that “puts you there in the room, with actors and audience, sharing a special experience that exists only for one night.”
Here’s what theatre lovers can look forward to in 2025:
- 37: (24 Jan – 8 Feb) Nathan Maynard’s energetic and humorous play, co-produced with Queensland Theatre, returns after a standout 2024 season. 37 delves into the joys and struggles of AFL, exploring mateship, community, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of victory.
- Never Have I Ever: (15 Feb – 8 Mar) Making its Australian premiere, Deborah Frances-White’s provocative comedy Never Have I Ever arrives with sharp wit and compelling drama. Described as a modern-day Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, it will be directed by MTC Resident Director Tasnim Hossain.
- The Removalists: (15 Mar – 12 Apr) David Williamson’s iconic 1971 play returns to the stage, offering a dark satire on authority, power, and violence. Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, this revival brings a fresh lens to the enduring themes of societal critique and Australian identity.
- The Black Woman of Gippsland: (5 – 31 May) Written by Andrea James, this poetic and emotionally rich play sheds light on Victoria’s dark colonial history through the lens of a modern mystery. Presented as part of the YIRRAMBOI Festival, it reflects MTC’s dedication to showcasing Indigenous stories.
- Mother Play: (30 Jun – 26 Jul) Paula Vogel’s Tony-nominated Mother Play makes its Australian premiere following a successful Broadway run. Directed by Lee Lewis and starring Sigrid Thornton, this intimate family drama is one of the season’s most anticipated productions.
- Kimberly Akimbo: (26 Jul – 30 Aug) The winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo arrives in Melbourne under the direction of Mitchell Butel. The cast features Australian stars Casey Donovan, Marina Prior, and Christie Whelan Browne, bringing this heartfelt, funny, and touching story to life.
- The Wrong Gods: (6 Jun – 5 Jul) This world premiere by S. Shakthidharan (Counting and Cracking) is a gripping exploration of hope, betrayal, and self-discovery. Co-produced by Belvoir St Theatre, The Wrong Gods promises to be a profound and riveting tale that speaks to contemporary Australia.
- Destiny: (19 Jul – 9 Aug) Part of the NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program, Destiny is a family drama set in 1970s Apartheid South Africa. Written by and starring Kirsty Marillier, and directed by Zindzi Okenyo, the play examines the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival during societal turmoil.
- Rebecca: (30 Sep – 5 Nov) Anne-Louise Sarks directs this new adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. Starring Pamela Rabe, Nikki Shiels, and Bert LaBonté, this Gothic tale of mystery and suspense promises to be one of the highlights of the season.
- Dying: A Memoir: Dates TBC Based on Cory Taylor’s moving and critically acclaimed memoir, this adaptation by Benjamin Law stars Genevieve Morris. It offers a poignant exploration of life, illness, and the human condition.
- The Robot Dog: (1 – 19 Mar) In this quirky sci-fi comedy, Roshelle Yee Pui Fong and Luritja writer Matthew Ngamurrari Heffernan explore the ethics of AI, language, and technology. The Robot Dog promises to bring humour and thought-provoking insight into an increasingly tech-driven world.
- Much Ado About Nothing: (14 Nov – 12 Dec) Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy returns to the MTC stage for the first time in 30 years. Directed by Mark Wilson and starring Fayssal Bazzi and Alison Bell, this production will breathe new life into one of the Bard’s best-loved works.
With such a diverse and exciting lineup, MTC’s 2025 season offers something for every theatre lover, blending international acclaim, homegrown stories, and timeless classics into a year of unforgettable experiences.
Find more information and book your 2025 MTC season here.
Opera Australia
Opera Australia 2025. Image: Opera Australia
Opera Australia (OA) has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 season, promising a captivating array of productions that highlight its commitment to both expanding its repertoire and showcasing Australian talent. The lineup features a mix of new premieres, classic operas, and dynamic collaborations.
Here’s what you can look forward to in Opera Australia’s 2025 season:
- Cinderella (Cendrillon): (14 Jan – 10 Feb) Laurent Pelly directs this vibrant and sensory-rich production, marking OA’s first performance of this opera. Sung in English and presented in association with Sydney Festival, it features a stellar cast including Emily Edmonds, Emma Matthews, Sian Sharp, and Margaret Plummer.
- Carmen: (20 Mar – 25 May) Anne-Louise Sarks makes her fully staged opera directorial debut with this new production. Starring Danielle de Niese, this bold interpretation of Bizet’s classic will be performed in both Sydney and Melbourne. Sarks aims to capture the revolutionary spirit of Carmen and its timeless exploration of love and societal division.
- Rusalka: (15 Jun – 5 Aug) Australian opera sensation Nicole Car stars in this new production directed by Sarah Giles, known for her acclaimed La Traviata. Giles brings a fresh perspective to Dvořák’s fairy-tale opera, exploring themes of belonging and identity.
- Candide: (10 Aug – 14 Sep)A vibrant operetta from Victorian Opera, showcasing OA’s commitment to collaboration with other Australian performing arts companies. This production promises a lively and engaging performance.
- Dido & Aeneas: (20 Sep – 30 Oct) Opera Queensland’s production, in association with Circa, offers a unique take on Purcell’s classic opera, combining traditional elements with innovative performance techniques.
Hall-of-Fame Productions:
- Marriage of Figaro: Directed by Sir David McVicar.
- The Barber of Seville: Directed by Elijah Moshinky.
- La Bohème: Directed by Gale Edwards.
These beloved productions return to the Joan Sutherland Theatre with returning Australian voices such as Samuel Dale Johnson, Kiandra Howarth, and Rachelle Durkin.
Musicals:
- Hadestown: (1 Feb – 5 Mar) The Tony Award-winning musical hits the Theatre Royal, bringing a touch of Broadway and West End to Sydney.
- Guys & Dolls: (10 Mar – 15 Apr) Set against the backdrop of 1950s Manhattan, this classic musical comedy will dazzle audiences on Sydney Harbour with its high-energy performances and iconic tunes.
- Rent: (20 Sep – 15 Oct) Directed by Shaun Rennie, this emotional and dynamic musical will debut at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, offering a powerful portrayal of life and love in New York City.
With its impressive lineup, Opera Australia’s 2025 season offers a rich tapestry of operatic experiences, blending new and classic works to delight audiences across Australia.
Find more information and book your 2025 OA season here.
As we look ahead to 2025, each company brings its unique vision and creativity to the stage, audiences can anticipate a season filled with groundbreaking performances, captivating storytelling, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a long-time aficionado or new to the scene, 2025 offers something for everyone, ensuring a year of extraordinary cultural experiences and artistic excellence.
