2026 is bold, bright and wildly entertaining
Witness some of the world’s best theatre makers live and up close in soul-stirring human stories, wicked comedies, award-winning international sensations and world-premiere Australian plays.
More than 80 performers will perform in thirteen productions throughout the year, including David Wenham, Miranda Otto, Sam Worthington, Googoorewon Knox, Keiynan Lonsdale, Sisi Stringer, and the return of STC audience favourites Justine Clarke, Pamela Rabe, Helen Thomson, Jonathan Biggins, Ewen Leslie and Guy Simon.
Plays and musicals include:
Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer
My Brilliant Career A new musical based on the novel by Miles Franklin
The River by Jez Butterworth
An Iliad by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare Adapted from Homer’s Iliiad
Doubt A Parable by John Patrick Shanley
Bennelong in London by Jane Harrison
Housework by Emily Steel
Girls & Boys by Dennis Kelly
The Unfriend by Steven Moffat
.Strong is the New Pretty by Suzie Miller
The Gospel According to Paul The Second Coming written and performed by Jonathan Biggins
Whispering Jack The John Farnham Musical Book by Jack Yabsley
“Theatre has the power to touch hearts, challenge beliefs, invite empathy, delight, provoke, inspire, enlighten and, importantly, entertain. I am honoured to have the great privilege of inviting artists and playwrights I respect and admire to bring brilliant, entertaining theatre to the people of Sydney,” Artistic Director Mitchell Butel says.
“In programming this season, some of the themes that have emerged in the works are around change and difference. Experiencing live storytelling in a theatre together allows us to hold space for different and competing views, to foster empathy and perhaps even change our perspective. The stories in our 2026 Season look back at significant moments in history, celebrate those who have fought to make change and explore how telling stories can help us to understand the present and ourselves.”
sydneytheatre.com.au
