We Talk Theatre, Newcastle West (2025)

09/06/2025

🏆 THE TONY AWARDS - 2025 WINNERS 🏆

Broadway's biggest night has came and went! The 78th Annual Tony Awards have JUST wrapped up at Radio City Music Hall. Hosted by Tony winner and 'Wicked' film star Cynthia Erivo, it was certainly a night to remember.

FOR MUSICALS;
🏆 BEST MUSICAL - 'Maybe Happy Ending'
🏆 BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL - 'Sunset Blvd.'

🏆 ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE - Darren Criss, 'Maybe Happy Ending'
🏆 ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE - Nicole Scherzinger, 'Sunset Blvd'
🏆 ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE - Jak Malone, 'Operation Mincemeat'
🏆 ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE - Natalie Venetia Belcon, 'Buena Vista Social Club'

🏆 BEST DIRECTION - Michael Arden, 'Maybe Happy Ending'
🏆 BEST CHOREOGRAPHY - Patricia Delgado & Justin Peck, 'Buena Vista Social Club'

🏆 BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - 'Maybe Happy Ending', Will Aronson & Hue Park
🏆 BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL - 'Maybe Happy Ending', Will Aronson & Hue Park
🏆 BEST ORCHESTRATIONS - 'Buena Vista Social Club', Marco Paguia

🏆 BEST SCENIC DESIGN - 'Maybe Happy Ending', Dane Laffrey and George Reeve
🏆 BEST COSTUME DESIGN - 'Death Becomes Her', Paul Tazewell
🏆 BEST LIGHTING DESIGN - 'Sunset Blvd.', Jack Knowles
🏆 BEST SOUND DESIGN - 'Buena Vista Social Club', Jonathan Deans

FOR PLAYS;
🏆 BEST PLAY - 'Purpose'
🏆 BEST REVIVAL - 'Eureka Day'

🏆 ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE - Cole Escola, 'Oh, Mary!'
🏆 ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE - Sarah Snook, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'
🏆 ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE - Francis Jue, 'Yellow Face'
🏆 ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE - Kara Young, 'Purpose'

🏆 BEST DIRECTION - Sam Pinkleton, 'Oh, Mary!'

🏆 BEST SCENIC DESIGN - 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow', Miriam Buether & 59
🏆 BEST COSTUME DESIGN - 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', Marg Horwell
🏆 BEST LIGHTING DESIGN - 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow', Jon Clark
🏆 BEST SOUND DESIGN - 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow', Paul Arditti

THE TALLY;
Maybe Happy Ending: 6
Buena Vista Social Club: 4
Stranger Things: 3
Sunset Blvd: 3
Oh, Mary!: 2
The Picture of Dorian Gray: 2
Purpose: 2
Death Becomes Her: 1
Eureka Day: 1
Operation Mincemeat: 1
Yellow Face: 1
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02/06/2025

⚡ MYTHS, MONSTERS, MUSIC & MAGIC - THE LIGHTNING THIEF MUSICAL TO MAKE WAVES IN NEWCASTLE ⚡

Hunter Drama is thrilled to announce its latest high-voltage production — The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical — landing at The Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle from August 7 to 16, 2025. Based on the bestselling novel by Rick Riordan, this electrifying musical adaptation makes its Newcastle premiere with an all-star creative team and a cast packed with young local talent.

When Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod — the half-blood son of Poseidon — his world turns upside down. Banished from school (again), he’s sent on an epic quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.
Packed with monsters, mayhem, and a killer rock score, The Lightning Thief is a fast-paced adventure that captures the imagination of audiences of all ages.

Directed by award-winning theatre maker Lauren Harvey, and musically directed by renowned performer and vocal coach Marty Worrall, this production promises a theatrical experience like no other — where Greek mythology crashes headfirst into modern-day mayhem, and the gods of Olympus aren't the only ones causing trouble.

With a run of just eleven performances, tickets to The Lightning Thief are expected to sell fast. Whether you're a die-hard Percy Jackson fan or new to the world of gods and demigods, this is a show that promises laughter, thrills, unforgettable music — and a theatre experience like no other.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF;
August 7th - 16th, 2025
Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle

Tickets From $39;
www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/the-lightning-thief-the-percy-jackson-musical

📸 - Peter Stoop Photography
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08/05/2025

🍸 THE DROWSY CHAPERONE OPENS NEXT WEEK 🍸

The Drowsy Chaperone is a musical comedy that transports audiences to the glitz and glamour of Broadway’s Golden Age. The story begins with a devoted musical theatre fan, known only as “Man in Chair,” who finds comfort in his favourite cast album—a forgotten gem from the 1920s called The Drowsy Chaperone. As the record spins, the show bursts to life in his apartment, filling the stage with colourful characters, toe-tapping tunes, and outrageous hijinks.

At the heart of the musical is Janet Van De Graaff, a dazzling Broadway star who is leaving the spotlight to marry the dashing Robert Martin. But true love never runs smoothly—especially when a self-proclaimed Latin lover, a harried best man, a pair of pastry-obsessed gangsters, and a slightly tipsy chaperone are involved.

As mistaken identities, elaborate schemes, and show-stopping dance numbers unfold, the Man in Chair offers witty commentary, guiding the audience through the spectacle with humour and heart.

A loving parody of 1920s musical theatre, The Drowsy Chaperone is packed with high-energy performances, fast-paced comedy, and the kind of old-fashioned charm that makes Broadway magic.

Presented by the UoN Musos club, the same award-nominated team behind Into the Woods, this production is a must-see for theatre lovers and newcomers alike. Step into a world where the music never stops, the laughs keep coming, and the line between reality and fantasy is delightfully blurred.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE;
May 15th - 18th, 2025
Civic Theatre Playhouse, Newcastle

Tickets From $35;
www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/the-drowsy-chaperone

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22/04/2025

‘MYSTERY MUSICAL VOL. 3’ - CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?

Get ready for the ultimate guessing game in theatre! The Very Popular Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the return of its wildly successful Mystery Musical, now entering its third installment. Following the roaring success of 2018’s The Addams Family and 2021’s Spamalot, this year’s mystery promises to be even bolder, more surprising, and just a little more “left of field.”

So, what exactly is a Mystery Musical? It’s the most daring theatrical experiment in town! When you purchase a ticket, you’re signing up for an electrifying night of sheer theatrical mystery. No spoilers, no hints, no title – the big reveal only comes once you’re seated, the lights dim, and the first notes fill the theatre. It’s an experience designed for adventurous theatregoers who love surprises and live for the thrill of the unexpected.

“The feeling in the room when that overture started was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in theatre,” recalls Artistic Director Daniel Stoddart. “The entire audience gasped, then burst into applause. And the best part? They all kept the secret, making it just as thrilling for the next crowd.”

The creative team consists of Director Luke Aspinall, who has directed award-winning productions such as Wicked and Avenue Q. The Vocal Director is multi award winning Bree Bennett who won a CONDA for her lead role in Heathers for Chookas and Choreographer Maria Karmaniolos who has performed on The Voice, as a featured dancer for artists such as The Veronicas and Vanessa Amorosi, and choreographer for Beetlejuice JR. for iTheatrics and Junior Theatre Festival.

Why take a chance on a show when you don’t even know what it is? Well, that’s the fun of it!

MYSTERY MUSICAL VOL. 3;
May 2nd - 11th, 2025
Civic Theatre Playhouse, Newcastle

Tickets Just $59;
www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/mystery-musical-vol-3

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19/04/2025

🐈 MEET THR FIRST 3 CAST MEMBERS OF THE UPCOMING AUSTRALIAN TOUR OF ‘CATS’ 🐈

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live recently announced the first three cast members for the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS.

Audience favourite Todd McKenney will play the dual roles of Bustopher Jones and Gus the Theatre Cat. Most recently seen as The Wizard in Wicked and as Felix Unger opposite Shane Jacobson in The Odd Couple, Todd played Tumblebrutus in the original Melbourne season of CATS from 1987 to 1988, very early in his stage career, and is thrilled to revisit the show nearly four decades later.

Classical performer Mark Vincent returns to the musical theatre world as Old Deuteronomy, the wise and beloved patriarch of the Jellicle tribe. One of Australia’s most celebrated classical crossover artists, Mark’s career spans ten albums, multiple international tours, and performances at some of the world’s most prestigious venues. This will be Mark’s third musical following his roles as Billy Kostecki in the Australian tour of Dirty Dancing and Freddy Eynsford-Hill in the Dame Julie Andrews-directed production of My Fair Lady.

Also returning to CATS after many years will be Leigh Archer, who will play the kind, motherly character Jennyanydots, also known among the tribe as the “Gumbie Cat”. Leigh played Demeter in the 1992/93 Australian and Asian tour of CATS, and has since performed in Strictly Ballroom, West Side Story and Moonshadow.

The timeless musical score includes the hit song Memory, which has been recorded by more than 150 artists including Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Nicole Scherzinger, Johnny Mathis, Liberace and Barry Manilow. With “timeless music, spectacular sets and a superb cast” (Daily Mirror), breathtaking choreography and of course the unforgettable Memory, CATS is a magical musical like no other.

CATS The Musical;
From June 17th, 2025
Theatre Royal, Sydney

From September, 2025
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide

From December, 2025
Hammer Hall - Arts Centre, Melbourne

Tickets From $70;
www.catsthemusical.com.au

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06/04/2025

⚡️ CAST ANNOUNCED FOR ‘BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL’ ⚡️

Get ready Sydney! The Australian cast of BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical has just been announced!

Joining the cast is Tony Award-winner Roger Bart, who originated the iconic role of Doc Brown on the West End and Broadway. Starring alongside him are some of Australia’s most outstanding musical theatre performers and exciting new faces, including Ashleigh Rubenach as Lorraine Baines, Ethan Jones as George McFly, and Javon King as Goldie Wilson.

“Producers John Frost, Colin Ingram and the creators of the original film trilogy Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale are thrilled to announce that Tony Award winner Roger Bart will don the boiler suit and voice-activate the time travelling DeLorean for the Australian Premiere season of BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical, reprising the beloved role of Dr. Emmett Brown character made famous originally by Christopher Lloyd in the first Back to the Future movie.”

Other cast members include Ashleigh Rubenach, Ethan Jones, Javon King, Thomas McGuane, Troy Sussman, Anton Berezin, Emma Feliciano, Emily Wood, Sienna Embrey, Alexandra Cashmere, Celine Cleveland, Jack Coyne, Taye Grant, Davy Harris, Jay Johns, Charlotte Page, Bronson Pfeiler, Isabella Roberts, Kara Sims, Joshua Spiniello and from the US tour of the production, Dwayne Mitchell.

The highly coveted role of Marty McFly will be announced in June 2025.

Back to the Future Australia will premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in September.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL
From September 26th, 2025
Lyric Theatre, Sydney

Tickets From $99;
www.backtothefuturemusical.com.au

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29/03/2025

NEWCASTLE FRINGE 2025; A SUCCULENT CHINESE MUSICAL?! - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest.

Jack Karlson was a notorious crim: car thief, factory burglar and serial prison escapee, but he could never guess that for all his misdeeds, he’d become a world-famous meme for his verbose and theatrical 1991 arrest. This very serious theatre work tells Karlson’s life story, and shows us the pivotal moments in his life that (may have) inspired his great monologue. The musical numbers are 100% historically accurate.

So get your hand off my *****, learn your judo well, and ask yourself: what is the charge? Performing a musical?! A Succulent Chinese Musical?!
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23/03/2025

LAST CHANCE TO WATCH ‘UPSIDE DOWN FANTASYLAND’ @ NEWCASTLE FRINGE 2025

This unique show is a poetic journey from a young man’s dark past into his bright future.

Troy recollects memories of out-of-home care and drug-related trauma. Vulnerably bringing to the stage, raw truth telling, poetry, songs and prose.

Expect a vulnerable exploration of Troy’s experiences. An insight into what it’s like to grow up with parents with substance use issues.

The heavy material is alleviated with laughs and love.
—
Troy Rogers presents
UPSIDE DOWN FANTASYLAND

1 Show Remains;
4:30pm, Sun March 23rd

Tickets just $20
www.newcastlefringe.com.au/events/upside-down-fantasyland/
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22/03/2025

NEWCASTLE FRINGE 2025; CLUTTERBUG - ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Have you ever put off a chore for much, much... much longer than you should? And then when you finally do it, you think ‘that wasn’t so bad’ and you vow never to put it off again?

That never seems to go so well for Jane the Clutterbug, but this year she’s vowed to tackle the biggest chore of all: getting her life together.

Fresh from a hit run at Sydney Fringe, Clutterbug is a hilarious and tender story of corporate espionage, cleaning, and chicken nuggets.

Written and performed by Kirsty McGuire (Butterfly Smokescreen, Ghosts of Glebe, How Dare)

Featuring the voices of Irene Nicola, Jacinta Gregory, Michael Richardson, Peter Hoekstra-Bass and Riordan Berry
Sound design by Jim Fishwick

Presented by Jetpack Theatre, an award-winning independent theatre company who have been exploring experiential and innovative theatre for ten years
—
Jetpack Theatre presents
CLUTTERBUG

1 Show Remain;
4:30pm, Sun March 23rd

Tickets just $25
www.newcastlefringe.com.au/events/clutterbug/

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21/03/2025

NEWCASTLE FRINGE 2025; UPSIDE DOWN FANTASYLAND - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This unique show is a poetic journey from a young man’s dark past into his bright future.

Troy recollects memories of out-of-home care and drug-related trauma. Vulnerably bringing to the stage, raw truth telling, poetry, songs and prose.

Expect a vulnerable exploration of Troy’s experiences. An insight into what it’s like to grow up with parents with substance use issues.

The heavy material is alleviated with laughs and love.
—
Troy Rodgers presents
UPSIDE DOWN FANTASYLAND

2 Shows Remain;
6pm, Sat March 22nd
4:30pm, Sun March 23rd

Tickets just $20
www.newcastlefringe.com.au/events/upside-down-fantasyland/

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21/03/2025

‘CLUTTERBUG’ - PART OF NEWCASTLE FRINGE 2025

Have you ever put off a chore for much, much... much longer than you should? And then when you finally do it, you think ‘that wasn’t so bad’ and you vow never to put it off again?

That never seems to go so well for Jane the Clutterbug, but this year she’s vowed to tackle the biggest chore of all: getting her life together.

Fresh from a hit run at Sydney Fringe, Clutterbug is a hilarious and tender story of corporate espionage, cleaning, and chicken nuggets.

Written and performed by Kirsty McGuire (Butterfly Smokescreen, Ghosts of Glebe, How Dare)

Featuring the voices of Irene Nicola, Jacinta Gregory, Michael Richardson, Peter Hoekstra-Bass and Riordan Berry
Sound design by Jim Fishwick

Presented by Jetpack Theatre, an award-winning independent theatre company who have been exploring experiential and innovative theatre for ten years
—
Jetpack Theatre presents
CLUTTERBUG

3 Shows Remain;
7:30pm, Fri March 21st
4:30pm, Sat March 22nd
4:30pm. Sun March 23rd

Tickets just $25
www.newcastlefringe.com.au/events/clutterbug/

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18/03/2025

❄️ DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS ‘FIND YOUR HERO’ - A MAGICAL MEDLEY OF CLASSIC & MODERN TALES INCLUDING; ENCANTO, MOANA & FROZEN ❄️

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero. Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as they join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from around the Disney Kingdom on a journey through timeless tales.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy set the stage for an adventure filled with tales of heroism from your favorite Disney stories in Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero. Join Mirabel as she sets out to save her family’s beloved Casita, all while learning that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special. See how far Moana will go when she embarks on an action-packed voyage with mighty demigod Maui in a quest to save her island, become a wayfinder, and find her own identity. Journey alongside Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman, Olaf, on their quest to protect the kingdom. Dive “Under The Sea” and test the power of true love with The Little Mermaid. Get tangled with Rapunzel as she dares to explore the world outside her own. And be there as Belle boldly tames the fearsome Beast. Discover that courage, determination and heart are all part of the hero in you!

Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero brings beloved characters to life through cutting edge figure-skating, eye-catching costumes and stunning set designs. Innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, high-flying jumps and breathtaking skating make Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero an experience the whole family will treasure forever!

www.DisneyOnIce.com /
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We Talk Theatre

09/06/2025

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