We Talk Theatre, Newcastle (2026)

08/12/2025

🖇️ FROM THE PRODUCER OF ‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’ COMES A BOLD, INTIMATE NEW PRODUCTION 🖇️

Newcastle audiences are in for a rare treat this December as The Very Popular Theatre Company stages Mike Bartlett’s critically acclaimed one-act play, Contractions, in the intimate and atmospheric Fern St Studios.

Emma’s been seeing Darren. She thinks she’s in love.
Her boss thinks she’s in breach of contract.
The situation needs to be resolved…

Set entirely within the confines of a corporate HR office, Contractions is a darkly comic and chilling exploration of power, privacy, and control. What begins as a seemingly ordinary workplace meeting quickly escalates into a tense and unnerving power struggle, where personal freedoms are tested, and every polite phrase hides a threat.

Directed by Daniel Stoddart, this production stars two of Newcastle’s most compelling performers Katie Blaxland (Mary Poppins, Jersey Boys) and Megan Kennedy (Every Second, Banging Denmark), whose dynamic performances bring Bartlett’s tension-filled dialogue to life. Stoddart admits, “I never intended for this to be a full-blown production - it started as a workshop project, but I got a little carried away. Katie and Megan are two of my favourite Newcastle actors, and this was the perfect opportunity to work with them together.”

“Staging it in the intimate space of our own Fern St Studios is like entering the meeting room yourself and offers our audiences a front-row seat to every twist, turn, and uncomfortable laugh,” said Stoddart.

Step inside the corporate world like never before, where every word matters, every action is scrutinised, and a simple meeting can become a corporate nightmare. At once both absurd, and horrifyingly familiar, you’ll be talking about this show around the water cooler at work for days afterward!

CONTRACTIONS runs for 60 minutes with no interval and will be staged for four performances only: 8:00pm | 10–13 December | Fern St Studios | Tickets $40

Book at www.verypopulartheatrecompany.com.au

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07/10/2025

🥧 SYDNEY, LIFE IS ABOUT TO BE AS EASY AS PIE 🥧

Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS is baking its way to Australia for the very first time, premiering at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in July 2026. Waitlist at WaitresstheMusical.com.au to be first in line to buy tickets when they go on sale later this month.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, and brought to life by a trailblazing creative team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy® winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) and direction by Tony® winner Diane Paulus, WAITRESS is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that has captured hearts worldwide.

“It’s been a dream of mine to see WAITRESS (finally) find its way to Australia,” said Sara Bareilles. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal, and so timely. Over the years, we have witnessed such an incredible embrace of this show, and I’m so proud to be a part of the team that is bringing you something so full of heart and soul. I’m so excited for Sydney audiences to experience WAITRESS.”

This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.

📸 Marie-Andrée Lemire
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03/10/2025

BACK TO THE FUTURE - THE MUSICAL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Take an electrifying ride back in time with London’s Olivier Award-winning best new musical, adapted for the stage by the creators of the original movie trilogy.

Starring Tony Award-winner Roger Bart, who originated the iconic role of Doc Brown on the West End and Broadway, and rising star Axel Duffy as Marty McFly. They lead an outstanding cast including Ashleigh Rubenach as Lorraine Baines, Ethan Jones as George McFly, and Javon King as Goldie Wilson

Welcome to Hill Valley! When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself… back to the future.

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01/10/2025

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

The longest running comedy in London, the smash-hit Olivier and Tony-Award-winning, The Play That Goes Wrong, returns to Australia & New Zealand!

A hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes, things go from bad to utterly disastrous when the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society performs a classic murder mystery. Complete with an unconscious leading lady, a co**se that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “A RIOTOUS EXPLOSION OF COMEDY!” (The Daily Beast) and “TONS OF FUN FOR ALL AGES!” (HuffPost). The New York Times calls The Play That Goes Wrong “A GUT-BUSTING HIT”, and the New York Post has just one word for you: “GO!”

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, experience total mayhem and comic hijinks at The Play That Goes Wrong, guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter. Book tickets now – it would be WRONG to wait!

The next tour stop for THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG is Port Macquarie, followed by Canberra, and finishing off in Perth.

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29/09/2025

🦁 THE WAIT IS OVER! DISNEY ANNOUNCES ON-SALE DATE AHEAD OF SYDNEY 2026 SEASON 🦁

Australian audiences will soon be able to secure their seats for Disney’s THE LION KING ahead of the triumphant return of the world’s #1 musical to Sydney. Opening at the Capitol Theatre from April 2026, this season marks ten years since this iconic musical was last on stage here in Australia.

THE LION KING has been seen by more than 120 million world-wide, cementing its status as one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Tickets will go on sale from 9am AEDT 16 October 2025 via thelionkingmusical.com.au. To be kept informed of ticketing details sign up at thelionkingmusical.com.au.

CommBank Yello gets you in first! Eligible CommBank Yello customers have exclusive early
access to presale tickets starting from Thurs 9 Oct 2025 at 9am AEDT until Thurs 16 Oct 2025 at
8am AEDT. Visit commbank.com.au/disneypresale to find out more.

28/09/2025

HERE YOU COME AGAIN
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here You Come Again is a rollicking, joyous new musical comedy featuring all of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits!

Packed with iconic songs like Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again, and many more, this colourful and heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose fantasy version of international icon Dolly Parton helps him navigate life’s toughest challenges. With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps – whether or not those bootstraps have rhinestones!

Following sold out seasons across the U.S. and U.K., Here You Come Again is touring nationally with co-creator Tricia Paoluccio in the role of Dolly, next to Australia’s own Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) and an Australian ensemble and live band. Here You Come Again is co-created and written by two-time Emmy Award-winning Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio, and adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish, this is the 2025 musical you won’t want to miss!

HERE YOU COME AGAIN is currently playing at Theatre Royal Sydney before touring to Melbourne, Newcastle, Canberra and Adelaide.
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24/09/2025

MENOPAUSE: THE MUSICAL (Sydney)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s time to embrace “The Change” with a night out full of uncontrollable laughter, uplifting celebration, and shared sisterhood. The global smash hit Menopause The Musical® returns this September in an all-new production for an exclusive two-week season at Sydney’s State Theatre!

Flushed with hot success since 2001 , the hit has played to over 17 million women (and brave men) in more than 500 cities and nine languages. Lighting up the stage are four queens of Australian musical theatre: Tara Morice, star of the iconic film Strictly Ballroom; the glamourous Erika Heynatz, best known for hosting Australia’s Next Top Model and her role on Home and Away; and powerhouse performers Melissa Langton (Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar) and Cherine Peck (Mary Poppins, The Lion King).

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL runs until next Sunday exclusively at Sydney’s State Theatre! Ladies (and daring husbands), don’t miss out!!

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17/09/2025

THEATRE ROYALTY TO STAR IN AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE OF HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL ‘ANASTASIA’

The producers have today confirmed that Robert Tripolino, Joshua Robson, Rodney Dobson, Rhonda Burchmore and Nancye Hayes AM will join Georgina Hopson in leading the cast of ANASTASIA, which will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne in December 2025 before touring to Perth and Sydney in 2026.

Producer John Frost said, “This story of courage, identity and hope deserves nothing less than the absolute best — and that’s exactly what we’ve found in these phenomenal cast members. Their talent will transport audiences from the streets of St. Petersburg to the grandeur of Paris, making this production truly unforgettable.”

Robert Tripolino will play the role of the charming con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson will play the antagonist Gleb with Rodney Dobson featuring as Vlad. The much-loved Rhonda Burchmore will delight audiences as Countess Lily with Australian stage icon Nancye Hayes AM performing the role of the Dowager Empress.

Opera Australia Acting CEO Simon Militano said, “We are thrilled to announce these five brilliant performers will be joining the cast of Anastasia. It’s a winning combination of Australian musical theatre legends and some of its most exciting rising stars. We have no doubt that they will delight audiences, night after night, in this exciting Australian premiere season.”

Inspired by the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution, and the 1997 Oscar nominated animated film of the same name, ANASTASIA has been brought to life on the stage by the Tony Award-winning creative team of Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

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www.wetalktheatre.com
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16/09/2025

CRAIG MCLACHLAN HAS OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWN HIS POSITION IN THE CAST OF THE ‘CLUEDO’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR

STATEMENT FROM CRAIG MCLACHLAN
Almost one week ago, a casting announcement was made regarding the Australian stage play Cluedo.
In the hours and days that followed, I was targeted in a social media campaign from within the theatre community, which I was devastated to see has then impacted those involved in the production.
I therefore feel that it is best for the production and those involved for me to withdraw.
- Craig McLachlan

STATEMENT FROM CROSSROADS LIVE AUSTRALIA
Recently Crossroads Live Australia announced some of the ensemble cast that will be appearing in our upcoming stage adaptation of the much-loved classic board game Cluedo, including Craig McLachlan who was cast in the role of Colonel Mustard.
Craig McLachlan is no longer part of the ensemble cast of Cluedo. We thank those who have purchased tickets to Cluedo for their understanding and look forward to a
successful production.
- Crossroads Live Australia

PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM JOHN FROST
Craig McLachlan’s theatrical stage return wasn’t well received by some of the industry and public. The resulting impact on others involved has prompted his withdrawal from
the production. I have listened to the feedback and as producer, whilst it was my initial casting decision, I understand the opposing sentiment and I am sorry for any distress this decision has caused.
- John Frost
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www.wetalktheatre.com
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15/09/2025

🎵 WORLD PREMIERE OF ‘WHISPERING JACK: THE JOHN FARNHAM MUSICAL’ TO DEBUT AT SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY 🎵

Last night, Michael Cassel and Gaynor Wheatley, together with Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director, Mitchell Butel, announced that the world premiere of WHISPERING JACK: THE JOHN FARNHAM MUSICAL will debut at Sydney Theatre Company in November 2026, as part of the Company’s landmark 2026 Season.

Timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of John Farnham’s record-shattering 1986 album WHISPERING JACK, the new Australian musical will bring to the stage the remarkable story of the man who became known as “The Voice”.

WHISPERING JACK: THE JOHN FARNHAM MUSICAL takes audiences behind the scenes of the five extraordinary years that redefined Farnham’s career, from a broke former teen idol to the voice of a nation. The musical explores the personal and creative stakes behind the making of WHISPERING JACK, the highest-selling Australian album of all time.

At its heart is the story of the people who stood beside him: Jill Farnham, his wife and pillar of strength, and Glenn Wheatley, his manager and friend who risked everything to make the dream a reality.

Written by Jack Yabsley and directed by Mitchell Butel, the musical will feature a soundtrack that defined generations: WHISPERING JACK: THE JOHN FARNHAM MUSICAL will showcase Farnham’s greatest hits alongside unforgettable songs of the era. From power ballads to pop anthems, this collection of songs underscores Farnham’s remarkable versatility and cements his place as one of Australia’s most enduring voices.

Tickets will be available as part of Sydney Theatre Company’s 2026 Season subscription packages. General Public single ticket on-sale details will be announced at a later date. Sign up to STC e-news for updates: sydneytheatre.com.au/enews.

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15/09/2025

📣 AUSTRALIA, MEET SYBYLLA MELVYN: ‘MY BRILLIANT CAREER’ IS GOING ON TOUR! 📣

Following the news of its 2026 Melbourne encore season, Melbourne Theatre Company announced yesterday that the joyous, smash-hit musical My Brilliant Career will embark on a national tour.

This acclaimed reimagining of Miles Franklin’s beloved novel — created by Sheridan Harbridge, Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank, and directed by Anne-Louise Sarks — will tour Eastern Australia, with seasons in Canberra, Sydney and Wollongong, following its return to Southbank Theatre in Melbourne.

Premiering in 2024 to sold-out houses, My Brilliant Career received extraordinary audience response and critical acclaim, including multiple five-star reviews and five Green Room Awards – among them Outstanding Production - competing alongside some of the year’s biggest commercial musicals. News of the Melbourne encore season has already sparked anticipation after its August announcement; with both returning audiences and first-timers being given the chance to experience this unmissable production.

The 2026 tour will feature powerhouse performer Kala Gare reprising her role as Sybylla Melvyn, alongside much of the original actor-musician ensemble. The tour also promises the same exhilarating production values as the award-winning premiere season, stunning design by Tony Award-winner Marg Horwell and a powerhouse score blending contemporary pop, bush ballad, and raucous pub rock.

2026 TOUR STOPS & DATES;
Melbourne; 23rd Jan - 28th Feb, Southbank Theatre
Canberra; 7th - 15th Mar, Canberra Theatre
Sydney; 21st Mar - 26th Apr, Roslyn Packer Theatre
Wollongong; 8th - 17th May, IMB Theatre

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www.wetalktheatre.com
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15/09/2025

⭐️ HAYES THEATRE CO LIFTS THE CURTAIN ON A BOLD AND BRILLIANT 2026 SEASON ⭐️

Last night, Artistic Directors of Hayes Theatre Co, Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer, unveiled an exciting line up of productions that celebrate the best of musical theatre and cabaret. Featuring a mix of classic and new Broadway smash hits alongside daring new Australian works, Hayes Theatre Co continues its tradition of delivering intimate, powerful theatre that punches far above its size.

“In 2026, we’re once again jumping into a season of work that embraces the power of music theatre to surprise, to provoke and to bring people together in joyful, meaningful ways, with a collection of stories big and small, old and new, hilarious and heartfelt - all designed to be experienced up close and thrillingly live,” said Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer. “One of our favourite things about Hayes’ audiences is that they combine a love of music theatre’s rich traditions with a constant curiosity about where it could go next. That’s why we prioritise bringing fresh eyes to beloved shows, offering a spotlight to emerging talent, and making space for our most exciting artists to create bold, inventive work.”

🌟 BARBRA: THE GREATEST STAR (from Jan 21st)
💘 HEAD OVER HEELS (from Feb 20th)
🧢 GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! (from Apr 10th)
🏖️ DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (from May 22nd)
🕷️ THE ADDAMS FAMILY (from Jul 11th)
💼 HOW TO SUCEED IN BUSINESS… (from Aug 28th)
📣 WE ARE THE TIGERS (from Oct 9th)
🗺️ SILVER TONGUE (from Nov 13th)

Subscriptions are now on sale, with single tickets on sale at different times in coming months.

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