The Magic of Shakespeare Brought to Life
SHOWS
with
Charlotte Edwards as Juliet
Ciarán O'Riordan as Romeo
Jo Mayer as The Nurse
David Halgren as Mercutio
and
Charles Mayer as Lord Capulet & The Friar
with
Lighting Design and Sound Production by Adam Applebaum
Design by Art Director Letitia Hodgkinson
Back by popular demand, our acclaimed ★★★★★ production of Romeo & Juliet returns in 2026 to inspire you, connect you and open your heart.
Passion, hope, and the dream of a new world of forgiveness and connectedness drive this timeless story, set in a city torn by ancient rivalries. Within an enchanted garden and beneath a candlelit balcony, students are immersed in a dangerous world where even the moon holds secrets and love dares to defy tradition.
A raw, paired back Romeo & Juliet told through the eyes of seven main characters; Juliet, Romeo, Mercutio, the Nurse, Friar, and Lord Capulet, this production intensifies the connection to each character, and its staging offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the play as Shakespeare intended: alive, immediate, and deeply human. Audiences will feel the urgency of young love, the thrill of secrecy, and the crushing impact of rivalry, bringing their own lives into visceral focus.
“…nothing short of pure theatrical alchemy, an impeccable show just so dazzling, and a flawless blend of talent, vision, and soul. A rollercoaster of love, fury, and beauty, that reminds us exactly why this tale, has captivated hearts for centuries.” Sydney Arts Guide
with
Charles Mayer as Macbeth
Jo Mayer as Lady Macbeth & Second Witch
David Halgren as Banquo
Ciarán O'Riordan as MacDuff
Willa King as First Witch
Ella Havelka as Third Witch
with
Lighting Design and Sound Production by Adam Applebaum
Design by Art Director Letitia Hodgkinson
Following the 2025 season of sold-out performances, our ★★★★★ production hailed as "THE Macbeth for our times: raw, relentless, and deeply human" (Sydney Arts Guide) returns in 2026 to ignite audiences once again.
This powerful adaptation dives into the heart of Shakespeare’s most haunting work, reminding us that, even in the darkest moments, we always have a choice. Themes of ambition v destiny, power v paranoia, love v duty, and the duality of the human spirit crash together in a story that challenges us to confront our shadows and seek redemption.
This Macbeth distills the play to its essences, told through the central characters — Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo, Macduff, and The Witches. Audiences are immersed in Shakespeare’s language, dramatic tension, and ethical questions in a way that sparks analysis, discussion, and empathy. A "Captivating" (SMH) element of our production is Wiradjuri dancer Ella Havelka (The Australian Ballet, Bangarra Dance Theatre) as the Second Witch. As a passionate advocate for First Nations storytelling through dance, Ella brings a unique and powerful energy to the stage, weaving ancient wisdom with contemporary artistry, expanding the theme of "there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
As Lyn Belvedere for Sydney Arts Guide says, “This production is a triumph for the ages, THE MACBETH, that is psychologically penetrating, and theatrically bold. With powerhouse performances, innovative staging, and relentless emotional intensity, this is Shakespeare at its most vital.”
with
Ray Chong Nee as Othello
Charles Mayer as Iago
Jo Mayer as Emilia
David Halgren as Cassio
and
Ella Havelka as Bianca
with
Lighting Design by Adam Applebaum
Costume Design by Jo Mayer
Sound Design by Charles Mayer
3 October The Settlers Arms, St Albans
11 - 14 November Concourse Chatswood
18 - 21 November Darling Quarter Theatre
We are proud to unveil a brand new production of Othello, starring new troupe member Ray Chong Nee (Sport for Jove, Bell, STC), set in the transformative landscape of early colonial Australia. This adaptation reframes Shakespeare’s most searing tragedy within a world of first encounters, shifting power, and cultural collision, where love and jealousy unfold against the backdrop of devastating change.
The heart of the story sees the man Othello navigating leadership, trust, prejudice, and betrayal — whose deception and downfall echo the power struggles of the young colony. The redcoats' rivalries in camp are surrounded by timeless country where the hope of harmony weaves through the story, a vision of coexistence and the beauty of learning from ancient perspectives.
Audiences are invited to consider how Shakespeare’s exploration of race, loyalty, and justice connects with Australia’s history, and how theatre can challenge us to reckon with the fractures that still shape our society.
Performed with the raw intensity of a six-character ensemble, this new adaptation immerses audiences in Shakespeare’s language while opening pathways for deep discussion around influence, violence and human frailty.
This is more than a retelling of a classic play — it is a transformative theatrical experience that is uniquely Australian, urgent, and profoundly human.
CRITIC'S REVIEW
☆☆☆☆☆
“This production is a triumph for the ages, THE Macbeth, that is psychologically penetrating, and theatrically bold. With powerhouse performances, innovative staging, and relentless emotional intensity, this is Shakespeare at its most vital.”
Lyn Belvedere, Sydney Arts Guide
