Holden Street Theatres (HST) proudly launches its 2026 Season, a bold, exhilarating program that champions exceptional storytelling, celebrates local and national talent, puts 19 actors on stage, creates jobs for arts workers and cements HST’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading independent theatre producers.
The 2026 Season marks the first official season launch for HST and welcomes a new era for the iconic South Australian theatre hub. The season features four mainstage productions and a thrilling line-up of premieres, world firsts and Australian and South Australian debuts.
According to Holden Street Theatres Artistic Director Martha Lott, the 2026 Season is one of the boldest on record for the venue and an opportunity for theatre lovers to experience some of the most ambitious theatre under the direction of HST’s new Director in Residence, Nick Fagan.
“This season marks a new chapter for Holden Street Theatres — full of premieres, extraordinary performers, and stories that demand to be told. We are delighted to officially welcome Nick Fagan as our new Director in Residence. Nick’s appointment is a major coup with his adventurous programming and a reputation as one of the most exciting directorial forces in South Australia.”
– Martha Lott
Of his appointment Nick Fagan said:
“HST has always punched above its weight. I’m honoured to join a company that backs artists so fiercely and brings audiences work that is honest, provocative and beautifully crafted.”
The season opens with the world premiere of The Debate, a new Australian work emerging from HST’s new writing program. The first teaser of HST’s 2026 Adelaide Fringe line-up this original play featuring Artistic Director Martha Lott and the Fringe debut of Amelia Lott-Watson tackles generational divide, conviction, courage, and the fragile state of discourse.
The Debate tackles generational divide, conviction, courage, and the fragile state of modern discourse. This world premiere marks a major moment in HST’s ongoing commitment to original Australian theatre.
Audiences will experience the South Australian premiere of Till The Stars Come Down by British playwright Beth Steel. This tense, emotionally rich, romantic drama about family, loyalty and the consequences of choices that linger for generations will feature a leading South Australian cast including Brant Eustice, Martha Lott, Krystal Cave and additional cast announcements to follow.
Till The Stars Come Down features a powerhouse of South Australian talent and promises a captivating, deeply moving theatrical experience. Originally premiered at London’s National Theatre in 2024. It subsequently transferred to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London’s West End in 2025. The production was nominated for two 2024 Lawrence Olivier Awards, including Best New Play. This is the first granting of performance rights outside of the UK.
Leading South Australian actress Michelle Nightingale will star in Adam Rapp’s Tony nominated psychological thriller The Sound Inside. In its South Australian premiere audiences will be enthralled by the story of novelist and college professor Bella and her volatile student, Christopher — a bond that draws them into a dark, life-altering pact. The Sound Inside is elegant, unsettling, and unforgettable.
The play premiered at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in 2018. The production was directed by David Cromer and starred Mary-Louise Parker and Will Hochman. The play premiered on Broadway at Studio 54 with the same cast and creative team, premiering in previews on 14 September 2019 and officially on 17 October. It closed on 12 January 2020. The play received six Tony Award nominations, including for Best Play. Parker won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.
The season closes with Conor McPherson’s celebrated modern classic The Weir, set in a rural Irish pub. The celebrated modern classic arrives at HST in a fresh, haunting and profoundly human production. Starring Brant Eustice and Martha Lott, The Weir explores stories of ghosts, memory and vulnerability in a play that has taken the world by storm.
The Weir was written in 1997. It was first produced at The Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in London, England, on 4 July 1997. It opened on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre on 1 April 1999. As well as several other locations in the UK and the US, the play has been performed in Ireland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Australia and Canada.
With additional artists and creative teams soon to be revealed, the 2026 Season is only just beginning to show its scope. Holden Street Theatres will continue to unveil further casting announcements in the coming months.
The Season launch also marks the announcement of a newly created Board for HST who, according to Martha Lott, will help shape HST’s future direction.
“I am pleased to also reveal HST’s new Board, chaired by Natalie Morely and a group of passionate and highly skilled members who will help guide HST’s future vision.”
Members of the newly formed board include: Natalie Morely (Chair), Olesia Armstrong (Treasurer), Toni Briggs-Brown (Secretary) and members Josh Fanning, Maria Panagiotidis, Mark Taylor, Martha Lott, and Ella Huisman. Remaining board members are to be announced.
Holden Street Theatres will also announce its 2026 Adelaide Fringe program in December in what will open a blockbuster year for the internationally acclaimed venue.
Tickets for the 2026 Season and further information are available now via the website. Tickets for The Debate will be released on December 5, 2025.
Website: https://www.holdenstreettheatres.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/holdenstreettheatres/
Images supplied.
