The room was abuzz last night at the unveiling of Sydney Theatre Company’s 2026 Season. Joyful and full of energy, the launch kept audiences on the edge of their seats as the curtain was lifted on a fresh new program. The kind of daring program that I, and many other STC goers, I’m sure, have been waiting for.
I don’t think there’s a weak link in the line-up, and I left excited to see as many shows as my wallet will allow.
The 2026 Season marks the dawning of a new era for Sydney Theatre Company. Alongside the program came a fresh visual rebrand and, above all, the first full season from new Artistic Director and co-CEO, Mitchell Butel. It’s exactly the shake-up this company needed.
“I wanted to say how utterly honoured and privileged I am to be your new Artistic Director, and I hope to do the role justice over the next 37 years,” Butel quipped with a wink.
It’s already clear that Butel is making his mark on the company bringing his distinct voice and tongue-in-cheek humour to STC. Not just behind the scenes but also on stage and in the director’s chair.
He’ll act in The Normal Heart and direct both Girls & Boys and the highly anticipated new musical, Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical. Fair play. If I were Artistic Director, I’d do the same. And it’s exciting to see such a hands-on approach shaping the season’s vision.
Reflecting on the program, Butel noted:
“A certain theme has emerged putting this season together, and that is about holding a space for difference, providing a platform for diverse and divergent views to be aired, questioned and investigated. And it’s a season that I hope celebrates those things that unite us, but also those things that make us unique.”
Butel’s line up promises exactly that. Sydney Theatre Company certainly isn’t playing it safe. Covering everything from the AIDS crisis to institutional grooming in the Church, it’s a season of strong voices and fearless storytelling.
Butel has also called in some favours with VERY heavy hitters to guarantee bums on seats. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen so much Aussie star power packed into one season. I personally will be first in line to see Australian greats like Miranda Otto, David Wenham and Sam Worthington (to name a few) tread the boards again.
2026 at a Glance
The year kicks off with the Australian premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose, directed by Zindzi Okenyo (2 February – 22 March, Wharf 1 Theatre). In 2025, Purpose won the Tony Award for Best Play, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. The perfect star-studded opener for Butel’s first season.
Running concurrently is Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart (9 February – 21 March, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House). Directed by Dean Bryant, this landmark play about the AIDS crisis will see Butel himself take the stage alongside a powerhouse ensemble, including Tim Draxl and Keiynan Lonsdale.
Next, transferring from Melbourne Theatre Company is My Brilliant Career, a new Australian musical adaptation of Miles Franklin’s classic. Book and lyrics by Sheridan Harbridge and Dean Bryant (21 March – 26 April, Roslyn Packer Theatre). Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks and starring Kala Gare.
Jez Butterworth’s The River is to come next (30 March – 9 May, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House). Directed by Margaret Thanos, it is a haunting meditation on intimacy and memory, starring Aussie darling Miranda Otto.
Superstar David Wenham takes the stage in An Iliad (13 April – 30 May, Wharf 1 Theatre). Directed by Damien Ryan, it’s a fresh reimagining of Homer’s epic that promises wit and a powerhouse performance.
Then, John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt: A Parable (30 June – 2 August, Roslyn Packer Theatre) with icons Pamela Rabe and Sam Worthington. Directed by Marion Potts, it is a tense moral showdown set within the Catholic Church.
The world premiere of Bennelong in London is next by Jane Harrison (18 July – 16 August, Wharf 1 Theatre). Directed by Ian Michael and performed by Googoorewon Knox and Guy Siamon, the play reframes the story of Bennelong through his time in Britain.
Emily Steel’s Housework then takes to the stage (5 September – 17 October, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House). Directed by Shannon Rush, it offers a sharp comedy led by Susie Youssef and Indira Naidoo.
Butel then takes the director’s chair to remount Dennis Kelly’s Girls & Boys (17 September – 1 November, Wharf 1 Theatre). Justine Clarke stars in an engrossing, one woman play.
The Australian premiere of Steven Moffat’s The Unfriend (29 September – 31 October, Roslyn Packer Theatre), is a dark comedy directed by Simon Phillips. Helen Thomson takes on the leading role promising a raucous night out.
The season closes with some heavy hitters. Suzie Miller’s world premiere of Strong is the New Pretty directed by Lee Lewis (22 October – 5 December, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House).
Jonathan Biggins returns with his comedy The Gospel According to Paul: The Second Coming (6 November – 20 December, Wharf 1 Theatre) directed by Aarne Neeme.
Finally, an all new blockbuster musical Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical (15 November – 20 December, Roslyn Packer Theatre) closes out the season. Directed by Butel, it will be presented in association with Michael Cassel Group and Gaynor Wheatley.
If last night’s launch is any indication, 2026 won’t just be remembered as a new chapter for Sydney Theatre Company, but a whole new story.
Download the 2026 Season brochure here.
Visit Sydney Theatre Company’s website for ticketing information, and sign up to STC e-news for on sale information.
Website: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/sydneytheatreco/
Hero image: Artistic Director Mitchell Butel, alongside Tim Draxl and Keiynan Lonsdale, stars of The Normal Heart.
Images supplied by Sydney Theatre Company
