Sydney Theatre Company has announced a stellar line-up for its 2026 season, with Mitchell Butel pulling out some huge names from the Australian screen and stage worlds to make his mark on his debut STC program.
With thirteen productions across the Roslyn Packer Theatre, the Wharf 1 Theatre and the Drama Theatre at the Opera House, the season includes three world premieres of brand-new Australian writing, with the long-awaited premiere of Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical by Jack Yabsley alongside Bennelong in London by Jane Harrison and Strong is the New Pretty by Suzie Miller.
The season also features the Australian premiere of the most awarded play of 2025, Pulitzer and the Tony Award-winning Broadway production Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the Sydney premiere of new Australian musical based on Miles Franklins’ My Brilliant Career adapted by Dean Bryant, Matthew Frank and Sheridan Harbridge as well as some recent Australian classics and renowned international revivals.
Butel has leant heavily on star power for his debut season at STC, with David Wenham, Miranda Otto and Sam Worthington all starring at various points in the season while also giving opportunities to some of the best rising stars in the business such as Hamilton star Googoorewon Knox.
The choice of programming definitely demonstrates a shift away from the groundbreaking Kip Williams seasons, which featured heavily experimental and cutting edge theatrics and moves back towards shows that really focus on the essence of storytelling and the heart of theatre. Among the immediate highlights are Doubt: A Parable starring Worthington, which is set in early 1960s The Bronx, during a moment of significant change for the Catholic Church and The Unfriend, which follows a seemingly affable protagonist who has been poisoning her casseroles (sound familiar?!). For a touch of comedy, The Gospel According to Paul: The Second Coming will be a treat for audiences, with media and invited guests being treated to a preview performance from Jonathan Biggins as Paul Keating which was absolutely hysterical.
“Theatre has the power to touch hearts, challenge beliefs, invite empathy, delight, provoke, inspire, enlighten and, importantly, entertain,” said Butel. “I am honoured to have the great privilege of inviting artists and playwrights I respect and admire to bring brilliant, entertaining theatre to the people of Sydney.”
Pleasingly for this masthead, Butel has also added two musicals to the season although his award-winning production of Kimberly Akimbo that played to critical acclaim in Adelaide and Melbourne this year sadly did not make the cut. Alongside Whispering Jack, there will also be a new Australian musical based on Miles Franklin’s My Brilliant Career, adapted by Dean Bryant, Matthew Frank and Sheridan Harbridge and directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, which promises to be truly special as well.
But the headline announcement really was the John Farnham musical, which has been nearly 10 years in the making. The casting for Farnham has not yet been announced, but after his stellar performance in Jesus Christ Superstar, surely Michael Paynter is a lock for the role.
“Musicals have always held a very special place in my heart as it’s where I met Jill,” said Farnham about the musical. “To see this part of my story brought to life on stage is an adventure that might just require you strapping on your seatbelt! For me it has always been about the songs. From Sadie to You’re the Voice, I am forever grateful for both these songs and the people who connect with my music.”
“The first ever stage musical I saw was Pippin starring John Farnham when I was 4 years old. His performance rocked my young mind, and I’ve been a massive fan ever since,” said Butel. “To be directing Whispering Jack as my first musical as Artistic Director of Sydney Theatre Company, quite a few years later, is a total thrill and honour. This is a story not just of a phenomenal talent and voice but of a man whose kindness, generosity, mischief and passion galvanised a community of friends, family and fans around an album and new sound that saw Farnham’s career rise like a phoenix from the fire. It’s a tale of second chances and ultimately of love.”
This looks to be a truly fantastic season for the Sydney Theatre Company, with Butel really putting his own stamp on the direction of the group. It is certainly very different to the Williams era but judging by the reaction in the launch room, it seems there is quite a bit of excitement for this new direction.
And the final word must go to Butel who turned the launch into a show in its own right. With cracking jokes and a penchant for everything theatrical including a cabaret-style plea to the audience to purchase their tickets, the signs are very promising that Butel will be the person to lead Sydney Theatre Company into its new era.
For more details on Sydney Theatre Company’s 2026 season, click here.
Photo credit: Ken Leanfore
Musicaltheatre.au - Australian music and theatre reviews 