AustralianTheatre

The Shawshank Redemption On Stage Across Australia In 2027

Feature-The Shawshank Redemption

The celebrated stage adaptation of one of the most popular and enduring films of all time, The Shawshank Redemption, is coming to Australia. Direct from its acclaimed UK tour, The Shawshank Redemption will play in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide from January next year, with other cities to be revealed. Waitlist now at ShawshankLive.com.au to be first in line to purchase tickets and receive the latest news including casting announcements, exclusive behind-the-scenes content and tour updates.

The Shawshank Redemption is a powerful stage production that places you just metres from the action. Raw, intimate and deeply moving, this is theatre at its most compelling – where every moment unfolds live before your eyes. Based on Stephen King’s celebrated novella, this gripping adaptation tells an unforgettable story of hope, friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.

Wrongly convicted of the brutal murders of his wife and her lover, Andy Dufresne is sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious Shawshank prison. As he navigates the harsh realities of incarceration, he forms an unlikely friendship with fellow inmate Red, discovering that even in the darkest of places, hope can endure. But when the corrupt Warden seeks to exploit Andy’s talents for his own gain, a quiet and daring plan begins to emerge, one that will challenge the very walls of Shawshank itself.

“Electrifying – it truly is a must see show” – The Observer
“This production has nailed it … Gripping live theatre” – Broadway World

The Shawshank Redemption_10 (c) Jack Merriman.jpg
The Shawshank Redemption_3 (c) Jack Merriman.jpg

“The Shawshank Redemption has captivated audiences around the world because it speaks to something universal, the enduring power of hope. We’re honoured to bring this extraordinary story to Australian stages and share an unforgettable theatrical experience with audiences across the country,” said producer Craig Donnell. “Great theatre doesn’t just entertain; it stays with you long after you’ve left the auditorium. The Shawshank Redemption is one of those rare stories that continues to resonate across generations, a story of hope, courage and perseverance, and I can’t think of a more important story to share with audiences today.”

Adapted for the stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, and directed by David Esbjornson who directed Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones in the Australian tour of Driving Miss Daisy, this acclaimed production captures the emotional power and humanity that have made The Shawshank Redemption one of the world’s most enduring stories.

The 1994 film adaptation, nominated for seven Academy Awards, has become one of cinema’s most beloved classics. Now, experience a story of hope, friendship and redemption brought vividly to life in an unforgettable live theatrical event.

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
Adapted for the stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, based on the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
Directed by David Esbjornson
Produced by Impresario Productions, by arrangement with Bill Kenwright Limited
By arrangement with Knight Hall Agency Ltd in association with Paradigm Talent Agency

SEASON DETAILS
Theatre Royal Sydney – From 2 January 2027
Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne – From 4 February 2027
Regal Theatre, Perth – From 12 March 2027
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide – From 1 April 2027
Other venues still to be announced

Waitlist for all cities now at ShawshankLive.com.au

 

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Ilbijerri Theare Company Presents – Gunawarra Re-creation: Re-imagining A Living Story

Feature-Gunawarra Re-Creation

Gunawarra Re-Creation, scripted by proud Taun Wurrung playwright Isobel Morphy-Walsh, is a contemporary play grounded in an uninterrupted ancestral storyline, expressed through memory, song and dance, where past and present collide.

Drawing from the traditional Kulin story of Gunawarra — the black swan and how it came to have black feathers — the work follows three generations of women reconnecting on Taungurung Country after significant life disruptions. “Growing up, my sister and I listened to our father telling creation stories, continuing rich oral traditions around fires, at bedtime, at community gatherings, and as part of ceremony. He told these stories to respond to life events,” explains Isobel.

From an early age, Isobel learnt that creation stories are living and breathing narratives, handed down through generations, and shared as frameworks for both the storyteller and listener to interpret through their own lived experiences. “Being one of many Gunawarra, Black Swan, woman, I was inspired to share a version of Gunawarra’s creation and how that connects to my family and I, in my first written play.”

Leading this new season of Gunawarra Re-Creation is award-winning Artistic Director Andrea James, a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunaikurnai woman, marking her directorial debut with ILBIJERRI Theatre Company. Andrea follows in the footsteps of the company’s former Artistic Director, Dr Rachael Maza AM – a proud Yidinji, Meriam and Dutch woman – who originally premiered the play with Melbourne Theatre Company in 2024. “We so rarely get the chance to remount new work in Australia, especially a play that is so generously gifted and richly layered,” says Andrea. This new season has created space to delve deeper into the script and connect more profoundly with Country, uncovering further layers of cultural and spiritual healing. “Collaborating with new actors alongside original cast members and drawing on what each artist emotionally brings, the new work production has renewed energy. I have a play that truly flexes artistic muscle.”

Picture1.jpg

For First Nations audiences, the production invites people to find and carry their own version of ‘Gunawarra’ as they navigate life within our current world. For non-Indigenous audiences, the play offers an opportunity to experience how First Peoples’ stories remain alive and how ancestral narratives impart lessons that resonate within contemporary life. As the play unfolds, audiences are imparted with a powerful sense of the strength, authority and wisdom carried by Blak women, and their extraordinary capacity to heal.

Content warning: Gunawarra Re-Creation references rape, sexual assault, violence, forced removal of children and genocide.

Gunawarra Re-Creation was developed through the ILBIJERRI Blackwrights Program with the support of City of Melbourne, Bowden Marstan Foundation, Equity Trustees and InPlace. Gunawarra Re-creation was originally co-produced with Melbourne Theatre Company as part of Blak in the Room 2024.

CAST:
Gunawarra – Hannah Morphy-Walsh (Taun Wurrung)
Aunty Aggie – Lisa Maza (Yidinji, Meriam)
Roo – Melodie Reynolds-Diarra (Wongutha, Nadju, Mirning)
Murrun – Miela Anich (Badu/Kala Lagaw Ya)

CREATIVES:
Writer – Isobel Morphy-Walsh (Taun Wurrung)
Director (Remounted Production) – Andrea James (Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai)
Director (Premiere Production) – Dr Rachael Maza AM (Yidinji, Meriam)
Dramaturg – Amy Sole (Wiradjurri, Worimi)
Set & Costume Designer – Dann Barber
Associate Set & Costume – Emma Salmon (Nyikina)
Lighting Designer – Katie Sfetkidis
Sound Designer/Composer – James Henry (Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, Yorta Yorta, Yuin)
Movement Consultant – Zoë Brown-Holten ((Th)Dunghutti, Gomeroi)
Stage Manager – Natasha Marich
Production Manager – Jess Maguire
Producer – Phoebe Watson (Gunditjmara)
Photography – Tiffany Garvie (Gunggari)

2026 TOUR:
SOUTH BANK THEATRE – NAIDOC WEEK – 50 YEARS OF DEADLY – Wednesday 8 July to Saturday 11 July 2026
GEELONG ARTS CENTRE – Friday 17 July to Saturday 18 July 2026
QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (QPAC) – CLANCESTRY – Wednesday 5 August to Saturday 8 August 2026

TICKET PURCHASE: https://www.ilbijerri.com.au/event/gunawarra-re-creation/

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Steel Magnolias Opens In Sydney Tomorrow

Feature-Steel Magnolias

After a hugely successful Brisbane season, the play that inspired the iconic film, Steel Magnolias opens at Theatre Royal Sydney tomorrow. This beloved Southern classic features an extraordinary line up of Australian TV royalty starring Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Jessica Redmayne and Lotte Beckett. Tickets are now available from steelmagnoliasplay.com. “A Heartwarming Star-Studded Triumph” – The Scoop “Unforgettable. When Australian theatre gets the casting right, trusts the material and lets the performances breathe, it doesn’t need gimmicks.” – The Courier Mail “A Joy to Behold”- Stage Whispers “Six Actresses at the Peak of their Powers”- Absolute Theatre Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of Steel Magnolias opens at Theatre Royal Sydney from 13 May 2026, before heading to Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026. Tickets are on sale now from steelmagnoliasplay.com.

In the role of M’Lynn is Gold Logie winner and leading lady of stage and screen Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, The 39 Steps) joined by Home and Away icons, Belinda Giblin (Amadeus, Doubt) as Ouiser and Debra Lawrance (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child AU and UK, A Christmas Carol) as Clairee. Acclaimed performer Mandy Bishop (Wharf Revue, Blue Heelers) plays Truvy while current Home and Away star Jessica Redmayne (800 Words, The Great Gatsby) plays Shelby. Newcomer Lotte Beckett (Julia, The Election Monologues) joins this elite line up in the role of Annelle.

Jessica Redmayne, Belinda Giblin, Lisa McCune, Mandy Bishop, Lotte Beckett, Debra Lawrance SteelMagnolias_Production_PhotoBrettBoardman_007566 LR.jpg

Step inside Truvy’s beauty salon, the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles and a little neighbourly gossip. From weddings and babies to divorces and funerals, they face life’s highs and lows with humour, courage and impeccably styled hair. When tragedy strikes, it’s in these familiar walls that they find comfort, support and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carry them through.

Steel Magnolias originally opened in Australia at the York Theatre at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May 1988 and toured to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, featuring a cast which included Maggie Dence, Nancye Hayes, Melissa Jaffer, Genevieve Lemon, Pat McDonald and Nicole Kidman making her professional stage debut.

Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, Steel Magnolias delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart. www.steelmagnoliasplay.com.au

STEEL MAGNOLIAS
By Robert Harling
Director – Lee Lewis
Composer & Sound Designer – Brady Watkins
Set and Costume Designer: Simone Romaniuk
Lighting Designer – Paul Jackson
Producer – Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions
By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical
On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company

SEASON DETAILS
SYDNEY
Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Season: 13 – 30 May
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm & 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: theatreroyalsydney.com or 1300 163 808

WOLLONGONG
Venue: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Season: 3 – 11 June
Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed 11am or 1:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, Thurs 1:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: merrigong.com.au or (02) 4224 5999
Groups 8+ call (02) 4224 5999

CANBERRA
Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre
Season: 17 – 21 June
Performance Times: Wed 6:30, Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm, Sun 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 6275 2700
Groups 8+ call (02) 6275 2727

PERTH
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Season: 7 – 18 July
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm
Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or (08) 6212 9292
Groups 8+ call (08) 6212 9291 or email groups@artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au

MELBOURNE
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre
Season: 23 July – 9 August
Performance Times: Tues- Thurs 7pm, Fri -Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or phone (03) 9650 1500
Groups 8+ visit ticketmaster.com.au
Groups 20+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au

 

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Cast Announced For New Australian Production Of Steel Magnolias

Feature-Steel Magnolias

Producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward today are thrilled to announce an all-star cast featuring some of the country’s most recognisable and celebrated television actors for the upcoming production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Under the direction of Lee Lewis, this dazzling new Australian production brings together an extraordinary ensemble led by Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Jessica Redmayne and Lotte Beckett – a line up that reads like a who’s who of Australian television, now uniting on stage for one of theatre’s most cherished plays. Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of STEEL MAGNOLIAS will tour to QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026, Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

In the role of M’Lynn is Gold Logie winner and leading lady of stage and screen Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, The 39 Steps) joined by Home and Away icons, Belinda Giblin (Amadeus, Doubt) as Ouiser and Debra Lawrance (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child AU and UK, A Christmas Carol) as Clairee. Acclaimed performer Mandy Bishop (Wharf Revue, Blue Heelers) plays Truvy while current Home and Away star Jessica Redmyane (800 Words, The Great Gatsby) plays Shelby. Newcomer Lotte Beckett (Julia, The Election Monologues) joins this elite line up in the role of Annelle.

Director Lee Lewis said “Once upon a time I wished for the best cast ever for Steel Magnolias…. Lisa McCune! BRILLIANT! Belinda Giblin! LEGEND! Deborah Lawrence! FABULOUS! Mandy Bishop! OUTRAGEOUS! Jessica Redmayne! GORGEOUS! Lotte Beckett! PERFECT!!!! Yes, said my fairy godmother, you shall have a ball.”

Lewis continued, “Assembling a magic cast for this very special play has been a real joy. This story means so much to so many people and I can’t wait to bring everyone together to revisit all the love, laughter and tears that fill Truvy’s salon. A dream cast for a play that lives in all our dreams.”

STM_KeyArtPortrait_F_CAST.jpg
Jessica Redmayne, Lisa McCune, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Belinda Giblin, Lotte Beckeet (c) Benny Capp_4676.jpg

Step inside Truvy’s beauty salon, the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles and a little neighbourly gossip. From weddings and babies to divorces and funerals, they face life’s highs and lows with humour, courage and impeccably styled hair. When tragedy strikes, it’s in these familiar walls that they find comfort, support and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carry them through.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS originally opened in Australia at the York Theatre at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May 1988 and toured to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, featuring a cast which included Maggie Dence, Nancye Hayes, Melissa Jaffer, Genevieve Lemon, Pat McDonald and Nicole Kidman making her professional stage debut.

Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, STEEL MAGNOLIAS delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS
By Robert Harling
Director – Lee Lewis
Composer & Sound Designer – Brady Watkins
Set and Costume Designer: Simone Romaniuk
Lighting Designer – Paul Jackson
Producer – Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions
By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical
On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company

SEASON DETAILS

BRISBANE
Venue: Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
Season: 30 April – 10 May
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: qpac.com.au or phone 136 246
Groups 8+ call (07) 3840 7466

SYDNEY
Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Season: 13 – 31 May
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm & 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: theatreroyalsydney.com or 1300 163 808

WOLLONGONG
Venue: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Season: 3 – 11 June
Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed 11am or 1:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, Thurs 1:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: merrigong.com.au or (02) 4224 5999
Groups 8+ call (02) 4224 5999

CANBERRA
Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre
Season: 17 – 21 June
Performance Times: Wed 6:30, Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm, Sun 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 6275 2700
Groups 8+ call (02) 6275 2727

PERTH
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Season: 7 – 18 July
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm
Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or (08) 6212 9292
Groups 8+ call (08) 6212 9291 or email groups@artsculturetrust.wa. gov.au

MELBOURNE
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre
Season: 23 July – 9 August
Performance Times: Tues- Thurs 7pm, Fri -Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or phone (03) 9650 1500
Groups 8+ visit ticketmaster.com.au
Groups 20+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au

 

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Connect Online

© 2026 Dark Stories Pty Ltd     ♦     Whats The Show