In a fairytale-turned-nightmare, Roisin McAlinden was swept off her feet by a knight in shining armour, but she quickly found a darker side to the saviour fantasy.
Fairytale: Ending sees British-born comedian, Roisin McAlinden, blend dark humour and intimate storytelling into a cheeky satire of the stories that shape our ideas of love. After critically acclaimed runs at Perth Fringe World, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Sydney Fringe, McAlinden will return to Melbourne playing at Bard’s Apothecary from 6-10 October 2026.
“Why did you stay?” A common question asked of women after a bad relationship. McAlinden answers, exploring how these love stories lead women to believe that the only path to happiness is being chosen by a man. Even if that man is an angry loner who lives in a dusty tower with only furniture for friends (looking at you, Belle). Better to be like Snow White, perhaps. On the surface a typical housewife, McAlinden reframes her as a savvy business woman who strategically bakes pies for seven wealthy diamond miners.
Directed by Penny Greenhalgh (writer of URZILA starring Urzila Carlson), Fairytale: Ending is a personal and playful exploration of feminism, gender roles, queer identity and the power of women telling their own stories. “Before the Brothers Grimm, the first person to coin the term fairytale was a woman, Madame D’Aulnoy.” McAlinden enlightens. “She was arrested for revolutionary activities. These stories were once used to fight against forced marriage, warn women of the dangers of the world, and build hope for a better future. How different would our ideas of love and happiness be if women had been able to tell our own stories?” Fairytale: Ending is the answer.
The lead cast for the Australian tour of the stage adaptation of one of the most popular and enduring films of all time, The Shawshank Redemption, was announced today. Direct from its acclaimed UK tour, The Shawshank Redemption will play in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide from January next year, with other venues to be announced. Tickets are on sale from Thursday with presales starting today. Head to ShawshankLive.com.au to buy tickets.
Acclaimed television, film and theatre actor David Berry (Outlander, A Place To Call Home, Home and Away) will play Andy Dufresne, the quiet, smart former banker wrongly sentenced to life for murdering his wife and her lover. Cast as “Red” Redding, a long-term inmate known for smuggling contraband items into the prison who develops a friendship with Andy, is prolific stage and television actor Bert LaBonté (The Book of Mormon, Colin From Accounts, Cloudstreet). Returning to the stage after 20 years as the Warden, the deeply hypocritical, religious and cruel prison boss, will be one of Australia’s most recognised screen actors Rodger Corser (Doctor Doctor, Rush, Channel 9’s The Floor).
David Berry said, “I’m thrilled to be returning to the stage in such a timeless and deeply human story, alongside two extraordinary actors like Bert and Rodger.” Bert LaBonté claimed, “The opportunity to tell this iconic story – and to take on a role as rich and loved as Red was impossible to say no to. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room and begin exploring him.” Rodger Corser added, “After 20 years in film and television, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to the stage for a story as powerful as The Shawshank Redemption. Its themes of hope, resilience and friendship resonate just as strongly today as they did when the film was released more than 30 years ago.”
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
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
SYDNEY
Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Season: From 2 January 2027
Performance Times: Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm
Prices: From $89.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ShawshankLive.com.au or 1300 163 808
MELBOURNE
Venue: Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne
Season: From 3 February 2027
Performance Times: Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 2pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (schedule varies weekly)
Prices: From $89.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ShawshankLive.com.au or call 1300 182 183
PERTH
Venue: Regal Theatre
Season: From 12 March 2027
Performance Times: Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (schedule varies weekly)
Prices: From $89.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ShawshankLive.com.au or 08 9381 9943
ADELAIDE
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: From 1 April 2027
Performance Times: Wed-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (schedule varies weekly)
Prices: From $89.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ShawshankLive.com.au or phone 131 246
Starring acclaimed illusionist Michael Boyd. One performance only – Saturday 10 October
Prepare to be amazed when internationally acclaimed illusionist Michael Boyd returns to Sydney’s State Theatre with his breathtaking illusion spectacular, MYSTIQUE – A Journey Beyond Reality, for one performance only on Saturday 10 October.
A theatrical experience unlike any other, MYSTIQUE combines grand illusion, captivating storytelling, spectacular dance and audience participation in a world-class production that will leave audiences questioning what is real.
Created with the same creative team behind legendary illusionist David Copperfield, the production showcases some of the world’s most spectacular large-scale illusions, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless theatrical magic.
At the heart of the show is the astonishing Deadly Scorpion Illusion — a $50,000 robotic apparatus that sees Michael dicing with death beneath a swinging two-metre buzz saw blade while a giant venomous scorpion tail strikes with terrifying precision. It is one of the most dangerous illusions ever performed on an Australian stage.
Audiences will also witness the breathtaking Double Levitation Illusion, where a dancer gracefully rises high above the stage before Michael takes flight across the magnificent State Theatre in a Peter Pan-style aerial illusion that appears to defy the laws of gravity.
Packed with dazzling special effects, world-class illusions, stunning choreography, comedy, suspense and unforgettable theatrical moments, MYSTIQUE – A Journey Beyond Reality promises an exhilarating experience that will captivate children and adults alike.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of magic or experiencing grand illusion for the first time, MYSTIQUE – A Journey Beyond Reality promises an unforgettable afternoon of astonishment, excitement and spectacular entertainment.
For over 100 years, Marian Street Theatre has been a gathering place for Ku-ring-gai; from its early days as a memorial hall to its evolution into one of Australia’s most respected suburban theatres. Thousands of artists have performed there, and generations of locals have treasured memories of their own local theatre – but it has lain derelict for 13 years.
Residents, artists and community organisations will gather outside Gordon Library on Sunday 2 August for Rally in Red, a community protest calling on Ku-ring-gai Council to preserve the approved Development Application (DA) for Marian St Theatre before it expires on 19 August.
The rally follows Ku-ring-gai Council’s decision on 16 June to abandon the approved redevelopment after more than 20 years of reports, consultation and planning, placing $1.7 million of public investment in architectural design and community engagement at risk.
If the DA expires, the only approved pathway to reopening Marian St Theatre as a contemporary Arts Centre will be lost.
Marian St Theatre Action Chair Jessica Blaxland Ashby said the community was determined not to let that happen. “There are just weeks left to save the approved plans for Marian St Theatre. Stand with us before it’s too late.”
The approved redevelopment, designed by nationally recognised theatre architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, would transform Marian St Theatre into a contemporary Arts Centre with spaces for theatre, music, dance, exhibitions & community events.
Ku-ring-gai has 44 sports fields, 67 tennis courts, two golf courses and recently spent $26.6 million on two basketball courts inside a high school, yet has no dedicated, publicly accessible performing arts venue. The Marian St redevelopment would fill that gap and create a vibrant, accessible cultural destination.
The campaign has gathered momentum since Council’s decision, with the NSW Parliamentary petition attracting strong community support and the future of Marian St Theatre being raised in both the Australian and NSW Parliaments this week.
Federal Member for Bradfield, Nicolette Boele, said: “It’s critical when we recognise and we preserve cultural heritage. And to ensure that there is adequate arts infrastructure for our growing communities on the North Shore.”
State Member for Davidson Matt Cross said: “I thank all volunteers who are selfless in their work to promote culture and arts in Ku-ring-gai. I look forward to continuing my support for the group and I thank Marian St ACTION.”
Greens Senator David Shoebridge said: “I’ve experienced the love of live theatre at Marian Street Theatre and I 100% believe that opportunity needs to be there for future generations.”
Patron of Marian St Theatre Action and acclaimed playwright David Williamson said: “The design of the renovation is first-class, but the council keeps deferring a decision while approving expensive sports oval developments, demonstrating yet again where the arts rate in our national psyche.”
Marian St Theatre Action Committee member Tony Bates said: “The community did everything Council asked. We participated in consultation after consultation and were repeatedly assured these approved plans would be preserved. Instead, Councillors blindsided us all at the last minute. Put a shovel in the ground and get Marian St Theatre open.”
