The Homecoming: A Timeless Modern Classic

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Harold Pinter’s multi Tony Award-winning drama The Homecoming comes to the intimate Athenaeum Theatre 2 for a strictly limited season. This gripping production explores a volatile world of tension, family conflict, and shifting power. Known for its sharp dialogue, psychological complexity, and exploration of power and desire, The Homecoming brings one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated plays to the stage in this smouldering and provocative production.

Directed and Designed for the Melbourne stage by Greg Carroll (Swansong, Glory Dazed) with Sound by Paul Norton (Much Ado About Nothing) – this intimate new production brings together an outstanding cast of Australian stage and screen talent.

Starring Kate Kendall (Stingers, Rush) as Ruth, Richard Piper (The Lady in the Van, Twelfth Night, Come from Away) as Max, Ben Geurens (Reign) as Lenny, Peter Houghton (Shakespeare in Love, North by Northwest) as Teddy, David Field (City Homicide) as Sam, & Eddie Orton (Touching The Void) as Joey.

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In a crowded house in East London lives a family of butchers, fighters, and men bound by routine and rivalry. When Teddy returns from America with his wife Ruth – a woman his family has never met – old tensions surface and an unsettling battle for control begins. As loyalties shift and desires emerge, the household is thrown into a dangerous and unpredictable power game.

Director Greg Carroll says; “One of the greatest joys of bringing this production to life has been working with such an exceptional cast. Every actor helps create an ensemble capable of meeting Pinter’s extraordinary demands. In this production we have some of Australia’s finest stage performers, and their commitment to uncovering the complexity, humour, and danger within these characters has been truly inspiring. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the electricity they create together on stage.”

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre 2, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Preview Night: 17th September
Opening Night: 18th September
Dates: 17th September – 3rd October 2026

Times: Evening: 7.30pm Matinee: 2.00pm Wednesdays and Saturdays – No performances Sundays and Mondays
Price: Adults from $59 Concession from $56.05 Under 30 $53.10

Book at www.homecomingplay.com.au or Ticketmaster

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Iota Joins Cast Of Leonard Cohen Anniversary Spectacular

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It’s 10 years since the iconic poet-composer-musician Leonard Cohen left this world, but his work looms as large as ever! And – marking the anniversary – Australia’s triple ARIA Award-winning Monsieur Camembert brings their spectacular and acclaimed production COHEN NOIR to Melbourne and Perth, honouring one of the world’s greatest songwriters through a richly textured evening of music, poetry and storytelling.

Joining an all-star cast of singers and musicians for both performances is multi award winning performer, IOTA. He is flanked by Diana Rouvas, Lyn Bowtell, Susie Bishop, Timothy James Bowen (Melbourne), Berlin-based Australian violin virtuoso Daniel Weltlinger and the remarkable Bukhu, whose haunting Mongolian throat singing and horse-hair fiddle add another unforgettable voice to this rich musical landscape.
Plus the formidable choral backing of a superb community choir in each city: Glee West in Melbourne and Swan Harmony Singers in Perth!

Some songs become part of who we are. They accompany us through life’s different seasons, revealing new meanings as we change. Leonard Cohen’s songs are among those rare companions, filled with beauty, longing, tenderness and extraordinary insight into what it means to be human. Created and performed by Australia’s triple ARIA Award-winning Monsieur Camembert, COHEN NOIR is a rare invitation into that remarkable world.

Over the past 20 years, COHEN NOIR has evolved into one of Australia’s most acclaimed live music experiences, earning standing ovations and sold-out performances at the Sydney Opera House, State Theatre, City Recital Hall and the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Audiences return not simply to hear these timeless songs again, but to discover something new within them.

“Cohen Noir is brilliant… a confronting, mortifying, exultant celebration of the business of being human.” – John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald

An exceptional ensemble of musicians and guest artists explores Cohen’s songs, poetry and prose with imagination, sensitivity and masterful musicianship. Drawing on jazz, tango, Latin, folk, klezmer and cinematic orchestration, the music reveals new colours and perspectives while remaining faithful to the emotional heart of the songs.

Cohen’s own recorded voice, poetry and humour weave gently through the performance, drawing audiences into the world behind the songs and revealing the wisdom, humanity and quiet grace that resonate so deeply.

“Spirited, musically assured, eclectic and downright fun.” – Doug Spencer, ABC Radio National

More than a tribute concert, COHEN NOIR invites audiences to encounter Leonard Cohen’s work anew, discovering fresh colours, deeper meanings and the timeless humanity that continues to resonate a decade after his passing.

“Monsieur Camembert does justice to the emotional, lyrical and melodic intent of the songs while adding a new dimension.” – Tony Hillier, The Weekend Australian
Tickets and information: www.cohen-noir.com

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Monty Python’s Spamalot Melbourne Season Extended

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Rehearsals are about to kick off in Melbourne at the end of August as Monty Python’s Spamalot prepares to open at the historic Athenaeum Theatre this September. Preview performances will begin on September 17 ahead of the official opening night on Saturday, September 19. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical has recently extended its Melbourne run through October 11, following extraordinary ticket sales and demand. Following the Melbourne season, the production will gallop into Sydney for two engagements: first at the Sydney Event Centre at The Star Sydney from October 15–18, followed by Western Sydney’s Coliseum Theatre from October 22–25, 2026.

The Melbourne season will see this incredibly diverse and talented cast take to the stage, led by Australian screen and television icon Stephen Curry, who will make his musical theatre debut, stepping into the regal shoes of King Arthur. Sharing the spotlight with Stephen will be powerhouse vocalist Jaz Flowers, who makes her highly anticipated return to the stage after a decade, as the enchanting Lady of the Lake for the Melbourne season.

Seasoned performer and Perth standout, Jamie Rolton will reprise the hilarious role of Patsy opposite Stephen Curry’s bumbling King Arthur. Joining them is a talented community of hilarious performers that includes rising stand-up comedian and Tik Tok sensation Nick White, tackling the formidable role of Man of Many Characters; NIDA Graduate and up and coming performer Gareth Isaac as Sir Robin; emerging star and WAAPA graduate Jesse Vasiliadas as Sir Lancelot; with Perth season alumni Noah Skape as Sir Galahad and Ethan Jones as Sir Bedevere respectively. Rounding out our talented ensemble is Grace Williams, Emily Huynh, Danielle Gibson, Jacinta Tsakalos, Will Basson, Jack Coyne, Dominique Hamilton and Ethan Churchill.

Producer/Director Drew Anthony said, “Following our sold-out critically acclaimed Perth season it is my absolute pleasure to be bringing this gem-of-a-show to Melbourne and Sydney. Not only is Spamalot a celebration of all things Monty Python it is also a wonderful love letter to the musical theatre genre. All of the characters and quotes from the source film will keep audiences laughing and wanting more.”

Monty Python’s Spamalot features Eric Idle’s book and lyrics alongside a score by Idle and John Du Prez, offering a hilarious and irreverent parody of musical theatre filled with show-stopping vocals and tap-dancing knights. A contemporary landmark, Spamalot won three Tony Awards after its 2005 Broadway debut.

Monty Python’s Spamalot will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from 16 September until 4 October. The show will play at the Sydney Event Centre at The Star Sydney from 15 – 18 October, before transferring to Coliseum Theatre in Western Sydney where it will play from 22 – 25 Oct 2026.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public for Melbourne on Friday 19 June and for Sydney on Monday 29 June via www.ticketmaster.com.au.

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Theatresports Celebrity Fun-Raiser: Comedy For A Cause – Enmore Theatre 27 Sept

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Teams of Impro legends mixed with celebrity guests go head-to-head in a battle of wits—competing for audience laughs and the judges’ scores. All in a quest to win the coveted Celebrity TheatreSports™ Cup …and support a wonderful cause, Canteen.

It’s Thank God You’re Here meets Whose Line Is It Anyway? You’ll see teams thrown in the deep end to play classic and audience-favourite TheatreSports™ games, comic scenes, songs, epic adventures and improvised musicals with a twist. See who can make the audience (and the judges) laugh loudest.

Here are just some of our celebrity guests taking up the challenge*:
Andrew Redmayne (Socceroos goalkeeper – “The Grey Wiggle”), Rob ‘Millsy’ Mills (Australian Idol, Wicked, star of stage/screen), Susan Prior (The Rover, award-winning film/theatre/TV actor), Joji Malani (aka Pei, original legendary guitarist, Gang Of Youths), Adam Spencer (maths geek, comedian, radio/TV presenter), Genevieve Hegney (Colin From Accounts, Logie winner), James Galea (award-winning magician, writer, producer), Harry Jun (comedian, cartoonist), Gary Eck (comedian, actor & writer: Happy Feet 2), Felix Williamson (Underbelly; actor/writer), Daniel Cordeaux (Thank God You’re Here; world impro champion), Elliot Ulm (Graphic Design Live; TheatreSports champion; comedian), Ryan Atkins (‘Gen Y Ry’ from Gold101.7 Jonesy & Amanda).
Directed/produced by Julie Dunsmore & Michael Gregory.

Starring TheatreSports™/Impro legends: Jacqui Bramwell, David Callan, Ewan Campbell, Kate Coates, Sophie Douglas, Murray Fahey, John Knowles, Steve Lynch, Sophea Op, Charlie Papps, Amy Tustian, Linette Voller.

Plus weird and wonderful audio challenges for the teams from: Kitty Flanagan, Amanda Keller, Rove McManus, Susie Youssef, Cameron Daddo and more.
(*Cast subject to change without notice)

“A wit-walloping, brain-scrambling, spectacle of comedic genius!” – What’s On Sydney

*Canteen supports young people (aged 12–25) when cancer turns their world upside down.

Celebrity TheatreSports™ promotes the vital work of this youth-led organisation, raising awareness of the unique challenges young people face and how Canteen has helped in navigating the impacts on their lives.

Celebrity TheatreSports – Sun 27 Sept, 4pm
Enmore Theatre, 118 Enmore Rd, Newtown
Tickets: $35–$70 plus booking fee
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au or Enmore Theatre Ph: 9550 3666

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