Truth Gets Put On Trial In Knock And Run Theatre’s The Lifespan Of A Fact
What happens when facts, feelings, and deadlines collide?
Knock And Run Theatre presents the Newcastle premiere of The Lifespan of a Fact – a sharp, fast-paced comedy inspired by a true story that asks whether truth is ever really black and white.
Based on the acclaimed book by celebrated essayist John D’Agata and fact-checker Jim Fingal, the play follows an ambitious young intern tasked with verifying every detail in a high-profile magazine article before publication. What begins as a routine edit quickly spirals into a hilarious and heated battle over accuracy, artistic license, and who gets to decide what the truth really is.
Originally staged on Broadway starring Daniel Radcliffe, Bobby Cannavale and Cherry Jones, The Lifespan Of A Fact finally hits Newcastle stages for the first time this September. Filled with razor-sharp dialogue and escalating tension, The Lifespan Of A Fact explores misinformation, journalism, ego, and storytelling in an era where facts themselves often feel up for debate. Fans of The West Wing, Succession and The Newsroom will love The Lifespan Of A Fact.
Directed by Patrick Campbell, the production features veteran Novocastrian actors James Chapman (School Of Rock: The Musical), Angela Robertson (The Goat Or Who Is Sylvia) and Carl Caulfield (Being Sellers) and promises an energetic theatrical experience packed with wit, urgency, and surprising relevance.
The Lifespan Of A Fact is “Buoyantly literate… You’ll find yourself happy to have your preconceptions disturbed and assumptions unsettled.” says The Washington Post. “Wholly resonant questions [are] wrestled with in this briskly entertaining play.”
Known for producing bold and inventive independent theatre, Knock And Run Theatre continues its commitment to contemporary works that challenge and entertain audiences in equal measure. The Lifespan Of A Fact follows an critically acclaimed production of “I And You” in April staged at The Royal Exchange.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS The Lifespan Of A Fact Presented by Knock And Run Theatre PLAYHOUSE, CIVIC THEATRE WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9th – 7:30pm THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10th – 7:30pm FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11th – 7:30pm SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12th – 2pm & 7:30pm Tickets ON SALE NOW: www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au More info: https://www.knockandruntheatre.com/thelifespanofafact
Producers Paul Dainty and TEG Dainty, Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio are thrilled to announce following its highly anticipated Australian premiere in Melbourne in August 2026, the internationally acclaimed production A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL will play a strictly limited season at The Sydney Lyric from November 2026.
Tickets for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL in Sydney will be released first to waitlist members with an exclusive pre-sale commencing Tuesday 9 June, ahead of the general public on sale from Monday 15 June. Join the waitlist here www.theneildiamondmusical.com.au for tickets.
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chartbusting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 140 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “Cracklin’ Rosie”, “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway – and the world.
Like Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is a deeply personal and electrifying theatrical experience, charting Neil Diamond’s rise to superstardom through the songs that defined his life and career.
Neil Diamond’s connection with Australia spans nearly half a century of music and memories. He has toured here seven times with promoter Paul Dainty AO, from the landmark Thank You Australia tour in 1976 through to 2015, with his music resonating deeply with audiences. His iconic 1972 live album Hot August Night spent 29 weeks at number one and 65 weeks on the chart, making it the third-longest-charting album of its era in Australian music history.
“Some of my most thrilling nights have been while sharing my music with audiences around the world,” said Neil Diamond. “A BEAUTIFUL NOISE has already had an incredible journey on Broadway and is currently touring across the U.S. and it’s an incredible honour to see it heading to Melbourne and Sydney. I hope Australian audiences enjoy the show as much as I have.”
Producer Paul Dainty AO said: “Sydney has always had a deep connection with Neil Diamond’s music, and I’m delighted that audiences there will experience this extraordinary production following its Melbourne premiere. There has already been remarkable demand in Melbourne ahead of opening, which speaks to the enduring place Neil’s music holds in the hearts of Australians. This musical is a powerful celebration of his life and legacy, filled with the songs that have meant so much to generations. It’s an honour to bring this story to the Sydney stage.”
Producer Ken Davenport said: “A BEAUTIFUL NOISE has connected with audiences around the world because it’s more than a musical — it’s a deeply human story told through one of the greatest songbook of all time. We’ve been thrilled by the extraordinary response already building in Melbourne, and we’re excited to bring that same energy to Sydney audiences later this year.”
The Australian cast of A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is led by Broadway star Will Swenson in the titular role Neil Diamond – Then, bringing his acclaimed, award-winning performance to Australia for the very first time.
Joining Swenson is an exceptional company of Australian talent, featuring principal cast members Terence Crawford (Neil Diamond – Now), Ashleigh Rubenach (Marcia Murphey), Monica Sayers (Doctor), Alana Tranter (Jaye Posner), Tim Wright (Fred Weintraub / Tommy O’Rourke), Paul Hanlon (Bert Berns / Kieve Diamond), Hannah Fredericksen (Ellie Greenwich / Rose Diamond), with Rob Mallett (Standby Neil Diamond – Then), and Mark Owen Taylor (Standby Neil Diamond – Now, Fred Weintraub / Tommy O’Rourke, Bert Berns / Kieve Diamond).
Rounding out the company as “The Beautiful Noise” ensemble are Katrina Bickerton, Cameron Davey, Paul Leandre Escorrido, Matt Hourigan, Alana Iannace, Jerome Javier (Swing) Joshua Kobeck, Etuate Lutui (Shilo soloist), Anna Mallows (Swing), Jordan Malone, James Maxfield (Swing), Isabella Roberts, Sophie Tzioumis, Emma Wilby (Swing), and Erica Wild (Swing).
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL is directed by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Chess, Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), choreographed by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and written by four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Two Popes). The design team for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE features Tony Award winner David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony Award nominee Emilio Sosa (Costume Design), four-time Tony Award winner Kevin Adams (Lighting Design), Tony Award winner Jessica Paz (Sound Design), and Luc Verschueren (Hair, Wig and Make Up Design). The production has Music Supervision and Arrangements by Sonny Paladino, Incidental Music and Dance Music Arrangements by Brian Usifer, Vocal Design by AnnMarie Milazzo, and Orchestrations by Bob Gaudio, Sonny Paladino, and Brian Usifer.
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL Melbourne – The Princess Theatre, Previews commence on Wednesday 5 August, 2026. Sydney – The Sydney Lyric, Previews commence on Saturday 14 November, 2026
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.
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
For the first time ever, Hayes Theatre Co brings The Pirates of Penzance, one of its landmark productions to the Foundry Theatre stage, from tomorrow evening, with the official opening night on Friday 15 May. After a sold-out extended season at Hayes in 2025, plus visits to Wyong, Wollongong and Canberra, Hayes Theatre Co-Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer will raise the Jolly Roger once again as they revive their acclaimed version of The Pirates of Penzance. Madcap, hilarious and bursting with invention, Carroll’s sparkling new adaptation harnesses the irreverent, genre-busting spirit of Gilbert & Sullivan’s sprawling satirical masterwork and launches it into the 21st century with raucous new life. And the wildest part? Just five actors play every role.
Original cast members Jay Laga’aia (The Pirate King and others), Brittanie Shipway (Ruth and Mabel) and Maxwell Simon (Frederic) return to the motley pirate crew once again, joined by new recruits Jonathan Holmes (The Major-General and others), Sarah Murr (Isabel, Barry and others) and Tana Laga’aia (swing). Together, this fearless ensemble conjures a world of pirates, lovers, sisters, major-generals, and many, many more. Transforming in an instant as costumes, voices and characters fly past at breakneck speed, it’s a breathtaking theatrical feat, with no safety net and truly “all hands on deck”. A “riotous example” of Carroll and Falconer’s famous “What if?” approach to theatre-making, the production was hailed by the Sydney Morning Herald as “a stroke of hilarious genius.”
“Hayes shows thrive on being inventive, nimble and always entertaining, which aligns perfectly with the vision behind the Foundry Theatre. We’ve been looking for the right moment to bring a show to this space, and our rollicking, rowdy Gilbert & Sullivan reimagining is the ultimate way to kick off this exciting new partnership,” said Richard Carroll.
“There is a specific magic built into the DNA of every Hayes production – an intimacy that we know will translate beautifully to an innovative space like the Foundry Theatre. Expanding our reach to new spaces, creative partnerships and bigger audiences isn’t just a growth milestone, it paves an ambitious pathway that will directly fuel the creativity and scope of future Hayes productions,” said Victoria Falconer.
This is Gilbert & Sullivan like you’ve never seen it before; a full throttle tour de force, as five wildly outnumbered actors (swash) buckle up for an epic voyage.
★★★★★ “A practically perfect Pirates experience… Beautifully ridiculous charm” – Time Out ★★★★ “A hugely sophisticated show” – Sydney Morning Herald ★★★★ “A delight!” – Stagenoise ★★★★ “Keeps the laughs bubbling up” – Cultural Binge ★★★★☆ “Such a treat to watch” – What’s the Show
Batten down the hatches and jig along to the Foundry Theatre for The Pirates of Penzance or The Slave of Duty. Five Actors. Every Role. The original mega-musical – re-wired, re-booted, re-duced!
SEASON DETAILS Venue: Foundry Theatre, inside the Sydney Lyric, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont Season: 12 May – 7 June Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed-Sat 7pm, matinees Wed or Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm or 3pm (performances vary weekly) Prices: From $59.90 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100
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