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More Cast Revealed For The Shawshank Redemption

15/09/2026 Breaking News

As final performances for the Sydney and Melbourne seasons for the Australian tour of The Shawshank Redemption go on sale today, additional cast members were revealed. The stage adaptation of one of the most popular and enduring films of all times, The Shawshank Redemption will play in Sydney from 2-31 January 2027 and Melbourne from 3 February to 7 March, before moving to Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. Head to ShawshankLive.com.au to buy tickets.

Stephen Anzo (Headless, The Big Fix) will be playing the role of Nelson, alongside Laurence Boxhall (The Mousetrap, Lord of the Rings) as Tommy and Soren Jensen (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) as Hadley. Stephen Lopez (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Fisk) will play Rico, Blessing Mok (Bad Blood Blues, NCIS: Sydney) is Entwistle, and Nathan O’Keefe (The Importance of Being Earnest, Betrayal) plays Rooster. Completing the cast are Mark Saturno (The Normal Heart, A View From The Bridge) as Dawkins and Jeremiah Wray (Macbeth, A Few Good Men) as Bogs Diamond.

They join acclaimed television, film and theatre actor David Berry (Outlander, A Place To Call Home, Home and Away) who will play Andy Dufresne, prolific stage and television actor Bert LaBonté (The Book of Mormon, Colin From Accounts, Cloudstreet) playing “Red”, and one of Australia’s most recognised screen actors Rodger Corser (Doctor Doctor, Rush, Channel 9’s The Floor) in the role of the Warden.

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.

Rodger Corser, David Berry, Bert LaBonté The Shawshank Redemption (c) Daniel Boud_56390.jpg

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: 2 – 31 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: 3 February – 7 March 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 SEASON
Venue: Regal Theatre
Season: 12 – 28 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 SEASON
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: 1 – 11 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

BRISBANE SEASON
Venue: Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC
Season: 28 April – 9 May 2027
Performance Times: Wed-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm
Prices: From $89.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ShawshankLive.com.au or phone 136 246

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Hayes Theatre Co Unveils Its 2027 Season

15/09/2026 Breaking News

Stylized retro city skyline with a heroic figure standing to the right, symbolizing urban leadership and ambition.

Hayes Theatre Co today announced its 2027 season, the company’s biggest yet, expanding beyond its Potts Point home with work presented at larger Sydney venues under the banner Hayes in New Places while continuing an expansive program at the Hayes Theatre. Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer, in their final year as ADs, will lead a season of new work, reimaginings, classics and major theatrical events.

Leading the season is Steven Kramer’s Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical, starring Joel Granger, returning to Sydney for an expanded staging at Carriageworks from 8 July to 8 August ahead of a national tour culminating at Melbourne Theatre Company. Phar Lap previously received rave reviews, sold-out seasons and awards; the 2027 staging is on a larger scale.

The Foundry Theatre will be transformed into an underground bar in October for Mack The Knife, a major new work by Richard Carroll, Victoria Falconer and Jordan Shea that re-imagines The Threepenny Opera. Beginning as an immersive promenade experience, it evolves into a rock-cabaret musical shaped by the audience each night.

At the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point, the season of eight productions spans cabaret, comedy, opera, contemporary musical theatre and drama. The year opens with Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door, a new cabaret-concert directed by Hayden Tonazzi with arrangements and musical direction by Steven Kramer (three-week season from 13 January). February and March feature Claudia Barrie’s Lucky Stiff, followed by the return of House of Rot after its sell-out at the 2026 Winter Cabaret Festival. May presents the Australian premiere of the folk epic Swept Away (directed by Drew Livingston), followed in July by Jacinta John’s production of Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal.

In August Matthew Barclay presents a technicolour reimagining of Mozart’s Così fan tutte or The School for Lovers. September brings Cameron Mitchell directing and choreographing the sci-fi satire Be More Chill, and the season closes with Flowers for Mrs Harris starring Rachael Beck and directed by Julia Robertson.

Hayes will again present two major festivals: the Festival of New Work returns for its fourth year extended to three weeks, and the Winter Cabaret Festival returns in June rebranded as Flare. Regular Hayes events include three Neglected Musicals (1776 in March, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in May and Dames at Sea in October), Theys at the Hayes and Victoria Falconer’s Parlour Night for Mardi Gras 2027, plus returning favourites Musical Bang Bang, Home Grown, An Evening With and Carols by Cabaret. Subscriptions are on sale from Monday 14 September, with single tickets on sale at various times in coming months. Phar Lap single tickets are available now from https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/phar-lap-2027-carriageworks/.

With its most expansive program yet, Hayes Theatre Co’s 2027 season is presented as an invitation to discover music theatre in new places, in new forms and at every scale while continuing to champion artists, audiences and Australian work.

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Steel Magnolias: A Celebration of Friendship at The Guild Theatre

15/09/2026 Davros Dark🥈🦉

In the welcoming surrounds of a small-town Louisiana beauty salon, six spirited women share laughter, heartache and the enduring bonds of friendship. The Guild Theatre Rockdale presents Steel Magnolias, a much-loved comedy-drama that will have you laughing through your tears.

About The Show – Steel Magnolias

What is this show about?

A delightful comedy/drama about the bond between a group of Southern Women in Louisiana.

In the warmth of a small-town Louisiana beauty salon, six strong-willed women gather to share laughter, secrets, and heartache. Steel Magnolias is a funny and moving celebration of friendship resilience, and the bonds that carry us through life’s joys and sorrows. With quick wit, sharp humour, and moments that will leave you misty-eyed, this timeless classic reminds us that strength can be delicate – and as enduring – as a magnolia blossom

How would you describe this show to someone who has never seen anything like it before?

The show is very moving and takes you for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. You will find yourself smiling, laughing and relating to the characters. There is also some sadness.

Who is this show for? Who is going to have the time of their life?

The show is for everyone … but perfect for a girls night out.

What do you want the audience to feel in the final moment?

An acknowledgement of the power of female friendship.

Our thanks to the team at The Guild Theatre Rockdale. For those seeking a moving theatrical experience, whether for a girls’ night out or simply to celebrate the enduring strength found in connection, tickets can be reserved at the Guild Theatre website.

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“We Have A Great Relationship, Apart From The Communication Issues.”

14/09/2026 Potanoski Papa🌱🔥

Cooked Rating

★★★★★

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Cooked by Angel Duggan and Lana Page
At KXT on Broadway Downstairs

Creative Team
Director: Laura Jackson
Writer/Performer: Angel Duggan
Writer/Performer: Lana Page
Performer: Sally Evans
Lighting and Sound Designer: Sansona Trinh
Costume, Set and Props Design: Sam Hollingshead
Producers: Angel Duggan and Lana Page

I feel a lot of hard work went into this production but I’m not sure if it was cooked, more like half baked.

“Christmas this year is “cooked.” Logan’s world is tested when her mum starts to come home late, disappears, and acts ‘off’. She looks to her best friend Jean for support, however a new boyfriend – the kind that you have a ‘funny feeling’ about – begins to test their friendship. Full of vaping, Tn’s, Kookai, and ‘woo woo energy’, these women navigate their insecurities, judgements and some hard truths about each other.
Christmas is fucked but maybe New Years will be better?”

We never heard about New Years funnily enough. A lot like the ending, where we didn’t really get a conclusion.

The play tries to dabble with some heavy hitting themes about alcoholism, depression and domestic violence but nothing really hits the mark. I thought I’d be coming out of this play crying but instead felt rather empty. This could have been the playwright’s intension.

I understand why actors start writing their own work so they can create opportunities for themselves and others but sometimes as playwrights, actors are too close to the material, so they don’t quite get there and connect. A lot of sections of the play seemed over rehearsed and not in the moment. There was a lot of playing to the balcony and not the people in front of you, which made it feel really disconnected. Perhaps the show needs to be workshopped more. Opening the play with some super out of tune singing was a choice!

This was their second show in a short run at BXT on Broadway downstairs. I wonder if some of the issues I saw were to do with the classic second show slump.

The space downstairs is tiny, it could do with some slightly raked seating, as sight lines are a problem unless you are in the front row. The speakers are deafening; the high volume is not needed for such a small space. They were so distracting throughout the entire play and so many moments were destroyed because of this. Like the seats upstairs, these are just as uncomfortable. It was lucky the play was only 55 minutes long. Take a cushion with you.

Sally Evans performance as Mum was quite the standout. She craftily balanced quirky comedy, melodrama and very dramatic scenes with ease.

It is lovely to see a full house with so many people supporting live theatre.

To book tickets to Cooked, please visit https://cookedtheplay.weebly.com.

Photographer: The Garage Photo Studio

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About The Show – Steel Magnolias

What is this show about?

How would you describe this show to someone who has never seen anything like it before?

Who is this show for? Who is going to have the time of their life?

What do you want the audience to feel in the final moment?

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

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