You’re The Voice: Sydney Theatre Company Announces An Incredible 2026 Season Line-up

Sydney Theatre Company has announced their fresh 2026 season, with the lineup focusing on Australian artists in celebrated global plays and few local treasures. 

STC Artistic Director & Co-CEO, Mitchell Butel says this season’s story highlights the power of live storytelling to deliver messages that celebrate the brilliance and diversity of Australia’s theatre talent.

“In programming this season, some of the themes that have emerged in the works are around change and difference. Experiencing live storytelling in a theatre together allows us to hold space for different and competing views, to foster empathy and perhaps even change our perspective,” said Butel.

Rising stars worth-seeing are lining up this season, such as, Googoorewon Knox (Hamilton), Keiynan Lonsdale (Dance Academy) and Sisi Stringer (Mortal Kombat, Vampire Academy)

As well as familiar faces such as Sam Worthington, David Wenham, and Miranda Otto.

Not to mention, heaps of world premieres of brand-new Australian writing like, Strong is the New Pretty by Suzie Miller and Australian premiere of the most awarded play of 2025, TONY Award-winning Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.

A lot of significant moments in history — which also celebrate those who have fought to make change — will be incorporated in this season’s stories in the thirteen productions featured.

“Theatre has the power to touch hearts, challenge beliefs, invite empathy, delight, provoke, inspire, enlighten and, importantly, entertain.” said Butel.

Butel has spent 27 years in the theatre industry, from performing theatre to directing it in the past 10 years.

What’s hitting the stage in 2026 from the Sydney Theatre Company?

Sydney Theatre Company, will be offering the people of Sydney and visitors a wide array of world-renowned plays and Australian favourites.

The season will open with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Tony Award-winning family drama Purpose, an internationally acclaimed work that explores legacy, power, and unresolved tensions.

Followed up by the new Australian musical based on the Australian literary classic novel My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin, directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, Melbourne Theatre Company artistic director.

There’s also the world premiere for Bennelong in London by Jane Harrison (Stolen, The Visitors) that’s going to be directed by Ian Michael, STC Resident Director and an important Indigenous voice in theatre.

STC will also present the Australian premiere of The Unfriend, a “dark comedy that will challenge everything you thought you knew about the importance of good manners”, written by Steven Moffat of Doctor Who and Sherlock fame, and directed by Simon Phillips.

Then, the world premiere of Suzie Miller’s (RBG: Of Many, One and Prima Facie) Strong is the New Pretty, which pays homage to the creation of AFLW.

The big two, The Gospel According to Paul: The Second Coming starring Jonathan Biggins, from the co-creator and star of The Wharf Revue and one of Australia’s favourite comic actors, directed by Aarne Neeme.

And finally, one that many have been looking forward to: Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical, written by Jack Yabsely and directed by the STC’s very own Artistic Director, Mitchell Butel.

Other emerging talents are also featured in this season’s lineup, such as Tinashe Mangwana, Raj Labade, Franca Lafosse and many to go around.

For more information about the 2026 season, you can visit Sydney Theatre Company.