Sydney Theatre Company and Hayes Theatre Co Announce Ambitious 2026 Seasons

Sydney’s theatre scene is set for a landmark year in 2026, with both Sydney Theatre Company (STC) and Hayes Theatre Co unveiling line-ups that balance world premieres, bold Australian writing, and fresh interpretations of Broadway favourites.

Sydney Theatre Company: A Season of “Dream Teams”

STC’s 2026 program features 13 productions, including three world premieres that spotlight new Australian voices. Among them are Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical by Jack Yabsley, Bennelong in London by Jane Harrison, and Strong is the New Pretty by Suzie Miller.

The season also introduces the Australian premiere of the Tony Award-winning Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, alongside the Sydney premiere of a new Australian musical based on Miles Franklin’s My Brilliant Career, adapted by Dean Bryant, Matthew Frank, and Sheridan Harbridge.

With Mitchell Butel beginning his tenure as artistic director, the season has been billed as one of “dream teams,” celebrating collaboration and diversity in Australian theatre. Themes of history, change, and difference underpin much of the programming, highlighting theatre’s power to provoke thought while entertaining audiences.

Hayes Theatre Co: Musicals Old and New

At Hayes Theatre Co, the 2026 season opens with the world premiere of BARBRA: The Greatest Star, a new concert event honouring Barbra Streisand, directed by Brittanie Shipway. The program continues with the Sydney premiere of the queer musical comedy Head Over Heels and the Australian premiere of Broadway smash-hit Gutenberg! The Musical!, directed by Hayes artistic director Richard Carroll.

The season also includes productions of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Addams Family, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and We Are The Tigers. Closing the year will be the world premiere of Silver Tongue.

Co-artistic directors Carroll and Victoria Falconer emphasised that Hayes’ 2026 season seeks to both honour musical theatre traditions and push boundaries, offering audiences inventive reimaginings alongside bold new works.

A Thriving Year Ahead

Together, STC and Hayes Theatre Co’s announcements promise a year that champions Australian talent while engaging with international theatre trends. With an array of premieres, adaptations, and revivals, 2026 is shaping up to be one of Sydney’s most exciting years on stage.