With his signature satirical bite, David Williamson AO dissects the fragile performance of status — and the outrageous lengths we’ll go to just to be seen.
WORLD PREMIERE
Katie (Mandy Bishop) doesn’t want a taste of the high life — she wants a seat at the table. When she invites elite Sydney power couple and art collecting heavyweights Charles (Andrew McFarlane) and Catherine Mallory (Sarah Chadwick) over for dinner, Katie’s all in. She’s betting big on charm, fine wine and a jaw-dropping painting she’s hired to add a stroke of “wow” to the walls. She’s got one chance to climb the social ladder, and she’s not about to waste it.
As drinks flow and polite facades start to crack, the evening unravels into a night of lies, cover ups and social desperation.
With his signature satirical bite, David Williamson AO dissects the fragile performance of status — and the outrageous lengths we’ll go just to be seen.
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Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.
| 2026 SINGLE TICKET PRICING | PREVIEWS | IN SEASON |
|---|---|---|
| FULL PRICE | $94 | $109 |
| SENIORS CARD | $91 | $105 |
| PENSIONER | $87 | $101 |
| GROUP 10 - 19 | $87 | $101 |
| GROUP 20+ | $82 | $96 |
| FULL-TIME STUDENT / UNDER 30s | $46 | $46 |
| INDUSTRY INSIDER / MEAA / AWG | $46 | $46 |
| SCHOOL GROUP | $25 | $25 |
"Another David Williamson masterpiece" North Sydney Sun (for 2025's ARIA)
"One of Australia's most successful and prolific playwrights" The Sydney Morning Herald
David Williamson AO
Ensemble Theatre: Premieres include: ARIA, THE GREAT DIVIDE, RHINESTONE REX AND MISS MONICA, CRUNCH TIME, THE BIG TIME, SORTING OUT RACHEL, ODD MAN OUT, JACK OF HEARTS, DREAM HOME, CRUISE CONTROL, HAPPINESS, WHEN DAD MARRIED FURY, NOTHING PERSONAL, AT ANY COST? (Co-written with Mohamed Khadra), LET THE SUNSHINE, LOTTE’S GIFT, OPERATOR, FLATFOOT (with Christine Dunstan Productions), A CONVERSATION, FACE TO FACE. Griffin Theatre Company: FAMILY VALUES. La Boite Theatre/Noosa Long Weekend: STRINGS UNDER MY FINGERS. La Mama Theatre: CREDENTIALS, THE REMOVALISTS, THE COMING OF STORK. Melbourne Theatre Company: RUPERT, DON PARTIES ON, SCARLET O’HARA AT THE CRIMSON PARROT, BIRTHRIGHTS, SONS OF CAIN, THE CLUB, JUGGLERS THREE. Nimrod: CELLULOID HEROES, TRAVELLING NORTH. Old Tote: WHAT IF YOU DIED TOMORROW? Playbox: SANCTUARY. Pram Factory: DON’S PARTY. State Theatre Company South Australia: THE PUZZLE, A HANDFUL OF FRIENDS, THE DEPARTMENT. Sydney Theatre Company: INFLUENCE, AMIGOS, SOULMATES, UP FOR GRABS (with Melbourne Theatre Company), THE GREAT MAN, CORPORATE VIBES (with Queensland Theatre), THIRD WORLD BLUES, HERETIC, DEAD WHITE MALES, SIREN, EMERALD CITY, THE PERFECTIONIST. Queensland Theatre: NEARER THE GODS, MANAGING CARMEN, AFTER THE BALL, BRILLIANT LIES, MONEY & FRIENDS. Film and TV include: FACE TO FACE, BALIBO, ON THE BEACH, BRILLIANT LIES, SANCTUARY, EMERALD CITY, TRAVELLING NORTH, THE PERFECTIONIST, THE LAST BASTION, PHAR LAP, THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY, GALLIPOLI, THE CLUB, DON’S PARTY, ELIZA FRASER, THE REMOVALISTS, STORK. Awards: Some of David’s many awards include twelve Australian Writers’ Guild Awards, five Australian Film Institute Awards for Best Screenplay and, in 1996, the United Nations Association of Australia Media Peace Award. David has received four honorary doctorates and been made an Officer of the Order of Australia, as well as having been named one of Australia’s Living National Treasures.
Janine Watson
Directing Credits: Ensemble Theatre: FLY GIRL, ARIA, COLDER THAN HERE, ALONE IT STANDS, A BROADCAST COUP, NEARER THE GODS, STILL UNQUALIFIED, UNQUALIFIED. Bell Shakespeare: THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, ROMEO AND JULIET. Redline Productions: FIERCE, CRIMES OF THE HEART, DOLORES (co-director). Acting Credits: Ensemble Theatre: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE. Bell Shakespeare: KING LEAR, THE DREAM. Griffin Theatre: THE HAPPY PRINCE. Little Ones Theatre: DANGEROUS LIAISONS, DRACULA. Old Fitz: MARY JANE. Sport For Jove: THREE SISTERS. Film: THE CODE. Television: THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS, NEIGHBOURS, THAT’S NOT ME. Training: National Theatre Drama School (Melbourne). Awards: Sandra Bates Directing Award 2016. Sydney Theatre Award – Best Lead Female Performance THE HAPPY PRINCE 2019. GLUG Award – Best Supporting Actress A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE.
Jules Billington
THE SOCIAL LADDER is Jules’ Ensemble Assistant Directing debut. As Director: Akimbo & Co/Old Fitz: THE SWELL. Bell Shakespeare/The Players: SHAKESPEARE IS DEAD, SUCH SWEET SORROW. Little Trojan/KXT Broadway: PEOPLE WILL THINK YOU DON’T LOVE ME. On the Wing: WE’LL DANCE ON THE ASH OF THE APOCALYPSE. As Associate Director: Bell Shakespeare: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. As Actor: Theatre: Arthur: CUT SNAKE, MAD AS A CUT SNAKE. Bell Shakespeare: CORIOLANUS, MACBETH, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, ROMEO AND JULIET. Belvoir St Theatre: BAGHDAD WEDDING. Darlinghurst Theatre Company: JUMP FOR JORDAN. Siren Theatre Co: COWBOIS, THE PAST IS A WILD PARTY. Sydney Theatre Company: EMBERS, GALLIPOLI. Film: ELLIE AND ALLIE (AND ELLIE’S DEAD AUNT), BUCKLEY’S CHANCE, ALL ABOUT E. TV: BALI 2002, PIECES OF HER, FIRST DAY, HOME AND AWAY.
Mandy Bishop
Ensemble Theatre: LOSING LOUIS, DAGS. Bell Shakespeare: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Education tour. Darlinghurst Theatre: SILENT NIGHT, BOSTON MARRIAGE, VICIOUS STREAKS. Belvoir: THE PILLOWMAN, OPEN HOUSE. Downstairs: FALLEN ANGELS, TWO FOR THE ROAD, 24 HR PLAY PROJECT. Hayes Theatre: ANYONE CAN WHISTLE (Neglected Musicals, IRENE, VARIATIONS), DUBBO CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING (workshop). Old Fitzroy: CHICKEN IN A BISCUIT, MUSIC & MANDY & SCOTT (+ Griffin), A GIRL IN A CAR WITH A MAN, BIRD’S EYE VIEW. Sydney Theatre Company: THE WHARF REVUE (x 13), OPTIMISM. Sydney Opera House: OLYMPIC ARTS FESTIVAL, A ZOOM WITH A VIEW. Sydney Symphony Orchestra: THE HAPPINESS BOX, GERALD McBOING BOING. Recent Film: FANGS. Recent Television: AT HOME WITH JULIA (co-writer), HOME AND AWAY, DROP DEAD WEIRD, LAW AND ORDER SVU.
Sarah Chadwick
Ensemble Theatre: STELLA BY STARLIGHT. Flow Studios: THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA. State Theatre Company of South Australia: TAKING STEPS.
Film: CIRCLE OF LIES, THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, GROSS MISCONDUCT, HEARTLESS, SOMETHING HONEST, FROM INSIDE A GIRL’S ROOM. Television: REMEMBER MY NAME, HOME AND AWAY, JANET KING, PACKED TO THE RAFTERS, CROWNIES, TRUE CRIME: A MODEL DAUGHTER, HEADLAND, ALL SAINTS, BLUE HEELERS, M.D.A., BAD COP, BAD, COP, CRASH PALACE, FLAT CHAT, WILDSIDE, GLAD RAGS, THE FLYING DOCTORS, LATE FOR SCHOOL, A COUNTRY PRACTICE, GP, RAFFERTY’S RULES, E STREET.
Training: The National Institute of Dramatic Art (1988).
Jo Downing
Ensemble Theatre: THE MEMORY OF WATER. Bell Shakespeare: OTHELLO. KXT: BETWEEN THE STREETLIGHT AND THE MOON. The Old Fitz Theatre: THIS MUCH IS TRUE by Louis Nowra. Old 505 Theatre: HILT. Poetry In Action, Australian Tour. Television: PROSPER, COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS, WOLF LIKE ME, AMAZING GRACE, FIGHTING SEASON and HOME AND AWAY. Training: Actors Centre Australia.
Andrew McFarlane
Ensemble Theatre: AFTER THE BALL, EMERALD CITY, LOSING LOIS, LET THE SUNSHINE, LOVE LETTERS, NOTHING PERSONAL. Black Swan State Theatre Company: THE SEAGULL, ARCADIA. Christine Dunstan Productions: TIM. Darlinghurst Theatre Company: DEATHTRAP. Melbourne Theatre Company: THE HERETIC, SCARLETT O’HARA AT THE CRIMSON PARROTT, GULLIVER’S TRAVELS. Sydney Theatre Company: THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY, HUBRIS AND HUMILIATION, GRAND HORIZONS, MARY STUART, WOMAN IN MIND, CORPORATE VIBES (WITH QTC), TWO WEEKS WITH THE QUEEN, KING LEAR, HENRY IV PART 1, CYRANO DE BERGERAC. Film: TRUTH, RAZZLE DAZZLE, LITTLE WHITE LIES, BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS, BORN TO RUN, DOCTORS AND NURSES, BREAK OF DAY. Television: SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR, THE NEWSREADER. Awards: 2023 SYDNEY THEATRE AWARD Best Performance in a Supporting Role, 2015 ASTRA AWARD Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor.
Matt Minto
Ensemble Theatre: EMERALD CITY, BENEFACTORS, RHINESTONE REX, CRUNCH TIME, THE BIG TIME, ODD MAN OUT. Darlinghurst Theatre: THE PRIDE. Red Line Productions (Old Fitz): COCK. Silo Theatre: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART ONE & TWO. Circa Theatre: RABBIT. Q Theatre: EVERYTHING AFTER. Herald Theatre/Auckland Live: COCK. Eclipse Productions: TIME STANDS STILL. Maidment Theatre: OTHELLO. Bedlam Theatre: TWELFTH NIGHT. Community20 Theatre: MACBETH. Offstage Theatre: THE THREE SISTERS. Film: INFINI. Television: THE BAD SEED, THE BLUE ROSE, SHORTLAND STREET, HOME AND AWAY, I ROCK, WELLMANIA, LAST KING OF THE CROSS, WATCHING YOU, THE JURY: SEASON 2.
Johnny Nasser
Ensemble Theatre: THE MEMORY OF WATER. Bakehouse Theatre Co: NIGHT SLOWS DOWN. Belvoir Street Theatre: AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, WILDE TALES. CDP: THE 52 STOREY TREEHOUSE, MR STINK. Darlinghurst Theatre: VAMPIRELLA. GPAC: JULIUS CAESAR. Griffin Theatre Company: DEAD CAT BOUNCE. Red Line Productions: THE EFFECT. Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta: QUEEN FATIMA, LADY TABOULI. Siren Theatre Co: THE HAM FUNERAL. Sydney Theatre Company: THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY, THE DICTIONARY OF LOST WORDS, GRAND HORIZONS, A FOOL IN LOVE. Film: SCOBY, FLOTSAM JETSAM, CONVICT, THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER, THE COMBINATION REDEMPTION. TV: STRIFE, TEN POUND POMS, NCIS: SYDNEY, TOTAL CONTROL, THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS, THE WILDS, REEF BREAK, STREET SMART, HOME & AWAY, HERE COME THE HABIBS, BABIES, STINGERS, LEGACY OF THE SILVER SHADOW. Awards: Sydney Theatre Award – Best Supporting Actor (THE HAM FUNERAL).
Veronique Benett
Ensemble Theatre: ULSTER AMERICAN, SWITZERLAND (set and lighting), THE GREAT DIVIDE (lighting), THE MEMORY OF WATER, RHINESTONE REX AND MISS MONICA, A BROADCAST COUP, THE CARETAKER, A DOLL’S HOUSE, NEARER THE GODS (set and costume). Lighting design credits; Belvoir St Theatre: THE JUNGLE AND THE SEA, TELL ME I’M HERE, THE WOLVES. Circa: SACRE. Darlinghurst Theatre Company: NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1912. Griffin Theatre Company: THE SMALLEST HOUR. Hayes Theatre Company: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Outhouse Theatre Company: A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. Red Line Productions: BURN WITCH BURN, HAPPY DAYS, CHORUS, ANATOMY OF A SUICIDE. Pinchgut Opera: PLEASURES OF VERSAILLES.
Matt Cox
Ensemble Theatre: DIAL M FOR MURDER, THE LOVER AND THE DUMB WAITER, ARIA, UNCLE VANYA, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, BOXING DAY BBQ, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, A BROADCAST COUP, THE CARETAKER, NEARER THE GODS, DIPLOMACY, MURDER ON THE WIRELESS, ALONE IT STANDS, BENEFACTORS, SUMMER OF HAROLD. Bangarra Dance Theatre: WARU JOURNEY OF THE SMALL TURTLE, DUBBOO, ONE’S COUNTRY, OUR LAND PEOPLE STORIES, BLAK, BELONG. Duet Group: DIVAS. Hayes Theatre Company: SHE LOVES ME. Louise Withers and Associates: THE MOUSETRAP, A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED. Soft Tread: WHARF REVUE 2023: PRIDE IN PREJUDICE, WHARF REVUE 2022: LOOKING FOR ALBANESE, WHARF REVUE 2021: CAN OF WORMS. Sydney Chamber Opera: HIS MUSIC BURNS. Sydney Theatre Company: WHARF REVUE 2020; WHARF REVUE 2019; WHARF REVUE 2018; RUBY MOON. Tinderbox Productions: DAVID SUCHET, POIROT and more.
Clare Hennessy
Ensemble Theatre: A BROADCAST COUP, NEARER THE GODS. Belvoir’s 25A: PORPOISE POOL, GIRLFRIEND, KASAMA KITA, TUESDAY, GREATER SUNRISE. The Old Fitzroy: MARY JANE, THE SWELL, TONGUE TIED. Kings Cross Theatre: PEOPLE WILL THINK YOU DON’T LOVE ME, YOUR NAME, MISERY LOVES COMPANY, MERCURY FUR. Civic Theatre, Newcastle: BLUEBERRY PLAY. Brown’s Mart: HUSH. As performer: THE BRIDGE, SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE. As a Playwright: THE BRIDGE, TONGUE TIED, TRANSIENCE, ELEGY. Training: National Institute of Dramatic Art, Charles Sturt University.
Lauren Tulloh
Lauren is Ensemble Theatre’s Resident Stage Manager. Ensemble Theatre: EMERALD CITY, THE LOVER and THE DUMB WAITER, ARIA, MCGUFFIN PARK, UNCLE VANYA, SWITZERLAND, ALONE IT STANDS, THE MEMORY OF WATER, MR BAILEY’S MINDER, CLYDE’S, A BROADCAST COUP, THE CARETAKER, THE ONE, A LETTER FOR MOLLY, KILLING KATIE: CONFESSIONS OF A BOOKCLUB, THE WOMAN IN BLACK, THE APPLETON LADIES’ POTATO RACE (2021 regional tour), OUTDATED, THE LAST WIFE, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, MARJORIE PRIME, THE PLANT, BETRAYAL. Hayes Theatre Company: REWIRED: MUSICALS REIMAGINED, AMERICAN PSYCHO, HIGH FIDELITY, ASSASSINS, CALAMITY JANE (2025 Sydney Opera House, 2018 Belvoir & Comedy Theatre, 2017 Hayes Theatre), THE FANTASTICKS, VIOLET. National Theatre of Parramatta: QUEEN FATIMA, THE THINGS I COULD NEVER TELL STEVEN, JESUS WANTS ME FOR A SUNBEAM (Belvoir season). Training: National Institute of Dramatic Art: Production.
Bella Wellstead
As Assistant Stage Manager: Ensemble Theatre: TRUE WEST, EMERALD CITY, ARIA. As Production Assistant: Ensemble Theatre: HEARTBREAK CHOIR, MCGUFFIN PARK, COLDER THAN HERE, THE QUEEN’S NANNY, UNCLE VANYA, MASTER CLASS, MR BAILEY’S MINDER. New Ghosts Theatre Company: FRAME NARRATIVE. As Designer: Flight Path Theatre: VARIOUS CHARACTERS, THE ESCAPE ROOM. As Assistant Director: New Theatre: ATLANTIS.
Lily Mateljan
Ensemble Theatre: DIAL M FOR MURDER, PRIMARY TRUST, THE HALF LIFE OF MARIE CURIE, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, COLDER THAN HERE, THE QUEEN’S NANNY (and TOUR). Costume Designer: Netflix Events: WEDNESDAY SEASON 2 PREMIER – WEDNESDAY ISLAND Belvoir Street Theatre: PROPOISE POOL 25A SEASON. Hayes Theatre Co: BRIGHT STAR, PIRATES OF PENZANCE, LITTLE WOMEN. Kings Cross Theatre on Broadway (KXT): RHOMBIOD, GRAIN IN THE BLOOD, THE PIGEONS. Costume Supervisor: Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: INFERNO. Pinchgut Opera: DIDO AND AENEAS. Head of Wardrobe: Opera house: CLAMITY JANE. Victorian Opera: IL TABARRO. Films: APPLETON LADIES POTATO RACE, FIVE BLIND DATES. TV: HOUSE OF GODS, THE TWELVE (Season 1), HARDBALL (Season 2), THE OTHER GUY (Season 2). Training: National Institute of Dramatic Art, (BFA Costume) ENMORE DESIGN CENTRE. Awards: Nominated Best Costume Design for RHOMBOID at Sydney Broadway Awards 2023.
Sanjana Dhanakoti
As Choreographer and Performer: Stage performances across India and Sydney in Kathak, Indian Contemporary, Bollywood, and Hip Hop. Training: Kathak under the tutelage of Gurus Smitha and Nandini, Bangalore, India (10+ years). Additional training in Indian Contemporary, Bollywood, and Hip Hop. Education: Master’s degree in User Experience Design, London College of Communication, University of the Arts London.
Photography by Prudence Upton
Social Status and the sometimes frantic quest to attain it, has always fascinated me since the time I started reading about it in my psychology studies at Melbourne University. Why do so many of us spend so much time worrying about what other people think of us?
The research showed it was because we are highly social creatures, and being noticed, admired and respected brings many emotional rewards. We are invited to social gatherings and prestigious events. Friends ask us out to dinner where we enjoy banter, gossip and laughter. We are promoted to better paid positions at work. People laugh at our jokes, and our opinions are listened to with respect. We feel liked and appreciated.
On the other hand, when our social status is low or on the decline it’s not much fun. We’ve all felt that gut blow when we find we’ve not been invited to a gathering that most of our friends have, or when an invitation we’ve extended to persons we admire is abruptly declined. To experience social shame or ostracism is one of the most stressful experiences possible.
It’s not surprising then that climbing social ladders is something of a universal social preoccupation. But it’s a tricky business. Try too hard and you’re labelled a “Social Climber” which can in effect lower your social standing.
In my play THE SOCIAL LADDER, Katie is an unashamed social climber. Her family background is modest, but she feels she has talents that deserve to be noticed. And she decides that those talents are going to be noticed by the Mallory’s, who sit unchallenged on the very highest rung of the city’s social ladder. Of course, Katie’s efforts don’t unfold according to plan.
If I was a hard-line social satirist, I should pin Katie and the Mallory’s squirming to the specimen board with utter disdain. But the truth is I quite like them. Yes, Katie tries too hard and society should certainly look far more closely at just how the Mallory’s got to be where they are, but human flaws are part of what in fact makes us human. Let they who are without sin cast the first stone.
David Williamson AO
THE SOCIAL LADDER
What if the type of person whose beliefs fill you with ire, who you can only yell at on social media or the tv news, the one you see as accountable for the disintegration of society was suddenly right there in front of you? Would you be able to restrain your views? Would your moral compass let you?
THE SOCIAL LADDER puts three couples together for a very special dinner party, at which Katie Norrie hopes to secure her position amongst Sydney’s cultural elite. She aspires to a major board position and is going all out to ensure she gets it. Outside of these circumstances, it’s unlikely these three couples would be in the same room. Their politics and social status are worlds apart.
David Williamson is a great observer of human behaviour. His fascination with psychology and sociology drives his work. In THE SOCIAL LADDER he explores the nuances of wealth and status, the hypocrisy required to attain it, and the desperation to keep it. The characters in the play either have much, have enough to want more, or have had and want it back.
It is a very funny play and the cast of 6 actors, who I’m overjoyed to work with, capture the tone brilliantly. I’ve been calling it a language play because the power of the words and the muscularity of their arguments carries the play. With the right cast, David’s plays need very little flourish – he’s done the heavy lifting. I admire beyond words the humility required to play shameless characters. I also admire beyond words the empathy required to play characters filled with shame. This play has both and it is a potent combination, deliberately provocative, cleverly hilarious. I needed a fearless cast and I got that in spades.
The set / costume design by Veronique Benett and lighting by Matt Cox, both so exciting, have been sensitively created to centre and illuminate the performances and text. An actor’s playground. And Clare Hennessy’s magical score has been crafted with great attention and detail to enliven each debate and build tension between characters.
I must say how grateful to Mark, Loretta, Carly and the whole Ensemble team who gift me incredible opportunities to direct at their excellent company. I want to acknowledge the tireless, generous, brilliant work of Khalid, Gayda, Lily, Ruby and all members of the production / technical teams across costume, props, lighting and sound support – it has truly been a joy working alongside you all. Much appreciation to all ticketing, box office, front of house and bar staff that will ensure the smooth running of this show.
On this show I’m so lucky to work with Jules Billington as my assistant director – they share my physical aesthetic and love of language, and are an exceptional director and actor. They are also one of my greatest friends.
THE SOCIAL LADDER is a masterclass in verbal sparring and structuring a thrilling social satire. It challenges my creativity and pushes my practice. I’m eternally thrilled that David Williamson trusts me with his work. Please enjoy the delights that this great playwright gives to audiences!
I acknowledge the Cammeraygal people of the Eora nation on whose land this production was made.
Janine Watson
Audio Described
- Thu 19 Feb 11am
- Sat 21 Feb 3pm
Q&A Sessions
- Thu 5 Feb 11am
- Fri 20 Feb 7.30pm
Free Teen Night
- Wed 11 Mar 7.30pm
To book, please contact the Box Office on (02) 8918 3400 or email boxoffice@ensemble.com.au