Home | Shows | What's On | 2026 Season | THE SOCIAL LADDER
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.
2026 Subscriptions on sale at 10am on Tue 12 Aug.
- Playwright David Williamson AO
- Director Janine Watson
- Cast of 6 Includes Mandy Bishop
Sarah Chadwick
Andrew McFarlane
- 23 Jan 2026 - 14 Mar 2026
- 1hr 50mins (incl. interval)
- Recommended for ages 12+
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Hearing Loop
- Audio Described (selected dates)
- Contains adult themes, coarse language
WORLD PREMIERE
Katie 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 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.
For groups of 10+, submit the Groups Subscription Booking Form and we’ll be in contact to confirm your tickets.
Arts professionals (MEAA, AWG members, etc.) check your Ensemble Industry Insider eligibility.
For school groups, bookings will be available from October.
Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.
PRICE PER TICKET
| SUBSCRIPTION TYPE | FULL PRICE | SENIORS CARD | PENSIONER / GROUPS 10+ | STUDENTS / UNDER 30S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PREVIEWS | ||||
| 10 PLAYS | $70 | $67 | $63 | $46 |
| 8 & 9 PLAYS | $74 | $71 | $67 | $46 |
| 5, 6 & 7 PLAYS | $77 | $74 | $70 | $46 |
| 3 & 4 PLAYS | $79 | $76 | $72 | $46 |
| IN SEASON | ||||
| 10 PLAYS | $79 | $76 | $72 | $46 |
| 8 & 9 PLAYS | $83 | $80 | $76 | $46 |
| 5, 6 & 7 PLAYS | $86 | $83 | $79 | $46 |
| 3 & 4 PLAYS | $88 | $85 | $81 | $46 |
"Another David Williamson masterpiece" North Sydney Sun (for 2025's ARIA)
"One of Australia's most successful and prolific playwrights" The Sydney Morning Herald
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