News
Writer’s Note: Eloise Snape, THE ELEVATOR
After reading Careless People: A Story Of Where I Used To Work by Sarah Wynn-Williams, a particular moment stood out to me. Sarah (Facebook’s director of global public policy at the time) was furiously typing a work memo on her laptop, in between contractions, while in labour with her first child. I found this particularly fascinating. The […]
Applications now open for 2027 Ensemble Theatre Sandra Bates Director’s Award
Are you an emerging Director on the lookout for an exciting and unique opportunity with real, hands-on rehearsal room experience? The Ensemble Theatre Sandra Bates Director’s Awards could be your ticket! The two successful applicants will each be offered a paid position of Assistant Director on two of our mainstage productions in 2027. Ensemble Theatre […]
Director’s Note: Mark Kilmurry, TOP SILK
The marvellous thing about TOP SILK, a play written in 1989, is how relevant it still is; family dynamics, drug-related sentences and corruption in high places. The landscape and tone may have shifted from the late 80s to the present day, but socially, we still tackle similar themes. David Williamson’s play also touches on the […]
2027 Brochure Request
We’ll Mail You a Copy If you’d like to browse our new season by flipping through the pages of our glossy brochure, simply complete the form below and we’ll mail a copy to you. If you’re a 2026 Subscriber and have already given us permission to send you post, there’s no need to do anything […]
Writer’s Note: Mary Rachel Brown, THE DAPTO CHASER
I was in my mid-thirties when I wrote this play. At the time, I did not think anything could shock me, and I thought I was well beyond having my heart stolen…then I went to Dapto. It changed my perspective on family, community, and what it means to be human under pressure. The track was […]
Director’s Note: Lee Lewis, THE ROOMMATE
THE ROOMMATE is a serendipitous project in every way. I have loved Jen Silverman’s writing for a long time. I have pitched their play COLLECTIVE RAGE: A PLAY IN FIVE BETTIES to many an artistic director over the years to no avail. They are passionately engaged in the 21st Century global theatre project of writing women […]
Writer’s Note: Jen Silverman, THE ROOMMATE
Many years ago, my mother-in-law took on a female roommate right around the time that my partner and I started dating. Though I hadn’t yet met her, she began regularly updating my partner on the complexities of sharing space with a relative stranger. I was fascinated by these updates, because it seemed to me such […]
Casting Announcement: THE ELEVATOR
We are thrilled to announce the full cast of Eloise Snape’s hilarious new play THE ELEVATOR! Di Adams Leeanna Walsman Shirong Wu Playing 18 Sep – Oct, don’t miss this sharp, funny and fearless new Australian comedy that’s anything but clean. BOOK NOW
84 CHARING CROSS ROAD book club
Looking for your next great read? 📚 Angela Mahlatjie and Brian Meegan are sharing the books they fell in love with. Discover their personal recommendations and add a few new titles to your list… Brian Meegan All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Is a highly acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize-winning historical fiction novel […]
Director’s Note: Mark Kilmurry, 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD
How wonderful it is to be reminded of the world of books, of literature, and of human connection. The novel 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD by Helene Hanff, adapted into a play by James Roose-Evans, is a beautiful record of a relationship based on trust, care, and kindness. A unique love about the mind and the […]
Casting Announcement: THE ROOMMATE
We are thrilled to officially announce the full cast of our upcoming production of THE ROOMMATE by Jen Silverman Lucy Bell and Belinda Bromilow! Lucy Bell Ensemble Theatre: HONOUR, MARJORIE PRIME. Bell Shakespeare: IN A NUTSHELL: THE POETRY OF VIOLENCE, ROMEO & JULIET, HAMLET, THE DUCHESS OF MALFI, PERICLES, TWELFTH NIGHT. Belvoir Street Theatre: BLUE […]
Casting Announcement: TOP SILK
David Williamson’s sharp satire is back in July at Ensemble in TOP SILK and we are thrilled to announce the cast of his funny and fast-paced cross examination of moral dilemmas, family dynamics, and the true cost of success… Nicholas Brown Ensemble Theatre debut. Belvoir St Theatre: COUNTING AND CRACKING, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE […]
Director’s Note: Liesel Badorrek, BETTE & JOAN
In Hollywood lore, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis loom large as towering figures of the Golden Years. Yet the so-called ‘feud’ is the first thing that comes up when their names are mentioned together. By all accounts they were far from chummy when making ‘Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?’, but as working mothers supporting their […]
Vale Lorraine Bayly
Vale Lorraine Bayly “I was once going to be interviewed for TV about an Ensemble Theatre anniversary, filmed at the theatre on stage. It was me and Lorraine Bayly. I did my bit sitting in the seats and then Lorraine, with the energy of someone half her age, did hers. On stage, she did a […]
Spotlight: Joan Crawford & Bette Davis
JOAN CRAWFORD Rising from a modest background to become one of MGM’s brightest stars, Joan Crawford embodied ambition. She captivated audiences in the 1930s with modern, working-girl roles before delivering one of the great screen comebacks in Mildred Pierce – a performance that won her the Academy Award for Best Actress and reaffirmed her status […]
Writer’s Note: Anton Burge, BETTE & JOAN
What ever happened ON What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? The stories regarding Bette Davis and her – supposed – archnemesis Joan Crawford are the stuff of Hollywood legend. Yes, while filming the classic What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), it was reported that Joan tied weights to herself when Bette had to lift her, because […]