Home | Shows | What's On | 2025 Season | EMERALD CITY
With rapid-fire wit, David Williamson’s refreshed iconic 1980’s triumph picks apart the quest for success, and the rivalries, passion and compromises that are made along the way.
- Playwright David Williamson
- Director Mark Kilmurry
- Assistant Director Tiffany Wong
- Cast Aisha Aidara
Danielle Carter
Rachel Gordon
Matt Minto
Tom O'Sullivan
Rajan Velu - Set & Costume Designer Dan Potra
- Lighting Designer Morgan Moroney
- Composer & Sound Designer Madeleine Picard
- Stage Manager Lauren Tulloh
- Assistant Stage Manager Bella Wellstead
- Costume Supervisor Renata Beslik
- 18 Jul 2025 - 23 Aug 2025
- 2hrs 10mins (including interval)
- Recommended for ages 14+
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Hearing Loop
- Audio Described (selected dates)
- Adult themes, occasional coarse language
Overview
David Williamson’s refreshed take on his iconic 1980’s triumph returns to Ensemble with sharp new relevance.
Lately, critically acclaimed screenwriter Colin has had more box office bombs than smash-hit sensations. Persuading his wife Kate to swap the drizzly streets of Melbourne for the shimmering shores of Sydney, he sets out in pursuit of success. But the glitz and glamour of the Emerald City prove more seductive than he ever imagine. Power, influence, and harbour views are glittering at his fingertips — but what will he have to sacrifice?
Directed by Mark Kilmurry, this timeless satire from one of Australia’s most beloved social commentators explores ambition, rivalry and the personal cost of chasing the dream.
Calendar
Ticket Prices
For group bookings of 10+, submit the Group 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, please complete our 2025 Education Online Booking Form.
Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.
| 2025 SINGLE TICKET PRICING | PREVIEWS | IN SEASON |
|---|---|---|
| FULL PRICE | $88 | $94 |
| SENIOR CARD | $85 | $90 |
| PENSIONER | $81 | $86 |
| GROUP 10 - 19 | $81 | $86 |
| GROUP 20+ | $76 | $81 |
| 30 OR UNDER | $40 | $43 |
| FULL-TIME STUDENT | $40 | $43 |
| SCHOOL GROUPS | $25 | $25 |
Reviews
“a playwright who forever changed the way Australian’s tell stories on stage” ArtsHub
“David Williamson’s rapid-fire satire remains a relevant critique of affluence and art” Limelight
Cast & Creatives
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.
Mark Kilmurry
Ensemble Theatre: THE LOVER & THE DUMB WAITER, MCGUFFIN PARK, UNCLE VANYA, THE GREAT DIVIDE, MIDNIGHT MURDER AT HAMLINGTON HALL, BENEFACTORS, RHINESTONE REX AND MISS MONICA, BOXING DAY BBQ, A DOLL’S HOUSE, THE WOMAN IN BLACK, OUTDATED, KENNY, CRUNCH TIME, THE ODD COUPLE, THE LAST WIFE, MURDER ON THE WIRELESS, THE BIG TIME, THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, SHIRLEY VALENTINE, TAKING STEPS, NEVILLE’S ISLAND, TWO, ODD MAN OUT, RELATIVELY SPEAKING, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, BETRAYAL, GOOD PEOPLE, MY ZINC BED, EDUCATING RITA, ABSENT FRIENDS, OTHER DESERT CITIES, THE ANZAC PROJECT, RICHARD III, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, FRANKENSTEIN, MANAGING CARMEN, RED, THE SPEAR CARRIER and HAMLET. THE ODD COUPLE; The Comedy Theatre, Melbourne & Theatre Royal, Sydney for Crossroads Live Australia. Queensland Theatre: RHINESTONE REX AND MISS MONICA Revival. Film: Co-writer and co-director of BEING GAVIN. Literature Illustration: CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS.
Tiffany Wong
Assistant Director, Sydney Theatre Company: TOP COAT. Associate Director, Bell Shakespeare: KING LEAR. Directorial Assistant: Hayes Theatre Co: MURDER FOR TWO. Director, New Theatre: ATLANTIS. Slanted Theatre: BOOM, SHORT BLANKET, LADY PRECIOUS STREAM, THREE FAT VIRGINS UNASSEMBLED, CHING CHONG CHINAMAN. Actor, Australian Shakespeare Company: ROMEO AND JULIET, Joining The Dots: THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW, Your Side: TWO WORLDS, ONE HEART. Film: FIVE BLIND DATES. Audition Coordinator/Stage Manager, Crossroads Live: CATS, BACK TO THE FUTURE, HAIRSPRAY, TEG. Dainty: TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL. Awards: Tiffany was featured as an Honouree of the Asian Australian 2022, 2023 & 2024 List and is a proud member of Actors Equity.
Aisha Aidara
GWB Entertainment: DEATH OF A SALESMAN, A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Melbourne Shakespeare Company: HAMLET, JULIUS CEASAR. Michael Cassel Group: HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD. Film: THE MONGOOSE. Television: NEIGHBOURS. Training: National Institute of Dramatic Arts, Victorian College of the Arts.
Danielle Carter
Ensemble Theatre: BOXING DAY BBQ, THE NORMAN CONQUESTS (TRILOGY), E-BABY, MY ZINC BED, RICHARD III, THE GINGERBREAD LADY, MY WONDERFUL DAY, ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR, FACE TO FACE. Chapel off Chapel Productions: SHADOW PASSION. Cue Theatre: THE QUARTET FROM RIGOLETTO. Dog Theatre: THE COVE. La Mama Theatre: STATUS UPDATE, STILL (With Malthouse Theatre). Marian Street Theatre: ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. Red Stitch Theatre: FURY. Sydney Theatre Company: AWAY. Theatre Works: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Film: RIP TIDE, THE LEGEND MAKER, LAST DANCE, KNOWING, EUSTICE SOLVES A PROBLEM. Television: CLICK BAIT, OFFSPRING, HOUSE HUSBANDS, MR & MRS MURDER, PAPER GIANTS – MAGAZINE WARS, MAL.COM, CITY HOMICIDE, SATISFACTION, SOMETHING IN THE AIR, ALL SAINTS, THE ELEPHANT PRINCESS, UNDERBELLY, SALEMS LOT, THE LOST WORLD, HALIFAX FP, FEARLESS, HOME AND AWAY, MEDIVAC, NEIGHBOURS & RICHMOND HILL. Training: National Institute of Dramatic Art, Moscow Arts Theatre School, The Michael Chekhov School USA and MICHA.
Rachel Gordon
Ensemble Theatre: NORMAN CONQUESTS, ODD MAN OUT, MANAGING CARMEN, WIT, MR BAILEY’S MINDER. Sydney Theatre Company: CONCUSSION, DON JUAN, THE REAL THING. Melbourne Theatre Company: JASPER JONES. Bell Shakespeare: KING LEAR, MACBETH. Darlinghurst Theatre Company: DAYLIGHT SAVING. Griffin Theatre Company: BETWEEN TWO WAVES. Melbourne & Queensland Theatre Companies: BOSTON MARRIAGE, LET THE SUNSHINE, NINETY. Queensland Theatre Company: THE APPLETON LADIES’ POTATO RACE, THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES. New Theatricals: BOEING BOEING. Marion St Theatre: ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, DEATH DEFYING ACTS, LAST NIGHTS OF BALLYHOO, CRIMES OF THE HEART. EHJ Productions: TAMING OF THE SHREW. Hot House Theatre Company: BIG HAIR IN AMERICA. Film: ANGEL OF MINE, THUNDERSTRUCK. Television: THE TWELVE, QUEEN OF OZ, EROTIC STORIES, PLAYING FOR KEEPS, BACK IN VERY SMALL BUSINESS, SECRET DAUGHTER, THE LETDOWN, THE MOODY’S, THE GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO KNIFE FIGHTING, A MOODY CHRISTMAS, HOME & AWAY, NEIGHBOURS, BLUE HEELERS, ALL SAINTS. Training: National Institute of Dramatic Art.
Matt Minto
Ensemble Theatre: 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.
Tom O’Sullivan
Ensemble Theatre: DEATH OF A SALESMAN. Black Swan Theatre Company: THE WHITE DIVERS OF BROOME, THE DARK ROOM. Black Swan/Queensland Theatre: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. Darlinghurst Theatre: RIDE/FOURPLAY, DYING CITY, THE ILLUSION. Playhouse, Perth: THE DEEP BLUE SEA. Queensland Theatre Company: LITTLE DOG LAUGHED. Theatre 180: SYDNEY ll: LOST AND FOUND, A FORTUNATE LIFE. TheatreWorks: 80 MINUTES NO INTERVAL. Film: AVARICE, IT ONLY TAKES A NIGHT, ALIEN: COVENANT, THE RECKONING, OBSERVANCE, WOLVERINE, FOOL’S GOLD. Television: NCIS: SYDNEY, THE CLAREMONT MURDERS, PREACHER, PLAYING FOR KEEPS, BITE CLUB, HOME & AWAY, MOLLY, WHEN WE GO TO WAR, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, WONDERLAND, PACKED TO THE RAFTERS, COPS: LAC, UNDERBELLY lll. Awards: THE GLUGS: BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, 2008. Training: National Institute of Dramatic Art.
Rajan Velu
Ensemble Theatre: EMERALD CITY Debut. Australian Theatre Live: NORM AND AHMED. Belvoir: COUNTING AND CRACKING, THE JUNGLE AND THE SEA, LIFE OF GALILEO. Theatre Kantanka: FEARLESS N. Urban Theatre Projects: THE LAST HIGHWAY. Chinless Productions Los Angeles: LOST: THE MUSICAL. Fresh Produce’d Los Angeles: FRIENDS IN TRANSIENT PLACES. Independent Shakespeare Co. (LA): THE CHANGELING, HENRY V. Film: THIS LITTLE LOVE OF MINE, HONEYGLUE, EAT SPIRIT EAT, SUPERMAN RETURNS. Television: THE DISPOSABLES, SAVAGE RIVER, BORN TO SPY, DOCTOR DOCTOR, RFDS, REEF BREAK, DIARY OF AN UBER DRIVER, CRIMINAL MINDS BEYOND BORDERS, CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, BROOKLYN NINE NINE, SCORPION, SCANDAL, HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS, GAME NIGHT, ALL SAINTS.
Dan Potra
Ensemble Theatre: BROKEN GLASS, LIFE SUPPORT. Bell Shakespeare: THE MISANTHROPE. Folkoperan: SATYAHRAHA HOFFMAN’S ADVENTURE. Global Creatures: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. Griffin Theatre: THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES. Hayes Theatre: GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES. Malmo Opera: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Music Hall Belgium: SCROOGE THE MUSICAL, THE ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN. Opera Australia: LA BOHEME HOSH, WHITELY, TURANDOT, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE: THE OPERA. Oper Leipzig: LA CENERENTOLA, DON PASQUALE. People’s Art Theatre of Wuhan: THE DEER OF NINE COLOURS. Royal Swedish Opera: DRACULA, CINDERLLA (ASKUNGEN). Salisbury International Arts Festival UK: THE TEMPEST. PAPUA NEW GUINEA 2015 PACIFIC GAMES, 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONY, MANCHESTER DAY PARADE 2021, 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP.
Morgan Moroney
Ensemble Theatre: COLDER THAN HERE, THE QUEEN’S NANNY & TOUR, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, CLYDE’S, MR BAILEY’S MINDER. Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: INFERNO. Australian Theatre for Young People: SAPLINGS, SHACK. Belvoir Street Theatre: SONG OF FIRST DESIRE, AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY, NAYIKA: A DANCING GIRL, SHITTY. Essential Workers: COLLAPSIBLE. Hayes Theatre Company: TURN OF THE SCREW. National Theatre of Parramatta: GIRLS IN BOYS CARS, A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELF-DEFENCE. Opera Australia: BARBER OF SEVILLE & TOUR. Pinchgut Opera: DIDO AND AENEAS. Redline Productions: CLEANSED. Siren Theatre & WorldPride: CAMP. Sugary Rum Productions: ANATOMY OF A SUICIDE. Video Designer: Ensemble Theatre: UNQUALIFIED, A LETTER FOR MOLLY. National Theatre of Parramatta: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELF-DEFENCE. Sydney Chamber Opera: APRHODITE. Assistant Lighting Designer: Opera Australia: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Associate Lighting Designer: Sydney Theatre Company: DRACULA.
Madeleine Picard
Ensemble Theatre; Sound Technician: TODD MCKENNEY: PETER ALLEN AND ME. Sound designer & composer: Belvoir 25A: SHITTY, HOT TUB. Virginia Plain & KXT: GRAIN IN THE BLOOD. Old Fitz: AMBER, ALL THE FRAUDULENT HORSE GIRLS. Sydney Fringe Festival: VENUS IN FUR. Sound designer; Belvoir St Theatre: THE WEEKEND. ATYP: SCAB. Associate sound designer; Belvoir St Theatre: SONG OF FIRST DESIRE, THE WRONG GODS. Hayes Theatre: RIDE THE CYCLONE. Video associate; Hayes Theatre: ZOMBIE! THE MUSICAL. Training: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Theatre and Stage Management), National Institute of Dramatic Art.
Lauren Tulloh
Lauren is Ensemble Theatre’s Resident Stage Manager. Ensemble Theatre: 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, 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: 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.
Renata Beslik
Ensemble Theatre: ARIA, UNCLE VANYA, MASTER CLASS, ULSTER AMERICAN, SWITZERLAND, ALONE IT STANDS, THE GREAT DIVIDE, THE MEMORY OF WATER, SUMMER OF HAROLD, MR BAILEY’S MINDER, BENEFACTORS, RHINESTONE REX AND MISS MONICA, THE CARETAKER, PHOTOGRAPH 51, THE ONE, OUTDATED, CRUNCH TIME, BABY DOLL, FOLK, LUNA GALE, and many more. Bell Shakespeare: HENRY V, THE WINTER’S TALE, MACBETH. Belvoir St Theatre: FANGIRLS. New Theatricals: DARKNESS. National Institute of Dramatic Art: THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, STAY HAPPY KEEP SMILING, THE TEMPEST, WOYCECK, A LIE OF THE MIND, PORT, THE THREESOME. Pinchgut Opera: THE FAIRY QUEEN, JULIUS CAESAR, RINALDO, MÉDÉE, PLATÉE and many more. Sydney Festival: BETTY BLOKKBUSTER RE-IMAGINED. Australian Chamber Orchestra: THE NUTCRACKER.
Writer's Note
I’d be lying if I didn’t say the subject matter for EMERALD CITY came from quite close to home.
In 1979 the family did drive up from Melbourne to Sydney to start a new life. Sydney and its sub tropical lushness had imprinted itself on my mind in my very first memories as a three year old taken by my parents on holiday. Sydney had also embraced my early plays THE REMOVALISTS and DON’S PARTY, helped by superb productions by John Bell and John Clark, with an enthusiasm that made me feel Sydney was where I should be.
In the play I’ve made Kate very reluctant to come to Sydney. In real life my wife Kristin was almost as keen as I was to make the journey and indeed her journalistic, and then writer’s career, took wing in Sydney as did mine. On the surface the play is about Sydney versus Melbourne and art versus entertainment – the latter a topic of endless debate. Underlying all that is an examination of the competitive tensions in a marriage of two ambitious and talented writers, Colin and Kate, both determined to make their creative mark. To complicate matters for both of them, along comes one of my favourite characters, the hustler Mike McCord, who is guided only by the gospel of the dollar and his determination to hold onto the woman he’s crazy about – the lovely Helen.
Finally, it’s a play about the importance of being able to tell our own Australian stories or let our culture be swamped by the U.S. entertainment behemoth, and whether anyone cares? Nearly forty years on many feel that question might have now been answered. Are we and not Canada now the 51st State?
David Williamson AO
WATCH THE TRAILER
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Audio Described
- Thu 14 Aug 11am
- Sat 16 Aug 3pm
Q&A Sessions
- Fri 1 Aug 7.30pm
- Tue 5 Aug 11am
Free Teen Night
- Wed 20 Aug 7.30pm