0°C | Sunday March 15, 2026 
14 August 2025
New commissions, a revue, reimagined classics, Australian icons and internationally acclaimed works will headline Ensemble Theatre’s 2026 season, promising what it calls “intimate stage, epic drama” for North Shore audiences.
Artistic director Mark Kilmurry said the year would be particularly significant for him, marking a decade in the role and 20 years since he joined the company as associate director. “It’s been an incredible journey working alongside some of the finest creatives and actors in the country,” he said.
Eight of the ten productions will be directed by women, with Kilmurry taking the helm for two and appearing in one. “In my past decade at the helm, Ensemble has commissioned 25 new Australian plays, launched initiatives for young artists including the Sandra Bates Director’s Award, and continued to champion the wonder of storytelling on stage,” he added. “The 2026 season celebrates everything I love about live theatre — fresh contemporary voices and timeless classics that continue to captivate.”
Williamson double bill
David Williamson, long associated with the Ensemble, will supply two productions: The Social Ladder and Top Silk.
Opening the season from January 23 to March 14, The Social Ladder is a new satire on Sydney’s elite. Katie, intent on securing a permanent place among the city’s power brokers, invites influential art collectors Charles and Catherine Mallory to dinner — an evening that spirals into deception and desperate social climbing. Janine Watson directs a cast including Mandy Bishop, Sarah Chadwick and Andrew McFarlane.
Later, from July 31 to September 12, Kilmurry directs a revival of Top Silk, a legal drama examining moral dilemmas and personal cost. Legal aid solicitor Jane Fredericks jeopardises her career to help an old flame, while her barrister husband must decide whether to defend a powerful media mogul to advance his own. The cast includes Thomas Campbell and Nicole da Silva.
World premieres
Two new works will debut in 2026.
Eloise Snape’s comedy The Elevator premieres September 18, following Margot’s chaotic return from maternity leave to the CEO role at struggling Eco Engines. Determined to rescue the company, she must rally her team of “corporate eco-warriors” in a sharp office satire.
Running August 17–23, The Shadow of Fame sees Daniel Mitchell recount life under the shadow of his father Warren Mitchell — known as Alf Garnett from Till Death Us Do Part. Written and performed by Mitchell and directed by Paulina Kelly, the work blends humour and candour in exploring family, acting ambitions and forging an independent identity.
International debuts
The season will also bring two overseas works to Australian audiences for the first time.
Anton Burge’s Bette & Joan runs March 20 to April 25, portraying the fraught relationship between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during filming of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. Jeanette Cronin reprises her role as Davis alongside Lucia Mastrantone as Crawford, directed by Liesel Badorrek.
From June 19 to July 25, Jen Silverman’s award-winning dark comedy The Roommate pairs Iowa homebody Sharon (Lucy Bell) with Bronx outsider Robyn in an unlikely house-share that challenges both women to confront — and possibly embrace — change. Lee Lewis directs.
Revue revival
The revue tradition returns with The Year in Tatters from September 28 to October 24. Andrew Hansen and Chris Taylor (The Chaser), Mark Humphries (7.30) and Christie Whelan Browne (Mad As Hell) will satirise the year’s political and cultural events through sketches and songs. Co-written with Evan Williams, the show promises pointed, topical humour.
Season finale
Closing the season, Kilmurry and Jamie Oxenbould present Midnight Murder on the Christmas Cruise of Death from November 27 to January 10, 2027. A follow-up to Midnight Murder at Hamlington Hall, it again follows the Middling Cove Players in a chaotic attempt to stage their most ambitious production yet. The cast includes Toby Blome, Sam O’Sullivan, Ariadne Sgouros and Eloise Snape.