Hayes Theatre Co 2026 Season
Artistic Directors of Hayes Theatre Co, Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer, have unveiled an line up of productions for 2026 that celebrate the best of musical theatre and cabaret. Featuring a mix of classic and new Broadway hits alongside new Australian works, Hayes Theatre Co continues its tradition of delivering intimate, powerful theatre that punches far above its size.
The year opens with the World Premiere of BARBRA: The Greatest Star a concert event honouring the trailblazing musical storyteller that is Barbra Streisand. Directed by Brittanie Shipway, it plays a three-week season from 21 January. February/March sees the Sydney premiere of the joyfully queer, high-camp musical comedy Head Over Heels directed by Ellen Simpson, followed by the Australian premiere of recent Broadway hit Gutenberg! The Musical!, directed by Richard Carroll and starring the hilarious Stephen Anderson (Titanique) and Ryan Gonzalez (In The Heights).
Beginning in May, the movie adaptation Dirty Rotten Scoundrels returns to Sydney in a new production, directed by Rebecca McNamee. In July, Julia Robertson returns to the Hayes after her success with The Producers, to direct The Addams Family. Next on the program is How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, with direction and choreography by Hayes favourite Cameron Mitchell.
October sees the Sydney Premiere pop-rock thriller where cheer meets fear, We Are The Tigers, directed and choreographed by Chiara Assetta. The year concludes with the World Premiere of Silver Tongue, a musical reimagining of Treasure Island created by Australian talents Miranda Middleton, Jacob Parker and Alec Steedman, under the direction of Richard Carroll, the musical direction of Victoria Falconer and starring Billie Palin.
Many regular Hayes events will return in 2026 including two new Neglected Musicals, A Man of No Importance in March and The Rink in September with limited performances of each. Also returning in 2026 are Musical Bang Bang, Home Grown, Theys At The Hayes, the Festival of New Work, the Winter Cabaret season and Carols by Cabaret.
“In 2026, we’re once again jumping into a season of work that embraces the power of music theatre to surprise, to provoke and to bring people together in joyful, meaningful ways, with a collection of stories big and small, old and new, hilarious and heartfelt - all designed to be experienced up close and thrillingly live,” said Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer. “One of our favourite things about Hayes’ audiences is that they combine a love of music theatre’s rich traditions with a constant curiosity about where it could go next. That’s why we prioritise bringing fresh eyes to beloved shows, offering a spotlight to emerging talent, and making space for our most exciting artists to create bold, inventive work.”
Subscriptions are on sale from Monday 15 September, with single tickets on sale at different times in coming months.
The Productions
Hayes Theatre Co presents
BARBRA
The Greatest Star
Performances 21 January – 14 February 2026
Barbra Streisand is a uniquely luminous, uncompromising, and boundary-breaking talent, and Barbra: The Greatest Star celebrates her peerless repertoire, legendary humour, and groundbreaking impact on music and culture, with the same fearlessness she’s shown on stage and screen for over sixty years.
Director and performer Brittanie Shipway (Once On This Island; The Pirates of Penzance) collaborates with three other vocalists and a live band, to showcase the solid-gold Streisand songbook - sharing insight and new perspectives on the songs you love and serving up a few surprises along the way. Expect an invigorating mix of soaring ballads, brassy anthems, and intimate moments that evoke the heart of Barbra’s unmatched artistry.
This isn’t just a tribute show to the way we were - it’s an illuminating journey through the legacy of a superstar.
“When it comes to storytelling in song, there’s no richer back-catalogue. What better way to kick off 2026 at Hayes than with a celebration of the true GOAT?” – Richard Carroll
DIRECTOR Brittanie Shipway
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Nicholas Gentile
Well Done Creative in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
HEAD OVER HEELS
Performances 20 February – 22 March 2026
Songs by The Go-Go’s
Adapted by James Magruder
Based Upon The Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney
Conceived & Original Book by Jeff Whitty
From the makers of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, Head Over Heels is a joyfully queer, high-camp musical comedy that combines Shakespearean style romance with the iconic 80s pop anthems of The Go-Go’s. Set in a mythical kingdom obsessed with tradition, this riotous romp follows a royal family on a journey to save their world only to discover the true power of embracing change, authenticity, and love in all its glorious forms.
With iconic hits like “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed,” and a celebration of queer identity at its heart, Head Over Heels is a glitter-drenched, feel-good party for theatre lovers of every generation.
“We’re delighted to finally have this power-pop-tastic Elizabethan romp on our stage and see the truly thrilling creative team bring this technicoloured celebration of love and identity to riotous life. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist: that beat really IS infectious.” - Victoria Falconer
Director Ellen Simpson
Music Director Zara Stanton
Choreographer & Assistant Director Ryan Gonzalez
Set Designer Josh Mcintosh
Costume Designer Brendan de la Hay
Hayes Theatre Co presents
GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!
Performances 10 April – 10 May 2026
By Anthony King & Scott Brown
Doug and Bud are best friends. They’ve written a mega-musical about Johannes Gutenberg (the guy who invented the printing press?) with a huge cast and lavish production values. It’s been a labour of love, and tonight they're giving it everything they’ve got in a one-night-only performance - playing every role themselves with the aid of dozens of baseball caps, boundless enthusiasm, and their extremely hard-working piano player, Charles. Whether they’re portraying monks, peasants, wenches, or integral roles like ‘Friend of Gutenberg’ and ‘Another Woman’ - Bud and Doug bring an infectious energy and relentless inventiveness to every wild twist of their ‘historical’ ‘epic’ - and end up weaving an inadvertent story of friendship, ambition, and the kind of unshakable delusion that might just change the world.
“If there was a Tony Award for excellence in silliness, heart and sheer meta-musical-theatre-mayhem, this show would win it hands down. Beloved by audiences and recently finishing up a celebrated Broadway revival, it’s the perfect showcase for these two wildly hilarious and talented stars!” – Victoria Falconer
Starring Stephen Anderson and Ryan Gonzalez
Director Richard Carroll
Music Director Zara Stanton
Choreographer Shannon Burns
Redfern Lane Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Performances 22 May – 21 June 2026
Book by Jeffrey Lane, Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek
Based on the film, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, written by Dale Launer and Stanley Shapiro & Paul Henning
Based on the hit 1988 film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, this Tony-nominated musical comedy follows two cunning conmen — the elegant, ruthless Lawrence Jamieson and the wildly unpredictable Freddy Benson — as they go head-to-head on the French Riviera in a winner-takes-all game of deception. Their target? A sweet, unsuspecting American heiress. But in a world built on lies and reinvention, nothing — and no-one — is quite what they seem.
With a book by Jeffrey Lane and a score by David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Tootsie, The Full Monty), Scoundrels is a riot of farcical foolishness, toe-tapping tunes, and whip-smart satire. Expect bold physical comedy, razor-edged elegance, and performances as dazzling as a Riviera sunset. This fresh Hayes production is a joyous wink to the art of performance itself.
This one’s for fans of the original film, lovers of sharp musical theatre, and anyone who can’t resist a smooth-talking rogue.
“We’ve always loved the classic Steve Martin-Michael Caine movie, and this absolute gem of a musical adaptation maintains the super-smart comedy and adds a divine score. This is a guaranteed great night out.” - Richard Carroll
Director Rebecca McNamee
Musical Director Dylan Pollard
Joshua Robson Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Performances 11 July – 9 August 2026
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
Join Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, and the rest of the delightfully macabre clan as they navigate love, family, and chaos in their own peculiar way. With toe-tapping numbers and spine-tingling laughs, this show promises an unforgettable night of kooky entertainment!
“Unless you’ve been locked in a crypt for the past century, you know the beloved comic strip, the enduring 60s TV show, Joan Cusack’s sassy blonde bob, and the current Netflix hit Wednesday. This musical adaptation is already a fan favourite-it really is a scream.” - Richard Carroll
Director Julia Robertson
Music Director Zara Stanton
Choreographer Shannon Burns
LPD Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
Performances 28 August – 27 September 2026
Book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, Willie Gilbert
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Based on How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying by Shepherd Mead
Armed with a quirky instructional guide, J. Pierrepont Finch is set on climbing the corporate ladder—without breaking a sweat. With equal parts cunning and charm, he sidesteps snares, outwits obstacles, and plots his rise to the top. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a rollicking comic gem of satire and song—a joyful, knowing wink to the ambitious window washer lurking inside us all .
“This is up there with the most-requested shows in Hayes history. A golden-age classic that’s ripe for re-imagining-expect sharp suits and even sharper dancing.” - Richard Carroll
Director & Choreographer Cameron Mitchell
Cheers Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
WE ARE THE TIGERS
Performances 9 October – 8 November 2026
Book, Music and Lyrics by Preston Max Allen
It’s the annual sleepover of the Giles Corey High Cheerleading Squad, and team captain Riley is determined to lead her squad to redemption after last year’s spectacular flop. But what starts as a night of pizza and team bonding in the basement quickly spirals into chaos — there’s a killer on the loose and one of their own is dead. Will the squad rally together, or will the pyramid collapse for good?
Surely the high school drama of viral fails, bad grades, lusty boyfriends, and the ever-rank mascot costume will finally take a backseat to justice and retribution... or will they? Never underestimate the determination and self-preservation of a high school cheerleader.
“A high school horror-slasher-thriller pop-rock camp musical comedy? Say less! Snappy and sharp-witted, cartwheeling between clever parody and emotional authenticity-it’s a freshly minted cult favourite for a reason.” - Victoria Falconer
Director & Choreographer Chiara Assetta
Assistant Director Choreographer Zoe Ioannou
Hayes Theatre Co presents
SILVER TONGUE
Performances 13 November – 12 December 2026
Book by Jacob Parker and Miranda Middleton
Music and Lyrics by Alec Steedman
An offbeat re-imagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island – new musical Silver Tongue promises a swashbuckling romp full of heart, swagger, and constant surprises.
At the heart of the story are Jim - a young person adrift in the world, wrestling with questions of ambition and identity as they chase after a map and a myth - and the notorious Silver Tongue - a salty, swaggering, magnetic pirate queen who’s equal parts mentor, menace and mystery. This unlikely duo set off on a rollicking treasure hunt, where double- and triple-crossing soon see them diving into uncharted waters, and ultimately into a whole new quest for truth, redemption, and the chance to write their own story.
“This extraordinary show captures everything we love about music theatre-it’s epic, silly, imaginative, ambitious, hilarious, moving, and so much more. Combining a razor-sharp script with a stunning original actor-muso score, we can’t wait to set sail.” - Richard Carroll & Victoria Falconer
Starring Billie Palin
Director Richard Carroll
Musical Director Victoria Falconer
Costume Designer Sam Hernandez
Neglected Musicals, Cabarets and Special Events
Neglected Musicals in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE
Book by Terrence McNally
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Based on a film A Man of No Importance
Dublin 1964, a man grapples with the forces of bigotry and shame over a love “that dare not speak its name.” This evocative and award-winning musical illustrates the redemptive power of theatre, love, and friendship, all for a man of seemingly no importance.
DIRECTOR Drew Livingston
Limited performances from 25 March
Neglected Musicals in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
THE RINK
Book by Terrence McNally
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
This Kander & Ebb classic musical is set in a Coney Island of the mind, on the ragged fringe of the New York show-biz world. Anna Antonelli's roller rink is about to be demolished, and with-it Anna's memories of her Lothario of a husband and her painfully shy daughter Angel. The rink becomes an arena in which mother and daughter examine their past, present and future.
The Rink was first presented on Broadway in February 1984 staring Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera.
DIRECTOR Miranda Middleton
Limited performances from 28 September
Hayes Theatre Co presents
THEYS AT THE HAYES
Generously supported by Global Creatures and Michael Cassel Group
Now in its third year, Theys at the Hayes will once again present a brand-new line-up of gender-expansive performers and musicians for a one-off performance during Sydney Mardi Gras. Conceived and co-produced by Blake Appelqvist (they/them, star of & Juliet, Fangirls, The Lovers, American Psycho and Bonnie & Clyde), this special event celebrates star quality that’s self-defining. Featuring leading players and new faces from across our industry, Theys at the Hayes showcases the true breadth of talent in our entertainment industry.
Monday 2 March
Hayes Theatre Co & Bang Bang Rodeo presents
MUSICAL BANG BANG
Musical Bang Bang is the best live musical you’ve never seen. Why? Because it doesn’t exist yet! Yes, welcome to the world of improvised musical theatre…
Musical Bang Bang features a host of theatre and comedy luminaries such as Julia Zemiro, Virginia Gay, Tom Cardy, Billie Palin and Gabbi Bolt - not to mention a musical director and a sound and lighting technician who both improvise along with the cast! Don’t miss the chance to watch some consummate professionals push themselves to ridiculous limits, all for the sake of your entertainment.
Hayes Theatre Co and Hedger & Nicholson presents
HOME GROWN
Now two years into a residence at Hayes (following a decade at the centre of Melbourne’s new music theatre writing scene), Home Grown continues their one-of-a-kind concerts which see the hottest theatre talent join forces with the industry’s most exciting writers, to celebrate new work coming from our own backyard. Hear writers and composers talk candidly about their work, as they introduce never-before-heard songs - these electrifying concerts are not to be missed. Home Grown is a not-for-profit company dedicated to supporting, developing and promoting Australian musical theatre.
Hayes Theatre Co presents
AN EVENING WITH…
Hayes Theatre Co once again brings you a unique, star-studded event for our annual fundraising concert An Evening With. Over the past decade, this exclusive event has featured unforgettable performances from more than a hundred of Australian music theatre’s biggest talents, including David Campbell, Lucy Durack, Virginia Gay, Ryan Gonzalez, Esther Hannaford, Seann Miley Moore, Caroline O’Connor, Nancye Hayes and Tony Sheldon. Make sure you’re signed up to the Hayes e-news to find out first when tickets go on-sale, and which incredible talents will appear in 2026.
Hayes Theatre Co presents
WINTER CABARET SEASON + HOUSE OF ROT: GREY GARDENS
Expect another eclectic line-up of incredible artists guaranteed to chase those cold-weather blues away, including the recipient of our annual Joint Cabaret Commission with Adelaide Cabaret Festival (stay tuned for that announcement).
Headlining the 2026 season is the premiere of House of Rot: Grey Gardens, starring über-talents Paul Capsis (Cabaret) and Adam Noviello (Hedwig and the Angry Inch). Created by director Dino Dimitriadis and musical director Victoria Falconer, this darkly dazzling work reimagines the eccentric world of Big and Little Edie. Weaving original compositions with new interpretations of contemporary and classic songs, Capsis and Noviello reckon with legacy, survival, and the spaces we inherit when no one’s looking.
22 June – 5 July
LPD Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
CAROLS BY CABARET
This annual charity concert has been an annual fixture since our very first year, and has now raised more than $100,000 for local organisation The Wayside Chapel. Join your favourite Hayes performers from throughout the year for the event that’s become a Christmas tradition. This is a joyous and heartwarming way to lend a helping hand to vulnerable members of our local community.
FESTIVAL OF NEW WORK
The Festival of New Work is your front-row seat to the future of music theatre. Over two weeks, Hayes bursts to life with brand-new songs, bold new stories, and the brilliant artists behind them.
Catch concert presentations, musical sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes conversations with artistic leaders, creative masterclasses, and pop-up events that turn the theatre into a creative playground.
Springing from the Hayes Creative program, past festivals have launched musicals like Phar Lap (2024) and Silver Tongue (2025) – shows that started here before hitting the mainstage. Whether you come to present, to perform or to soak up inspiration, the Festival of New Work is where connections are made, and ideas come alive.
The Festival of New Work is generously supported by The Robertson Foundation
August 10 – 23
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