Artistic Directors of Hayes Theatre Co, Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer, today announced seven exciting musicals, a new play with music and a Stephen Sondheim concert that will make up the 2025 program for the Hayes, alongside several special events and cabaret shows.
The year opens with the Australian Premiere Production of Ghost Quartet, written and composed by Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812), followed by a new, boisterously joyful adaptation by Richard Carroll of The Pirates of Penzance, brought to life by just four performers. Beginning in March will be the return of Mel Brooks’ hilarious take on show business, The Producers – The Mel Brooks Musical, directed by Julia Robertson (Metropolis). The Australian Premiere of the Tony and Olivier Award-nominated musical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, based on the film by Pedro Almodóvar and directed by Alexander Berlage (American Psycho, Cry-Baby), begins in May.
Being Alive: The Music of Stephen Sondheim, a moving and exhilarating concert of songs by the greatest musical theatre mind of all, plays a three week season from 25 June, directed by Sonya Suares. From the Tony Award-winning songwriting duo of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Seussical, Ragtime) comes the Sydney Premiere of the Olivier Award-winning Once on This Island, directed by Brittanie Shipway. For their first musical, Sport for Jove will present the Sydney Premiere of the ingenious and inspiring musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star, directed by Damien Ryan.
The year concludes with two World Premieres, Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical, written by Steven Kramer and directed by Sheridan Harbridge (Dubbo Championship Wrestling), and Merry & Bright, a new play with music, starring Nancye Hayes in a role crafted specially for her by award-winning playwright Jordan Shea.
Many regular Hayes events will return in 2025 including Musical Bang Bang, Home Grown, Theys At The Hayes, the Festival of New Work, the Winter Cabaret season and Carols by Cabaret.
“This season is all about joy, irreverence, surprises, glamour, humour, insight and warmth,” said Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer. “Our audiences are more and more keen on shows that provide the experience of a Great Night Out, and that’s exactly what we plan to give you throughout 2025.”
Subscriptions are on sale from today, Tuesday 17 September, with single tickets on sale at different times in coming months.
Ghost Quartet
Antipodes Theatre Company in association with Hayes Theatre Co
Performances: 8 – 25 January 2025
Music, Lyrics and Text: Dave Malloy
Director: Brandon Pape
Musical Director: David Butler
Starring David Butler, Hany Lee, Patrick Schnur, Willow Sizer
If you liked: Once, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Lizzie, Well Behaved Women
A camera breaks and four friends conjure spirits (both spectral and alcoholic) as they unravel four interwoven narratives spanning seven centuries: a warped fairy tale about two sisters and a treehouse astronomer; a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher; a purgatorial intermezzo about Scheherazade and the ghost of Thelonious Monk; and a contemporary fable about a subway murder. Inspired by source material as diverse as Arabian Nights and The Twilight Zone, Ghost Quartet is about the stories we choose to pass on, the versions of ourselves we choose to inhabit, and the healing power of music.
Featuring a cast of singer-musicians that includes David Butler (Love That For You), Hany Lee (Hamilton), Patrick Schnur (Once) and Willow Sizer (Guys and Dolls), this is an intoxicating musical odyssey about love, death and whisky – written and composed by Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812). This production has previously had two sold-out Melbourne seasons, Meat Market Stables (2021) and Gasworks Arts Park (2019).
The Pirates of Penzance or The Slave of Duty
Hayes Theatre Co in association with The Art House Wyong
Performances: 14 February – 16 March 2025
By Gilbert & Sullivan. Adapted by Richard Carroll
Director: Richard Carroll
Arranger & Musical Supervisor: Victoria Falconer
Assistant Director & Choreographer: Shannon Burns
Set Designer: Nick Fry
Sound Designer: Daniel Herten
Starring Jay Laga’aia and Brittanie Shipway
If you liked: Murder For Two, HMS Pinafore, Godspell, Calamity Jane, One Man, Two Guvnors
Hayes Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer harness the irreverent, genre-busting spirit of a sprawling, satirical, musical masterwork, and bring it to raucous new life for a 21st-century audience. This brand-new, boisterously joyful adaptation is brought to life by just four bold performers.
Between them, this intrepid quartet bring to life:
Their Pirate King, devoted to a life of swashbuckling and skullduggery – as long as the hours aren’t too demanding. Ruth, the nursemaid who hasn’t been entirely truthful, but who reveals a natural talent and appetite for piracy. Mabel, a young woman thirsty for new experiences (and just plain thirsty). Frederic, our young hero thrown into an existential battle between his old and new worlds by a series of irritating administrative errors. A Major-General devoted to respectability but tormented by the shame he has brought onto his ancestors-by-purchase. Plus; the motley pirate crew, a troupe of singing police recruits, Mabel’s eclectic group of sisters; and the faithful piratical accomplice/pianist, Fish Cake.
The Producers
Joshua Robson Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co
The Mel Brooks Musical
Performances: 28 March – 27 April 2025
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan. Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Director: Julia Robertson
Assistant Director: Mym Kwa
Choreographer: Shannon Burns
If you liked: The Book of Mormon, Young Frankenstein, Only Murders in The Building, Murder For Two
Bialystock and Bloom! Those names strike terror and hysteria into anyone familiar with Mel Brooks’ classic cult-comedy film, or the smash-hit, record-breaking Broadway musical it inspired. Blazing the trail for a new kind of modern, outrageous, in-your-face musical comedy, The Producers won a record 12 Tony Awards. Now, the show comes to the Hayes in an all-new production!
The plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and a mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history – thereby swindling their backers (all ‘little old ladies’) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes wrong – the show becomes a smash hit. The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they manoeuvre their way fecklessly through finding the ‘perfect’ show (the gloriously offensive Springtime for Hitler), hiring the ‘ideal’ director, raising the money, and finally getting their comeuppance is a masterclass in comedy construction. And at the core of this insanely funny adventure is the heartfelt emotional journey of two very different people who up-end each other’s lives, and – against all odds – become friends.
With a truly hysterical book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Annie), and music and lyrics by Brooks himself, The Producers takes no prisoners in skewering classic Broadway – and creates a new Broadway classic in the process.
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Pinwheel Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
Performances: 9 May – 8 June 2025
Book: Jeffrey Lane, Music and Lyrics: David Yazbek
Based on the film: Pedro Almodóvar
Director: Alexander Berlage
If you liked: Cry Baby, American Psycho, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sex and the City
Step into the vibrant, hilarious world of 1980s Madrid, where Pepa, a heartbroken actress, finds her life spiralling out of control after her lover’s sudden disappearance.
As she searches for answers, Pepa navigates a series of increasingly outrageous events alongside a cast of eccentric characters — including a vengeful ex-wife, a best friend entangled with an international terrorist, a power-suited lawyer, and enough sedative-laced gazpacho to knock out half of Spain.
Following his award-winning, critically acclaimed seasons of Cry Baby and American Psycho, Alexander Berlage returns to the Hayes to direct this exhilarating comedy, based on the iconic movie by Pedro Almodóvar.
Being Alive
Hayes Theatre Co
The Music of Stephen Sondheim
Performances: 25 June – 12 July 2025
Director: Sonya Suares
Musical Director: Luke Byrne
If you liked: Anything from Sondheim
An exquisitely moving and exhilarating concert of songs by the greatest musical theatre mind of all.
Being Alive celebrates Hayes audiences’ love affair with Sondheim, following acclaimed, award-winning, and sold-out seasons of Assassins (2017), Merrily We Roll Along (2021), and A Little Night Music (2023).
After directing a host of Sondheim musicals across her career, Sonya Suares (The Lucky Country) works with four extraordinary performers to honour the great man’s legacy. Musical Director Luke Byrne leads a refined and intimate three-piece band for this unique concert event.
Once On This Island
Curveball Creative in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
Performances: 2 – 30 August 2025
Book and Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens, Music: Stephen Flaherty
Director: Brittanie Shipway
If you liked: In The Heights, Come From Away, Moana, Romeo and Juliet
A tale of one young girl as she fearlessly follows her heart, defying even the expectations of the Gods
From the Tony Award-winning songwriting duo of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Seussical, Ragtime) comes the Olivier Award-winning Once on This Island. This vibrant adaptation infuses its Caribbean roots with Australia’s own rich cultural tapestry, injecting new life into the Hans Christian Anderson tale, The Little Mermaid.
Ti Moune, a humble peasant girl, courageously saves the life of Daniel, a wealthy boy from the far side of the island, and soon finds herself captivated by love. Little does she know, the island’s proud Gods wager on a timeless question: which is stronger, love or death? The unwitting pawn in their bet, Ti Moune’s life hangs in the balance as she follows her heart.
This energetic and radiant score is carried by a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Bright Star
Sport For Jove Theatre Co. in association with Hayes Theatre Co
Performances: 5 September – 5 October 2025
Music, Book and Story: Steve Martin. Music, Lyrics and Story: Edie Brickell
Director: Damien Ryan
Musical Director: Alec Steedman
If you liked: Violet, Godspell, Bonnie & Clyde, Once
The Sydney Premiere of the ingenious and inspiring musical by the superb Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Drawn from a true story and featuring a Tony-nominated score, Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s.
When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past, and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.
With stunning melodies, gorgeous actor-centric theatricality and powerfully moving characters, the story is an evocative tapestry of deep emotion. And uplifting journey, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
Phar Lap
Hayes Theatre Co
The Electro-Swing Musical
Performances: 17 October – 15 November 2025
Book, Music and Lyrics: Steven Kramer
Director: Sheridan Harbridge
If you liked: Dubbo Championship Wrestling, Keating!, The Great Gatsby, Bojack Horseman
Not just another absurdist, electro-swing musical comedy about a thoroughbred racehorse, Phar Lap is a rags-to-riches story with a big heart. If you’re thinking elaborate life-size puppetry and dazzling special effects, you couldn’t be more wrong (we don’t have the budget). Suspend your disbelief as an actor swaps his horseshoes for tap shoes to play one of Australia’s most beloved icons.
When an awkward, gangly horse from New Zealand meets a hapless, down-on-his-luck, trainer, they embark on a classic underdog story to win the Melbourne Cup, and Australians’ hearts and minds. The road isn’t easy – there are gambling scandals, double-crosses, an attempted shooting, and a career-threatening addiction to sugar. It’s high stakes, high drama, and highly historically accurate.
Phar Lap boasts an irresistible electro-swing score, with inspirations from Duke Ellington to Daft Punk. Brassy, lively and retro – these songs will take you from the race course to the rave hall.
Merry & Bright
Hayes Theatre Co presents
Starring Nancye Hayes
Performances: 28 November – 21 December 2025
Book: Jordan Shea, Original Music: Victoria Falconer
Director: Richard Carroll
Musical Director: Victoria Falconer
If you liked: A Little Night Music, I’ll Eat You Last, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street
Never underestimate an 80-year-old. They’ve got a lot less to lose.
Shirley has been playing Mrs. Claus at David Jones for forty years. Ever since she landed the role from a cattle call in 1983 out at a warehouse in Mascot, she’s taken pride and joy in taping down the white wig, patting on the rouge, and blowing the dust off her sparkling one-liners to delight children and parents as Santa’s finest off-sider. But this year, she turns up to work in early November, and is unceremoniously given her notice. Mrs Claus, say The Management, is “lacking in relevance”.
A devastated Shirley decides to pick herself up and do battle on the fourth floor of David Jones – battling Millennial elves, screaming children and men-in-suits who feel she’s simply not up to it anymore. It’s a fight for survival, and Shirley resolves to arm herself with the relevant data and the appropriate KPIs to front the board and make it known she’s not going anywhere.
The incomparable Nancye Hayes weaves her magic in this new play with music, crafted specially for her by award-winning playwright Jordan Shea.
Special Events, Cabarets and Neglected Musicals
Musical Bang Bang
Hayes Theatre Co and Bang Bang Rodeo
First performance Tuesday 21 January 2025
Musical Bang Bang is the best live musical you’ve never seen. Why? Because it doesn’t exist yet. It’s IMPROV, silly. From a cult event at The Old Fitz, to Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Adelaide Cabaret Festival, this must-be-seen-to-be-believed onslaught is now a firm favourite of Hayes audiences. Actor-comedians Jane Watt (Godspell, Spamalot) and Rob Johnson (Calamity Jane, Boomkak Panto, Rosehaven) lead an ensemble of Sydney’s best improvisers, as well as some special – often terrified – guests from the top ranks of Australian music theatre.
With an ever-changing lineup, this foolhardy ensemble invents a singing, dancing extravaganza while ‘yes and’-ing each other into oblivion – all on the set of whichever production is showing at the Hayes at the time. Musicals cooked up so far in 2024, based on suggestions from Hayes audiences, include Moonbeam The Musical, In-between The Musical, Gold Mine The Musical, and The Magicians’ Society. These shows have featured theatre and comedy luminaries such as Julia Zemiro, Virginia Gay, Tom Cardy, Billie Palin and Gabbi Bolt – not to mention a very game musical director, and a sound and lighting technician who improvises along with the cast! Come and join these consummate professionals as they push themselves to ridiculous limits, all in the name of entertainment.
The Apple Tree
Limited performances from 5 – 7 February 2025
Neglected Musical in association with Hayes Theatre Co
Book, Music and Lyrics: Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock
Additional book material: Jerome Coopersmith
Based on stories: Mark Twain, Frank R. Stockton, Jules Feiffer
Originally Produced on the Broadway Stage: Stuart Ostrow
Original Production Directed: Mike Nicholas
Director: Alexander Berlage
The Apple Tree is made up of three musical miniatures. The Diary of Adam and Eve is a quirky, touching spin on the tale of the world’s first couple, adapted from Mark Twain’s Extracts from Adam’s Diary. The Lady or the Tiger? is a rock and roll fable set in a mythical barbarian kingdom, which explores the fickleness of love. Passionella is based on Jules Feiffer’s offbeat Cinderella-story about a chimney sweep whose dreams of being a glamorous movie star nearly sabotage her one chance for true love.
Theys at Hayes
Monday 24 February 2025
Hayes Theatre Co
Generously supported by Global Creatures and Michael Cassel Group
Following an acclaimed 2024 event that sold out in record time, Theys at the Hayes returns with a brand-new line-up for another one-off performance during Sydney Mardi Gras. Celebrating star quality that’s self-defining, and featuring leading players and new faces from across our industry, Theys at the Hayes is conceived and co-produced by Blake Appelqvist (they/them – star of & Juliet, Fangirls, and Hayes’s Spamalot, American Psycho and Bonnie & Clyde). Come alone for an array of gender-expansive performers, musicians and artists refreshing you with new work, local talent and gender euphoria.
Home Grown
First performance Monday 17 March 2025
Hayes Theatre Co and Hedger & Nicholson
After kicking off a residency at Hayes in 2024, following a decade at the centre of Melbourne’s new musical theatre writing scene, Home Grown has already established itself as a staple of the Hayes program with sold-out shows throughout the year. In 2025, Home Grown continues their one-of-a-kind Sydney concerts, which see the hottest talent in Australian musical theatre come together with the country’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.
An Evening With: The Music of Peter Allen
Friday 2 May 205
Hayes Theatre Co
Hayes Theatre Co once again brings you an extra-special, star-studded event for our annual fundraising concert An Evening With. In 2025, we celebrate the music and legacy of one of our country’s most beloved artists, Peter Allen – with songs like Tenterfield Saddler, I Go to Rio, and I Honestly Love You, performed by some of Australian musical theatre’s most incredible voices. This is always a special night filled with unforgettable exclusive performances – make sure you’re signed up to the Hayes e-news to be notified when tickets go on-sale, and to find out first who will make up this year’s incredible cast.
Winter Cabaret Season
Hayes Theatre Co
9 – 22 June 2025
We’re excited to once again work with our friends at Adelaide Cabaret Festival to bring local, interstate and international artists to the Hayes. The full line-up will be announced in 2025, but the season will be headlined by the award-winning star of Miss Saigon, and recipient of the inaugural Hayes Theatre Co & Adelaide Cabaret Festival Cabaret Commission, Seann Miley Moore. This commission supports the creation and development of a new work by an Australian cabaret artist.
The Festival of New York
14 – 27 July 2025
Hayes Theatre Co presents
In 2025, Hayes is once again thrilled to present the Festival of New Work. Springing from our thriving Hayes Creative program, this festival reflects Hayes’ vital role in developing Australian music theatre talent and new music theatre writing. Events are aimed at both arts practitioners and audiences, and the two weeks of the Festival of New Work vibrates with activities including musical readings, showcases, concert presentations, workshops, and industry upskilling and networking events.
The Festival of New Work offers the chance to see the Next Big Thing before anyone else does, and maybe even be a part of shaping it. Full program of events will be unveiled in 2025.
The Festival of New Work is generously supported by Jones Theatrical Group, The Robertson Foundation, and The Russell Mills Foundation.
Carols by Cabaret
Monday 8 December 2025
LPD Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co present
This annual charity concert has been produced every year since the Hayes opened, has become a vital Christmas tradition for many of our audience members, and has raised almost $100,000 for local charitable organisation The Wayside Chapel. Featuring performers from Hayes shows throughout the year, it’s a fun and heartwarming way to lend a helping hand to some of the more vulnerable members of our local community.
