2016 is the first season of plays chosen solely by Ensemble Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Kilmurry as Sandra Bates prepares for her retirement in January 2016.

“I am enormously pleased and proud to present the Ensemble’s new season. As ever, we bring you the best of new Australian plays, international plays and cherished classics, plus an exciting new co-production with ATYP,” says Mark Kilmurry. 

“In the past 30 plus years, Sandra has done an incredible job of building Ensemble Theatre to what it is today. I thank her for her trust, mentoring, the knowledge she has graciously passed on over the last 10 years, and for her blessing in taking over the reins.  We will miss her, but Sandra still plays an important part in 2016, directing the return of one of our favourite hits.  

“I am thrilled to announce two new awards in honour of two special people to help up-and-coming creatives get a start in the industry.

“ENSEMBLE THEATRE NEW WRITING COMMISSION, kindly supported by David Williamson and the Australian Writer’s Guild, is an exciting opportunity for an Australian playwright who demonstrates a strong contemporary voice and a talent for storytelling, to write a new play in 2016. The recipient of the commission will gain entry into the AWG’s Pathways Program, and have the final work presented as part of Ensemble’s 2017 season.  (Submissions open Oct 1, 2015).

“THE SANDRA BATES DIRECTOR’S AWARDS, sponsored by the Seaborn Broughton and Walford Foundation, will allow two recipients the opportunity to work as an Assistant Director on two of Ensemble Theatre’s mainstage productions in 2016.  (Submissions open 7 September, 2015).

“Also new for 2016 is the BOATSHED PROJECT, an engaging program including lunchtime readings, directorial workshops and backstage tours.

“My vision for Ensemble Theatre’s future is not particularly radical – if it ain’t broke – but our aim always is to enrich Sydney’s creative landscape, and to be a place where theatre connects to people of all ages.   I think my favourite quote comes from Laurence Olivier. When asked what his aim was for running London’s National Theatre, he said “To make the audience applaud....”  I couldn’t agree more.   I hope you enjoy the season and I look forward to seeing you throughout the year.”

THE PLAYS

JACK OF HEARTS BY DAVID WILLIAMSON

World Premiere

From January 29, 2016

DIRECTOR: DAVID WILLIAMSON

CAST:  CAROLINE CRAIG, PETER MOCHRIE, CHRISTA NICOLA, CRAIG REUCASSEL, ISABELLA TANNOCK, CHRIS TAYLOR   

Jack may be a loveable loser but his partner Emma is considering trading up for a loveable winner. Enter smooth, successful Carl: arrogant, sexy and just what she needs.  Ignoring her best friend's warning, Emma dives in head - and heart - first.  Meanwhile, Jack devises a radical plan to get her back - and where better than a tropical paradise to shake off your relationship woes The Chaser’s Chris Taylor and Craig Reucassel, teaming up with David Williamson in a brand new play. 

SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS BY RICHARD ALFIERI

at The Concourse, Chatswood

From February 26, 2016

2007 HELPMANN AWARD FOR BEST REGIONAL TOURING PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR: SANDRA BATES

CAST: NANCYE HAYES, TODD McKENNEY

The return of Ensemble Theatre’s hit comedy.  When Lily advertises for a teacher to help her master some groovy dance steps, she doesn’t bargain on being landed with Michael and his dancing baggage.  As their lessons progress, Michael also discovers that Lily has more than a little emotional history under her hard exterior. A story of two opposites finding each other in the most diverse way possible: Rum-Cha-Cha!

GOOD PEOPLE BY DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE

Sydney Premiere

From April 7, 2016

DIRECTOR MARK KILMURRY
CAST INCLUDES: TARA MORICE, ZINDZI OKENYO

2011 NEW YORK DRAMA CRITIC’S CIRCLE AWARD FOR BEST PLAY

Margaret may be a struggling single mother, but she’s got good bingo friends.  Having been 'let go' by the local Dollar Store, a chance encounter with an old flame provides an opportunity to get ahead. He’s well-off, smart and handsome, and has escaped their childhood neighbourhood with a college education. Inveigling her way into his home, Margaret poses a sudden threat to his picture-perfect family life.  David Lindsay-Abaire’s wonderfully whip-smart comedy of manners conjures up a delicious cocktail of secrets, lies, class and race and asks the question: what makes us Good People?

TRIBES BY NINA RAINE

From May 26, 2016

DIRECTOR SHANNON MURPHY

CAST INCLUDES: ANA MARIA BELO

2012 DRAMA DESK AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PLAY

2012 NEW YORK DRAMA CRITIC’S CIRCLE AWARD

2012 OFF-BROADWAY ALLIANCE AWARD FOR BEST PLAY

NOMINATED FOR THE OLIVIER AND EVENING STANDARD AWARDS FOR BEST NEW PLAY

Meet Billy: he was born deaf, but has grown up lip-reading in the midst of his fiercely intelligent and unconventional family. Meet Sylvia: she was born to deaf parents and is gradually losing her own hearing. As Sylvia teaches Billy sign language, their worlds begin to align just as Billy's family grapple with his new-found independence. TRIBES hones in on our universal desire to belong and to be heard with startling humour and biting accuracy.

THE BIG DRY BY MARK KILMURRY Adapted from the novel by TONY DAVIS 

World Premiere

From June 4, 2016

DIRECTOR: FRASER CORFIELD

Imagine a world of dust. A future where water drips brown from the taps. Where dust storms reduce houses to rubble. Where a young boy, George and his younger brother, Beeper, fight to survive as they wait for their father to return home.  And where a young rebellious girl, Emily, won't take no for an answer. Imagine the future. Imagine THE BIG DRY. A first time co-production with the Australian Theatre for Young People and based on the best-selling novel by Tony Davis. 

A HISTORY OF FALLING THINGS BY JAMES GRAHAM

Sydney Premiere

From July 7, 2016

DIRECTOR NICOLE BUFFONI

CAST INCLUDES: ERIC BEECROFT, MERRIDY EASTMAN,  SOPHIE HENSSER

Do things really fall from the sky? Fish? Boots? Satellites? Robin believes they do and thinks he is alone, until he finds Jacqui online and realises they share an uncommon fear.  The young keraunothnetophobes embark on a relationship, despite the fact they are too scared to leave the safety of their own homes. Will they summon the courage to venture out and cement their love? Or will the sky fall in?   THE HISTORY OF FALLING THINGS is a comedy about love, fear, modern technology, frustrated parents and, er, satellites.

BETRAYAL BY HAROLD PINTER

From July 16, 2016
DIRECTOR MARK KILMURRY

CAST:  GUY EDMONDS, URSULA MILLS, MATTHEW ZEREMES

LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARD FOR BEST NEW PLAY (1979)

BETRAYAL is Harold Pinter's most accessible play and also his most personal.  Three friends become involved in a love triangle with a difference.  Three friends become caught in a love triangle with a difference. As Emma and Jerry embark on their affair, guilt heightens the electric thrill of secret love.  But Emma’s husband Robert is also Jerry’s best friend.   Will their friendship survive and how much does Robert know?

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK BY NEIL SIMON

From August 25, 2015
DIRECTOR MARK KILMURRY

CAST INCLUDES: DANIEL MITCHELL, GEORGIE PARKER

NOMINATED FOR 3 TONY AWARDS (1964)

Just Married! Corrie has rented a top floor brownstone apartment as her marital abode - without her husband’s approval. It’s small. Very small. And up a few stairs. Ok, a lot of stairs Then there’s the eccentric man above them (literally) at all hours, and a telephone man who is very, very out of breath... what will mother say?  Take a fresh look at Neil Simon's timeless comedy of young love, daring flights into the night and leaking skylights.

e-baby BY JANE CAFARELLA

Sydney Premiere

From October 13, 2015

DIRECTOR NADIA TASS

CAST INCLUDES: ANGIE MILLIKEN

For Catherine, a wealthy Australian living in London, the missing piece in her perfect life is a baby.  Across the Atlantic in Massachusetts, stay-at-home Mum Nellie is willing to help her - for a price. Sharing the highs and lows of pregnancy via Skype, email and telephone, these two very different women will ultimately have to decide: who does this baby really belong to?  This new Australian play explores the intricacies of the modern family and one of the centuries most emotionally charged dilemmas.

RELATIVELY SPEAKING BY ALAN AYCKBOURN

From November 24, 2015
DIRECTOR: MARK KILMURRY

CAST INCLUDES: TRACY MANN, ELLEN PALMER, DAVID WHITNEY

In 1960’s London, couples are swinging, some more than others.  Greg is paying a visit to Ginny’s parents to ask for her hand in marriage. Blithely misinformed, he arrives at the home of Philip and Sheila hoping they’ll give their blessing. But no-one is quite what they seem and nothing quite goes to plan. In this perfectly paced comedy of misunderstandings, Alan Ayckbourn expertly weaves an exquisite entanglement that will leave you guessing to the last minute.

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