Sydney Theatre Company

Sydney Theatre Company's Artistic Director Kip Williams and Executive Director Patrick McIntyre discuss the first six shows of our 2022 season. Listen as they give exciting behind the scenes insights into the season and discuss how it all came together. If you want to skip ahead to a particular show, the timecodes below can guide you. 2.32 - Triple X 5.35 - Grand Horizons 7.51 - White Pearl 9.58 - Blithe Spirit 13.20 - The Picture of Dorian Grey 16.06 - Wudjang: Not the Past

Sydney Theatre Company's Artistic Director Kip Williams and Executive Director Patrick McIntyre discuss the first five shows of our 2021 season. Listen as they give exciting behind the scenes insights into the season and discuss how it all came together. If you want to skip ahead to a particular show, the timecodes below can guide you. 07:30 Playing Beatie Bow 10:55 Appropriate 15:40 Home, I'm Darling 18.20 Fun Home 21.36 The Wharf Revue: Good Night and Good Luck

In this episode you’ll be hearing a discussion, originally broadcast as a live Webinar during the period of theatre closures earlier this year, between Archibald-Prize winning artist, Nicholas Harding with his friends and legends of stage and screen, Hugo Weaving and Heather Mitchell. Nicholas and Hugo uncover what it’s like to sketch and be sketched in the rehearsal room, and what artists can capture of actors and they all discuss what theatre means to them, as an art-form and its ability to bring people together and spark our imagination with story-telling.

During the period of theatre closures earlier this year, STC produced and shared a number of online performances and content pieces in order to stay connected with our audience members. STC’s former Board and Foundation Chair Ian Darling AO is one person whose positive impact on the Company has been felt across the years. A long-time friend of the Company, Ian generously gave us the opportunity to stream his documentary In the Company of Actors for free via our website during May and June. Our community of theatre lovers jumped at the opportunity to re-live STC’s historic 2006 tour of Hedda Gabler to New York. We received a great deal of wonderful feedback about sharing the film and so contacted Ian to discuss the process behind making the film, what it was like to be a fly on the wall, and why it was important to capture the legacy of the Hedda Gabbler tour. This discussion took the form of a live webinar, hosted and moderated by our Artistic Director Kip Williams. We invited a small group of STC community members to attend the Webinar, and were thrilled to be joined by a number of long term subscribers, donors and supporters who’ve pledged a gift to STC in their Will. This podcast is a recording of that Webinar.

Back in March, in simpler times, Andrew Denton hosted a panel with some STC favourites – John Gaden, Mandy McElhinney and Richard Roxburgh – chatting about their best-loved memories of The Wharf, past productions and backstage mischief.

In July this year actor, filmmaker and advocate Daniel Monks took time out of his busy schedule, performing in STC's production of Lord of the Flies, to do a special 'in conversation' event in which he discussed his craft, his career and his leadership in the art and disability advocacy space. A collaboration between STC and Accessible Arts, NSW's peak arts and disability organisation, this talk was moderated by STC's Artistic Director Kip Williams. Image: Hon Boey

Sydney Theatre Company's Artistic Director Kip Williams and Executive Director Patrick McIntyre discuss the 2020 season. Listen as they give exciting behind the scenes insights into the season and discuss how it all came together. CHAPTERS 02:08 The Deep Blue Sea 04:21 No Pay? No Way! 07:08 Home, I'm Darling 09.35 Triple X 13:07 The 7 Stages of Grieving 16:15 The Writer 18:30 The Picture of Dorian Gray 21:46 Fun Home 25:17 Wonnangatta 27:25 The Wharf Revue 2020: Good Night and Good Luck 28:36 Rules for Living 30:47 A View from the Bridge Producer: Patrick Carey Mix and master: David Trumpmanis

This episode was recorded live at Rosyln Packer Theatre for the pre-season briefing of STC’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, by Tennessee Williams. Featuring a full cast and several creatives, including the production’s director and our company’s artistic director, Kip Williams, the conversation delves into the psychology of the Pollitt family, around whom the play is centred, the meaning of truth, and some hints at the elements of design which are bringing this steamy Southern tale to life.

Which sound design moment gives Paul Mac chills? Is drama or comedy harder to compose for? We spoke to chart-topping electronic music producer Paul Mac and the celebrated, prolific theatre composer and sound designer Steve Francis about creating the soundtrack for Nakkiah Lui’s biting political satire, How to Rule the World. Find out how a legend of Australian dance music found himself composing for theatre, gain an insight into theatrical sound design from one of the best in the field, and hear the music that resulted when the two got together in the studio. How to Rule the World is playing at Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre until the 30th of March.

A lively discussion on the genesis and development of this frighteningly relevant and bitingly funny political satire. This Q&A was recorded live at Roslyn Packer Theatre for the How to Rule the World Pre-season Briefing, one of Sydney Theatre Company's Insight Events in which audiences meet the actors and creative teams behind STC’s work. How to Rule the World is playing at Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre until the 30th of March 2019. Tickets are on sale now. 

This episode was recorded live at Roslyn Packer Theatre for the Mary Stuart Pre-season Briefing, one of Sydney Theatre Company's Insight Events in which audiences meet the actors and creative teams behind STC’s work. In this informal Q&A, STC's literary manager Polly Rowe sits down with Mary Stuart's cast and creatives to discuss how the fascinating true story of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots is expressed in a bold new adaptation by Kate Mulvany. Mary Stuart is playing Roslyn Packer Theatre until the 2nd of March. Tickets are available at sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/produ…19/mary-stuart

In this episode we hear from the award-winning author, journalist and political commentator David Marr, discussing the man he dedicated almost a decade of his life to understanding, whilst completing the seminal biography, Patrick White: A Life and later compiling Patrick White: Letters. David speaks with energy and eloquence about what kind of person Patrick White really was, about his close yet complex connection to the theatre, and the real woman who inspired the infamous Cheery Soul character of Miss Docker. A CHEERY SOUL, 5 NOV - 15 DEC 2018, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE DRAMA THEATRE Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco

With our upcoming production of A Cheery Soul opening at Sydney Opera House, it's time to delve into the writing of Patrick White through the eyes of Christos Tsiolkas. Christos is the author of the recently released, ‘On Patrick White’ as part of the Writers on Writers book series. Recorded at the Sydney Writers’ Festival earlier this year, this conversation between Christos and fellow author Michelle de Kretser touches on the role of spirituality in White’s work, and his frequent exploration of the outsider’s perspective. White’s writing then becomes a springboard into a wider discussion on the way we create and consume Australian literature. A CHEERY SOUL, 5 NOV - 15 DEC 2018, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE DRAMA THEATRE Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco

Featuring interviews with adaptor Kate Mulvany and musical director Luke Byrne, this episode explores the power of song in Harp in the South. Luke and Kate discuss why songs were chosen, how they were woven into the script and what effect their inclusion has on the play, from both the cast and audience perspectives. The podcast includes live recordings of cast performing Siuil a Run, Brian O'Lynn, The Last Rose of Summer, Old Rugged Hills and Ye Shanghai. Podcast produced by Jordan Smith Live recordings mixed by Nate Edmondson Thank you to Kate Mulvany and Luke Byrne

This episode was recorded live at the Roslyn Packer Theatre for one of Sydney Theatre Company's Insight Events. In this informal Q&A STC's literary manager Polly Rowe and directing associate Jessica Arthur reveal fascinating details about the creation of STC's epic work of new Australian theatre, The Harp in the South. If you would like to attend one of our many Insight Events, you can find out what's coming up at sydneytheatre.com.au/insightevents The Harp in the South is playing at the Roslyn Packer Theatre until 6 October 2018. www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/pro…in-the-south Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco 

Artistic Director Kip Williams and Executive Director Patrick McIntyre discuss the plays of our 2019 Season. Listen in for some fascinating insights into how the season came together, the stories we'll be telling and the artists who'll be involved. CHAPTERS 03:07 Mary Stuart 06:30 How to Rule the World 09:34 Mosquitoes 13:17 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 17:48 The Torrents 21:16 Lord of the Flies 26:39 Banging Denmark 29:25 Avalanche: A Love Story 32:31 The Real Thing 35:07 Così 37:12 The Beauty Queen of Leenane 40:22 The Wharf Revue  41:20 White Pearl Producer: Jordan Smith Mix and master: David Trumpmanis

Explore the sounds of celebrated Australian musician William Barton, the sole composer and performer of music in The Long Forgotten Dream. In addition to performing sections of the score, William describes the intentions and emotions behind his composition, explains some of the techniques he uses to play the didjeridu, and reflects on the unusual experience of composing in a rehearsal room. The Long Forgotten Dream is playing at the Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre from the 23rd of July to the 25th of August. www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/pro…gotten-dream Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #sydneytheatreco

Director Imara Savage and actors Sarah Snook and John Gaden discuss George Bernard Shaw’s play Saint Joan, the extraordinary story of its central character, the ideas behind this new staging, and the roles they play. This Pier Group Lunch discussion and Q&A was one of our many Insight Events. We hold lots of events like this that get audiences together with the actors and creative teams behind our shows. Everyone is welcome to attend, so we encourage you to check them out at sydneytheatre.com.au/insightevents https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/productions/2018/saint-joan SAINT JOAN, 5 JUN – 30 JUN 2018, ROSLYN PACKER THEATRE Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco

Designer Renée Mulder and STC Literary Manager Polly Rowe discuss the creation of romantic comedy Black is the New White, and talked more broadly about what goes into bringing new Australian writing to STC’s stages. This pre-show "Matinee Club" Q&A was one of our many Insight Events. We hold lots of events like this that get audiences together with the actors and creative teams behind our shows. Everyone is welcome to attend, so we encourage you to check them out at www.sydneytheatre.com.au/insightevents www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/pro…18-riverside BLACK IS THE NEW WHITE, 21 MAR — 24 MAR 2018, RIVERSIDE THEATRES PARRAMATTA Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco

Last year, playwright Lucy Kirkwood delivered us a sweeping epic with Chimerica, which looked at China’s economic rise against the backdrop of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. This year, her new play, The Children, is equally ambitious in its scope – as it pulls apart the fallout of a nuclear disaster – but it distils the action down into a chamber piece for three actors. In our case, Pamela Rabe, Sarah Peirse and William Zappa. Arts journalist Fiona Gruber travelled to the UK recently and spoke to Lucy Kirkwood about what inspired her to write the play. https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/thechildren The Children, 29 Mar – 19 May 2018, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco

Joining us today are three actors – Helen Thomson, Heather Mitchell and Michelle Lim Davidson – all of whom are performing in our production of Top Girls which is currently playing at Sydney Opera House. Top Girls was written by British playwright Caryl Churchill, and first performed back in 1982. Margaret Thatcher was in power, the term “glass ceiling” had only just been coined and the new hit self-help book for women was Helen Gurley Brown’s “Having It All”. Top Girls explores all this in some remarkable and unpredictable ways. Top Girls, 12 Feb – 24 Mar 2018, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House www.sydneytheatre.com.au/topgirls Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco

Actor Emily Barclay and STC's Directing Associate Jessica Arthur join us to discuss the new play they're working on, Lethal Indifference. It’s a powerful, moving, but also rather funny one-woman show that tells the story of a murder. Part detective story, part intimate confessional, it examines how domestic violence can occur right under our noses. Lethal Indifference, 17 Feb – 10 Mar 2018, Wharf 1 Theatre sydneytheatre.com.au/lethalindifference Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco

Artistic Director Kip Williams and Executive Director Patrick McIntyre sit down to discuss our 2018 Season. They talk about our line-up of plays, how they fit into STC’s vision and what you can expect in the theatre. Listen in for some fascinating insights into how the season came together, the stories we'll be telling and the artists who'll be involved. We hope you enjoy the conversation. Find out more at http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/2018   Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias Composition Max Lyandvert

On this episode of our podcast, we’re joined by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, who have written the music and lyrics for Muriel’s Wedding the Musical. Kate is best known as a pop singer-songwriter with an operatic voice. Together with Keir she’s written award-winning songs and earned a dedicated following. They’re also a couple in life and, last year, became parents to a gorgeous little boy. In between all this, they found time to chat with our Content Manager Carl Nilsson-Polias about the songs for Muriel’s Wedding and how they got involved with the project.   http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/murielswedding Muriel’s Wedding, 6 Nov 2017 – 27 Jan 2018, Roslyn Packer Theatre Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCMurielsWedding

John Bell is a titan of Australian theatre. He’s here on The Wharf to rehearse The Father by Florian Zeller. In this podcast, he discusses the show, some Australian theatre history, and whether or not he will ever retire. The Father, 19 Aug – 21 Oct 2017, Wharf 1 Theatre sydneytheatre.com.au/father Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco

Our Artistic Director Kip Williams joins us to discuss his latest production, Cloud Nine by Caryl Churchill. Kip talks about why he loves the play, what he was looking for in casting the actors, how the set and costumes were designed, and what he feels the show is all about. Cloud Nine, 1 Jul – 12 Aug 2017, Wharf 1 Theatre sydneytheatre.com.au/cloudnine Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco or #sydneytheatreco

Simon Phillips, one of Australia's top stage directors, joins us to discuss his work on bringing Muriel's Wedding the Musical to the stage. We talk about the show, the set, the songs and why he thinks Muriel's Wedding the movie makes for a great musical.  http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/murielswedding Muriel’s Wedding, 6 Nov 2017 – 20 Jan 2018, Roslyn Packer Theatre Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCMurielsWedding  

Playwright Nakkiah Lui has described her new STC comedy Black is the New White as the world’s first middle class Aboriginal Christmas rom-com. In this episode of our podcast, we discuss the show with actors Tony Briggs and Shari Sebbens, who play the father Ray and daughter Charlotte in the Gibson family. Black is the New White, 5 May – 17 Jun 2017, Wharf 1 Theatre Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias Recording Engineer Ben Lightowlers Composer Max Lyandvert  

In this podcast, we feature someone with a unique connection to STC. John Preston, our Production Workshops Manager is retiring after 38 years with the company. John, or JP, as we all know him, has worked with the company from its first day. No one else knows the Wharf and STC's history the way he does. Share your memories of STC via social media. Tag #sydneytheatreco "John Preston is a giant among men, and will be nigh impossible to replace" – Jacki Weaver, actress "Reliable, resourceful, cheerful and always there. The Wharf will carry his DNA. We love him." – Robyn Nevin, former Artistic Director of STC Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias Recording Engineer David Bergman Composer Max Lyandvert        

Nakkiah Lui is not only an award-winning playwright, but also a screen writer, an actor and a columnist. Her play Black is the New White is part romantic comedy, part social satire, and it’s a story of two Australian families – the Gibsons and the Smiths – who have been brought together at Christmas time. Amidst the food, the wine and the family arguments, there’s a love story, there’s racial politics and there’s a lot of laughs. Carl Nilsson-Polias speaks with her to find out more. Black is the New White, 28 Feb — 10 Mar 2018, Roslyn Packer Theatre https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/productions/2018/black-is-the-new-white-2018  

Assistant director Jessica Arthur and costume designer Renée Mulder talk about Lucy Kirkwood's Chimerica with host Carl Nilsson-Polias. They discussed the creation of this enormous production and how it was informed by the history of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. www.sydneytheatre.com.au/chimerica Chimerica, 28 Feb — 1 Apr 2017, Roslyn Packer Theatre 

We sit down with playwright Angus Cerini to discuss his multi-award-winning play The Bleeding Tree, which is about to open at STC's Wharf 1 Theatre. This production of The Bleeding Tree, directed by Lee Lewis, was originally staged at Griffin Theatre Company in 2015. Those shows quickly sold out, so its upcoming season at the Wharf gives those who missed out a second chance to see it. The Bleeding Tree, 9 Mar – 8 Apr 2017, Wharf 1 Theatre Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCBleedingTree

PJ Hogan is the writer and director of the iconic Australian film, Muriel’s Wedding. When the movie came out in 1994, it became a global sensation. Now, three decades later, PJ is here at STC as part of the team who are bringing Muriel back, and turning her story into an all-new stage musical. http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/murielswedding Muriel’s Wedding, 6 Nov – 30 Dec 2017, Roslyn Packer Theatre Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCMurielsWedding

Matt Lutton, Artistic Director of Malthouse Theatre, joins us to discuss his latest show with STC, Away by Michael Gow. Away is a classic Australian play, set during the Vietnam War, that tells the stories of three families as they head off on their summer holidays. Away, 18 Feb – 25 Mar 2017, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCAway Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias Composer Max Lyandvert

In this episode, recorded live on the Wharf, Resident Director Imara Savage, actor Alison Whyte, Composer & Sound Designer Max Lyandvert and Lighting Designer Emma Valente discuss STC’s latest production, The Testament of Mary by Colm Tóibín, showing until the 25th of February. They discuss Tóibín’s inspiration for writing the play, Alison’s approach to performing as Mary, and the design of the production. sydneytheatre.com.au/testament This Q&A was part of STC’s series of Insight Events. We hold lots of events that get audiences together with the actors and creative teams behind STC’s work. Everyone is welcome to attend, so we encourage you to check them out at sydneytheatre.com.au/insightevents Host Polly Rowe Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias Recording Engineer Ben Lightowlers Composer Max Lyandvert  

In this episode, recorded live at Roslyn Packer Theatre, assistant director Paige Rattray and designer David Fleischer talk about David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow. https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/productions/2016/speed-the-plow They discuss the show’s gender politics, its resonance with Donald Trump, its remarkable dialogue, as well as the set and costume designs. This Q&A was part of STC’s series of Insight Events. We hold lots of events that get audiences together with the actors and creative teams behind STC’s work. Everyone is welcome to attend, so we encourage you to check them out at https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/insightevents   Speed-the-Plow, 8 Nov - 17 Dec 2016, Roslyn Packer Theatre Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCSpeedThePlow Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias Composer Max Lyandvert  

Designer Gabriela Tylesova joins STC's Jono Perry to discuss the set and costumes for A Flea in Her Ear. They talk about the complex set, which includes three concentric revolving parts, its Art Nouveau influences and much more…  https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/flea   Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCFlea  Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias  Recording Engineer Ben Lightowlers Composer Max Lyandvert

Interim Artistic Director Kip Williams and Executive Director Patrick McIntyre sit down to discuss Sydney Theatre Company's 2017 Season. They talk about our line-up of plays, how they fit into STC’s vision and what you can expect in the theatre. Listen in for some fascinating insights into how the season came together, the stories we'll be telling and the artists who'll be involved. We hope you enjoy the conversation.  Find out more at http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/season-2017 …   Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias Recording Engineer Ben Lightowlers Composition Max Lyandvert

Sydney Theatre Company Resident Director Sarah Goodes joins Carl Nilsson-Polias to discuss her world premiere production of The Hanging by Angela Betzien. www.sydneytheatre.com.au/thehanging Sarah discusses the process of developing a new play for the stage, the cast and characters of The Hanging, the production's design, and what it has meant for her to be a Resident Director at STC. They also discuss the upcoming tour of STC's production of Switzerland to Melbourne. The Hanging, 28 Jul — 10 Sep 2016, Wharf 1 Theatre Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCHanging Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias Recording Engineer Ben Lightowlers Composer Max Lyandvert  

In this episode, recorded live at Roslyn Packer Theatre, STC Resident Director Kip Williams talks about his production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/productions/2016/all-my-sons   In our previous episode, Kip spoke about his approach to the play in the rehearsal room. Now that it’s opened, we wanted to chat to Kip about the final production and what he learned along the way. This Q&A was part of STC’s series of Insight Events. We hold lots of events that get audiences together with the actors and creative teams behind STC’s work. Everyone is welcome to attend, so we encourage you to check them out at https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/insightevents   All My Sons, 4 Jun – 9 Jul 2016, Roslyn Packer Theatre Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCAllMySons Producer Carl Nilsson-Polias Recording Engineer Ben Lightowlers Composer Max Lyandvert  

Sydney Theatre Company Resident Director Kip Williams joins Carl Nilsson-Polias to discuss his new production of All My Sons. They discuss the cast and characters, the period setting, the play's impact on an audience, how it relates to Kip's award-winning production of Suddenly Last Summer in 2015, and what it has meant for Kip to be a Resident Director at STC. All My Sons, 4 Jun – 9 Jul 2016, Roslyn Packer Theatre Seeing the show? Let us know your thoughts. Tag @sydneytheatreco and #STCAllMySons Producer: Carl Nilsson-Polias | Recording Engineer: Ben Lightowlers | Composer: Max Lyandvert

STC Resident Designer Elizabeth Gadsby sits down with Carl Nilsson-Polias to discuss her background as an artist, how she became a theatre designer, her design for Disgraced and why STC should get a boat.

STC Literary Manager Polly Rowe talks with Sara Joyce, Associate Director on King Charles III, about the play's Shakespearean references, what it's like for the actors to play public figures and whether the royal family have seen the show.

At the end of 2015, Sydney Theatre Company's Artistic Director Andrew Upton and Executive Director Patrick McIntyre sat down at our home base, The Wharf in Walsh Bay, to talk about the plays STC has coming up in 2016. Andrew gave some fascinating insight into how he came to select the plays in his final season for STC and what he'll miss about working here. We hope you enjoy listening in.