City of Newcastle is putting local theatre makers in the spotlight with four dynamic productions as part of the 2026 season of Upstage at the Playhouse.
Now in its third year, Civic Theatre's UpStage program will feature works by Newcastle playwrights and theatre companies including two debut productions, with all four shows showcasing the region's creative strength.
Cr Jenny Barrie and Executive Manager, Civic Theatre Leonie Wallace join the representatives of each 2026 Upstage production outside the Civic Playhouse.Chair of City of Newcastle's Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Jenny Barrie, said supporting Newcastle's grassroots theatre makers is vital for thriving creative communities.
"Newcastle is alive with talent that we are proud to showcase through this program, which provides a platform to tell local stories that resonate with our community, while offering visitors a new way to connect with Newcastle's theatre culture," Cr Barrie said.
"City of Newcastle is proud to support each of these production companies through this program, which has been embraced by the local community, with over two and a half thousand tickets sold across the four productions delivered during 2025."
Upstage at the Playhouse was developed by the Civic Theatre to deepen engagement with the local theatre community by co-presenting and supporting works that showcase the talent, creativity, and diversity of the Newcastle region.
Each of the selected shows will be given a two-week placement in the atmospheric 195-seat Playhouse, which is co-located in the same building as the iconic Civic Theatre.
Local writer Mikaela Corrigan will be debuting her play She, Her and I with Cats in the Cupboard Productions, established in 2023. The play tells the story of three sisters who reunite after 20 years at their family home in Bar Beach to care for their sickly mother.
Using visual media and local beach scenes to evoke memory and belonging, She, Her and I is a deeply cathartic and humorous story that will connect audiences to Newcastle's coastline and the complexity of family dynamics.
Daniel Cottier Productions was established in 2024 and will make its debut with Occasional Combustible Disaster. Set in Karuah, the play follows a young teen who faces a life-altering decision days before finishing his HSC, and is packed with humour, heartbreak and an exploration of the nuclear family.
The Whisper is a dark comedy drama by Carl Caulfield, premiering with Stray Dogs Theatre Company. When a stranger moves into a family home as a lodger, he bears an uncanny resemblance to the family's deceased son. As unsettling similarities emerge, household tensions begin to spiral.
HER Productions will be staging Stephen Jeffery's provocative portrait of the notorious poet John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester. The Libertine explores genius corrupted by excess, hypocrisy and the longing for authenticity.
Executive Manager, Civic Theatre Leonie Wallace said the program reflects Newcastle's growing reputation as a hub for original theatre.
"The Upstage program aims to amplify the work of both emerging and established creatives, giving them visibility within our community and beyond," Ms Wallace said.
"By supporting works from emerging theatre companies alongside seasoned theatre practitioners, Civic Theatre is creating a platform that strengthens our city's cultural identity and positions Newcastle as a hub for original Australian theatre."
Occasional Combustible Disaster will be showing in March followed by The Libertine in July, The Whisper in August and She, Her and I in November.
For tickets and more information visit: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/upstage
