The inaugural program of Artistic Director Ebony Bott includes the world premiere of Suzie Miller’s latest play Strong is the New Pretty about the creation of the AFL Women’s Competition, and a new movement piece about mortality from The Farm called No One Gets Out of Here Alive (see page 63). La Boite presents Michelle Lim Davidson’s personal drama Koreaboo about her visit to Seoul to meet with her somewhat disinterested birth mother. The best-selling pub-themed show The Choir of Man has a season in the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, while Luke Murphy’s part crime-drama, part psychological thriller Scorched Earth arrives after a New York season. This year’s new Festival Village – a large-scale riverside precinct at South Bank – also promises to be a lively spot with plenty of free and ticketed events.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

A heartwarming and hilarious tale written by Emma Dean, directed by Belinda Raisin, and performed almost entirely by local community members — many stepping on stage for the very first time.

Set in Brisbane, a quirky community choir find themselves accidentally invited to Sydney’s prestigious National Choral Competition. Initial excitement gives way to rivalries, hidden secrets, and personal dilemmas — until the arrival of the flamboyant ‘Spirit of the Song’, a magical figure only one unlikely choir member can see, who holds the power to reveal each member’s deepest truths and fears.

With catchy original music and a mix of humour and heart, the show explores unity, love, and self-discovery — as this misfit choir must find harmony on and off the stage to seize their moment in the spotlight.