North Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre has unveiled its 2026 program, a 10-show line-up of world premieres, Australian debuts and revivals. 

It’s also something of a landmark one for Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry. “This year is a special one for me – it marks 10 years as Ensemble Theatre’s Artistic Director and 20 years since I was appointed Associate Director.”

In Kilmurry’s decade at the helm, Ensemble has commissioned 25 new Australian plays, launched initiatives for young artists and has continued to champion Australian voices.

The upcoming season, Kilmurry says, “celebrates everything I love about live theatre.”

Ensemble Theatre. Photo supplied

The season opens on 23 January with the world premiere of The Social Ladder, a new David Williamson play offering a satirical take on social climbing and the Sydney’s art world. Directed by Janine Watson, the production stars Mandy Bishop, Sarah Chadwick and Andrew McFarlane.

From 20 March, Hollywood royalty collide in Bette & Joan, Anton Burge’s two-hander making its Australian premiere. Jeanette Cronin and Lucia Mastrantone star as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in a play...