The Old Fitzroy Hotel, Woolloomooloo. Photo supplied

Sydney’s Old Fitz Theatre, one of the city’s independent theatre crucibles, has launched it’s the first half of its 2025 program, a typically eclectic line-up of six productions beginning with Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (January 14 – February 8).

Presented by The Artist Experiment and Dream Plane Productions, this Regency-era romcom, directed by New York-based Emma Canalese, injects boisterous energy and sharp humour into Jane Austen’s classic, with a cast of eight delivering a theatrical spectacle packed with ballroom dancing, rum punch and pointed satire.

Following this spirited opener, Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour (February 14 – March 1) takes centrestage. Directed by Kim Hardwick and featuring a cast of 13, this American classic explores the devastating consequences of lies and homophobia. Despite its initial controversy, Hellman’s work remains a poignant commentary on fear-mongering and societal prejudices, brought to life by Tiny Dog Productions and Dead Fly Productions.