Upton leaves Sydney theatre-goers with a thoughtful and well-constructed programme.

To sum up Sydney Theatre Company’s 2016 Season in a few words is near impossible. Even when asking the man who’s responsible for it all, Andrew Upton, for three words to describe it all he fails and produces seven! But, given its usual breadth of offer, it’s fair enough and his impromptu strapline of “strong dramatic offerings and great comic masterpieces” is exactly what it is.

Delving through the programme there aren’t the obvious Hollywood draw cards or star turns – although there are many audience favourites – but his choices feel very safe and well considered. “When I started planning the season I knew someone would be taking the Company on and so one of my key priorities was to ensure a smooth handover.”

Upton explains that it is a season that was deliberately conceived as one to inherit. “It will allow Jonathan [Church] a chance to find his way within the Company, and the artists that have worked here, whilst still giving our audiences good solid theatre too. That way, I think everyone can slowly get...