Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer have announced the Hayes Theatre Co’s 2025 season – their second as joint Artistic Directors.

The program is an intriguing mix of major classic shows reimagined for the intimate venue; lesser-known musicals from overseas that are unlikely to make it to Australia’s commercial stage; and three world premieres. Think everything from The Producers and The Pirates of Penzance to an electro-swing musical about Phar Lap.

The Hayes Theatre Co’s 2025 season, featuring Jai Laga’aia, Phar Lap and Nancye Hayes. Photo © John McRae; Design © Kenney Designs

“I think the Hayes is at its best when it’s about innovation and finding inventive ways to solve problems and stage shows. That is what we hope this season looks like,” says Carroll.

The season begins in January with Ghost Quartet by Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812). Melbourne’s Antipodes Theatre Company has staged the show twice before, in 2019 and 2021, and now brings the original cast to Sydney. Brandon Pape directs, with musical direction from...