With some performances already approaching capacity, it’s clear that Ensemble Theatre’s 2015 Season is set to be as popular as that of 2014. The season includes classic and contemporary pieces, world premieres, modern adaptations and Australian firsts so there really is something for everyone. With single tickets to all 2015 productions now on sale, it’s the perfect time to give someone the experience of a night at the theatre for Christmas.
After 30 years at the helm this will be the last season for Artistic Director Sandra Bates, who said, ‘I’m really thrilled with the season, it’s a great one to go out on. We start and finish with two wonderful comedies, great holiday season plays to start and finish with. And in between there are so many plays to choose from.’
The 2015 season opens with the first of the aforementioned comedies, the world premiere of David Williamson’s new play Dream Home. Bates will direct two shows – Neil Simon’s The Good Doctor (rounding off the year with more laughs), and John Misto’s The Shoehorn Sonata (in which Bates is also acting with Lorraine Bayly).
Commemorating 100 years since Gallipoli, The Anzac Project is a double bill consisting of two newly commissioned one-act plays by Geoffrey Atherden and Vanessa Bates. Genevieve Lemon will be joining Penny Cook in the cast of Shaun McKenna’s Ladies in Lavender, which Bates describes as ‘just delightful,’ and Jason Langley will be appearing with Deborah Kennedy in the Sydney premiere of Mothers and Sons by Terrence McNally.
Blood Bank by Christopher Harley, another world premiere, tells a surprising love story and Willy Russell’s modern classic Educating Rita will be updated and transposed to an Australian setting. Sean Taylor returns to Ensemble in 2015 to appear in David Hare’s bewitching play My Zinc Bed, and Ensemble favourite Amanda Muggleton plays a dozen characters in the hilarious one-woman show The Book Club by Roger Hall.
To enhance an exciting night out at the theatre for yourself, family or friends, why not take advantage of Ensemble’s Christmas Gift Vouchers exclusive to ArtsHub Members. Upon arrival at Ensemble’s in-house restaurant Bayly’s, you will receive a glass of Prosecco. Enjoy dinner in this beautiful setting on the water at Kirribilli before heading into the theatre to take in the main event. At $110 per person, what a wonderful way to experience the finest that Sydney theatre and dining have to offer.
2015 Subscriptions as well as tickets to individual productions are now available – to book, visit www.ensemble.com.au or call the Box Office on (02) 9929 0644.
