David Williamson News

Written by David Williamson, Nearer the Gods not merely about the greatest leap forward in human knowledge; Newton's discovery of the laws that govern the motion of the universe, and how Edmund Halley, an enthusiastic young astronomer, wrangled his discovery out of him, but about human behaviour and the politics of our mind. It is a story that explores the themes of rivalry, rationality, decency, love, kindness and most importantly the politics surrounding the power of knowledge, all in just two hours and ten minutes.

Last night at the Australian Writers' Guild's annual AWGIE Awards PJ Hogan was honoured with the Music Theatre Award and the 2018 David Williamson Prize for Muriel's Wedding the Musical.  These two major and prestigious AWGIE acknowledgements continue to add to the productions' unprecedented list of award wins which also includes 5 Helpmann Awards and 7 Sydney Theatre Awards.  

Mark Kilmurry, Artistic Director, Ensemble Theatre today announced the 2019 Season which, says Kilmurry, promises to be an exceptional year with six brilliant comedies, three intense dramas and a musical. Three of the plays will be World Premieres, three Australian Premieres and there will be a return season of the sell-out play, DIPLOMACY.

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) announced today that Qui Nguyen's critically acclaimed play, Vietgone, has been extended by one week due to popular demand and sold-out houses. Tickets are now on sale through Sunday, April 29, 2018. Hailed as "one of the most rollicking culture clash comedies ever" (Bay Area News Group) and a "miraculous fairy tale of love" (San Francisco Chronicle), Vietgone is a contemporary twist on the classic story of boy meets girl.

Join John the Knight and Squire the Squire on a queer old quest to rescue the loverly King-daughter from the evil Witchypoo! Along the way meet a bunch of kooky characters such as... Cabbage Girl, Owen-Megan the Vegan, and Barry Darren from Far Kew.

Genesian Theatre starts off its 2018 season with David Williamson's TRAVELLING NORTH, a middle class story of finding love, moving on and getting older. 

The international sell out show, The Illusionists Direct from Broadway featuring eight of the world's finest Illusionists opens at GrandWest on 7 February and runs until 11 February 2018. Owing to the critical water crisis in Cape Town the water tank torture cell performance by Escapologist, Krendl has been cut at all GrandWest performances. However, the show will still run for the same duration, giving audiences of an action packed magical experience. Producers and The Illusionists are extremely sensitive to this situation and thank patrons for their understanding.

The Sharks and the Jets are preparing to do battle over their small piece of New York's Upper West Side, while star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria are on a collision course towards tragedy. PinnWorth Productions proudly presents West Side Story, considered one of the all-time greats of Broadway theater. The show comes to Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre for three weekends: Todays, Jan. 5, 12 and 19 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Jan. 6, 13 and 20 at 8 pm.; and Sundays, Jan. 7, 14 and 21 at 2 p.m.

Antony McManus and Ron Van Houwelingen met 30 years ago in 1987 when they were both studying drama at what was then called 'Prahran College of TAFE'.

The Sharks and the Jets are preparing to do battle over their small piece of New York's Upper West Side, while star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria are on a collision course towards tragedy. PinnWorth Productions proudly presents West Side Story, considered one of the all-time greats of Broadway theater. The show comes to Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre for three weekends: Fridays, Jan. 5, 12 and 19 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Jan. 6, 13 and 20 at 8 pm.; and Sundays, Jan. 7, 14 and 21 at 2 p.m.

Sydney Theatre Company and Global Creatures announced today that legendary Australian actor Gary Sweet will play the role of Muriel's father Bill Heslop in the world premiere of Muriel's Wedding The Musical.

In an act of off-the-cuff generosity, Claudia offers to bear an IVF child on her sister Helen's behalf, with Helen's husband as the father. Inevitably, human emotions (especially around parenthood) are unpredictable and complications ensue.

What happens when people of widely different political views are forced to co-exist?

At the turn of the 20th century, people in small town America anticipated the circus coming to town. Those days are recreated in "Circus 1903" with an extended engagement at Paris Las Vegas beginning July 25.

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) in collaboration with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children arranged a special performance of CIRCUS 1903 - The Golden Age of Circus for patients and their families at the hospital on May 24, 2017. Through a partnership with Big Thought, DSM Kids Club program also welcomed 200 children to the Music Hall at Fair Park for a complimentary performance of CIRCUS 1903 and a variety of pre-show activities on May 27, 2017.

Andrew Kay AM, President of Live Performance Australia, today announced that Richard Tognetti AO, Artistic Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, will be the recipient of the 2017 JC Williamson Award. 

BWW Review: CIRCUS 1903 at Music Hall At Fair Park

David Williamson's love of magic began at a young age and has led him to an amazing career! His current role as the Ringmaster and emcee of Circus 1903 - The Golden Age of Circus has taken him all around the globe and now is in the heart of its North American tour, coming to The Theater at Madison Square Garden this April. This thrilling, nostalgic, and electric masterpiece, from the producers of The Illusionists and the puppeteers behind War Horse, features incredible stunts, acrobatics, and life-size puppets - making it perfect for the whole family!

Come one, come all to CIRCUS 1903-THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS that has landed in Chicago with plenty of razzle dazzle circus acts and exhilarating feats to make this show a treat for the whole family. Directed by Neil Dorward, and featuring two magnificently rendered elephant puppets from Significant Object, the artistic company that was also behind WAR HORSE, CIRCUS 1903 is a feast for the eyes and recalls the delights of a classic traveling circus.

With the forthcoming departure of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, it might seem like the circus world could be fading...but not if shows like Circus 1903 stick around.