Sydney Theatre Company and Adshel Present Jonathan Biggins' TALK

The relationships that bind modern journalism, the justice system and the political establishment come under acerbic scrutiny in Talk, written and directed by Jonathan Biggins. Sydney Theatre Company's latest new play, exploring how the 24 hour news cycle is spurred on by the influence of social media, is at Sydney Opera House from 23 April to 20 May 2017, followed by seasons in Belrose and Canberra.

John Waters, in his first role at STC in over a decade, plays John Behan, a rampaging radio talkback host filling the airwaves with a daily diet of moralising opinion. As he and his producer Belinda (Valerie Bader) learn that his words have major personal consequences, newsrooms across town are going into overdrive. On her first day as Acting Editor of the city's major tabloid, Julie (Hannah Waterman) is brazenly determined to get the story that will sell, while over at the national broadcaster, retiring newsman Taffy (Peter Kowitz) has one final tale of his own to tell. But without the right platform, is anyone going to listen?

Peppered with sharp wit, this fast-paced, darkly humorous new play also features Helen Christinson, Paige Gardiner, Lucia Mastrantone, Kenneth Moraleda, Andrew Tighe and Ben Wood. Design is by Mark Thompson, lighting by Trent Suidgeest and sound and composition by Steve Francis.

Talk's writer and director Jonathan Biggins has long been a significant player at STC, not least as one third of the brains behind The Wharf Revue. As playwright, he mercilessly lampooned local councils in Australia Day. As director he brought to life the manic behind-the-scenes antics of Michael Frayn's Noises Off. And as performer, as well as in the Revues, he has had roles in Tom Stoppard's Travesties, Andrew Upton's adaptation of Bulgakov's The White Guard and Roy Smiles' Ying Tong - A Walk with the Goons. His many accolades include the 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Avenue Q.

Director: Jonathan Biggins. Designer: Mark Thompson. Lighting Designer: Trent Suidgeest. Composer & Sound Designer: Steve Francis

Cast: Valerie Bader, Helen Christinson, Paige Gardiner, Peter Kowitz, Lucia Mastrantone, Kenneth Moraleda, Andrew Tighe, Hannah Waterman, John Waters, Ben Wood

Tickets:

Monday - Thursday: Adult $101, Seniors $92, Concession $81, Under 30 $79

Friday night & Saturday matinee performances: Adult $102, Seniors $93, Concession $82, Under 30 $80

Saturday evening: $109

Previews $77

Box Office: 02 9250 1777. www.sydneytheatre.com.au

Suncorp Twenties (tickets for just $20 for every STC performance) become available for Talk from Thursday 30 March 2017. Suncorp Twenties are released for sale every Thursday at 9am for the following week's performances (Mon to Sat).

Insight events:

Pre-season Briefing: Monday 27 Mar at 6.15pm, Wharf 2

Audi Nights with the Actors: Monday 24 April and Monday 8 May post-show