‘Diverse and dynamic’: Theatre Royal launches its 2026 season

Hobart’s Theatre Royal has unveiled a ‘diverse and dynamic’ program featuring productions spanning theatre, comedy, drama and dance for its 2026 season.

Nancy Denis writer and performer of M'ap Boule that is part of the program for 2026. 2026 season launch for Theatre Royal. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The best Australian theatre talent will take centre stage next year, as the Theatre Royal locks in performances for its 2026 season.

Launched on Wednesday, the 2026 season opens with the lyrical storytelling of Nancy Denis’ M’ap Boule, guiding the audience through the stories of the Haitian revolution.

Absurdist comedy will shine with Hot Department, before stand-up specials from Australian comedy royalty Scout Boxall and Zoe Coombs Marr.

Zoe Coombs Marr. Theatre Royal Season launch for 2026. Picture: supplied by Theatre Royal

Lose to Win. Theatre Royal Season launch for 2026. Picture: Daniel Boud

Themes of resilience, community and imagination will come through in solo theatre performance Lose to Win, while First Nations talent will be on show in Australian Theatre for Young People’s production, Saplings, NT Dance Company’s Gary Lang’s dance work The Other Side of Me and Nathan Maynard’s new family show Space Neighbours, produced in collaboration with Terrapin.

Other highlights include classic works such as Bell Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Opera Australia’s Don Giovanni, and Victorian State Ballet’s take on Aladdin.

Aladdin. Theatre Royal Season launch for 2026. Picture: Ashley Lean

Beloved actor Noni Hazlehurst will also grace the stage, starring in The Lark, which tells the story of a woman saying goodbye to the pub she’s worked, and grown up in, her whole life.

Theatre Royal interim general manager Andrée Hurburgh said the company was thrilled to present such a “diverse and dynamic” program.

“This season reflects the breadth of creativity and storytelling that makes live performance so vital,” he said.

“From bold new Tasmanian works to world-class national and international productions, our 2026 Season invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and be inspired together.”

The Theatre Royal’s Staycation Program is also set to return, offering a range of activities to keep kids and families busy during the July school holidays.

To find out more about the 2026 Theatre Royal season, go to theatreroyal.com.au