Upcoming Production: SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

The lead cast for the Australian tour of the stage adaptation of one of the most popular and enduring films of all time, The Shawshank Redemption, was announced today. Direct from its acclaimed UK tour, The Shawshank Redemption will play in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide from January next year, with other venues to be announced. Tickets are on sale from Thursday with presales starting today. Head to ShawshankLive.com.au to buy tickets.

Acclaimed television, film and theatre actor David Berry (Outlander, A Place To Call Home, Home and Away) will play Andy Dufresne, the quiet, smart former banker wrongly sentenced to life for murdering his wife and her lover. Cast as “Red” Redding, a long-term inmate known for smuggling contraband items into the prison who develops a friendship with Andy, is prolific stage and television actor Bert LaBonté (The Book of Mormon, Colin From Accounts, Cloudstreet). Returning to the stage after 20 years as the Warden, the deeply hypocritical, religious and cruel prison boss, will be one of Australia’s most recognised screen actors Rodger Corser (Doctor Doctor, Rush, Channel 9’s The Floor).

David Berry said, “I’m thrilled to be returning to the stage  in such a timeless and deeply human story, alongside two extraordinary actors like Bert and Rodger.” Bert LaBonté claimed, “The opportunity to tell this iconic story – and to take on a role as rich and loved as Red was impossible to say no to. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room and begin exploring him.” Rodger Corser added,  “After 20 years in film and television, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to the stage for a story as powerful as The Shawshank Redemption. Its themes of hope, resilience and friendship resonate just as strongly today as they did when the film was released more than 30 years ago.”

The Shawshank Redemption is a powerful stage production that places you just metres from the action. Raw, intimate and deeply moving, this is theatre at its most compelling - where every moment unfolds live before your eyes. Based on Stephen King’s celebrated novella, this gripping adaptation tells an unforgettable story of hope, friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.

Wrongly convicted of the brutal murders of his wife and her lover, Andy Dufresne is sentenced to life imprisonment in the notorious Shawshank prison. As he navigates the harsh realities of incarceration, he forms an unlikely friendship with fellow inmate Red, discovering that even in the darkest of places, hope can endure. But when the corrupt Warden seeks to exploit Andy's talents for his own gain, a quiet and daring plan begins to emerge, one that will challenge the very walls of Shawshank itself.

“Electrifying – it truly is a must see show” - The Observer

“This production has nailed it … Gripping live theatre” - Broadway World

Adapted for the stage by Owen O'Neill and Dave Johns, and directed by David Esbjornson who directed Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones in the Australian tour of Driving Miss Daisy, this acclaimed production captures the emotional power and humanity that have made The Shawshank Redemption one of the world's most enduring stories.

The 1994 film adaptation, nominated for seven Academy Awards, has become one of cinema’s most beloved classics. Now, experience a story of hope, friendship and redemption brought vividly to life in an unforgettable live theatrical event.

ShawshankLive.com.au

@shawshanklive   #ShawshankLive

Photo Credit: Daniel Boud

HIT WEST END MUSICAL TO MAKE AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE IN NOVEMBER

“Soars from screen to stage”

The Times (UK)

“A Complete Joy”

The Telegraph (UK)

Rising star Jake Speer has landed the coveted role of the iconic Mrs. Doubtfire in the Australian tour of MRS.DOUBTFIRE, the feelgood comedy musical based on the beloved film starring Robin Williams.

“Finding out I have been cast as iconically hilarious Euphegenia Doubtfire was honestly a dream come true. It’s a story that makes people laugh but at its heart it’s about love, family and going to extraordinary lengths for the people you care about. It will be such an incredible privilege to bring one of the most beloved characters ever created to the stage,” said Jake Speer. 

“As a musical theatre performer, you hope for a role that lets you sing, dance, make people laugh and have more costumes changes than anyone else. Mrs. Doubtfire ticks every box and I can’t wait to step into that comfy cardigan!” he added.

“Jake had us from “Helloooo”. He was hilarious, effortlessly charming and brought so much heart to the room – a rare combination of talent. We knew straight away that we had found Australia’s new favourite nanny,” said Suzanne Jones, Producer and CEO, JONES Theatrical Group.

Jake Speer will play the dual role of the world’s favourite nanny Mrs. Doubtfire / Daniel Hillard and is best-known to audiences for his role as Oscar MacGuire in Home & Away (Seven Network) for three years. Other credits include A Mirror (Belvoir St Theatre); Sweet Charity (Prospero Arts); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Timon of Athens (Sport For Jove); Photograph 51, Marjorie Prime and Barefoot In The Park (Ensemble Theatre); Catch Me If You Can, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (The Hayes Theatre); Kinky Boots The Musical (Michael Cassel Group) and Henry V (Kensington House Entertainment).

Featuring all the iconic moments you know and love, plus fabulous new songs and show-stopping dance numbers, MRS. DOUBTFIRE is directed by four-time Tony Award winning Jerry Zaks. 

Out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate bid to stay in their lives. But as his character takes on a life of its own, Daniel discovers more than he bargained for about family, love and what it really means to be a father.

Based on the 1993 hit film Mrs Doubtfire starring the much-loved Robin Williams, the musical played to sell-out crowds in the West End for almost two years as well as a Broadway season and tours across the US, Germany, South Korea and Brazil. A UK tour has recently been announced to begin in August this year.  

Director Jerry Zaks most recently directed his 26th Broadway production, The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. Other recent productions include the Tony Award-winning production of Hello, Dolly!, Steve Martin’s Meteor Shower and A Bronx Tale.

He has received four Tony Awards from eight Tony Award nominations; four Drama Desk Awards; two Outer Critics Circle Awards and an Obie. He also directed the award-winning film Marvin’s Room, starring Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton, and Who Do You Love? 

Further casting details will be announced in coming months. 

“Funny, moving and a great time. Doubtfire brings families of all ages together”

BBC

Suzanne Jones for JONES Theatrical Group in association with Kevin McCollum & Jamie 

Wilson Productions presents MRS.DOUBTFIRE 

Princess Theatre Melbourne

From November 2026

Capitol Theatre Sydney

From March 2027

Tickets on sale now via www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.com.au

Follow MRS. DOUBTFIRE on facebook and Instagram @mrsdoubtfiremusicalau  

Photo Credit:  John Tsiavis