PUBLISHED: 04 / November 2024
HUNTER DRAMA UNVEILS SEASON 2025
Hunter Drama, Newcastle’s leading youth drama education and theatre company, is thrilled to announce its exciting 2025 season. With a line-up of four diverse productions, including two Newcastle premieres, Hunter Drama will introduce its first-ever subscription season, offering exclusive benefits for loyal patrons who purchase multiple shows in advance.
Founded in 2007 by Daniel Stoddart, Hunter Drama has built a reputation for staging high-quality student theatre productions, garnering widespread acclaim across the region. With workshops spanning drama, musical theatre, and screen acting, Hunter Drama serves students aged 5 to 18+ across six locations from Newcastle to Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Artistic Director James Chapman reflects on the success of the 2024 season, which featured sold-out performances of The Jungle Book, Love & Information, School of Rock: The Musical, and Carrie: The Musical. Chapman remarked, “We set ambitious goals in 2024, and we’re proud of the creativity and energy our students and team brought to each production. Now, we’re ready to take everything to the next level in 2025.”
2025 Productions: Big Musicals and Timeless Classics
Hunter Drama’s 2025 season will showcase three large-scale musicals alongside a landmark dramatic work:
- Dot & the Kangaroo JR (April 17-26): This family-friendly musical, based on Ethel C. Pedley’s beloved Australian tale, will kick off the season. Written by Hunter Drama founder Daniel Stoddart, the story follows young Dot as she embarks on an adventure through the Australian bush. Vocal Director Brooke Lidbury said, “It’s a privilege to work on Daniel’s first junior musical. The music is wonderful, and I’m eager to help bring it to life.”
- Frozen JR (July 17-August 2): A Disney favourite, Frozen JR is sure to capture hearts with its tale of sisterhood and adventure. “Our production will thaw even the coldest heart,” said Chapman, noting how students have long requested this modern classic.
- The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (August 7-16): Making its Newcastle debut, this musical based on Rick Riordan’s popular series will be directed by Lauren Harvey. Harvey, who also helmed School of Rock, promises a magical experience for audiences. “We’re bringing something fresh and exciting to the stage with this one,” she said.
- The Crucible (October 9-12): Hunter Drama’s senior students will take on Arthur Miller’s iconic play, co-directed by James Chapman and Siddha Crossley. “The Crucible remains deeply relevant, exploring fear, paranoia, and mass hysteria,” said Crossley. “It’s a timeless piece that resonates with contemporary issues.”
Hunter Drama Originals and Additional Productions
In addition to the mainstage shows, Hunter Drama will present two original works created by their tutors, The Butterfly Effect and Museum Heist, allowing all students to showcase their talents. The annual Performance Troupe and Actors Company shows will feature The Tempest by William Shakespeare and DNA by Dennis Kelly.
Subscription Season and Enrolments
For the first time, Hunter Drama is offering a subscription season. Patrons who purchase tickets to two or more productions will enjoy perks such as discounted tickets, early seat selection, a free program, and local dining discounts. “This is an excellent way to support Hunter Drama and secure your seats for what promises to be an incredible year,” said Chapman.
Season tickets are available now, with single tickets going on sale in late January 2025. Plans for the new season were enthusiastically received by over 200 Hunter Drama students and their parents at the Season Launch event on Saturday 2 November and Season 2025 subscriptions are already selling.
Enrolments open in early December and until then, potential students can join the priority waitlist so that they will be the first to be offered a place. For the first time, Hunter Drama will also be offering Saturday workshops at the Islington studios.