PUBLISHED: 09 / February 2026
HAPPILY EVER AFTER … ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME with music by Britney Spears
Hunter Drama is set to kick off our 2026 theatrical season in glittering style with Once Upon A One More Time, a bold, high-energy jukebox musical powered by the chart-topping hits of pop icon Britney Spears. The production will play at the Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle from 9–19 April 2026, with tickets on sale now.
Flipping the fairy-tale world on its head, Once Upon A One More Time imagines what happens after “happily ever after.” When Cinderella, Snow White and their storybook sisters gather for their weekly book club, a rogue fairy godmother drops The Feminine Mystique into their laps – and nothing is ever the same. What follows is a hilarious, heart-filled adventure about identity, empowerment and rewriting your own story.
Packed with pop anthems, dazzling choreography and girl-power reinvention, the musical features beloved Britney Spears hits woven seamlessly into a fresh and contemporary narrative that resonates across generations.
Director Luke Baker says the calibre of Hunter Drama’s senior performers made the production an immediate yes.
“I’ve watched the Senior Productions over the last few years and have been blown away by the talent of these students. The calibre of vocals, movement and acting is extraordinary – you honestly forget they’re teenagers,” Luke said. “When I found out the 2026 production was Once Upon A One More Time, it lifted my creative spirit even more. I love how Britney’s music is integrated into this story, and how powerfully the themes still resonate today.”
Hunter Drama- Once upon a One More Time cast 30th Jan 2026 photo Peter Stoop
With 22 musical numbers and up to 30 Britney Spears songs woven throughout the show, Luke describes the production as both a theatrical spectacle and a concert experience.
“This is a huge show. Every number delivers high-impact storytelling, epic choreography and energetic vocals. Audiences can expect a highly professional theatrical performance but also an epic concert brought to life through our set design and use of space.”
Choreographer Abbey Fotheringham says the show is a dream project.
“The music is so fun and lends itself perfectly to dance – it’s energetic, bold and full of variety,” she said. “On top of that, the storyline is playful, empowering and clever. Rebellious princesses, humour, and Britney Spears? It’s the perfect fit.”
Abbey says audiences often arrive curious and leave obsessed!
“People don’t always know what to expect from this show, but they end up completely falling in love with it. There’s humour, heart, spectacle and a really strong message of empowerment. You leave wanting to tell everyone to come and see it.”
Produced by Hunter Drama, Once Upon A One More Time showcases the immense talent of our senior students, delivering a polished, high-energy production that celebrates creativity, confidence and collaboration.
A fairytale musical jam-packed with Britney Spears bangers with a stellar cast is the ultimate girls’ night out!