This May, Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre presents the Australian premiere of Joseph Charlton’s Anna X – a razor-sharp, high-octane satire inspired by the true story of infamous socialite-con artist Anna Delvey.
This electrifying two-hander stars Red Stitch 2026 Hansen Graduate Becca Galvin in her professional debut, alongside Tom Stokes (The Rooster, Warnie, Death of a Salesman), who is fresh from a national tour of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.
Dubbed “frenetic, fun and ultra-cool” by The Guardian during its West End run, Anna X is written by Olivier Award-nominated playwright Joseph Charlton (Brilliant Jerks), a former journalist, and dives headfirst into a world of private views, front-row fashion shows and endless parties.
Originally staged at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre in 2021, Anna X starred Emma Corrin (The Crown) and Nabhaan Rizwan (Informer), earning critical acclaim.
The play follows ambitious outsiders Anna and Ariel who are determined to make their mark in New York’s glittering social scene – no matter the cost. But as the illusion begins to crack, what emerges is a biting exploration of ambition, deception and the dark side of belonging in the age of social media.
Directed by acclaimed Sydney-based stage and screen director Tait de Lorenzo – international Associate Director of the Olivier and Tony Award-winning production The Picture of Dorian Gray – Anna X unfolds at lightning speed, capturing the neon chaos of a hyper-connected world where wealth and influence are curated illusions.
Sharp, funny and hypnotic, Anna X offers Melbourne audiences a thrilling and darkly comic look at narcissism, performance and the price of living life online.
“Highly intriguing and talented… Charlton’s writing crackles with energy” – The Independent
Director: Tait de Lorenzo | Featuring: Becca Galvin, Tom Stokes | Set & Costume Design: Louisa Fitzgerald | Lighting Design: Lisa Mibus | Sound Design: Grace Ferguson | AV Content: Simon Porro | Digital Art: Mikaela Stafford | Dialect Coach: Matt Furlani | Assistant Director: Simon Porro | Production Coordinator: Kelly Wilson | Stage Manager: Ellen Perriment | Writer: Joseph Charlton
Anna X
Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, Chapel Street, St Kilda East
Season: 27 May – 21 June 2026 (previews: 23 – 26 May)
Information and Bookings: www.redstitch.net
Image: Anna X – photo by Matto Lucas