A masterpiece of simple beauty and laugh-out-loud relatability by one of America’s most exciting playwrights, Annie Baker, Sydney Theatre Company presents Circle Mirror Transformation in the Wharf 1 Theatre from 12 July 2025.
Logie Hall of Fame-honouree, Rebecca Gibney (Packed to the Rafters) and Cameron Daddo (Once at Darlinghurst Theatre) make their Sydney Theatre Company debuts in this humorous and heartbreaking mosaic of daily life. With a knockout ensemble cast that also features Ahunim Abebe, Nicholas Brown (Long Forgotten Dream, Still Point Turning) and Jessie Lawrence.
In a modest, small-town community hall, five people – mostly strangers – come together to take part in an amateur acting class. The class is run by Marty (Gibney), a well-meaning, passionate and provocative teacher who leads the group in a series of drama games.
She intends to get them in touch with their inner selves and let their imaginations run free. But as the exercises build in intensity and their lives become further intertwined, real-life drama begins to seep into the curriculum.
Daddo says he is honoured to be working with Bryant and Gibney at STC’s iconic Wharf Theatres, “There are a few holy grails in the Australian actors’ handbook and at the top of the list is the Sydney Theatre Company,” he said. “To be rejoining my friend Rebecca Gibney adds to the anticipation of joy and adventure.”
“Director Dean Bryant brings out the best in actors and he brings out the essence of a story for the audience to fall in love with. I am little sad to have to wait until mid-year to begin rehearsals. But we wait for good things and having the opportunity to work at the STC is worth it,” said Daddo.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be performing with Cameron again, having worked with him on Packed to the Rafters and recently travelling overseas together for Luxury Escapes,” said Rebecca Gibney. “Cam is not only a lovely human, but he is also a fabulous actor with a tonne of experience. To share the stage with him will be such a joy, especially with this play.”
Director Dean Bryant continues a winning run at STC with a play that unearths spectacular gems from seemingly unassuming moments. From the quietly devastating to the hilariously familiar, Baker’s script takes human life and puts it on breathtakingly intimate display.
“I’ve long wanted to direct Circle Mirror Transformation, Annie Baker’s exploration of the beauty to be found in the life around us every day. To take that journey with a wonderfully charismatic cast, led by Rebecca and Cameron, actors I’ve adored my whole life, is going to be a true joy,” said Bryant.
Director: Dean Bryant | Featuring: Ahunim Abebe , Nicholas Brown, Cameron Daddo, Rebecca Gibney, Jessie Lawrence | Designer: Jeremy Allen | Lighting Designer: Benjamin Brockman | Composer & Sound Designer: Clemence Williams | Assistant Director: Connor Reidy | Associate Sound Designer: Daniel Herten | Intimacy Coordinator: Chloë Dallimore
Circle Mirror Transformation
Wharf 1 Theatre – Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (Sydney)
Season: 12 July – 7 September 2025
Information and Bookings: www.sydneytheatre.com.au
Image: Nicholas Brown, Rebecca Gibney and Cameron Daddo to star in Circle Mirror Transformation – photo by Derek Henderson and Jo Duck