Melbourne Theatre Company will present the world premiere of Do Not Pass Go – a sharp, witty and intelligent new work from writer and screen creative Jean Tong (Heartbreak High, Erotic Stories, Hungry Ghosts), already generating strong early interest from audiences.
Developed through Melbourne Theatre Company’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program, this brand-new production explores the absurdities of modern working life. Blending humour and emotional insight, Do Not Pass Go will make audiences laugh, feel deeply moved, and reflect on where we are right now.
Do Not Pass Go follows two colleagues experiencing existential dread. As an unexpected bond forms, their charming conversations bring humour and heart, offering laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional resonance.
“Jean Tong is one of the most talented storytellers working in Australia,” says Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer Anne-Louise Sarks. “In Do Not Pass Go, they take the questions we grapple with – about personal identity, purpose, politics – and transform them into theatre that is in moments wickedly funny but is also, fiercely intelligent and reflective.”
Since debuting Hungry Ghosts in 2018, screenwriter and playwright Jean Tong has cemented their place as one of the most exciting contemporary voices in Australian writing. They have a long history with Melbourne Theatre Company – nearly a decade of development, collaboration and growth – and are now proudly an Associate Artist. Their work spans theatre and screen, blending ambitious ideas with warmth, wit and emotional insight.
Bringing this premiere to life under the direction of the talented Director Katy Maudlin, are Belinda McClory (Di and Viv and Rose, The Matrix, The Doctor Blake Mysteries) and Ella Prince (Henry V, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Room of One’s Own).
Working alongside them is the innovative creative team including Jacob Battista (Set & Costume Designer), Harrie Hogan (Lighting Designer), Marco Cher (Composer & Sound Designer), Amy Cater (Intimacy Coordinator), Pippa Wright (Stage Manager) and Jenny Le (Assistant Stage Manager).
Audiences are invited to experience this new Australian work that will have them laughing, reflecting and questioning – the system, each other, and even themselves.
Do Not Pass Go
Southbank Theatre, The Lawler, Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Season: 14 February – 28 March 2026
Information and Bookings: www.mtc.com.au
Image: Belinda McClory and Ella Prince star in Do Not Pass Go – courtesy of Melbourne Theatre Company