A bold, exhilarating program that champions exceptional storytelling and cementing the companies reputation as one of Australia’s leading independent theatre producers, Holden Street Theatres (HST) has launched its 2026 Season.
The 2026 Season marks the first official season launch for HST and welcomes a new era for the iconic South Australian theatre hub. The season features four mainstage productions and a thrilling line-up of premieres, world firsts and Australian and South Australian debuts.
The season opens with the world premiere of The Debate – a new Australian work emerging from HST’s new writing program. The first teaser of HST’s 2026 Adelaide Fringe line-up this original play featuring Artistic Director Martha Lott and the Fringe debut of Amelia Lott-Watson tackles generational divide, conviction, courage, and the fragile state of discourse. Tickets available from 5 December 2025.
Audiences will experience the South Australian premiere of Till The Stars Come Down by British playwright Beth Steel. This tense, emotionally rich, romantic drama about family, loyalty and the consequences of choices that linger for generations will feature a leading South Australian cast including Brant Eustice, Martha Lott, Krystal Cave and additional cast member announcements to follow.
Leading South Australian actress Michelle Nightingale will star in Adam Rapp’s Tony nominated psychological thriller The Sound Inside. In its South Australian premiere audiences will be enthralled by the story of novelist and college professor Bella and her volatile student, Christopher – a bond that draws them into a dark, life-altering pact.
The season closes with Conor McPherson’s celebrated modern classic set in a rural Irish pub, The Weir. Starring Brant Eustice and Martha Lott, The Weir explores stories of ghosts, memory and vulnerability in a play that has taken the world by storm.
According to Holden Street Theatres Artistic Director Martha Lott the 2026 Season is one of the boldest on record for the venue and an opportunity for theatre lovers to experience some of the most ambitious theatre under the direction of HST’s new Director in Residence, Nick Fagan.
“This season marks a new chapter for Holden Street Theatres – full of premieres, extraordinary performers, and stories that demand to be told,” said Martha Lott.
“We are delighted to officially welcome Nick Fagan as our new Director in Residence. Nick’s appointment is a major coup with his adventurous programming and a reputation as one of the most exciting directorial forces in South Australia,” said Lott.
“HST has always punched above its weight. I’m honoured to join a company that backs artists so fiercely and brings audiences work that is honest, provocative and beautifully crafted,” said Nick Fagan.
The Season launch also marks the announcement of a newly created Board for HST who according to Martha Lott will help shape HST’s future direction. “I am pleased to also reveal HST’s new Board, chaired by Natalie Morely and a group of passionate and highly skilled members who will help guide HST’s future vision,” she said.
Holden Street Theatres will also announce its 2026 Adelaide Fringe program in December in what will open a blockbuster year for the internationally acclaimed venue.
For more information about Holden Street Theatres Season 2026, visit: www.holdenstreettheatres.com for details.
Image: Interior of the Holden Street Theatres (supplied)