Internationally acclaimed British actor Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington) and four-time Gold Logie Award-winning Australian star of stage and screen Lisa McCune (The King and I, South Pacific, Girl from the North Country) are to star together in the classic Noël Coward comedy Private Lives in a new production that will premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney in February 2027 for a strictly limited season.
Joining them in the cast will be celebrated Australian actors Leon Ford (The Pacific, Elvis), Silver Logie Award-winner Claire van der Boom (Rush, Sisters of War) and multi-Helpmann Award-winner Julie Forsyth (Cloudstreet, Endgame).
“I’m thrilled to be making my Australian stage debut in Private Lives. Noël Coward’s writing remains as sharp, funny and insightful today as ever, and Elyot is a character I’ve always relished the idea of playing,” said Hugh Bonneville.
“To have the chance to bring this classic comedy to Australian audiences, and to work with such a talented cast is a genuine pleasure. I can’t wait to get to Sydney – my first visit to Australia! – and begin rehearsals for this brilliantly funny play,” said Bonneville.
“We are delighted to present the world premiere of this new Australian production of one of the greatest comedies of all time, Noël Coward’s Private Lives, at our own beautiful Theatre Royal Sydney,” said Joint CEO and Creative Director Trafalgar Entertainment, Sir Howard Panter.
“Starring the incomparable international actor Hugh Bonneville and Australia’s national treasure the magnificent Lisa McCune. For an exclusive 5-week season. A delight for all.”
Elyot (Hugh Bonneville) and Amanda (Lisa McCune) thought they had put their disastrous marriage behind them. Divorced for five years and honeymooning with their new spouses, their lives are turned upside down when they discover they are staying right next door to each other.
What follows is a deliciously funny clash of egos as old sparks fly, tempers flare and common sense goes out the window. Packed with razor-sharp one-liners, outrageous behaviour and enough romantic chaos to keep everyone on their toes, Private Lives is one of the funniest plays ever written.
Since its sensational 1930 premiere, audiences have fallen in love with Coward’s wicked wit and unforgettable characters, while theatre legends including Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman have all taken on its iconic leading roles.
Featuring Noël Coward’s beloved song Someday I’ll Find You, an enduring classic which has been recorded by some of the greats including Mario Lanza, Doris Day, Perry Como and Julie Andrews.
This new production is helmed by internationally acclaimed British director Christopher Luscombe, an Associate Artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company, whose work has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
With a career spanning the RSC, Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre, the Old Vic and the West End, his acclaimed productions include Nell Gwynn, Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labour’s Lost and The Comedy of Errors.
Luscombe is also the creative force behind the internationally successful production of The Rocky Horror Show, which has enjoyed over two decades of worldwide success. He now brings his trademark wit, elegance and comic precision to Noël Coward’s most beloved play.
Joining Director Christopher Luscombe in the outstanding British and Australian creative team, is Set Designer David Fleischer, Costume Designer Jennifer Irwin, Dialect Coach Charmian Gradwell, Sound Designer Jeremy Dunn, Fight Choreographer Scott Witt, Resident Director Andrew Bevis, Choreographer Nathan Mark Wright and Composer Nigel Hess.
Together, they bring a wealth of international theatre experience to this brand-new production, creating the perfect setting for Noël Coward’s razor-sharp comedy. Smart, stylish and irresistibly funny, Private Lives arrives at one of the finest theatres in Australia, Theatre Royal Sydney, this summer.
Private Lives will play Theatre Royal Sydney from 6 February 2027. Join the waitlist – priority on sale 15 July | general public on sale 16 July. For more information, visit: www.privatelivesplay.com.au for details.
Images: Hugh Bonneville – photo by Gavin Bond | Lisa McCune (supplied)