A cutting dissection of the fragile performance of status and the outrageous lengths we’ll go to just to be seen, Ensemble Theatre will presents the world premiere of David Williamson’s brand-new social satire, The Social Ladder, from 23 January to 14 March 2026.
Directed by Janine Watson (Fly Girl, Aria, Colder Than Here) and featuring actor and comedian Mandy Bishop (Losing Louis, Bell Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing), The Social Ladder explores the art of social climbing.
Katie doesn’t want a taste of the high life – she wants a seat at the table. When she invites elite Sydney power couple and art collecting heavyweights Charles and Catherine Mallory over for dinner, Katie’s all in.
She’s betting big on charm, fine wine and a jaw-dropping painting she’s hired to add a stroke of “wow” to the walls. She’s got one chance to climb the social ladder, and she’s not about to waste it.
As drinks flow and polite facades start to crack, the evening unravels into a night of lies, cover ups and social desperation.
“The Social Ladder is deliciously funny. David Williamson uses his deft comic touch to paint a picture of current social economics and our ambition to find our place within them. The drive to matter is universal — but what we value is what divides us,” said Director Janine Watson.
“In this play, when ambition turns to desperation his comedy begins. I love David’s ability to create characters we love and cringe at in equal measure. To bring them to life we have a spectacular cast – all bring comic skill and dramatic flair. I’m so excited. Audiences will have a fabulous time,” added Watson.
“You’re going to laugh a lot, but you’re also going to squirm a little…I think you might see yourself up there occasionally,” said Andrew McFarlane (Love Letters, After the Ball, Emerald City) who plays Charles Mallory in the production.
The all-star cast of six also includes Sarah Chadwick (Packed to the Rafters, Stella by Starlight, Flow Studios’ The House of Bernarda Alba, and featured in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Jo Downing (The Memory of Water, TV’s Prosper), Matt Minto (Emerald City, Benefactors) and Johnny Nasser (The Memory of Water, Belvoir’s August Osage County).
The Social Ladder is the latest play in Williamson’s vast catalogue of extraordinary works and follows a sell-out season of Williamson’s Aria and a critically acclaimed restaging of his timeless classic Emerald City at Ensemble in 2025.
Featuring Williamson’s signature satirical bite, sink your teeth into this hilarious new work by one of Australia’s greatest storytellers.
Director: Janine Watson | Featuring: Mandy Bishop, Sarah Chadwick, Jo Downing, Andrew McFarlane, Matt Minto, Johnny Nasser | Assistant Director: Jules Billington | Set & Costume Designer: Veronique Benett | Lighting Designer: Matt Cox | Composer & Sound Designer: Clare Hennessy| Stage Manager: Lauren Tulloh | Assistant Stage Manager: Bella Wellstead | Costume Supervisor: Lily Mateljan | Choreographer: Sanjana Dhanakoti | Playwright: David Williamson AO
The Social Ladder
Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Season: 23 January – 14 March 2026
Information and Bookings: www.ensemble.com.au
Image: Andrew McFarlane stars in The Social Ladder (supplied)