Australia has been spoilt with major theatre productions in recent times and it gets another one this week with the premiere of “Hadestown” in Sydney.
The multiple Tony and Grammy Award-winning production from US artist Anaïs Mitchell will make its Australian debut at Sydney’s Theatre Royal on Friday night before heading to Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne this May.
“Hadestown” follows “two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone” and “invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.”
The local production features rising star Abigail Adriano as Eurydice, Noah Mullins as Orpheus, Adrian Tamburini as Hades, Elenoa Rokobaro as Persephone and multiple ARIA Award-winning artist, Christine Anu, as the narrator, Hermes.
The renowned songwriter has starred in a number of notable theatre productions like “Rent” and “Little Shop of Horrors,” but speaking to Variety AU/NZ, Anu said “Hadestown” is different to anything she’s previously been in.
“‘Hadestown’ is unique in the way it blends some of my favourite styles of music being folk, jazz, and blues, seamlessly blending that all into musical theatre and something truly immersive,” she says.
“There’s a rawness to it – it doesn’t just entertain, it makes you feel. The way Anaïs was able to be so raw in her writing is incredibly powerful. It reminds me of the best kind of storytelling – where music and lyrics are the heartbeat of the show.”
In recent years, Australia has played host to a number of Broadway blockbusters like “Hamilton” (which just wrapped its second run of Sydney), and “Moulin Rouge!” while other hit productions are on their way including “MJ the Musical” this month, “The Book of Mormon” later this year and “The Lion King” in 2026.
“It’s exciting to see these global productions making their way to Australia because it brings a whole new level of engagement with not just theatre audiences but music and arts lovers alike,” Anu tells Variety AU/NZ.
“It’s also a reminder of the incredible talent we have in our own backyard. Our local writers, composers, and performers are just as extraordinary and have a story worthy of telling. I think it’s important to balance these international blockbusters with strong support for Australian stories and productions. The energy around theatre right now is fantastic, and hopefully, that enthusiasm translates into more opportunities for local artists and original works to take centre stage as well.”
Anu has also encouraged the Australian arts scene to throw its support behind the industry, particularly as the music festival market has suffered major losses in 2025 alone like Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo.
“It’s so important for us as a country to be supporting our local/homegrown artists, now more than ever,” she says.
“Every day we’re seeing music festivals being cancelled, funding being cut, and hardworking and talented artists not being able to pursue their careers just from the pure fact of not making ends meet from their art.
“So I say, SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC! No matter the medium or shade it comes in.”
Click here for more details on the Sydney season of “Hadestown”.