New year, new credits. As January sets in, NIDA’s alumni are starting strong with hot cinema releases, exciting live productions and a highly anticipated new season that’s guaranteed to be the news around the ton.
Already generating a massive buzz, Hamnet will be released in Australian cinemas on 15 January. The stunningly heartbreaking adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s beloved novel is brought to life through the exquisite vision of Production Designer Fiona Crombie (Design, 1998). Set in 16th-century England, the film follows Agnes and William Shakespeare as they grapple with the devastating loss of their young son and the strength it takes to endure.
If you’re ready to trade Shakespearean tragedy for Regency romance, be sure to circle 29 January when the ton returns to Netflix for season 4 of Bridgerton. This season, all eyes are on Benedict Bridgerton and the mysterious Lady in Silver who has captured his attention, Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha (Acting, 2018).
Looking for a New Year’s Day recovery show with a dose of soul-stirring drama? Dear Life premieres on 1 January on Stan with Linda Cropper (Acting, 1978) and Ben Lawson (Acting, 2004) joining a stellar ensemble cast. Following the death of her fiancé, a woman tracks down the recipients of his organs and finds herself forming unexpected and life-altering connections with strangers who carry a piece of the man she loved. Full of heart and healing, this is the perfect ‘warm-blanket’ watch to kickstart 2026.
What could be worse than being stranded on a deserted island? Being stranded there with your overbearing boss. The new thriller Send Help comes crashing onto screens on 29 January and building out the treacherous landscape is Set Designer Ruru Zhu (Design for Performance, 2021) with SFX Breakaways Supervisor Tristan Fitzgerald (Theatre Crafts, 1993).
A gritty and raw theatrical experience, John Patrick Shanley’s Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, is running from 13 January at the Old Fitz Theatre. This electric two-hander stars JK Kazzi (Acting, 2023) as Danny, a brooding, volatile soul who finds an unlikely connection with Roberta in a scrappy Bronx bar. Directed by Nigel Turner-Carroll (Acting, 2008) with Sound Designer Chaii Ki Chapman and Lighting Designer Poppy Townsend (both 2025 Technical Theatre and Stage Management graduands), it’s a commanding story of forgiveness and vulnerability.
Don’t rain on this parade. From 21 January, Barbra: The Greatest Star is on stage at the Hayes Theatre, a luminous tribute to the legacy of Barbra Streisand. Director and performer Brittanie Shipway (Musical Theatre, 2016) will co-star alongside Tana Laga’aia (Musical Theatre, 2023), celebrating the countless hits and legendary humour of a singer/actor whose career has spanned over sixty years.
Was it the Professor in the library with the lead pipe? Everyone’s favourite whodunnit game, Cluedo has been turned into a side-splitting mystery on stage at Playhouse, QPAC from 7 January. Cast members present at Boddy Manor are Laurence Boxhall (Acting, 2018) as Mr. Green and David James (Acting, 1990) as Professor Plum; and keeping the mayhem contained is Production Manager Alex Duffy (Production, 2011). PS: Make sure you’re keeping an eye on who’s holding the wrench.
Header image: Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in Bridgerton Season 4. Photo: Liam Daniel/Netflix