It’s curtains up on our latest list of entertainment in October. This month’s line-up features ambitious new theatre, suspenseful mysteries, high-stakes stories and plenty of behind the scenes action delivered by NIDA alumni. If you don’t read on, it’s not the end of the world… or is it?
Saving humanity is no small job, especially when you’re the one who caused the disaster in the first place. Keep an eye out for Sophie Wilde (Acting, 2019) in Tom Cruise’s new darkly funny satire, Digger, arriving in cinemas 1 October.
Street Fighter hits cinemas on 15 October with a heavyweight line-up of celebrity talent in the cast. However, behind all the kicks and CGI is a formidable crew of NIDA alumni bringing this iconic video game to the big screen including Costume Designer Kym Barrett (Design, 1989), Senior Set Designer Ruru Zhu, Specialty Leathermaker Lauren Hunter (Costume, 2016), Graphic Artists Gabrielle Rowe (Design for Performance, 2017 & Masters of Design for Performance, 2019), Concept Artist Eddy Taylor (Properties, 2011), Special Effects Breakaway Supervisor Tristan Fitzgerald (Theatre Crafts, 1993), Lead Crowd Fitter Jonathan Hindmarsh (Design, 2015), Junior Prep Costumer Rebecca Howard (Design for Performance, 2023), Senior Propmaker Alexandra Allanson (Properties and Objects, 2021) and Stunt Performer Aidan Gillett (Acting, 2007).
ABC’s newest Aussie thriller Dustfall premieres 11 October. When Detective Tig returns to her coastal hometown, an investigation into a drink spiking assault exposes the hidden predators and dangerous secrets hiding within a broken system. Written by NIDA alumni Belinda Chayko (Playwriting, 1985) and Beatrix Christian (Playwriting, 1990), the series stars Anna Torv (Acting, 2001) who also was Executive Producer for the series, performing alongside Kate Box (Acting, 2003), Nathin Art Butler (Acting, 2005) with behind-the-scenes brilliance from Props Buyer Alice De Groot (Properties and Objects, 2016).
There’s footy, feminism and a fair bit of fighting spirit in Suzie Miller’s (Playwriting, 2000) new play Strong is the New Pretty on stage at Sydney Theatre Company from 22 October. Inspired by the incredible story of the AFLW’s (Australian Football League Women’s) journey from pipe dream to national sensation and directed by NIDA alum Sarah Giles (Directing, 2008), the production celebrates the players and community who helped change the game for good. Telling this unmissable tale are performers, Lucy Bell (Acting, 1991), Tara Morice (Acting, 1987), Nyasha Ogden (Acting, 2025) and Contessa Treffone (Acting, 2012) with Composer Clemence Williams (Directing, 2016).
Deliciously dark and serpentine, Never the Sinner is coming to Qtopia Sydney from 9 – 24 October. Set in 1924 Chicago, this gripping true-crime drama explores the dangerous consequences of privilege, desire and unchecked power. Directed by Kurtis Laing (Directing, 2024), the production co-stars Jack Bridges (Acting, 2024), Josh Hammond (Stage and Screen Performance, 2019), Frey Kenay (Stage and Screen Performance, 2019), Alex Travers (Acting, 2024), Harley Timms (Acting, 2021) with Stage Manager Matthew Phillips (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2025).
A body in the park, a mysterious manuscript and a professor with something to hide. Adam Rapp’s acclaimed play The Sound Inside is making its way to The Playhouse Theatre in Hobart from 8 – 18 October. Directed by Lee Lewis OAM (Directing, 2003), with Stage Manager Erin Shaw (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2016) and Set Designers Ben Winspear (Acting, 1997) and Dallas Winspear.
Header image: Anna Torv (Acting, 2001) as Detective Tig Pollard in the ABC series Dustfall.