There’s dancing in September… and action, intrigue, romance, comedy and plenty more. We’ve rounded up some of the most anticipated films, theatre productions and television series featuring NIDA alumni for your viewing pleasure.
Racing into cinemas from 10 September, Runner features alumni Kate Box (Acting, 2003) and Peta Sergeant (Acting, 2000) in this action-packed new thriller. A former soldier and his unlikely partner (Owen Wilson and Alan Ritchson) take on a ruthless cartel while trying to deliver life-saving medicine to a young girl. As Owen might say… Wow!
Who knew that airports could get more dramatic? The Airport Chaplain is a new eight-part SBS drama airing weekly, following (you guessed it) an airport chaplain and his unusual methods of handling emergencies as they pop up. Starring Hugo Weaving (Acting, 1981) with Extras Costume Coordinator Ellen Stanistreet (Design for Performance, 2017), the series explores crises, connections and deeply human stories in a setting we all recognise.
Good news! Slow Horses returns for its sixth season on Apple TV on 16 September with espionage, intrigue and a smattering of dark humour. Hugo Weaving (Acting, 1981) will reprise his role as Frank Harness, the villainous former CIA operative, bringing a fresh dose of menace to the acclaimed spy thriller.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on 14 September streaming on Binge and Foxtel. For the fifth year in a row, we’re cheering on Julio Himede (Design, 1999) who has been nominated in the category Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special, this year for both, The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny as well as for 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Tony Award winning Actress Sarah Snook (Acting, 2008) has also been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie for All Her Fault, which has also been nominated for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
A very special congratulations to Costume Designer Luke D’Alessandro (Properties and Objects, 2018 & Master of Design for Performance, 2020) as well who has already been acknowledged as the Emmy winner for Outstanding Costumes for Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program for his work on The Masked Singer. This juried award will be presented on 5 September.
Celebrating 70 years, the classic musical My Fair Lady returns to Sydney’s Opera House from 10 September with all the wit and slow burn romance audiences adore. The lavish production brings the beloved story of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins to life, with a stellar NIDA alumni presence across the cast and creative team. Featuring David Whitney (Acting, 1982), Tony Llewellyn-Jones (Acting, 1971), Robyn Nevin AO (Acting, 1960), Scenic Associate Pip Runciman (Design, 2002) and Ensemble members Kassie Martin (Musical Theatre, 2009) and Matthew Predny (Acting, 2014).
Deliciously dark, Heathers The Musical brings the cult-classic story of popularity, power and teenage rebellion to Sydney Theatre Company from 1 – 19 September. This chaotic production with a seriously addictive soundtrack features NIDA alumni Calista Nelmes (Musical Theatre, 2018), Ellis Dolan (Musical Theatre, 2017) and Brodie Masini (Acting, 2021).
Homecomings can be complicated, especially when the homecoming follows a stint in prison. The Australian premiere of Dixon & Daughters is on from 18 September – 3 October at The Old Fitz, exploring family, forgiveness and generational trauma. The production features Dialect Coach and Cast member Linda Nicholls-Gidley (Voice Studies, 1998) alongside Sarah Jade Star (Acting, 2013). Building tension behind the scenes are Set & Props Designer Mia MacCormick (Design for Performance, 2025) Lighting Designer Topaz Marlay-Cole (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2024) and Costume & Props Designer Amelie Brown (Design for Performance, 2025).
Header image: Hugo Weaving and Shabana Azeez in the SBS series The Airport Chaplain.