2026 Theatre Show Calendar
Prepare for a year of relentless storytelling, every month a new cast, a new world, a new hour of unstoppable theatre
THE PENNILESS PERFORMER PRESENTS:
11 SHOWS IN 11 MONTHS
THE 2026 THEATRE PROJECT
In 2026, The Penniless Performer embarks on a theatrical marathon unlike anything Sydney has seen:
11 original shows across 11 consecutive months, each one built from the ground up by a rotating troupe of actors determined to revive the electrifying, fast-turnaround spirit of the Victorian theatre companies of old.
Each month delivers a brand-new 1-hour production, created through an intense burst of rehearsal and performed in an intimate, close-up setting. No long runs. No grand sets. No wasted moments. Just pure, immediate theatre delivered straight to an audience that’s practically onstage with the performers.
HOW IT WORKS
11 shows over 11 months (February–December 2026)
A fresh troupe each month, alternating between comedy and drama
10 performances per show
Only 30 seats per performance — an intentionally tight audience to keep the energy raw, personal, and electric
Victorian-troupe inspired: quick rehearsals, rapid creation, authentic theatrical grit
This is theatre that doesn’t wait — it erupts.
TICKETS & PRICING
General Admission: $30 per ticket
Complete Show Buy-Out: $750 for companies, organisations, or groups wanting the entire 30-seat performance to themselves
Buy-outs require direct contact to secure the discounted rate.
WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS
The Penniless Performer is dedicated to giving actors opportunities to create, experiment, and grow — and giving audiences a chance to experience theatre in its purest form. No two months are alike. No two troupes are the same. Each show is a self-contained theatrical explosion created solely for that moment in time.
This is a celebration of local talent, high-speed creativity, and intimate storytelling.
This is theatre the way it once was — and the way it should be again.
JOIN US IN 2026
With only 30 tickets per night and 10 chances per show, seats will disappear fast.
Whether you’re a fan of hilarious chaos or devastating drama, this year-long project is guaranteed to deliver something unforgettable.
11 months. 11 shows. Endless stories.
The Penniless Performer invites you to witness theatre born in the fire of immediacy
COMEDY & DRAMATIC SHOWS
FEBRUARY
The Great Escape
Two clueless cops. One crafty villain. Endless shenanigans. Join Constable Grump and Officer Goof in a slapstick showdown that would make Chaplin proud
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
Dates:
February 21st, 22nd, 28th and March 1st.
Tickets on sale NOW.
For Pensioners, please contact us directly before purchasing your ticket for a discount code :)
MARCH
I’m Innocent
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
Is he a killer, or just caught in the crossfire of a flawed system? This tense, psychological drama invites audiences to examine guilt, doubt, and the stories we cling to when the evidence refuses to speak.
Dates:
March 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th
Tickets on sale NOW.
For Pensioners, please contact us directly before purchasing your ticket for a discount code :)
APRIL
Locked up overseas
An Aussie tourist is jailed in a ridiculous foreign country where no one speaks real words. gibberish, confusion, and survival through stupidity.
Tickets coming soon.
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
MAY
Principles
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
A dying man sits in a police cell as officers struggle between legal procedure and moral responsibility. A sharp look at humanity vs rules.
Tickets coming soon.
JUNE
Diamonds in the cell
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
A thief left millions in diamonds behind.. inside the station holding cell. now he must break back in without being caught.
Tickets coming soon.
JULY
Choice
After a decorated officers funeral, rookies face PTSD, fear and the pressure of choosing to stay or leave the force.
Tickets coming soon.
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
AUGUST
Chief’s inspection
The police chief is coming. The officers are corrupt. Chaos erupts. A wild mix of bribery, counter-bribery, lies and misunderstandings - resulting in absolutely no one getting what they want.
Tickets coming soon.
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
SEPTEMBER
E-Bike
An underage kid accidently kills someone while recklessly riding an e-bike. a stark look at modern youth, detachment from consequences and social disconnection in a digital age.
Tickets coming soon.
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
OCTOBER
Garf and Rudys Epic Adventure
A talking cat and a talking dog. what could go wrong? Join us as we catch the hilarious antics of Garf and Rudy trying to break out of the Pound.
Tickets coming soon.
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
NOVEMBER
I just wanted KFC
A deep psychological exploration of a person who feels completely unseen and spirals into hopelessness. All he wanted was to buy KFC. A sensitive, powerful piece highlighting the subtle signs we miss we miss (Suicide Awareness)
R18
Tickets coming soon.
Written & Directed by Jason Wu
DECEMBER
Santa got arrested
Both troupes unite for a chaotic holiday special. Santa’s Behind bars, the elves are rioting, and Christmas might actually be cancelled. A ridiculous, festive mash-up to end the year with laughter.
Tickets coming soon.
Written & Directed by Jason Wu