The 2026 Hobart Theatre Summer School
Directed by Rebecca Oliver-Black
Choreography by Bonnie Cashion
Musical Direction by Andrew Castles
Vocal Direction by Brett Budgeon
The Tasmanian Premiere!
A touch of magic is coming to The Playhouse Theatre ✨
For the first time since Be More Chill in 2020, the Old Nick Company’s Hobart Theatre Summer School is stepping onto the iconic stage of Hobart’s historic Playhouse Theatre – and we couldn’t be more excited!
This season will see the 2026 production, MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical, come to life from Friday 23 January to Saturday 31 January. Tickets are on sale now!
Bringing together a cast of 41 talented young performers, MIDNIGHT promises dazzling choreography, powerful vocals and a bold reimagining of Cinderella, full of humour, heart and a touch of magic.
✨ Directed by Rebecca Oliver-Black
✨ Choreography by Bonnie Cashion
✨ Vocal Direction by Brett Budgeon
✨ Musical Direction by Andrew Castles
About the Show
Forget glass slippers and damsels in distress, MIDNIGHT is a story of strength, wit and self-discovery. Our Cinderella, “Ella,” is clever, confident, and unapologetically herself. The last thing she’s looking for is a Prince Charming… but fate has other plans.
When the Prince meets Ella, he’s captivated and challenged. Can he prove he’s more than a title? Can she inspire him to change before the final stroke of MIDNIGHT?
This production marks an exciting milestone for the Hobart Theatre Summer School. It’s the first time the program has presented an Australian musical – not to mention the Southern Tasmanian premiere of MIDNIGHT. Featuring an original score by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo and an exclusive song by Kate Miller-Heidke, MIDNIGHT is set to be an unforgettable experience for audiences and cast alike.
About the Hobart Theatre Summer School
Founded in 2005, the Hobart Theatre Summer School, proudly presented by the Old Nick Company, was born from a vision to unite Tasmania’s most passionate young performers in one extraordinary production.
The program aims to:
• Enrich students’ drama and music education through professional theatre experiences
• Connect emerging talent with experienced industry creatives
• Foster collaboration and community among schools across Tasmania
• Showcase large-scale, high-quality theatre that inspires audiences and performers alike
Tickets On Sale Now 🎟️
Early Bird Tickets are available until 31 November 2025 (discount automatically applied at checkout)
Playhouse Members also enjoy exclusive member pricing, so don’t wait! Secure your seats for this magical first season at The Playhouse Theatre!
Presented by the Hobart Theatre Summer School program by the Old Nick Company, in partnership with The Playhouse Theatre.
Follow @summerschoolhobart for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, cast spotlights and exciting rehearsal updates!
Do you have anything to add?
The Old Nick archives will be pillaged and these pages populated with content, but there is bound to be piles of stuff hidden away in boxes, bags, bins and bureaus! If you have anything that could be of interest - original scripts, photographs, anecdotes, anything - please contact our secretary and let us know!