THE FROGS: IN HELL
THEY SING SHOW TUNES
Adapted by ALEX KENDALL ROBSON,
after ARISTOPHANES
12 August – 6 September 2025
WORLD PREMIERE
“Who knew frogs could be so mean? Sure, they sang well, and it was kinda funny, but fuck it was bleak!”
The world is on fire, people are dying. There’s war and plague. And cuts to arts funding. It’ll take a bloody miracle to save humanity!
Dionysus, the god of theatre, teams up with his trusty sidekick Xanthias on an odyssey to the Underworld, hoping to resurrect a dead playwright to save the world of the living.
On the road to hell, however, they meet a colony of frogs, not only seemingly happy about the chaos above, but singing show tunes to celebrate.
It would be funny if it wasn’t so damn sad.
This classic of Ancient Greek comedy is given a bold, outrageously camp and hilarious new interpretation in a uniquely queer Australian voice. Guaranteed to be very silly and extremely gay. Why be banal when you can bacchanal?
Patrons please note: this production contains loud noises, flashing lights, theatrical haze, strong language, and adult themes.
Director Alex Kendall Robson talked to DNA Magazine about his inspiration, the hot cast, and singing amphibians.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Alex Kendall Robson
Set Designer Tom Bannerman
Lighting Designer Holly Nesbitt
Costume Designer Josh Carter
Sound Designer David Wilson
Music Director Zachary Aleksander
Choreographer Dani Bainbridge
Assistant Director Eddy O’Leary
Stage Manager Christopher Starnawski
ASMs Heidi Nesbitt, Ruby Hawken
CAST
Zachary Aleksander, Dani Bainbridge
Meg Bennetts, Axel Berecry
Max Fernandez, Sebastyen Filipinski
Pat Mandziy, Eddy O’Leary
James Robin, Nic Starte
Larissa Turton
DATES/TIMES
Previews Tue 12 Aug & Wed 13 Aug 7:30pm
Opening Night Thu 14 Aug 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm
Final performance Sat 6 Sep 2pm
Running time: 70 minutes, no interval
Please note: latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance
tickets
Full $37
Concessions, Groups (6+) $32
New Theatre Members $25
Thrifty Thursdays $25
Preview $20
(Booking and transaction fees apply)
★★★★★ “Going to hell in a handbasket has never been as infectious and outrageous as this show. With its irreverent humour and satire, this adaptation will leave you wanting more.” It’s On The House
★★★★ “This energetic adaptation of Aristophanes’ play is must-see for anyone looking for a fun evening of bawdy comedy with political bite … A mix of slapstick, camp humour, political commentary and a celebration of great theatre with the underlying message that strong culture is essential in troubled times.” Sydney Arts Guide
★★★.5 “The most fabulously bonkers show I’ve seen this year. A zippy 80 minutes of anarchy, replete with dancing frogs, knock-knock jokes, Greek gods and, yes, the odd show tune … This is an imaginative reworking of a classic. It’s as barking as hellhound Cerberus – but a lot more fun.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Chaotically unhinged, it makes you giggle from the beginning … The cast exhibits energy and chemistry and delivers clever, joyful performances … This world premiere is a reminder that even in the bleakest and darkest times, showtunes can fix everything.” Guide to Gay
“This brand-new Australian play will tickle your funny bone. It’s camp, it’s sexy and it’s a lot of fun.” DNA Magazine
“A full-throttle camp apocalypse. … Alex Kendall Robson who adapts and directs takes the bones of the ancient text and infuses them with biting 21st-century humour, walking a razor-thin line between satire and despair. The moments of genuine bleakness hit hard precisely because the rest is so outrageously silly.” The Scoop
“An enjoyable, high-energy celebration of satire’s enduring power to poke fun at those who lead, the artists who create, and those of us who watch from the sidelines.” Theatre Thoughts
“Don’t miss out!” Greater Sydney Theatre
Patrons please note: New Theatre is now EFTPOS-only
at Front of House for both ticket and bar sales.
Main image: © Kurit afshen/Shutterstock
Production images: © Bob Seary