Introducing the 2015 season launch, Rob Brookman, State Theatre Company of South Australia’s CEO and producer declared the company to be “buoyant and in good spirits.” And with each announcement that followed – rising stats and rising stars, the staging of a great classic or an exciting, new work, collaborations and company firsts – there seemed no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was absolutely right.

Standing on a magnificently decorated stage, with hanging mannequins in extraordinary costumes, the company’s Artistic Director, Geordie Brookman, described the season in a concise, chronological order. Underscored by atmospheric piano music courtesy of Quincy Grant, Nathan O’Keeth and Kate Cheel read short extracts from each play. Several actors appeared on a big screen, and a couple came on in person too, to talk about the shows and their respective roles.

Pledging to take audiences to “many worlds in one”, Geordie described theatre as the ultimate live art form and one that can deliver “magical rewards”. His mix of theatrical offerings in 2015 looks set to do just that. Against the certain crowd pullers such as Miriam Margolyes and Colin Friels and local favourites, Nathan O’Keeth and Paul Blackwell, there are several new names to watch...