Newcastle Theatre Company Inc is one of the busiest regional theatre companies in Australia. With seven mainstage shows per year, our Indie productions, play readings, special events, working bees and social events, the opportunities to participate on and offstage are unparalleled. We welcome new members from all backgrounds and skillsets – sing, act, direct, building, gardening… If you can think of it, we can use it!
Don’t forget you can enjoy a pre-show drink in our gorgeous laneway, served from our brand-new bar, refurbished in September ’22 – with premium wines provided by our generous sponsors, Tamburlaine Organic Wines and local beer provided by Modus Brewery

Director: Fran Hodgson
A story about upsetting the potato cart and standing up for what is right…
Appleton, a tidy town since 1987, is a typical small country town in New South Wales. It is renowned for its potato growing and annual Show, where the Appleton potato race offers a first prize for men of $1,000 and a first prize for the ladies of $200. What? That can’t be right in this day and age! Well, in a lot of ways, life hasn’t changed in Appleton.
Penny Anderson grew up in Appleton and moved to the big smoke as soon as she could. Now that her marriage is over, she returns as the new GP. But can you really go home? Can you take on a cause and still be accepted? Can you make a difference?
Penny, Nikki, Rania, Bev and Barb face real world problems: health concerns, sole parenting, family disconnect, refugee acceptance. The play explores these themes through a comic lens with great heart. Women working together, shouldering the load.
It’s time to get ready, get set, and go, for The Appleton Ladies Potato Race.

Newcastle Theatre Company is proud to be supported by these wonderful sponsors:











or snack from our kiosk