Over the past decade the Highly Strung Players have been entertaining audiences with performances of Peter Rose’s short plays. This absurdist troupe, which began appearing at fortyfivedownstairs in 2017, presents rehearsed readings with a changing ensemble. Now the Highly Strung Players return to fortyfivedownstairs with its most ambitious program yet: a two-night season of four inter-related plays.

The 16th Street Foundation and Company 16 invite you to the announcement of The Cooper Prize 2026 winner, a prestigious international $20,000 playwriting award championing bold, original theatrical voices. During the evening, excerpts from the top four finalists' new theatre works will be presented through professionally directed readings, brought to life by an ensemble of Melbourne’s finest actors, culminating in the live announcement of this year's winner.

Pummel Squad have been allowed back to fortyfivedownstairs for their fourth annual pantomime. After sold out seasons of 'Marginalia' and 'How The King Learned To Live Forever', they’re taking us on a trip to a town that time forgot. It’s 'Gidget' meets 'Jaws' meets 'ET' meets Pummel Squad, and it’s playing for four nights only. So grab your boogie boards and get down here or you'll regret it. 

fortyfivedownstairs presents the world premiere stage adaptation of Jane Campion’s beloved film, inspired by the profound romance between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. Adapted by Emmanuelle Mattana ('Trophy Boys') and directed by Cassandra Fumi ('The Crocodile' and 'Rhinoceros'), 'Bright Star' melds Campion’s tender screenplay with Mattana’s theatrical reimagining, Keats’ transcendent poetry, and original compositions by Rachel Lewindon ('The Inheritance') to create one of the year’s major theatrical events.