On 28 November 2024, the second season of Qtopia Sydney’s Loading Dock Theatre was revealed, featuring a stellar line up of Australian and international works.
The 2024 inaugural season saw nearly 400 artists working on shows and sharing their stories with over 9,000 audience members. The new theatre space has proven to be a vital and dynamic cultural hub for the Queer community, and for theatregoers at large.
The 2024 season exceeded every expectation, offering a mix of bold, creative, urgent, loving and proud productions. With a commitment to showcasing both new and established voices, the season was a testament to the power of storytelling.
“In just seven months, the Loading Dock Theatre has become a space where artists feel empowered to take risks and audiences are welcomed into a world of unapologetic, celebratory Queer art,” said Qtopia Sydney’s Artistic Director, Carly Fisher.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season promises to continue this legacy with an exciting line-up that includes world premieres, Australian debuts, new works, and some of the best queer theatre from across the globe.
“2024 was brilliant but it was also just the beginning. We’re thrilled to present a season that pushes boundaries, explores identity, and amplifies voices that deserve to be heard,” continued Ms Fisher.
Highlights of Season 2025:
Chasing Dick: A Love Story (January 2025) Opening the year, Tayo Tayo Collective brings this hilarious and heart-wrenching show from Melbourne, exploring the complications of love, identity, and generational divides in a conservative Australian town.
Mardi Gras Season (February 2025) The Loading Dock Theatre and its sister venue, The Substation, will be hosting a full lineup of shows every night during Mardi Gras, including:
- I Want It That Gay: Returning after a sold-out run, this cabaret comedy parodies heteronormative culture with ’90s-’00s hits and queer milestones.
- They Will Be Kings: A radical celebration of trans-masc, non-binary, and lesbian Drag Kings exploring gender, joy, and power.
The Substation will feature drag acts including Joyce Maygne, Dolly Diamond, She Slayed and more, comedy including Cox & Box and Other Foolish Fantasies, and UK import, Sauna Boy.
This is Love (March 2025) After a sold-out debut at KXT, this anthology-style show returns to Sydney, exploring the dynamics of love and relationships through stories of community, health, politics, and bodily autonomy.
Saints of Damour (April 2025) An epic love story across continents and decades, James Elazzi’s deeply moving play follows Pierre’s journey from 1970s Lebanon to Australia. Qtopia Sydney’s first co-production, this beautiful piece honours the privilege of living truthfully.
Heaven (May 2025) Bitchen Wolf Theatre Company presents Eugene O’Brien’s daring exploration of identity, regret, and the lives we secretly long for. This critically acclaimed work won the 2023 Irish Times Award for Best New Play.
Pride Fest (June 2025) Pride Fest will take over Qtopia Sydney for the entire month, featuring cabaret, drag, theatre, workshops, panel discussions, and more. The first headliner announced is Skank Sinatra, a spectacular cabaret that made waves at Edinburgh Fringe and won best Cabaret at Adelaide Fringe, created and performed by Jens Redda.
We Aren’t Kids Anymore (August 2025) An Australian premiere of Drew Gasparini’s musical, presented by Little Big Theatre Co. This theatrical song cycle follows five artists navigating their creative paths and explores the deeply human experience of never truly feeling grown up.
Sydney Fringe Festival Queer Hub (September 2025) After a stellar inaugural year of Queer Hub at Qtopia Sydney, Sydney Fringe is back with a refreshed program. Queer Hub is set to be a vibrant, inclusive haven where Queer art, voices and stories can truly thrive.
Fekei (October 2025) Sarah Carroll’s new work, commissioned by Midsumma, explores the complex relationship between Queer love, Pasifika identity, and family acceptance.
Bonny and Read (October 2025) Set in the 1700s, this new Australian musical tells the story of female pirates Mary Read and Anne Bonny. With themes of love, identity, and finding your place in a world where you didn’t think you belonged.
Gravity (November 2025) The Rogues’ world premiere romantic (un)comedy about a decade-long marriage that takes an unexpected turn when a new relationship enters the picture. A fresh and exciting take on the romantic comedy genre, Gravity is about love, identity, and finding yourself again.
Beautiful Thing (December 2025) This iconic love story set in 1997 South London will be brought to life by The Company of Dramatic Arts. It’s a beautiful, tender exploration of resilience, community, queerness, and the power of love to bloom in the most unexpected places.
Qtopia Sydney’s Season 2025 promises a bold year of diverse queer storytelling. The Loading Dock Theatre is ready to continue its mission of creating a space where artists can explore their truths, take risks and share their stories with an ever-growing, passionate audience. For more information about the season and tickets, visit www.qtopiasydney.com.au
