2026 Senior Arts Events Guide
A note from the Headmaster
Audiences are vital to shows. A football match with no one watching is disappointing, but everyone still gets to play. A theatre performance with no one watching is a group of actors who just go home again.
When I watch plays, ensembles and orchestras at Newington, I hear lots of versions of people saying ‘Wow, this is as good as a Sydney Theatre Company show’ or ‘This is better than what you hear at the Opera House’. Whilst this might be selling the Sydney Symphony Orchestra a bit short, it is undeniable that our drama and arts programs put on extremely impressive shows that are a pleasure to watch and listen to. These shows can be just as, or often more enjoyable, than a professional production and you have the added benefit of knowing the people on the stage. There is no wincing at the out-of-tune violin or off-key acting.
It tends to be the families and good friends of the cast who turn up religiously (and repeatedly), however I think a lot of other people in the school community would really enjoy them as well. It can be hard to keep track of when and what the events are, particularly with the hectic lives that people are living.
This is why we have brought together an events guide (attached) and found here on the website, for everyone to bookmark on your computer or tentatively put the dates in the diary to book tickets closer to the date. Or it could be something you stick on the fridge and keep an eye on.
Our drama productions are great, and so are our musical performances. You might also get a lot out of seeing some of our art and listening to some of our speakers. I hope that this event guide makes getting to one – or some of them – a little easier.
Michael Parker
Headmaster
*To view and download the one page PDF guide – click the button below.
March 2026
Shrek the Musical
- When: 4–7 March from 7.00pm each night
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, Centenary Hall
- Tickets: Sold out!
Uncle John Gurri – Exhibition
- When: 12–27 March from 5.00pm
Newington Panel – P&F Speaker Series
- When: 25 March from 7.00pm
May 2026
Grant Stevens Artist in Residence and Yr 11 Exhibition
- When: 7 May – 22 May from 5.00pm
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, Concordia
Junior Concerto Competition
- When: 21 May
Lecture by Dr Idrees Mughal – CCTE Community Event
- When: 27 May
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, OBLT
Student Directed Year 11 Play
- When: 28–29 May
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre
June 2026
Ensembles Concert
- When: 2 June
Rockfest
- When: 5 June
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, Centenary Hall
- Tickets: Tickets not required, free event
Senior Concerto Competition
- When: 10 June
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, Centenary Hall
Tomorrow Man – P&F Speaker Series
- When: 11 June from 6.00pm
July 2026
Winter Show – Old and New Theatre Company
- When: TBC July
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre
August 2026
HSC Drama Showcase
- When: 5 August
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre
Founders Concert
- When: 6 August
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, Centenary Hall
Back to Newington Day
- When: 15 August
- Where: Stanmore 7–12 campus
- Tickets: Tickets not required, free event
2026 Major Works Exhibition
- When: 15 August from 10.00am
- Where: Stanmore 7–12 campus
- Tickets: Tickets not required, free event
Judith Locke – P&F Speaker Series
- When: 19 August from 6.30pm
September 2026
Dr Simon Longstaff – P&F Speaker Series
- When: 2 September
Year 10 Play
- When: 17–19 September
October 2026
Spring Show – Old and New Theatre Company
- When: TBC October
- Where: Stanmore 7–12, Duckmanton Drama Theatre








