A group portrait of three young adult theatre artists standing and sitting against a dark teal backdrop. A person wearing a navy top and red skirt is seated on a stool in the centre, while two others stand on either side, dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts. All three face the camera with a relaxed, confident expression.
A group portrait of three young adult theatre artists standing and sitting against a dark teal backdrop. A person wearing a navy top and red skirt is seated on a stool in the centre, while two others stand on either side, dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts. All three face the camera with a relaxed, confident expression.
A group portrait of three young adult theatre artists standing and sitting against a dark teal backdrop. A person wearing a navy top and red skirt is seated on a stool in the centre, while two others stand on either side, dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts. All three face the camera with a relaxed, confident expression.
A group portrait of three young adult theatre artists standing and sitting against a dark teal backdrop. A person wearing a navy top and red skirt is seated on a stool in the centre, while two others stand on either side, dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts. All three face the camera with a relaxed, confident expression.

Striking Music Theatre

Striking Music Theatre

Striking Music Theatre

Striking Music Theatre

Islander

by

Amy Draper, Finn Anderson & Stewart Melton

Directed by

Hayden Tonazzi & Miranda Middleton

Platforming

Madeleine Picard & Aden Abeleda

Hailing from Scotland, and recontextualised by ATYP, this worldwide smash-hit washes up to Pier 2/3 and takes over The Popsy with innovating loop pedal technology and whimsical storytelling.

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SEASON 2026

24 September

24 Sept

3 October

3 Oct

Islander

Using loop pedal technology, two actors will bring an entire town to life

Islander

Using loop pedal technology, two actors will bring an entire town to life

Islander

Using loop pedal technology, two actors will bring an entire town to life

Islander

Using loop pedal technology, two actors will bring an entire town to life

Eilid lives on an island. Adrift and with one eye on the horizon, she is aimless. It seems every day someone is leaving for the mainland, even her own mother.

And then a whale washes up on the shore, followed soon after by a mysterious young girl…

Using loop pedal technology, two actors will bring an entire town to life. Community meetings smash against mythology as two friends from different worlds learn how an ancient fracture can lead to a new future, together.

Hailing from Scotland, and recontextualised by ATYP, this worldwide smash-hit washes up to Pier 2/3 and takes over The Popsy.

Dates

Mon 21 Sep – Sat 03 Oct

Dates

Mon 21 Sep – Sat 03 Oct

Dates

Mon 21 Sep – Sat 03 Oct

Dates

Mon 21 Sep – Sat 03 Oct

Venue

Pier 2/3, Suite 2/13A Hickson Rd

Dawes Point, NSW 2000

Venue

Pier 2/3, Suite 2/13A Hickson Rd

Dawes Point, NSW 2000

Venue

Pier 2/3, Suite 2/13A Hickson Rd

Dawes Point, NSW 2000

Venue

Pier 2/3, Suite 2/13A Hickson Rd

Dawes Point, NSW 2000

Pricing

$30 – $35

Pricing

$30 – $35

Pricing

$30 – $35

Pricing

$30 – $35

Duration

Approx 60 mins (no interval)

Duration

Approx 60 mins (no interval)

Duration

Approx 60 mins (no interval)

Duration

Approx 60 mins (no interval)

Age & Content Warnings

Suitable for ages 8+

Age & Content Warnings

Suitable for ages 8+

Age & Content Warnings

Suitable for ages 8+

Age & Content Warnings

Suitable for ages 8+

Detailed ticketing info below

More ticketing info below

More ticketing info below

Detailed ticketing info below

Presented by the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP)

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Hear from the Artists

Hayden Tonazzi, Madeleine Picard & Aden Abeleda

Hear from the Artists

Hayden Tonazzi, Madeleine Picard & Aden Abeleda

Hear from the Artists

Hayden Tonazzi, Madeleine Picard & Aden Abeleda

Hear from the Artists

Expand to play in full-screen

Ticketing Information

Performance dates, times & pricing

Ticketing Information

Performance dates, times & pricing

Ticketing Information

Performance dates, times & pricing

Ticketing Information

Performance dates, times & pricing

Islander washes ashore in The Popsy, our fresh black-box space. Capacity? Just 50 seats. Miss the tide and you’ll miss the show.

Ticket Prices

Previews – $30
General Admission – $35

Ticket Prices

Previews – $30
General Admission – $35

Ticket Prices

Previews – $30
General Admission – $35

Ticket Prices

Previews – $30
General Admission – $35

Location

Pier 2/3, Suite 2/13A Hickson Rd

Dawes Point, NSW 2000

Location

Pier 2/3, Suite 2/13A Hickson Rd

Dawes Point, NSW 2000

Location

Pier 2/3, Suite 2/13A Hickson Rd

Dawes Point, NSW 2000

Location

Pier 2/3, Suite 2/13A Hickson Rd

Dawes Point, NSW 2000

Accessibility Information

Wheelchair accessible venue(s)

Accessibility Information

Wheelchair accessible venue(s)

Accessibility Info

Wheelchair accessible venue(s)

Accessibility Information

Wheelchair accessible venue(s)

Tickets selling fast – don't miss out!
Tickets on sale now – don't miss out!
Tickets selling fast – don't miss out!
Tickets selling fast – don't miss out!

Dates

Times

Mon 21 Sep

7pm (Preview)

Tue 22 Sep

7pm (Preview)

Wed 23 Sep

7pm (Opening Night)

Thu 24 Sep

7pm

Fri 25 Sep

7pm

Sat 26 Sep

5pm

Mon 28 Sep

7pm

Tue 29 Sep

7pm

Wed 30 Sep

7pm

Thu 01 Oct

7pm

Fri 02 Oct

7pm

Sat 03 Oct

5pm

Cast & Creatives

Discover the artists behind this production

Cast & Creatives

Discover the artists behind this production

Cast & Creatives

Discover the artists behind this production

Cast & Creatives

Discover the artists behind this production

Hayden Tonazzi

Director

Director

Hayden Tonazzi

(

they/he

)

is an award-winning director and creative producer who in 2025 was appointed the Artistic Director & CEO of the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP). A graduate of the 2019 NIDA MFA Directing Program, for over eight years they have worked across new writing in theatre and musical theatre.

Miranda Middleton

Co-Director & Choreographer

Co-Director & Choreographer

Miranda Middleton

(

she/her

)

is an award-winning director, writer and choreographer with an MFA (Directing) from NIDA. Her work explores the intersection of text, music and movement, creating theatre that sparks joy and connection. She has directed productions with Hayes Theatre Co, Sydney Festival, VASS, Rogue Projects and more, and was nominated for a Green Room Award for The Grinning Man and received the 2024 Sandra Bates Director’s Award.

Madeleine Picard

Sound Designer

Sound Designer

Madeleine Picard

(

she/her

)

is a sound designer & composer specialising in live theatre. Combining her backgrounds in technical theatre and music, she is interested in storytelling through sound and in being part of the creation of new Australian theatrical works. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Theatre & Stage Management) from NIDA. Her work on Shitty was nominated for a 2024 Sydney Theatre Award - Best Sound Design & Composition of an Independent Production.

Aden Abeleda

Associate Director & Producer

Associate Director & Producer

Aden Abeleda

(

he/him

)

is a director, producer and performer with a BA in Arts Industries and Management from Macquarie University. He co-produced and directed Ignite Theatre Company’s sold-out debut Carrie: The Musical (2023) and their recent Ignite Before Christmas (2024). Performance credits include Shrek the Musical, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia! and Definitely NOT a Hungry Game at Sydney Fringe and Adelaide Fringe. He has worked with Hayes Theatre Co, ATYP and Packemin Productions.

Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu

Cultural Consultant

Cultural Consultant

Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu

(

he/him

)

is a proud storyteller of Sāmoan heritage living and working in Darug & Dharawal country. He is the founder and creative director of Satiu Studios, one of few independent production companies dedicated to Pacific voices and stories in the country. In the past year, Gabriel produced the Pacific documentary installation One Ocean, Many Waves, co-founded the Tagata Moana Writers Hub, won Best Emerging Producer for Where I’m From, curated Pacific storytelling events, and worked across major arts organisations championing queer Pacific voices.

Victoria Falconer-Pritchard

Industry Mentor

Industry Mentor

Victoria Falconer-Pritchard

(

she/her

)

is a performer, music director, multi-instrumentalist and writer of Filipino-English heritage, and Co-Artistic Director of Hayes Theatre Co. Her work spans cabaret, theatre and cross-disciplinary performance, with credits including Smashed: The Nightcap, The Sight, The Vali Myers Project and Smashed: The Brunch Party. A 40 Under 40 Asian-Australian awardee, she is also a founding member of The People of Cabaret.

Hayden Tonazzi

Director

Director

Hayden Tonazzi

(

they/he

)

is an award-winning director and creative producer who in 2025 was appointed the Artistic Director & CEO of the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP). A graduate of the 2019 NIDA MFA Directing Program, for over eight years they have worked across new writing in theatre and musical theatre.

Miranda Middleton

Co-Director & Choreographer

Co-Director & Choreographer

Miranda Middleton

(

she/her

)

is an award-winning director, writer and choreographer with an MFA (Directing) from NIDA. Her work explores the intersection of text, music and movement, creating theatre that sparks joy and connection. She has directed productions with Hayes Theatre Co, Sydney Festival, VASS, Rogue Projects and more, and was nominated for a Green Room Award for The Grinning Man and received the 2024 Sandra Bates Director’s Award.

Madeleine Picard

Sound Designer

Sound Designer

Madeleine Picard

(

she/her

)

is a sound designer & composer specialising in live theatre. Combining her backgrounds in technical theatre and music, she is interested in storytelling through sound and in being part of the creation of new Australian theatrical works. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Theatre & Stage Management) from NIDA. Her work on Shitty was nominated for a 2024 Sydney Theatre Award - Best Sound Design & Composition of an Independent Production.

Aden Abeleda

Associate Director & Producer

Associate Director & Producer

Aden Abeleda

(

he/him

)

is a director, producer and performer with a BA in Arts Industries and Management from Macquarie University. He co-produced and directed Ignite Theatre Company’s sold-out debut Carrie: The Musical (2023) and their recent Ignite Before Christmas (2024). Performance credits include Shrek the Musical, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia! and Definitely NOT a Hungry Game at Sydney Fringe and Adelaide Fringe. He has worked with Hayes Theatre Co, ATYP and Packemin Productions.

Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu

Cultural Consultant

Cultural Consultant

Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu

(

he/him

)

is a proud storyteller of Sāmoan heritage living and working in Darug & Dharawal country. He is the founder and creative director of Satiu Studios, one of few independent production companies dedicated to Pacific voices and stories in the country. In the past year, Gabriel produced the Pacific documentary installation One Ocean, Many Waves, co-founded the Tagata Moana Writers Hub, won Best Emerging Producer for Where I’m From, curated Pacific storytelling events, and worked across major arts organisations championing queer Pacific voices.

Victoria Falconer-Pritchard

Industry Mentor

Industry Mentor

Victoria Falconer-Pritchard

(

she/her

)

is a performer, music director, multi-instrumentalist and writer of Filipino-English heritage, and Co-Artistic Director of Hayes Theatre Co. Her work spans cabaret, theatre and cross-disciplinary performance, with credits including Smashed: The Nightcap, The Sight, The Vali Myers Project and Smashed: The Brunch Party. A 40 Under 40 Asian-Australian awardee, she is also a founding member of The People of Cabaret.

Hayden Tonazzi

Director

Director

Hayden Tonazzi

(

they/he

)

is an award-winning director and creative producer who in 2025 was appointed the Artistic Director & CEO of the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP). A graduate of the 2019 NIDA MFA Directing Program, for over eight years they have worked across new writing in theatre and musical theatre.

Miranda Middleton

Co-Director & Choreographer

Co-Director & Choreographer

Miranda Middleton

(

she/her

)

is an award-winning director, writer and choreographer with an MFA (Directing) from NIDA. Her work explores the intersection of text, music and movement, creating theatre that sparks joy and connection. She has directed productions with Hayes Theatre Co, Sydney Festival, VASS, Rogue Projects and more, and was nominated for a Green Room Award for The Grinning Man and received the 2024 Sandra Bates Director’s Award.

Madeleine Picard

Sound Designer

Sound Designer

Madeleine Picard

(

she/her

)

is a sound designer & composer specialising in live theatre. Combining her backgrounds in technical theatre and music, she is interested in storytelling through sound and in being part of the creation of new Australian theatrical works. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Theatre & Stage Management) from NIDA. Her work on Shitty was nominated for a 2024 Sydney Theatre Award - Best Sound Design & Composition of an Independent Production.

Aden Abeleda

Associate Director & Producer

Associate Director & Producer

Aden Abeleda

(

he/him

)

is a director, producer and performer with a BA in Arts Industries and Management from Macquarie University. He co-produced and directed Ignite Theatre Company’s sold-out debut Carrie: The Musical (2023) and their recent Ignite Before Christmas (2024). Performance credits include Shrek the Musical, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia! and Definitely NOT a Hungry Game at Sydney Fringe and Adelaide Fringe. He has worked with Hayes Theatre Co, ATYP and Packemin Productions.

Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu

Cultural Consultant

Cultural Consultant

Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu

(

he/him

)

is a proud storyteller of Sāmoan heritage living and working in Darug & Dharawal country. He is the founder and creative director of Satiu Studios, one of few independent production companies dedicated to Pacific voices and stories in the country. In the past year, Gabriel produced the Pacific documentary installation One Ocean, Many Waves, co-founded the Tagata Moana Writers Hub, won Best Emerging Producer for Where I’m From, curated Pacific storytelling events, and worked across major arts organisations championing queer Pacific voices.

Victoria Falconer-Pritchard

Industry Mentor

Industry Mentor

Victoria Falconer-Pritchard

(

she/her

)

is a performer, music director, multi-instrumentalist and writer of Filipino-English heritage, and Co-Artistic Director of Hayes Theatre Co. Her work spans cabaret, theatre and cross-disciplinary performance, with credits including Smashed: The Nightcap, The Sight, The Vali Myers Project and Smashed: The Brunch Party. A 40 Under 40 Asian-Australian awardee, she is also a founding member of The People of Cabaret.

Hayden Tonazzi

Director

Director

Hayden Tonazzi

(

they/he

)

is an award-winning director and creative producer who in 2025 was appointed the Artistic Director & CEO of the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP). A graduate of the 2019 NIDA MFA Directing Program, for over eight years they have worked across new writing in theatre and musical theatre.

Miranda Middleton

Co-Director & Choreographer

Co-Director & Choreographer

Miranda Middleton

(

she/her

)

is an award-winning director, writer and choreographer with an MFA (Directing) from NIDA. Her work explores the intersection of text, music and movement, creating theatre that sparks joy and connection. She has directed productions with Hayes Theatre Co, Sydney Festival, VASS, Rogue Projects and more, and was nominated for a Green Room Award for The Grinning Man and received the 2024 Sandra Bates Director’s Award.

Madeleine Picard

Sound Designer

Sound Designer

Madeleine Picard

(

she/her

)

is a sound designer & composer specialising in live theatre. Combining her backgrounds in technical theatre and music, she is interested in storytelling through sound and in being part of the creation of new Australian theatrical works. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Theatre & Stage Management) from NIDA. Her work on Shitty was nominated for a 2024 Sydney Theatre Award - Best Sound Design & Composition of an Independent Production.

Aden Abeleda

Associate Director & Producer

Associate Director & Producer

Aden Abeleda

(

he/him

)

is a director, producer and performer with a BA in Arts Industries and Management from Macquarie University. He co-produced and directed Ignite Theatre Company’s sold-out debut Carrie: The Musical (2023) and their recent Ignite Before Christmas (2024). Performance credits include Shrek the Musical, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia! and Definitely NOT a Hungry Game at Sydney Fringe and Adelaide Fringe. He has worked with Hayes Theatre Co, ATYP and Packemin Productions.

Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu

Cultural Consultant

Cultural Consultant

Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu

(

he/him

)

is a proud storyteller of Sāmoan heritage living and working in Darug & Dharawal country. He is the founder and creative director of Satiu Studios, one of few independent production companies dedicated to Pacific voices and stories in the country. In the past year, Gabriel produced the Pacific documentary installation One Ocean, Many Waves, co-founded the Tagata Moana Writers Hub, won Best Emerging Producer for Where I’m From, curated Pacific storytelling events, and worked across major arts organisations championing queer Pacific voices.

Victoria Falconer-Pritchard

Industry Mentor

Industry Mentor

Victoria Falconer-Pritchard

(

she/her

)

is a performer, music director, multi-instrumentalist and writer of Filipino-English heritage, and Co-Artistic Director of Hayes Theatre Co. Her work spans cabaret, theatre and cross-disciplinary performance, with credits including Smashed: The Nightcap, The Sight, The Vali Myers Project and Smashed: The Brunch Party. A 40 Under 40 Asian-Australian awardee, she is also a founding member of The People of Cabaret.