From the world premiere of an internationally best-selling South Australian novel and a musical homage to one of the world’s greatest singers, to a Tony Award-winning classic marking the return of one of Australia’s most beloved actresses, State Theatre Company’s 2023 season is set to excite and uplift theatregoers.

Four shows next year will form part of the matinee programA Date With State, which includes tea and coffee in the foyer one hour before the performance, and exclusive post-show cast Q&A sessions.

A Date With State aims to support older people to continue to enjoy theatre, despite changing life circumstances such as loss of a theatre buddy, through maintaining existing social networks and making new connections with others who share a common interest.

Artistic Director Mitchell Butel has assembled an exciting new season in 2023, starting with Edward Albee’s Tony-award-winning dark comedy masterpiece, The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia?

It marks Logie and AACTA award-winning star Claudia Karvan’s return to the stage after 25 years. She will star alongside Don Hany (Offspring, White Collar Blue), in this powerhouse co-production with Sydney Theatre Company.

“Claudia Karvan’s return to the stage, alongside the brilliant Don Hany, in this dazzling and devastating play, from the man who also wrote Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is big and wonderful news,” Mr Butel says. “The stars have aligned - I couldn’t be more excited.”

In August, the company presents Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, starring The Book of Mormon’s Zahra Newman as the late jazz legend Billie Holiday.

Newman’s talent and musical mastery take full flight in this fictional account of one of Holiday’s final performances, turning the Space Theatre into a cabaret club with a live jazz band. With signature charm and wit, Newman becomes the woman affectionally known as ‘Lady Day’ while performing Holiday’s greatest hits such as What a Little Moonlight Can Do, Strange Fruit and God Bless the Child.

South Australian author Pip Williams’ international bestseller The Dictionary of Lost Words is adapted for the stage by Verity Laughton in September.

Weaving fiction and real events, The Dictionary of Lost Words follows the story of young Esme, the daughter of one of the dictionary editors, who discovers the word ‘bondmaid’ missing from the dictionary, sparking a quest to uncover the other lost words dismissed by the men in charge.

Another SA book adaptation comes in November with Welcome To Your New Life, based on Anna Goldsworthy’s memoir of the same name.

With live songs, this charming but delightfully affecting and hilarious account of pregnancy and early motherhood comes to the Space Theatre under the direction of Shannon Rush.

All these shows can be booked as part of a State Theatre Company South Australia subscription. There is no additional cost for A Date With State, which is kindly supported by Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card. Just book on the nominated date as listed on the website.

“We’re so grateful to Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card for supporting the A Date with State program for 2023,” Mr Butel says. “I can’t wait to see everyone in the foyer over a cuppa.”

Bookings can made on 8415 5353 or by visiting the website.