Happily Ever After…WITH BRITNEY SPEARS
- intouch Magazine
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Hunter Drama is set to start its 2026 season with a bang and a whole lot of glitter. Once Upon A One More Time brings together rebellious princesses, girl-power storytelling, and the irresistible hits of pop superstar Britney Spears for a night of theatrical fun at the Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle, from 9–19 April.
This isn’t your typical fairy tale. When Cinderella, Snow White and their storybook sisters meet for book club, a rogue fairy godmother drops The Feminine Mystique into their hands. Suddenly, happily ever after isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning. The show cleverly mixes humour, heart and empowerment, using the stories of iconic princesses to explore identity, independence and female strength in today’s world.
Director Luke Baker says the production immediately captured his imagination. “The talent of these students is incredible,” he says. “I’ve watched Hunter Drama’s senior productions for years, and the energy, vocals and performance skills are so polished you forget they’re teenagers. When I found out this was the show for 2026, I couldn’t wait to get started.”
With 22 musical numbers and up to 30 Britney Spears hits, the show is as ambitious as it is entertaining. “It’s a theatrical feast and a pop concert all in one,” Baker says. “Our performers are giving everything they’ve got, and audiences are going to feel that energy from the moment the curtain rises.”
Choreographer Abbey Fotheringham says the music gives the story extra sparkle. “There’s so much variety in the songs - powerful ballads, sassy hits, energetic dance breaks. The students have thrown themselves into it, and it really shows on stage,” she says.
“Audiences arrive curious and leave completely won over.”
Once Upon A One More Time combines spectacle, laughter and a killer soundtrack to create a show that’s fun for all ages, with a message that resonates beyond the stage. It’s the perfect start to Hunter Drama’s 2026 season and a celebration of the next generation of local performers, confidence and creativity.
Tickets are on sale now - for a fairytale night that’s anything but ordinary. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/once-upon-a-one-more-time.
