Some theatre people constantly surprise you, and their names alone can spur you to buy a ticket. Sheridan Harbridge is one such artist. She blew audiences away in Suzie Miller's Prima Facie, and she's now a writer or director on four upcoming productions: My Brilliant Career, Life in Plastic, A Model Murder and Phar Lap: The Musical.

Also, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs pay tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein in Showstoppers, and more than 40 years after the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires, a community revisits the ordeal on stage in a play called Ash Wednesday. It will be read by Shane Jacobson, Pia Miranda and community members at this year's Mountain Festival.