January 2026: Award winning producers Drew Anthony Creative are continuing their 2026 east coast season with the announcement of a powerful stage adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, which is set to open at Melbourne’s historic Athenaeum Theatre from March 4, 2026. With previous productions taking out a Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award this production comes directly from its own critically acclaimed sell out season at The Heath Ledger Theatre in Perth, and will debut in Melbourne before moving onto the State Theatre in Sydney.
This brand-new production allows audiences to step into one of the most inspiring true stories of the 20th century, as it masterfully brings to life the remarkable true story of 13-year-old Anne Frank – a young Jewish girl hiding with her family for two years in occupied Amsterdam during World War II. Through Anne’s extraordinary diary, audiences are given an intimate view into the challenges, fears, and small triumphs of their life in hiding. Anne’s teenage diary has made her one of the most powerful voices in literature, as a young girl whose hope, humour, and unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity continue to inspire millions even today.
Written in 1955 by playwrights Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, the stage play is based on the original book, The Diary of Anne Frank, which published by Anne’s father, Otto Frank and details Anne’s experiences and insights while she and her family were in hiding, living in a constant fear of being arrested.
Director Drew Anthony says, “It has been my absolute privilege to stage this production in Perth, and I am thrilled to be bringing this play to Melbourne. The enduring power of Anne’s voice resonates through time, offering a profound call for tolerance, courage, and compassion. As prejudice and division continue to challenge our world, Anne’s diary serves as a vital reminder to learn from the past, value our freedoms, and strive toward a more hopeful future.”
The Diary of Anne Frank will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from Tuesday to Sunday from March 4 until March 14. The show is a deeply moving production that combines brilliant performances and skilled narration to create an experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
“It is a life-changing experience, a call to remembrance, and a doorway into empathy, resilience, and the necessity of continuing the fight for human dignity.”
OUTinPerth
“There is no doubt this is a well-acted and moving piece of theatre that highlights the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of unspeakable barbarity.”
Perth Theatre Reviews
The Diary of Anne Frank is a testament to the human spirit that continues to resonate and inspire. Don’t miss the chance to witness this story of strength and perseverance.
Tickets are now on sale for THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK via www.ticketmaster.com.au. This production is recommended for audiences 10 years +
PRODUCTION TEAM
| Producer | Drew Anthony Creative |
| Associate Producer | Rachel Burgess |
| Director | Drew Anthony |
| Production Design | Drew Anthony |
| Costume Design | Annette Stivaletta |
| Lighting Design | Drew Anthony & Jason Bovaird |
| DAC Social Media Videography | Abbey Burton |
DURATION
2hr 10 min with a 20-minute interval
WHERE
The Athenaeum Theatre, Collins Street, Melbourne
ABOUT DREW ANTHONY
Drew Anthony has had an extensive career in the creative and performing arts, both in Australia and internationally. He started as a musical theatre performer and later became a Creative Director, Event Director/Choreographer, and Producer. His experience spans arts and cultural festivals, corporate and civic events, national and international ceremonies, live broadcast, professional theatre productions, and major concert events.
His creative work includes producing, directing, and choreographing numerous musical theatre productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, Footloose the Musical, The Wedding Singer, Saturday Night Fever, A Chorus Line, and Strictly Ballroom the Musical. He has also served as a Senior Creative for large-scale events like the Sydney 2000 Olympic Closing Ceremony, Winter Olympics Vancouver, Rugby World Cup 2011, White Night Melbourne and Ballarat, State of Origin, World Handball Championships and the Asian Games Doha 2006.
As a performer, he has appeared in musical theatre productions such as Hot Shoe Shuffle, 42nd Street, Cats, and Me and My Girl, touring internationally. He was also a motion capture actor/choreographer for the feature film, Happy Feet.
Drew has received several awards including Fred Astaire World Tap Champion (1984), Queensland Young Citizen of the Year (1985), Mo Awards for Best Choreography (Jolson, 2000) and Achievement in Musical Theatre (2001) and Finley Awards for Best Choreographer and Best Director for 42nd Street (2022). More recently, he received BroadwayWorld Australia awards for Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical for Strictly Ballroom (2023), and multiple awards for Saturday Night Fever (2024) and The Wedding Singer (2024).
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