Shake & Stir and Civic Theatre Newcastle presents GRIMM: TALES FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM
Announcement posted by Thurnham Teece 17 Aug 2026
Happily ever after? Not a chance.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Monday 17th AUGUST - Opening next month, the smash-hit, deliciously-twisted production GRIMM will cast its spell over Newcastle on 16 & 17 September 2026.
Within shadowy corridors and haunting landscapes, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and an array of familiar figures emerge to reveal the twisted, unsettling and often hilarious truths beneath the fairy tales we thought we knew.
From the acclaimed company behind the theatrical triumphs Frankenstein, 1984 and Fantastic Mr Fox - GRIMM reworks these iconic tales from the Brothers Grimm into a high-octane stage experience that delights, disturbs and surprises in equal measure.
Shake & Stir Artistic Director Nick Skubij said the success of the production confirmed what the company had long suspected about the enduring power of the Grimm tales.
"These stories have fascinated us for years. Reworked and adapted time and time again, seeing audiences respond so strongly to the original versions' darkness, humour and complexity has been highly rewarding," Skubij said.
"They're stories people think they know, but here, audience will see something a bit different. Because of this, the morals, the brutality, and the humanity feel startlingly new - and relevant. GRIMM lets some hard truths rise to the surface."
The production is helmed by award‑winning writer and director Daniel Evans, who brings his signature blend of precision storytelling and theatrical surprise - delivering a production that is visually arresting, sharply paced and rich in atmosphere.
Evans, currently the Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre Company, has a long list of credits including The Great Gatsby (Co-Directed with Skubij), A Few Good Men and Vietgone.
"Dan's ability to balance theatrical grit with emotional clarity is extraordinary," Skubij said. "His staging of GRIMM pushes expectations and keeps audiences leaning forward and salivating for more. It's theatre that refuses to sit politely in the dark."
Adding to the production's bewitching visual identity is the work of celebrated Australian fashion designer and proud Marrithiyal man Paul McCann, whose costumes drew acclaim for their stunning elegance and theatrical flourishes.
Renowned for his high-end, luxe designs worn by celebs on red carpets around the world and celebrated as one of Australia's leading First Nations fashion voices, McCann's costumes bring a fierce, contemporary edge to the Grimm world.
"Paul's designs don't just dress the story - they elevate it," Skubij said. "They're fearless, glamorous and unforgettable. Seeing his work command the stage has been another great joy of this production."
A wonderfully irreverent re-imagining." The Blurb
"Shake & Stir have managed to spin straw into gold." Brisbane Times
"One of Brisbane Festival 2024's standouts and hottest tickets." In Review
GRIMM Created and adapted by Shake & Stir Theatre Co
Venue: Civic Theatre Newcastle
Season: 16 & 17 September 2026
Book now: https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/grimm
Creatives
Adaptor Nelle Lee Director Daniel Evans Costume Designer Paul McCann Set Designer Josh McIntosh Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest Sound Designer / Composer Guy Webster Creators Ross Balbuziente, Nelle Lee, and Nick Skubij
Featuring Aljin Abella, Helen Cassidy, Nelle Lee and Henry Rollo
Presented by Shake & Stir Theatre Co AND Civic Theatre Newcastle
Age recommendation: 14 years and over
Warnings: This production contains: adult themes, simulated violence and gore, infrequent coarse language, depiction of alcohol consumption, smoke effects, strobe lighting, and loud sound effects/music.
For further media information, please contact:
Lyn Thurnham lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au 0418 490989