David Williamson's 'The Social Ladder' Now Playing at the Ensemble Theatre

David Williamson’s hilarious new satire The Social Ladder is now playing at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney.

Katie (Mandy Bishop) doesn’t want a taste of the high life — she wants a seat at the table. When she invites elite Sydney power couple and art collecting heavyweights Charles (Andrew McFarlane) and Catherine Mallory (Sarah Chadwick) over for dinner, Katie’s all in. She’s betting big on charm, fine wine and a jaw-dropping painting she’s hired to add a stroke of “wow” to the walls. She’s got one chance to climb the social ladder, and she’s not about to waste it. As drinks flow and polite facades start to crack, the evening unravels into a night of lies, cover ups and social desperation.

“From Macbeth to August: Osage County, the dinner party that unravels has long been a theatrical trope. Veteran playwright David Williamson uses this to fine comedic effect, taking aim at his favourite subject – status-obsessed Sydney.” ★★★1/2  Sydney Morning Herald

"one of [Williamson's] best." ★★★★ Theatre Now

“It’s a sharp, social satire that has you laughing one moment and squirming in your seat the next.” The Scoop

Running until 14 March 2026 at the Ensemble Theatre. Photo by Phil Erbacher.