Hugh Jackman has dominated screens and stages for decades, from his legendary Broadway performances to his blockbuster Hollywood roles. Sonia Friedman has shaped modern theatre, producing some of the most groundbreaking shows in recent history. Now, they are joining forces to launch TOGETHER, a theatre company built on collaboration, intimacy, and a deep respect for storytelling.
Unlike traditional commercial theatre, TOGETHER strips performances down to their raw essence, focusing on fully rehearsed, short-run productions with minimal staging. Working alongside director Ian Rickson, Jackman and Friedman aim to create a theatre space free from financial and creative constraints, prioritizing artistic risk over spectacle.
A Return to the Essence of Theatre
TOGETHER promises an experience unlike anything on Broadway or the West End. Instead of large-scale, long-running productions with extravagant sets, TOGETHER focuses on the power of live performance in its purest form.
- Small Venues, Big Names: Established actors will perform just feet away from audiences, creating an electric, immersive connection.
- Minimalist Staging, Maximum Impact: Productions will forgo elaborate sets and effects, drawing all attention to the performers and the script.
- Affordable Access: A large portion of the house will remain at an accessible price point, making high-quality theatre available to a broader audience.
Jackman and Friedman are clearโTOGETHER is not a replacement for Broadway or the West End. Instead, it is an alternative space where actors, writers, and directors can experiment without commercial pressures.
Sonia Friedman and @RealHughJackman have launched a “theatrical partnership” aimed at creating “intimate and accessible” live theatre in smaller-scale venues ๐ https://t.co/Q1EBeQIvnX
โ The Stage (@TheStage) March 19, 2025
Breaking Away from Traditional Theatre Models
Theatre, especially in the West End and on Broadway, often follows a rigid structure:
- Long rehearsal periods
- Big-budget productions with heavy investor influence
- Fixed, extensive runs
TOGETHER flips that model by embracing fluidity and spontaneity. Productions will have short runs, allowing actors and creatives to cycle through different projects quickly. The company will also introduce repertory-style programming, where multiple plays rotate in the same venue.
Jackman explained the vision:
“We love the excitement of a first reading, the thrill of stepping into an unexpected role. With TOGETHER, we want to bring that energy to the audience and let them experience theatre as it evolves.”
Friedman echoed the sentiment:
“Theatre is about connection. By stripping away the excess, weโre allowing the audience to be part of something raw and real.”
Why TOGETHER Could Reshape Theatreโs Future
The industry has been craving new approaches. Massive productions dominate Broadway and the West End, but they come with significant risks and financial burdens. TOGETHER provides a model that:
- Reduces financial barriers for audiences and artists
- Encourages innovation in performance styles
- Offers an alternative to corporate-driven theatre
By keeping things intimate, flexible, and artist-driven, Jackman and Friedman are tapping into a demand for more experimental, immediate, and emotionally powerful theatre experiences.
Whatโs Next for TOGETHER?
TOGETHER plans to launch in both the US and UK, with pop-up performances, staged readings, and fully realized productions in unconventional spaces. The goal is to expand beyond traditional theatre audiences while maintaining the integrity of live storytelling.
Jackman, known for his larger-than-life performances, is making an unexpected pivotโone that could redefine modern theatre. TOGETHER is not about making theatre bigger. It is about making theatre matter.
For more information, visit www.togethertheatre.com.
