#This Is Not Journalism

26 Sept - 4 Oct 2025

Presented by UpStage at the Playhouse

Written and Directed by Ross Mueller 
Produced by Australian Writers Theatre 

Breaking Story: World Premiere!

#This Is Not Journalism is a newsroom street fight. 

An urgent comedy about truth, news and alternative facts. 

NEWS ALERT: Conservative journalist, Brian Matthews is a star on Real Time News Network. A loud proud advocate for free speech and political incorrectness. He is a news-breaking, opinion-maker, friend of CEO’s and prime ministers and then… salacious rumours begin to emerge on social media and the RTN team is thrown into a dark night of ethical chaos. 

Everyone knows social media is a sewer, full of trolls, bots, liars, right?... But as new allegations emerge in real time, the truth starts to collide with alternative facts, and some unedifying Christmas party photocopies. The deadline clock is ticking. Will RTN choose to protect their star, or try to win the ratings? 

#This Is Not Journalism is a powder keg 75-minute comedy drama written and directed by Ross Mueller for some of Newcastle’s finest actors, including Philip McGrath & Mark Pegler. 

Director & Writer | Ross Mueller 

Mueller has written extensively legacy and online media. He covers politics, arts and sports as a freelance for News Corp and Crikey. His plays have been performed by Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company and Red Stitch Actors Theatre. In 2020 he was the winner of the Georgi Markov Award, BBC International Audio Drama Prize. He has been a resident writer at New York New Dramatists in New York City and the Royal Court Theatre in London. He is the Artistic Director and founder of Australian Writers Theatre. 
 
UpStage at the Playhouse is an initiative of Civic Theatre Newcastle for City of Newcastle.
 
Opening Night Discount - save $5pp 
To celebrate the opening night of UpStage performances, save $5pp and enjoy an exclusive Q&A with the playwright after the show. 

Recommended for ages 12 +.  Mature themes (sexual references) with some strong language.

Running time 75 mins. Times are approximate and subject to change without notice. 

Dates

  • Friday 26 September 2025 7:00 pm
  • Saturday 27 September 2025 2:00 pm
    7:00 pm
  • Thursday 02 October 2025 7:00 pm
  • Friday 03 October 2025 7:00 pm
  • Saturday 04 October 2025 2:00 pm
    7:00 pm

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A 1 cent variation may occur on your price per ticket/item due to rounding.

All ticket/item prices include GST, if applicable, and are quoted in AU$.

Prices

  • Standard $49
  • Opening Night - Standard $44
  • Concession $39
  • Full Time Student $39
  • Under 18 $39
Buy Tickets
*Fees & charges may apply

Contact

  • Civic Theatre Ticket Office
  • 49291977

Venue

Playhouse
Civic Theatre
375 Hunter Street
Newcastle
2300

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