Time. Goes. On.
With an eye on the future, Griffin Lookout champions works by the next generation of exceptional theatre makers.
Griffin Lookout provides Sydney’s most exciting independent theatremakers with a season at Griffin as well as producing and artistic support from the Griffin team.
Birdsong of Tomorrow by Nathan Harrison is one of 2025’s Griffin Lookout productions, alongside SISTREN by Iolanthe.
The wandering albatross. The buff-breasted paradise kingfisher. The superb fairywren. Every day across this country, birds sing. Songs passed down through generations. Songs of a world that’s gone and a world that’s changing. Birds fill every part of the planet with melody and colour. They soar and swim and run. And a lot of them are chickens.
Nathan Harrison (Hottest 100 of Animals: A Countdown for the Anthropocene) is a professional theatre-maker and an amateur birdwatcher, who has seen roughly 150 varieties in the last year alone. Blending science, storytelling, music and video, Birdsong of Tomorrow is a playful and heartfelt look at our rapidly changing environment—and what birds might sing when we’re gone.
Director Emma McManus
Composer & Sound Designer Tom Hogan
Video & Production Designers Clare Britton, Troy Reid, Solomon Thomas
Lighting Designer Saint Clair
Stage Manager Madelaine Osborn
With Nathan Harrison, Tom Hogan, Julia Johson (cover)
In association with Old Fitz Theatre & Merrigong Theatre Company
Venue
The Old Fitz Theatre*
129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo
Previews 21 – 23 August
Opening Night 24 August
Season 26 August – 13 September
Performance Times
Tuesday – Friday 7pm
Saturday 1pm & 7pm
Sunday 5pm
Birdsong of Tomorrow has an approximate run time of 60 minutes (no interval).
* Please note, the Old Fitz Theatre is an over 18 venue. Ticketholders under 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
2025 Lookout Pricing
GRIFFIN LOOKOUT
| SISTREN | Birdsong of Tomorrow | |
| General Release | $48 | |
| Subscription | $42 | |
This production of Birdsong of Tomorrow contains discussions of grief.
Please reach out to the Griffin team if you require any further information or support.
“Harrison is a gently erudite host. His enthusiasm is palpably genuine, as are his emotions, which flicker just below the surface, ready to well up.”★★★★—Jason Blake, Limelight
“Let’s just celebrate Nathan Harrison’s absorbing writing and delivery.”—John Shand, The Sydney Morning Herald
“It’s not only beguilingly educational, it’s also bitingly funny.”—Justin Clarke, Theatre Thoughts
“Tom Hogan’s inventive live musical accompaniment enriches the experience immeasurably.”—Suzy Wrong, Suzy Goes See
“For bird enthusiasts and those wanting to learn a little more about birds, this is certainly a piece of theatre you will not want to miss.”—Kiran Gupta, Musical Theatre AU
“Nathan Harrison’s monologue, a considered melding of autobiography and documentary, Birdsong of Tomorrow, brings comfort and inspiration.”—Catherine Skipper, South Sydney Herald
“He performs with the confidence only granted to someone with complete faith in his writing, he is funny, honest, and deeply likeable.”—Benjamin Tigre La, SUDS
“The show’s playful mix of education and entertainment is enhanced by video and production design from Clare Britton, Troy Reid, and Solomon Thomas.”—Natasha Ciesielski, Bacchus at the Theatre
Birdsong of Tomorrow was developed as part of Griffin Studio, with support from the Malcolm Robertson Foundation and Griffin Studio donors. This work was supported by Shopfront Arts Co-op’s Open Shop program and has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Griffin Lookout in 2025 is generously supported by Shane & Cathryn Brennan.
@griffintheatre