Roll into the world of the 80s with Xanadu Jr.

Roll into the unashamed world of roller disco and 80s deliciousness with Lane Cove Theatre Company’s production of Xanadu Jr. It promises to be a glittery fever dream with a side of legwarmers. Join and support this young cast and volunteer-run production of a beloved cult classic musical.

A Greek muse on roller skates

Xanadu Jr is based on the 1980 film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Kira, a Greek muse, comes down to Venice Beach, California, to inspire a struggling artist named Sonny to open the first roller disco. Their romance sends Kira’s jealous sisters into creating chaos.

The book is by Douglas Carter Beane with music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Directed by Trent Gardiner and Jeremy Segal with a cast of 38 children aged 8 to 15, Xanadu Jr will be a fun family night out at the local theatre.

Jeremy Segal told In the Cove he loved introducing the next generation to the disco era in a musical that “goes a little bit against the norm.”

Teaching kids about the 80s

Something very special about this musical was introducing kids to a story they have most likely never had the chance to experience. Segal laughed about having to teach the kids what life was like in the 80s. “We had to introduce a phone book, [and] what a phone book was used for.”

With an entirely children’s cast Segal found the “vibes are a lot more brighter.” Adult productions can of course be fun, especially when everyone is giving their time voluntarily. They just come with a bit more seriousness and discipline. Kids’ productions, according to Segal, have a lot more energy. “With the kids production it’s a little bit more silliness that goes around,” he said.

That excitement and spirit perfectly suits Xanadu Jr, which makes room for big disco numbers and even scenes with kids on roller skates. One of Segal’s favourite moments is the song All Over the World. “Just the pinnacle of 1980s pop rock. It has this fantastic beat, it gets people up and moving and dancing and it’s just a really fun time.”

Booking info

• Where: The Pottery Lane Performance Space, Lower Ground Floor, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove. Parking is available in the Little Street underground carpark next to the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre
• When: 13 to 29 November 2026
• Run time: about 1 hour 20 minutes
• Tickets: Adults $35, concession $30, children aged 4 to 12 $22, family of four (two adults and two children) $95 and groups of 10 or more $28 each. Ticket and cheese plate combos are also available

Showtimes

• Friday 13 November, 7.30pm to 9pm (almost sold out)
• Saturday 14 November, 5pm to 6.30pm
• Sunday 15 November, 3pm to 4.30pm
• Friday 20 November, 7.30pm to 9pm
• Saturday 21 November, 5pm to 6.30pm
• Sunday 22 November, 3pm to 4.30pm
• Friday 27 November, 7.30pm to 9pm
• Saturday 28 November, 5pm to 6.30pm
• Sunday 29 November, 3pm to 4.30pm

Book Xanadu Jr tickets on TryBooking

What’s next for Lane Cove Theatre Company

Xanadu Jr closes LCTC’s 2026 season. The 2027 season opens with Peter and the Starcatcher at the Pottery Lane Performance Space from 19 to 28 February 2027.

About Lane Cove Theatre Company

Lane Cove Theatre Company is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that aims to make theatre accessible to everyone in the local community. It is committed to the thriving performing arts scene on Sydney’s Lower North Shore and the wider arts community. The company presents four full-scale productions every year and all profits are invested back into the performing arts and cultural community in Lane Cove.

Find out more at Lane Cove Theatre Company.