Hugh Jackman Delivers Major Endorsement to Melbourne’s Small Theatre

Hugh Jackman Champions Regional Theatre in Heartfelt Instagram Post

Australian actor Hugh Jackman, 56, has thrown his support behind a small theatre in Mount Macedon, Victoria, praising its upcoming production of The Appleton Ladies Potato Race. Taking to Instagram Stories, the Wolverine star urged fans to visit the 100-seat Mountview Theatre, run by his former drama school colleague Mark Constable.

“It’s an Aussie gem—funny, moving, and brilliantly directed by my mate Mark,” said Jackman, who studied alongside Constable at drama school. The play, running June 13–29, follows Dr. Penny Anderson’s quest to challenge gender pay disparity in her hometown’s potato race tradition. A clash ensues between progressive ideals and rural traditions, promising laughs and heartfelt moments.

Image suggestion: Hugh’s Instagram Story screenshot promoting the play.

Despite his global fame, Jackman emphasized the importance of grassroots theatre: “Regional venues like Mountview make art accessible. Don’t miss this!” The theatre’s intimate setting and the play’s themes of equality have already sparked buzz, with Jackman hinting at a possible extension.

Image suggestion: Exterior of Mountview Theatre or cast rehearsing Potato Race.

Balancing Stage Passion and Personal Life

Jackman’s endorsement comes as he stars in two stage projects: his solo Hugh Jackman: Live and the off-Broadway play Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes. The latter, a provocative drama, features steamy scenes with co-star Ella Beatty (daughter of Warren Beatty), sparking chatter given Jackman’s new romance with Broadway actress Sutton Foster, 50.

Image suggestion: Jackman and Beatty in rehearsal, laughing backstage.

The actor recently admitted on Good Morning America that theatre fuels him: “I wasn’t acting enough. Onstage, I feel alive.” His return to theatre coincides with personal changes, including his 2023 split from wife Deborra-Lee Furness after 27 years. The pair, who share two children, stated they separated to focus on “individual growth.”

Image suggestion: Jackman and Foster holding hands at a curtain call.

While Foster has supported Jackman backstage, his onstage chemistry with Beatty—including explicit dialogue—has drawn attention. Yet, Jackman remains focused on his craft, calling theatre “a dream.”

Final image suggestion: Jackman smiling during a live performance, capturing his passion for the stage.

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