The Old Nick Company

The Old Nick Company was formed at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) in 1948 following a tour by Britain's Old Vic Company. Naturally, the name of our company was therefore chosen to parody the Old Vic Company. 

While the company was originally based on campus, with limited and primitive office and wardrobe facilities, it has grown to the point that it now operates out of a purpose built wardrobe/ workshop/ rehearsal/ administration facility in North Hobart, which is also used by other companies for set-building, rehearsal and wardrobe purposes. 

Contrary to popular belief, Old Nick has no affiliation or link with UTAS whatsoever (a fact they like to reiterate to anybody who will listen!). You also do not have to be a uni student to perform.

We are a unique theatre company in that all of our activities are funded by one original show - the annual summer school, one of the state's most popular theatrical events. The company has also staged a wide variety of theatre ranging from Shakespeare to pantomime and many original works, and provided a starting point for many of the country's arts professionals, including directors, actors, writers, technical staff and administrators.

The company invests back into the arts and youth of Tasmania by using the profits made from our popular Uni Revue to produce the annual Summer School. This project combines the knowledge of trained teachers with those wanting to learn skills, not only on stage, but backstage and in production as well. Students aged 14 to 20 from many colleges and high schools in Hobart come together to put on an amazing show every year since 2005!