We make extra-ordinary theatre
An observatory is a place to dream, to imagine, to behold new worlds and realities. We search for the unusual, curious and strange.
Since we started in 2021, Observatory Theatre has been all about creating space for emerging Brisbane artists to thrive. We champion new work and bring together emerging and established theatre-makers to collaborate, learn, and grow. More than just putting on shows, we’re about building a community where creativity and bold storytelling take centre stage.
Our programming is driven by a desire for daring, inventive, and imaginative theatre that investigates our complicated modern world. We embrace bold ideas that challenge and inspire, ensuring that we resonate with contemporary audiences in fresh and meaningful ways.
Over the past five years, we’ve tackled big themes: climate change in “The Turquoise Elephant” (2023), ancient folklore through a feminist lens in “Destiny Doomed” (2022), and AI-driven robotic futures in “Control” (2022).
We’re locked in to boost opportunities for artists, strengthen career pathways, and support the creation of new Australian work. Our flagship initiative is the Telescope New Writing Program, which provides essential opportunities for emerging playwrights to bring their big, bold, and burning ideas to life on stage. We encourage imagination and experimentation, supporting playwrights through dedicated support, workshopping and development, all the way to production.
"It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly" - Monet
The Team
Founder & Creative Producer
Lachlan Driscoll
Lachlan is a theatre director and producer. Credits include: As Director: DISNEY OFF ICE, PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, THE TURQUOISE ELEPHANT and PORTRAITS (all for Observatory Theatre); AS TOLD BY THE BOYS WHO FED ME APPLES (Anywhere Festival); WRITER’S BLOCK and AGE IS JUST A NUMBER (PIP Theatre Toucan Club); MIDNIGHT AT THE CEMETERY (Blue Roo Theatre Company); As Devisor: HANDLE WITH CARE (Ad Astra).
Lachlan has produced shows at Wynnum Fringe, Anywhere Festival, Fringe Brisbane and Backbone Festival. Their 2021 show UTOPIA! was supported by Moreton Bay Regional Council and performed at the Redcliffe Museum. They are also the Creative Director of Northside Studio, an arts hub dedicated to workshops and opportunities for artists.
Lachlan is passionate about new plays and performance work, and is involved in their development as a dramaturg and creative producer. Other experience includes: Member of Australian Theatre for Young People “Yabbies” (Youth Advisory Board), Residency at Lighthouse Arts, and Festival Director Internship at Anywhere Festival.
Lachlan has a Bachelor of Arts (Theatre & Performance) and a Certificate III in Performing Arts.
Associate Producer & Marketing Director
Lucy Rayner-Toy
Lucy is driven by a desire to create opportunities for people to engage with art and be changed by the experience. As an artist, she produces, directs, writes, and acts - mainly in theatre and occasionally on screen.
As an arts-worker, she advertises live performance, film, and events. Namely, Lucy is the Digital Content Lead at Brisbane Festival where she specialises in multi-channel social media management and copywriting for the 70+ show program. She’s also worked in arts marketing for Theatre Haus, Room To Play Kids, and most notably Observatory Theatre, where she is also Associate Producer. As an artist, her recent credits include performing at PIP Theatre's Toucan Club and co-writing and performing in an original production at Backbone Festival.
Lucy’s training highlights consist of a year of acting classes with Gareth Harris, La Boite’s Young Artist Company, and Physical Theatre workshops with Noa Rotem (formerly of Zen Zen Zo). Lucy also holds dual Bachelors in Business and Arts, with focuses in Marketing, Psychology, Drama, and Film (UQ).
During her time at university, she founded, co-directed, wrote, and performed in the institution's first — and now annual and award-winning — Business Revue (comedy sketch and musical parody show). This project epitomises her passion for creating opportunities in, and sharing the joy and impact of, the arts.
Artistic Associate
Emma Churchland
Emma Churchland is a passionate and versatile theatre educator, dramaturg, and practitioner dedicated to fostering creativity, connection, and community in the arts. As the co-founder of IMRSE, a theatre company specialising in immersive experiences, Emma creates bold, transformative work that captivates audiences and challenges perceptions. IMRSE is proudly the Company in Residence at Metro Arts for 2024/2025.
Emma’s projects include CAKE, which she co-created and produced. Nominated for three Matilda Awards and presented twice to sold-out audiences, CAKE exemplifies Emma’s ability to craft compelling and immersive theatrical experiences. She is equally passionate about merging theatre and education, believing in their power to inspire and transform.
Emma teaches at Queensland University of Technology, where she mentors emerging artists and collaborates with students on innovative projects. As a dramaturg, Emma collaborates with Brisbane playwrights, offering guidance to refine and elevate their work. She currently works as Education Manager for Shock Therapy Arts and has been elected to the Drama Queensland Committee in 2025.
Committed to building communities, Emma shares her expertise with independent theatre makers and emerging artists, ensuring that theatre remains a vital and transformative force in education and cultural engagement.
Values Statement
Observatory Theatre is all about collaboration, bold ideas, and pushing artistic boundaries. We believe theatre has the power to change lives, challenge perspectives, and spark conversation - for both the audience and the artists. Our work is designed to be impactful, thought-provoking, and adventurous. We aim for professional quality while embracing the freedom of an independent spirit, turning limitations into creative opportunities. Every project we take on is fueled by passion and a commitment to making great theatre. At the heart of it all, we’re dedicated to creating a space where artists feel safe, supported, and inspired to take risks. We encourage experimentation, exploration, and fearless creativity, because that’s where the magic happens.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement
We’re here to make a real impact on Brisbane’s theatre scene and on theatre itself. For us, that starts with inclusion and collaboration. The more diverse voices and perspectives we bring into our work, the richer and more meaningful our stories become. At Observatory Theatre, there’s always room at the table. We welcome artists from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life to come and create with us. This is a space to play, explore, listen, share, experiment, and take risks. To try, fail, and try again, not just in spite of our differences, but because of them.
