From Succession to Solo Stage Triumph
Sarah Snook, best known globally for her Emmy-winning role as Shiv Roy in HBO’s Succession, has once again captured critical and audience acclaim—this time on the theatre world’s biggest stage. Australian actor Sarah Snook captivated Broadway audiences with her remarkable solo portrayal in The Picture of Dorian Gray, a role that earned her widespread critical acclaim and recognition at the 2025 Tony Awards.
In this ambitious production, Snook singlehandedly performs over two dozen characters, showcasing not just versatility but remarkable emotional range. The play, originally adapted and performed in Sydney and London, found equal success in New York, where it played to packed houses and glowing reviews. Her Broadway run has redefined what’s possible for a one-actor play—and confirmed Snook’s position as a powerhouse of modern performance.
Sarah Snook accepting the 2025 Tony Awards.
Source: YouTube
How to Watch the Tony Awards in Australia
Australian audiences were able to catch the 2025 Tony Awards live on June 10 through streaming platforms such as Paramount+, with delayed coverage also made available via ABC iview. Social media exploded with Australian pride as Snook was celebrated not only for her performance, but also for breaking new ground for Australian theatre internationally.
“I never imagined this play would take me from Adelaide to Broadway,” Snook said in her acceptance speech. “It’s a privilege to tell this story every night—and to play every person in it.”
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The Picture of Dorian Gray: A Theatrical Tour de Force
Snook’s version of The Picture of Dorian Gray is no ordinary adaptation. Directed by Kip Williams of Sydney Theatre Company fame, the production uses live video, rapid costume changes, and immersive audio to allow Snook to embody dozens of characters—from the haunting Dorian himself to the entire society that surrounds him.
Critics have called the production “a masterclass in precision” and “one of the most technically and emotionally demanding pieces of modern theatre.”
Originally developed and premiered in Australia, the show’s transition to Broadway was met with scepticism by some—but Snook proved all doubters wrong with an electric, deeply human performance.
Snook performs a scene from The Picture of Dorian Gray, embodying multiple characters live.
Source: Sara Krulwich/The New York Times
Aussie Talent Leading the Global Stage
Sarah Snook’s Tony win comes amid a strong showing of Australian artists on international stages, including breakout playwrights, designers, and performers contributing to Broadway’s evolving landscape.
While George Clooney was one of the night’s notable snubs, Australian and UK talents saw multiple wins, including Nicole Scherzinger’s acclaimed role in Sunset Boulevard. Snook, however, stood alone as the only performer to carry an entire show solo—and win for it.
“She didn’t just act. She orchestrated,” said one US critic following her final preview performance.
Her win is seen as a major victory for experimental theatre and for Australian storytelling on the world stage.
Sarah Snook backstage at the Tonys after the win.
Source: Tom + Lorenzo
What’s Next for Snook?
While fans hope to see more of Snook back on Australian screens, the success of her stage work has opened doors to future projects in both film and live theatre. Rumours are already swirling about a cinematic adaptation of Dorian Gray with Snook reprising her multi-role performance in a hybrid film-theatre format.
She’s also reportedly in discussions for a new television series, though her representatives have yet to confirm.
What’s clear is this: Sarah Snook is no longer just a star of television drama. She now stands among the most inventive and fearless performers of her era, commanding attention wherever she takes the stage.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Australian Theatre
The 2025 Tony Awards have not only honoured a singular performance but have also celebrated the rise of Australian storytelling in the global arts scene. Sarah Snook, through talent, risk-taking, and an uncanny ability to command a stage solo, has made theatrical history.
For audiences back home and around the world, Snook’s journey from Succession to Dorian Gray is a reminder of what happens when ambition, creativity, and national pride come together on the world’s brightest stage.
