Katos catches a dose of Saturday Night Fever

LOCAL performer Sophia Katos has landed a role in the upcoming smash hit musical Saturday Night Fever, set to take over the Athenaeum Theatre in January.

The production marks the return of Drew Anthony, one of Australia’s most renowned directors and choreographers, and is based on the 1977 cult film featuring John Travolta.

Katos is in the show as part of the ensemble and will also be an understudy for multiple lead roles.

The Geelong-based actress expressed her excitement to return to the historic venue for the production, coincidentally where her professional career began.

“I’m really excited to get back there with such an exciting show,” she said.

“I had my first professional gig ever at the Atheneum Theatre, so it’s been a while.

“I love the film, I love John Travolta, I love disco and this is going to be a really gritty production faithful to the original.”

Katos gave an insight into what showgoers can expect from the much-anticipated production.

“It’s going to explore the ideas of escapism, social aspirations, working class identity – we’re really going to transport audiences to the 1970s downtown Brooklyn disco and working-class environment,” she said.

“Audiences can expect the amazing disco music and to really escape. I think we can all do with a bit of escapism right now.”

The cast is set to get together to prepare for the show this month, with Katos in disbelief at some of the names she will work with.

“When you get into a show, you look up the cast and I’m blown away,” she said.

“We’ve got a really amazing and eclectic bunch of talent that I have admired, so I’m really looking forward to just meeting everyone and getting stuck into it.”

Katos is keen to represent Geelong on a national stage through the show, admitting that the town is beginning to make its mark in the industry.

“I’m just so proud of Geelong and always proud to do anything to represent my town,” she said.

“I feel like there’s something in the water in Geelong, there’s so many of us now working professionally in the industry.

“I find when I join a cast, usually someone else in the cast has a connection to Geelong. In the industry, people are like, ‘what’s with Geelong? There’s so much talent down there.’

“So it’s really good, we’ve got a great reputation.”

Saturday Night Fever will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from January 8 to January 25, 2026. Tickets are now on sale via Ticketmaster.