By Nevil Shute
Adapted for the stage by Tommy Murphy
Directed by Kip Williams

Standing on the edge

Two of Australia’s great theatre-makers, Artistic Director Kip Williams and playwright Tommy Murphy (Foxtel’s The Twelve, Holding the Man) join forces for this world premiere STC commission: a vast, poetic and haunting story of community, dignity and love in dark times.

In 1957, Nevil Shute’s classic novel On the Beach introduced the world to an uncanny post-apocalyptic vision that sees Australia as one of the last surviving outposts of civilisation on a planet destroyed by nuclear fallout. Two years later it was transformed into a classic film starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner and Fred Astaire.

A small group of friends in Melbourne – some local, some survivors from the US Navy – are living out their eerily prosaic lives and loves in the wake of World War III. But when a mysterious distress call rings out across the Pacific Ocean, the characters are called to choose between duty to the ones they love and duty to the human race.

In the spirit of past productions like Chimerica and The Harp in the South: Part One and Part Two, Williams brings his sumptuous, innovative style to match Murphy’s beautiful, soulful writing. On the Beach is a new and gripping portrait of Australian society, a prescient insight into the times we are living through and a deeply poignant reverie on the indestructible power of human connection.

Approx. duration 2 hrs 40 mins (including interval)
Content Suicide

DATE: Wednesday 19 July 2023

TIME: 7.30pm

VENUE: Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay NSW 2000

TICKETS: Tickets are $65.00 and $61.00 for this PREVIEW PERFORMANCE

Judith and Cherry have purchased seats C19 and C20

To buy your tickets visit www.sydneytheatrecompany.com

PRE-THEATRE DRINKS/SNACKS (Optional): There will also be the option to join us for pre-theatre drinks/snacks at a bar in Walsh Bay. Please advise if you are interested in participating.

RSVP TO: Judith Nguyen at [email protected] by Monday 10 July 2023

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THEATRE GROUP – Looking Ahead in 2023

To enable you to plan your diary, below are the dates and selected plays for Theatre Group for the remainder of 2023. Newcomers to SWIC are very welcome – if you need help with booking or have any queries please contact Judith Nguyen at [email protected] or Cherry Spoor at [email protected]

SWIC Theatre Group Program 2023