Cloud Nine

A unique masterpiece by the great Caryl Churchill, Cloud Nine looks at the knotted realities of relationships across gender, sex and time.

1 Jul - 12 Aug 2017

Wharf 1 Theatre

The Play

CLOSED

Sydney Theatre Company presents

CLOUD NINE

By Caryl Churchill

Who would you be on Cloud Nine?

Scandalously funny, thought-provoking and heartbreaking, Cloud Nine is an enduring theatrical masterpiece.

It's a story about people bursting to change who they are. Betty is a mother lusting for adultery. Edward is a boy trying to be a man. Joshua is a servant with a hunger for power. Ellen is a governess in love with another woman. Around them is an extended family of husbands, sisters, lovers and friends. Everyone is looking for liberation.

Their story begins in Victorian-era Africa – a time of corsets and colonies, of suppressed urges and hunting rifles. The play ends in London a century later, but the characters have aged only 25 years. For some, dreams have come true. For others, the complications have only just begun. Along the way, Churchill unpicks the knotted realities of love and identity with an audacious sense of humour and more than a little sauciness.

STC Artistic Director Kip Williams (Chimerica) brings a crisp new vision to this remarkable modern classic. STC Resident Designer Elizabeth Gadsby (Disgraced) is crafting the exquisite set and costumes. And a brilliant ensemble of actors will bring it all to life – including Kate Box (ABC’s Rake), Harry Greenwood (Love and Information), Heather Mitchell (Away), Josh McConville (All My Sons) and Anthony Taufa (Black is the New White).

Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information was a popular and critical success in 2015 and, in Cloud Nine, Kip Williams continues his exploration of her work with one of her greatest achievements. A master of character and politics, Churchill distils a symphonic array of ideas into living, breathing, tangible people you come to know, love or despise.

Cloud Nine will make you question your pre-conceptions, it will make you laugh and it will break your heart.

“The cleverest, drollest, most sexily experimental exercise in ‘compare and contrast’ that British theatre has probably ever seen.”
The Telegraph, UK

Duration approx. 2hrs 50mins (including interval)

Content warning Contains adult themes – please get in touch with us if you have any queries. Also contains sex scenes, strong language, theatrical haze and smoke, herbal cigarettes, a gunshot effect and the use of complete blackout in the theatre. 

#STCCLOUDNINE

Pricing information

Single Tickets

Saturday evening $99
Adult $94
Seniors cardholder $86
Concession $75
Preview $75
Under 30 $75
Groups (10+ people) $79
Restricted view seats $45*

*These seats have an impeded view of some scenes and are available for sale by phone only – (02) 9250 1777.

Season Ticket prices
Pick 6 or more plays to create your Season Ticket package. More info

Saturday evening A Reserve $79
Adult A Reserve $75
Concession $60
Seniors cardholder $68
Preview $60
Under 30 $60

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings (packs of 6 or more plays): no fees
Single ticket bookings: $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

CLOSED

Dates

Previews 1 Jul – 5 Jul 2017
Season 7 Jul – 12 Aug 2017

Performance start times
Preview performances 8pm
In-season performances Wed – Sat 8pm; Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed 1pm; Sat 2pm

Pricing and ticket information

Single tickets

Saturday evening $99
Adult $94
Seniors cardholder $86
Concession $75
Preview $75
Under 30 $75
Groups (10+ people), excluding Saturday evening $79
Restricted view seats $45*

*These seats have an impeded view of some scenes and are available for sale by phone only – (02) 9250 1777.

Season Tickets (packs of 6 - 14 plays)
A Season Ticket saves at least 20% on full price single tickets and you get many other benefits. More info.

Season ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $79
Adult A Reserve $75
Concession $60
Seniors cardholder $68
Preview $60
Under 30 $60

Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

Concession, seniors and under 30 tickets
Suitable and valid identification must be provided for collection of tickets and at the venue, such as your concession or proof of age card. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your identification to [email protected]. Please quote your booking reference number.

Access requirements
For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats.

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings (packs of 6 or more plays): no fees
Single ticket bookings:  $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Insight Events

Pier Group Lunch
Mon 29 May 12pm

Pre-season Briefing
Mon 19 Jun 6.15pm
Wharf 2 Theatre
FREE
RSVP here

Audi Night with the Actors
Mon 10 Jul post-show
Mon 31 Jul post-show

Matinee Club
Wed 12 Jul 12pm

Find out more about our Insight Events

Director Kip Williams
Designer Elizabeth Gadsby
Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage
Composer Chris Williams
Sound Designer Nate Edmondson

With
Matthew Backer, Kate Box, Harry Greenwood, Anita Hegh, Josh McConville, Heather Mitchell, Anthony Taufa

Marketing images Zan Wimberley
Production images Daniel Boud

This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enewsletter.

The critics are saying...

‘Kip Williams’s superb production, on a highly effective set by Elizabeth Gadsby, is a triumph, especially for one of the best casts assembled in Sydney for a long time' The Australian

‘Defiant, direct, and tender’ ★★★★ Time Out

‘This is a wonderful production of a wonderful play’ ★★★★½ Daily Review

‘This is an impressive and carefully governed production’ ★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald

‘Williams’ passion for the play is evident and his production constantly hits the mark’ ★★★★½ Limelight

‘A wonderfully intelligent, stunningly staged production of an intriguing play’ ★★★★½ Limelight 

‘Another fine achievement by director Kip Williams, who understands the play to thrilling effect. He’s cast it beautifully, orchestrates the actors with finesse and each is released into disciplined freedom to play to his and her individual strengths: they’re all wonderful.’ Diana Simmonds via Stage Noise

 ‘It is clear that Kip Williams has an affinity for Caryl Churchill’s work.’ ★★★★ Australian Book Review

Audiences are raving about Kip Williams's new production of Caryl Churchill's masterpiece...

'A brilliant, memorable production of one of my favourite plays.' Shale via Facebook

'Just saw Cloud Nine tonight. What a feast! Very well done. To me it was a showcase of how each generation precedes the next in personal life choices and acceptance of one's want for liberty to love and be who we organically were meant to be. The deep set causal nature reflected by Betty at the end was moving and inspiring. Her joyful tears clearly imparts her victory of winning over herself. Thank you STC! This season has been amazing!' Jen via Facebook

'I love plays that entertain, stretch your mind, provoke a reaction, make you see yourself as you never dared to before. Caryl Churchill is a genius...' Scott via Facebook

'Everything you want theatre to be! Pure magic!' Monica via Facebook

'Saw Caryl Churchill's Cloud Nine last night at @SydneyTheatreCo. First time I've seen that extraordinary play on stage. So much to chew on!' @gingerandhoney via Twitter

'So clever! I was hooked from the first minute and the time just flew!' Jane via Facebook

'Loved #CloudNine @SydneyTheatreCo tonight highly recommend, a fascinating funny play with an exceptional cast.' @kylieminge via Twitter

'Brilliant production! Have seen it twice and telling everyone I know to go and see it #mustsee.' @mschattygirl via Instagram

'Thought provoking and very clever #STCCloudNine.' @litlmsunshine via Instagram

'What a superb rendition of a still so relevant play. Beautifully written and realised by a perfect cast and an inspired director. Special mention must again go to Elizabeth Gadsby and Alexander Berlage. Congratulations STC.’ Stephan via Facebook

‘A triumph indeed! Well done STC.' Nancy via Facebook

'Sensational magic from our Kip once again!' Lindy via Facebook

Seeing the show? Join the conversation by tagging us #STCCloudNine and @Sydneytheatreco on your social media of choice.

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