On the Beach

Two of our great theatre-makers join forces for this poetic story of community, dignity and love in dark times.

18 Jul - 12 Aug 2023

Roslyn Packer Theatre

The Play

"On the Beach is beautiful" ★★★★★ Time Out
"Australian theatre at its finest ... It will take your breath away" ★★★★★ ArtsHub
"Stunning" ★★★★★ The Au Review
"Elegant, achingly beautiful" ★★★★ The Guardian
"Excellent performances" ★★★★ Suzy Goes See
"Pure theatrical magic" The Sydney Morning Herald

On the Beach

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

Love at the end of the earth

Two of Australia’s great theatre-makers, Artistic Director Kip Williams and playwright Tommy Murphy (ABC's Significant Others, Holding the Man) join forces for this world premiere. Commissioned by STC, On the Beach 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.

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.

Featuring a cast of incredible Australian talent – Matthew Backer, Tony Cogin, Michelle Lim Davidson, Emma Diaz, Vanessa Downing, Tai Hara,  Ben O’Toole, Contessa Treffone, Elijah Williams, and Alan Zhu – 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 20 mins (including interval). Subject to change.
Content Adult themes, suicide, euthanasia, herbal cigarettes, theatrical smoke and haze, complete theatrical blackout, theatrical blood. Subject to change.

If you or someone you know needs information or support, these organisations are there to help; Beyond Blue and Lifeline.

VISITOR SAFETY INFORMATION

The safety of our audiences, artists and staff is of paramount importance. For full details on our safety measures please visit our Visitor Safety Information page.

Dates

Previews 18 – 21 Jul 2023
Season 24 Jul – 12 Aug 2023

Night with the Artists
Mon 31 Jul, post-show

Captioned Performances
Tue 8 Aug, 6.30pm
Sat 12 Aug, 1.30pm

Performance start times
Preview performances 7.30pm
In-season evening performances Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Matinee performances Wed 1pm; Sat 1.30pm

Approx. duration 2 hrs 20 mins (including interval). Subject to change.

Ticket Information

Single tickets
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $123
Adult B Reserve $117
Seniors card holder $117
Concession $89
Under 30 $65

Fri & Sat performances
A Reserve $129
B Reserve $123

Preview performances
All tickets $65

Groups Discount (10+ people)
Monday – Thursday
A Reserve $111

Please call the Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book groups.

Corporate entertainment packages are also available for this production.

Season Ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $98
Adult A Reserve $93
Seniors cardholder $89
Pensioner/Student $70
Under 30 $51
Preview $51

Mini Package prices
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $116
Adult B Reserve $111
Seniors cardholder $111
Pensioner/Student $84
Under 30 $61

Friday & Saturday performances
A Reserve $122
B Reserve $116

Preview performances
All tickets $61

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings: no fees
Single ticket bookings: $8.50 online; $8.50 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Prices are 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. More info.

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket sellers for this event is Sydney Theatre Company. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. More info.

Director Kip Williams
Set Designer Michael Hankin
Costume Designer Mel Page
Lighting Designer Damien Cooper
Composer Grace Ferguson
Sound Designer Jessica Dunn
Dramaturg Ruth Little
Associate Costume Designer Emma White
Assistant Director Kenneth Moraleda
Fight & Movement Director Nigel Poulton
Intimacy Coordinator Chloë Dallimore
Voice & Accent Coach Jennifer White

With
Matthew Backer, Tony Cogin, Michelle Lim Davidson, Emma Diaz, Vanessa Downing, Tai Hara, Genevieve Lee, Ben O’Toole, Contessa Treffone, Kiki Wales, Elijah Williams, Alan Zhu

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 enews.

★★★★★ Time Out
★★★★★ ArtsHub
★★★★★ The Au Review
★★★★ The Guardian
★★★★ Suzy Goes See

"On the Beach is beautiful" ★★★★★ Time Out

"An innovative production that will overwhelm your senses with striking beauty and genuine humanity ... One of the most magical and evocative theatre pieces of the year. It will take your breath away." ★★★★★ ArtsHub

"The incredible cast take you on an emotional journey that will leave you stunned." ★★★★★ The Au Review

"Elegant, achingly beautiful ... This production is a hand reaching out for our own" ★★★★ The Guardian

"Williams’ direction brilliantly brings out the possibilities of Murphy’s script, and the two local theatre makers are on absolutely top form." The Conversation

"Excellent performances by the cast" ... Kip Williams directs with "astonishing sophistication ... Michael Hankin’s set design bears a skilful precision ... Auditory pleasures are a real highlight of the staging, with music by Grace Ferguson delivering transcendent romance" ★★★★ Suzy Goes See

★★★★½ Cultural Binge

"Immensely touching" Stage Noise

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