It has been a busy year so far for THEATRE 180 with a packed program of engaging WA stories which the company has presented in Perth and interstate, attracting packed houses everywhere. And there is much more to come next year, promises THEATRE 180’s executive director Rebecca Davis.
“THEATRE 180 certainly has had its busiest year to date this year and we’re looking to being equally busy in 2026 so we are really thrilled with what’s ahead,” Rebecca tells Have a Go News.
“We remain the resident theatre company at the beautiful Como Theatre and, next year, will see us back there with four productions as well as touring throughout WA and interstate again.
“We have just come back from a two-week sold-out tour of our show 21 Hearts, Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke by Jenny Davis which, fittingly, was staged at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, thanks to presenting partner Department of Veterans Affairs, with 3500 people attending.
“That was a great success and we’ve had lots of people around the country asking when it is touring interstate so we are building a tour currently to go to Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland mid next year.
“But we are also having a fourth return season of 21 Hearts at Como Theatre from February 13–22 because it’s in such huge demand.
“Then we go into a season at Como of our newest production and a collaboration with Government House Foundation, Arthur Haynes and the Smoking Gun, by Jenny Davis, and that’s a very exciting true story to tell because this year is the 100th anniversary of the scandalous murder of Cyril Gidley by Audrey Jacob in front of guests at a charity ball at Government House ballroom.
“We open the premiere season at Government House ballroom this month and it’s extraordinary to perform where the event actually happened. But the season sold out months ago so we are putting on a return season at the Como Theatre from March 12–15 next year.”
THEATRE 180 will be back at the Como next May 14–17 for the tale CATALPA:Flight to Freedom by Stewart Halusz and Myles Pollard, after its world premiere at Fremantle’s WA Maritime Museum this October 30-November 9.
“It’s a collaboration with the WA Museum and is the story of the incredible rescue of six Fenian prisoners from the fortress of Fremantle Prison in 1876 and, of course, is very well known,” Rebecca says.
“It’s the 150th anniversary and the Fremantle season has sold out, so, by popular demand will return with a season at Como Theatre next May.
The much-loved work, Albert Facey’s A Fortunate Life will return to the Como Theatre in December next year, a welcome Christmas highlight.
“In between all that, THEATRE 180 will be touring,” Rebecca says. “We are planning to tour CATALPA: Flight to Freedom to ten regional WA towns next year and we will also be performing 21 Hearts in regional areas next year with tickets for these events on sale soon, so people are advised to book online.
“Another exciting season we are having of Catalpa next year from March 19–22 is that we doing it at Fremantle Prison where the event actually took place so that will be really special.
“For Have a Go News readers who like to travel, we are going back to Albany in September next year with a new show we have been working on, a flagship project for the City of Albany’s 2026 commemorative events, supported by Lotterywest. “Called Our Place: Rain or Shine it’s based on oral histories from people living or having resided in Albany and their memories, thoughts and personal stories about what it was like growing up there or as a new migrant. “The projects will culminate in a bespoke CinePlay theatre production at Albany Entertainment Centre on September 25–26.”
Rebecca says there are several other projects in the pipeline.
“But there are main productions we’ll have on the road and we’re just so thrilled to be back at the Como Theatre again because they are doing more renovations to that beautiful venue. The owners are taking such care and putting such love into revitalising the whole precinct.
All of THEATRE 180’s shows are built to tour.
“We’ve got a format down that makes it quite a simple process. We create each show with touring in mind and, because we have all our own equipment, it means that we can set up in any space virtually anywhere.
“Obviously, costs increase with interstate touring but certainly the demand for 21
Hearts across Australia shows us that there’s a real amazing audience out there that want to see this incredible story.
“We had some wonderful news recently with support from Lotterywest to replicate all of our touring equipment, staging and extra lighting which means that we can go further, do more touring and reach deeper into our regional communities with two different shows on the road.”
For further information about THEATRE 180 shows visit – www.theatre180.com.au.
