On The Beach 2023

On the Beach

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). Subject to change. More info.
Content Suicide. Subject to change. More info.

Ticket Information

2023 Ticket Packages
This play is currently only available as part of a 2023 ticket package. Book a ticket package of 3 or more plays to save on tickets, pay no fees and more.

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 $112
B Reserve $116

Preview performances
All tickets $61

Single tickets
Single tickets for this show go on sale on Thu 8 Dec. Sign up to our enews for early access to tickets.

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.

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