New Sapphires production comes to Sydney

In the year that Australia celebrates 50 years of Motown music, Company B Belvoir and Black Swan State Theatre are bringing the 2005 hit musical The Sapphires back to Sydney.

Directed by Wesley Enoch, this feel-good musical features the soul hits that defined a generation. It sets the mood by including performances of Motown classics such as ‘Heard it on the Grapevine’, ‘Respect’, ‘Stop in the Name of Love’ and ‘Sex Machine’.

This all-new production starring Hollie Andrew, Christine Anu, Casey Donavan and Kylie Farmer, has already played sell-out seasons in Perth and Adelaide.

Written by Australian playwright Tony Briggs, and based on a true story, The Sapphires is a swinging celebration of four inspirational sisters from country New South Wales. The show is set in 1969, when the world was protesting against the Vietnam War. It follows the story of the McCrae sisters as they travel overseas for the first time and perform for the troops on the front line.

“How exciting to see four beautiful Indigenous women on stage telling such an empowering tale,” said Director Wesley Enoch.

“The joy of the rehearsal room has infected this show and infects the audience with every dance step and every song. I find it so energising and enjoyable… even after seeing it a hundred times!”

Writer Tony Briggs based The Sapphires on the experiences of his mother and her relatives. The production enjoyed a triumphant original season and won Helpmann Awards for Best New Australian Work and Best Play in 2005.

The production opens at the Belvoir Street Theatre on May 27. Bookings: (02) 9699 3444.