The Sunshine Club
- Presented by Performance Arts Culture Cessnock -
Heralded as a “brilliant new landmark in Australian musicals” (The Australian), THE SUNSHINE CLUB is written and directed by proud Noonuccal Nuugi man Wesley Enoch AM, an acclaimed creative force in Australian Theatre. With lavish cabaret seating available, this energetic and engaging musical play has a variety of music styles, with 28 songs composed by the esteemed John Rodgers.
It tells the story of Frank Doyle, an Aboriginal serviceman who has come home from World War II to find that although the wider world may have changed, attitudes back home in Brisbane are just the same. Filled with a defiant energy and ambition for a better life, Frank starts The Sunshine Club, a place where black and white can meet and, most importantly, dance. Here he dreams of a future where he can dance in step with Rose, the girl next door, the girl of his dreams.
This award-winning and thought-provoking musical play promises to be an evening full of entertainment, featuring a talented cast of 11, including emerging and established First Nations artists, and a 5-piece live band. It is perfect for audiences seeking entertaining, socially relevant work, at a time of heightened social discourse on Indigenous Affairs, as Australia looks towards ‘incorporating’ the Indigenous Voice to Parliament by 2024.
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Reviews
“THE SUNSHINE CLUB is essential viewing – foremost for the joyous musical talent of its cast, but also for its story of local history and optimistic message of community strength in diversity.” - Stage Whispers
“The story is told in the genre of a musical, suiting the dance club theme but giving it another layer of complexity… the song and dance delivery around intertwining love stories makes for a compelling story of humanity, hope and despair. Enoch directs with finesse and sensitivity." - Arts Hub
“Come and enjoy this beautiful story of love, hope and acceptance with unforgettable characters who represent what really happens to our First Nations people. Enjoy the wonderful music, incredible band and acknowledge the first owners of the country we call Australia.” - The Fame Reporter
“THE SUNSHINE CLUB is a show everyone needs to see. You will be confronted by our history and asked to reflect on our present. You will be left with pain of how fair black and white Australia need to go, but hope that through telling these stories, we will get there.” - Broadway World
“When it comes to Reconciliation the first thing that everyone should do is see Wesley Enoch’s classic musical play THE SUNSHINE CLUB which is maroon magic.” - Courier Mail
“It's a joyous romp and jive through the dance crazes of the '40s and '50s with plenty of humour that makes this the ultimate feel-good musical.” - Weekend Notes
“This is a show filled with all the razzle dazzle that musical theatre audiences are used to, but it's set on our own soil. THE SUNSHINE CLUB shines a light on a part of our history that we can be proud of - a community of Brisbane people, black and white, determined to experience the very best of life together. This is reconciliation, love, in action.” - The Senior
“THE SUNSHINE CLUB... signals a brilliant new landmark in Australian musicals… an unashamedly feel-good musical.” - The Australian
“Immensely entertaining… a significant achievement. The openness and joy radiating from THE SUNSHINE CLUB is certain to make your spirits soar.” - Sydney Morning Herald
“Humorous, thought-provoking and realistic, THE SUNSHINE CLUB explores Australia’s sometimes shameful past relations with its indigenous people by revealing the little-known existence of mixed-race dancing clubs that sprung up around the nation after the Second World War.” - Variety
“The story unfolds in a torrent of poignant songs, a minimum of linking dialogue, and lively dancing to truly memorable music from an exuberant on-stage band.…the sharp writing of ‘our’ shared Australian stories make for welcome contemporary theatre.” - Real Time + On Screen
Booking & privacy
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Ticketing terms and conditions
We regret to advise that there are no refunds or exchanges as per the Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice. Should any performance be postponed due to intervening circumstances, you will have the option to transfer your ticket to the rescheduled performance or receive a full refund. Likewise, should any performance be cancelled due to intervening circumstances a full refund will be issued.
The Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice can be found here.
When
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Tuesday, 29 August 2023 | 07:30 PM
- 10:00 PM