Kate Mulvany’s adaptation of Darcy Niland’s ‘The Shiralee’ opens at Sydney Theatre Company

Kate Mulvany is the award-winning playwright behind hit stage adaptations: Ruth Park’s The Harp in the South: Part One and Part Two and Playing Beatie Bow. To round out the trilogy, Kate has adapted Darcy Niland’s The Shiralee commissioned by the Sydney Theatre Company. The production opened last Friday at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House.  

Macauley (Josh McConville) is a rugged swagman who roams the highways and byways of mid-century Australia, taking on odd jobs to survive. Buster is Macauley’s young daughter, living with her separated mother Marge (Mulvany), in a neglectful home in Sydney. When Macauley discovers Buster’s circumstances he takes her on the road with him, despite his hesitations around fatherhood. Over the course of their travels, Macauley begins to develop a deep connection with his daughter, and Buster soon discovers her voice in a strange and vast new world.  

“There’s real honesty, humour, and heart here – a reminder that softness and love can grow even in the harshest places. If even closed-off Macauley can start to open up, maybe we all can too.” ★★★★ The Guardian

“Likely to become a classic of this country’s modern-day theatre canon.” ★★★★1/2 Limelight

 “Her play is delightful, charming, and consistently hilarious — a thoroughly entertaining reimagining that recontextualises a classic story for modern sensibilities.” ★★★★1/2 Suzy Goes See

Running until 29 November 2025 at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. Image by Prudence Upton.