Darwin Entertainment Centre presents

The Sapphires is one of the Australia’s best-loved stories. Winning multiple awards as a play, film and soundtrack album, there was one challenge left and that was to undertake a national tour of Australia. Now the raw energy, fun and emotion of this story is coming to Darwin.

Four young Aboriginal women from regional Australia, who like singing country music, suddenly get the chance to change their tune and their lives. Wearing uniforms of sequins and armed only with microphones, they find themselves trying to spread joy in the hell that is the Vietnam War. 

The Sapphires is a funny, heart-warming tale inspired by the true story of writer Tony Briggs’ mother. It tells of the incredible journey of a singing group of four Yorta Yorta Women, who sing classic soul hits against the backdrop of personal change and massive social upheaval. It is an energetic, fun and engaging play that affirms life and the realisation of dreams.  

Tony Briggs will direct his work in a version he promises will be the most intimate telling of The Sapphires story yet. 

“I hope the audience will feel a fresh sense of connection to a story that has already successfully infiltrated the psyche of the Australian theatre and movie going public and get a sense of joy and understanding of who Aboriginal people are and walk away from ‘The Sapphires’ with a smile on their faces," said Tony.

Credits
Producer Christine Harris 
Writer & Director Tony Briggs 
Musical Director Nathaniel Andrew
Set & LX Designer Mark Howett 
Choreographer Leonard Mickelo 
Costume Stylist Sophie Woodward 

Cast
Lorinda May Merrypor Julie
Jade Lomas-Ronan Gail
Matilda Brown Kay
Oliver Wenn Dave
Anthony Lim Joe