A SPECIAL SEASON AT FREMANTLE PRISON WHERE THE ESCAPE TOOK PLACE!

THEATRE 180, in collaboration with WA Museum and Fremantle Prison presents

CATALPA: Flight to Freedom by Stuart Halusz & Myles Pollard

Directed by Stuart Halusz

Assistant Director Myles Pollard

Featuring Myles Pollard, Tadhg Lawrence and Taran Knight

March 19 - 22, 2026

Fremantle Prison East Workshops

1 The Terrace, Fremantle

Courage…tenacity…daring and a shipload of adventure! The incredible true story of the most audacious prison break in Australia’s history.

The rescue of six Fenian prisoners from the fortress of Fremantle Prison was one of the most daring and audacious prison breaks in Australia’s history. Two years in the planning, involving espionage, secret letters, undercover operatives who travelled from Boston to Western Australia to enact the plan, a love affair, a rescue ship masquerading as a whaleboat, a desperate boat chase and the threat of war against the might of America, this story has all the hallmarks of a major Hollywood movie and all the heart of an Irish ballad.

Perfectly suited to THEATRE 180’s ground-breaking CinePlay genre with its sprawling storyline, cast of thousands and epic landscapes from the high seas to 19th century Western Australia, CATALPA: Flight to Freedom is an important part of our recent history. Its themes of bold ideas, daring action and beliefs in the value of political free will are indicative of the Western Australian character.

Fremantle Prison was known as a ‘living tomb’, a place of hellish imprisonment and far from the green fields of Ireland and the land of birth for these freedom fighters seeking independence from centuries of crippling British rule.

Featuring Myles Pollard, Tadhg Lawrence and Taran Knight, CATALPA: Flight to Freedom is a dramatic and gripping tale of hope and adventure.

Important information

Foyer doors / bar area will open one hour prior to the performance, with theatre doors opening 30 minutes prior to the performance.
Seating is unreserved on a first come first served basis unless accessibility requirements are advised. Group bookings of 10+ receive reserved seats.
The performance duration is 105 minutes with no interval.
This event is wheelchair accessible. Please note the main gates are approx 200m from the East Workshops performance venue. The gates next to the East Workshops can be opened on request. If you have any questions about access or Companion Card bookings, please get in touch via info@theatre180.com.au / 0414 345 381
The performance is recommended for ages 12 years+

Image: Stewart Thorpe Photography