Fremantle to Freedom Balingup

Uncover the epic saga of defiance, exile, and the ultimate prison break!

Authors Peter Murphy and Fred Rea bring their acclaimed book Fremantle to Freedom to life in a gripping, one-and-a-half-hour performance.

From the 1840s devastating Irish Famine to the 1866 Irish Fenian Uprising, leading to transportation aboard the Hougoumont the last convict ship to arrive in Western Australia. Experience the breathtaking Catalpa rescue to America and the Fenians' incredible lives beyond.

Packed with passion and history, this high-energy show promises an unforgettable night of storytelling, song, poetry and drama that will captivate you. For audiences 10-100!

Reviews

While at Fairbridge Festival 2026 I attended Fremantle to Freedom at the recommendation of others. Experiencing the journey of the Catalpa through storytelling, both through narrative and music was such an unexpected pleasure.           Peter Murphy and Fred Rea are passionate in retelling part of history so near and dear to their hearts. Thank you for educating us of the plight and lives of those involved. Enthralling from beginning to end! Highly recommend - Max

Listening to people who are passionate about the whole Catalpa story and sharing it from a perspective that was yet to be showcased was a highlight of my year. Told in story and songs that educated and enthralled you, I sat spellbound - despite knowing the story I felt like I was hearing it new. The book Fremantle to Fremantle is an extension of that excitement. We have it proudly displayed on our coffee table for us and our visitors to enjoy. 

 Sharyn McCaskey

Book will be available for signing and purchase at the event.

Doors Open 6.30pm

Cash Bar

Artist Biographies:

Peter Murphy was born in Dublin Ireland in the 1950s and emigrated to Australia in the 1970s. He lectured for several years in Eco and Cultural Tourism at South-West College of TAFE, Bunbury, Western Australia, and worked several years as a Conservation and Heritage Officer with the National Trust (WA).

He wrote articles and essays for the National Trust (Australia) periodical, as well as short stories and articles for the Irish Scene magazine (Perth WA).

Peter is also author of several books on Fenianism in Australia.

Peter retired from working life in 2006 and now lives on a nature reserve in the jarrah forest in the South-West of Western Australia where he spends most of his time writing and educating visitors to be kind to Mother Nature. 

Fred Rea arrived in Western Australia in 1972 from his native Cork City, Ireland, bringing with him a deep love of music, history and the printed word. Fred served his apprenticeship in the printing trade as a compositor; a craft that shaped his lifelong engagement with publishing and storytelling.

Soon after arriving in WA, Fred joined a local Irish Australian folk band, recording two albums. Still a keen musician and collector of songs, Fred has a particular passion for ballads connected to the Fenians and famous Catalpa Rescue. This musical and historical legacy continues through his daughter Fiona, a highly successful songwriter and performer.

In 1998, Fred founded The Irish Scene magazine he produced for 20 years and where his interest in Irish Australian history deepened. This saw him work closely with Irish Australian historians, contributing to research and publication of numerous books and periodicals.

Fred is Chairperson of the WA Irish Bride Ships Legacy Project and WA Irish Famine Commemoration in Subiaco WA.

Now living in Perth’s northern suburbs, with his partner of 50 years, Lilly, Fred continues his dedicated research into Irish and Australian history.

Note: As co-authors (2026), Peter and Fred published their 120 page coffee-table-book ‘Fremantle to Freedom’ based on the escape of six Irish political prisoners (Fenians) from Fremantle Prison in 1876.