After a year in development, Never Always Ever Was premieres this June in Port Fairy for one night only - bringing a powerful new work to the very place that helped inspire it. With its windswept coastline and deep sense of history, Port Fairy is not just a backdrop, but a living influence on the story, making this a rare and resonant homecoming for the production.

Written by Melbourne playwright Fleur Murphy, the work is presented by the National Celtic Folk Festival in collaboration with Ireland’s C21 Theatre Company. This cross-cultural production showcases a high-calibre team of Australian and international artists, including performers from Ireland, bringing together distinct voices and perspectives in a work of global relevance.

Blending theatre with music, the performance features live music on stage, deepening the emotional resonance and cultural texture of the piece.

The story follows Julia, a young woman returning to Port Fairy after university, determined to turn her passion for environmental conservation into meaningful action, and Danny, a restless traveller from Portaferry, Ireland, seeking a life beyond home. Their meeting on New Year’s Eve 1989 sets in motion a multigenerational narrative spanning from the 1980s to the 2040s.

Told across four moments in time, Never Always Ever Was traces one family’s journey through personal and environmental change, reflecting how coastal communities like Port Fairy navigate an uncertain future while holding fast to a deep sense of place and belonging.

This dynamic two-hander unites an actor from Northern Ireland and one from Australia, embodying a rich tapestry of interconnected lives. Together, they explore the fragility and resilience of the places we call home - and the ties that endure across time, distance, and shifting shores.

Cast & Creatives -

Director - Stephen Kelly, from Ireland

Writer - Fleur Murphy

Designer - Sophie Woodward

Performer - Richard Clements, from Ireland

Performer - Amanda LaBonté

Musician - Gerry McKeaugue

Stage Manager - Jayson Fry

This season is presented by National Celtic Folk Festival and c21 Theatre in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Arts Centre, Regional Arts Victoria and Culture Ireland. Supported by Port Fairy Theatre Group.

Contact the host of Never Always Ever Was - Port Fairy - one night only