SYDNEY II: Lost and Found by Jenny Davis

From the company that brought you classics, '21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke",  'A.B. Facey's A Fortunate Life', 'The Lighthouse Girl Saga' and 'Taking Liberty', THEATRE 180 presents another powerful fusion of live theatre and cinema. 

When HMAS Sydney II was sunk by the disguised German Raider HSK Kormoran in November 1941, it took with it, along with her entire crew of 645 men, the hopes and dreams of a nation as the war arrived on our doorstep. Among the Sydney’s crew was a young Western Australian Able Seaman, Allan Rowe. Recently wed, Allan had only just learned that he was to be a father. For 66 years Allan’s wife, Jessie, and their daughter, Ellen, hoped that one day the wreck of The Sydney would be located.

In 2008, due to the persistence of the volunteer Directors of the Finding Sydney Foundation, that dream became true.

Written to commemorate the 80th anniversary in 2021, SYDNEY II: Lost and Found tells the real life story of the dramatic loss of the pride of the Royal Australian Navy, off the coast of Geraldton. This epic story of love and loss, fear and courage, and the resolution of a mystery for those who persisted and never gave up hope is brought to life with acclaimed actor Myles Pollard (McLeod’s Daughters, Home and Away, Sea Patrol), Tom O’Sullivan and Georgia Unsworth.

Journey across oceans and eras as we chart the loss and discovery of Australia’s famous warship and her valiant crew.

A story of great courage and heart. A story for all Australians.

"The show was simply amazing and the acting was outstanding! Very impressed with the visuals running on the screen behind which were fantastic. From costumes, the set, sound system and to everything else not mentioned - it was stellar performance and production. Congratulations to you all. Can't praise you all enough...you told the story of the Sydney so well. You became the voice for those who lost their lives on the Sydney and all the families that lost loved ones with its sinking. You portrayed the emotions so well and the actors showed great empathy. Well done." Graham and Robyn Murray

Duration 105min (no interval)
Content warning Explosions, war scenes

The initial production was made possible through the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative

Produced with the assistance of the Western Australian Museum

Director: Stuart Halusz
Writers: Jenny Davis
Cast: Myles Pollard, Tom O'Sullivan, Georgia Unsworth
Sound Designer/QLab Programmer: Ben Collins
AV Designer: Michael Paget
AV Production: Sunburnt Films
Composer: Ron Siemiginowski

Image: Stewart Thorpe Photography

Important information

• Foyer doors open one hour prior to the performance, with theatre doors opening 20 minutes prior to the performance.
• Seating is unreserved on a first come first served basis unless accessibility requirements are advised.
• The performance duration is 105 minutes with no interval.
• This event is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about access, please get in touch via info@theatre180.com.au
• The performance is recommended for ages 9 years+