Queensland Theatre | Return to the Dirt
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RETURN TO DIRT 2160

Return to the Dirt

By Steve Pirie
Directed by Lee Lewis

True Story Real Talk Gravely Humorous
Queensland Theatre at Home This play is available as part of our new Digital Series, so you can enjoy the best seats in your house. Watch Return to the Dirt online for one week only, streaming from 29 November to 5 December. Book nowIn a year spent tending to the dead, a young ma...

Queensland Theatre at Home

This play is available as part of our new Digital Series, so you can enjoy the best seats in your house. Watch Return to the Dirt online for one week only, streaming from 29 November to 5 December.

Book now

In a year spent tending to the dead, a young man learns to live.

Steve never imagined he’d end up working in the funeral industry. But when he finds himself living back home in Toowoomba to save up for his wedding, it’s the only job he can get.

The year he spends working among the dead opens his eyes to what awaits us at the end and what it means to live.

With respect, wit and a nod to pop culture, Steve takes us on a journey that celebrates finding your place in the world, the power of personal redemption and humility in the face of the big questions.

Return to the Dirt is a refreshing, honest and surprisingly uplifting invitation to start the conversations we all try to avoid.

Winner of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2020–21

2021 Education Pack Program

  • Dates
    16 OCT – 6 NOV
  • Location
    Bille Brown Theatre, Queensland Theatre
  • Times
    Evenings: Mon & Tue 6.30pm, Wed – Sat 7.30pm
    Matinees: Wed 1.00pm, Sat 2.00pm
  • Night with the Artists

    Mon 25 Oct 6.30pm

  • Duration
    Approx. 2 hrs 10 mins, including an interval
  • Accessibility
    Auslan Interpreted Mon 25 Oct 6.30pm
  • Play briefing

    Mon 11 Oct, 6.00pm

  • Warning
    This play contains lighting blackouts, swearing and references to suicide. We understand the themes may be triggering for some people. If you have any concerns about the content of the play, we encourage you to contact our Box Office. If you or someone you kn...

    This play contains lighting blackouts, swearing and references to suicide.


    We understand the themes may be triggering for some people. If you have any concerns about the content of the play, we encourage you to contact our Box Office.


    If you or someone you know needs information or support, these organisations are there to help



    Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636


    Headspace 03 9027 0100


    Lifeline 13 11 14

  • Dates
    16 OCT – 6 NOV
  • Location
    Bille Brown Theatre, Queensland Theatre
  • Times
    Evenings: Mon & Tue 6.30pm, Wed – Sat 7.30pm
    Matinees: Wed 1.00pm, Sat 2.00pm
  • Night with the Artists

    Mon 25 Oct 6.30pm

  • Duration
    Approx. 2 hrs 10 mins, including an interval
  • Accessibility
    Auslan Interpreted Mon 25 Oct 6.30pm
  • Play briefing

    Mon 11 Oct, 6.00pm

  • Warning
    This play contains lighting blackouts, swearing and references to suicide. We understand the themes may be triggering for some people. If you have any concerns about the content of the play, we encourage you to contact our Box Office. If you or someone you kn...

    This play contains lighting blackouts, swearing and references to suicide.


    We understand the themes may be triggering for some people. If you have any concerns about the content of the play, we encourage you to contact our Box Office.


    If you or someone you know needs information or support, these organisations are there to help



    Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636


    Headspace 03 9027 0100


    Lifeline 13 11 14

Creatives

Writer Steve Pirie
Director
Lee Lewis
Designer Renée Mulder
Lighting Designer
Ben Hughes
Composer and Sound Designer
Julian Starr
Associate Lighting Designer
Christine Felmingham

Stage Manager Kat O'Halloran
Deputy Stage Manager
Yanni Dubler
Assistant Stage Manager
Natalie Callaghan
Assistant Stage Manager (Rehearsals) Pip Loth
Production Observation
Makiko Shibuya

Cast

Greg/Ensemble Chris Baz
Steve Mitchell Bourke
Claire/Ensemble
Sophie Cox
Deb/Ensemble Jeanette Cronin
Lucy/Jess/Ensemble Miyuki Lotz
The Playwright Steve Pirie
Ellie
Aara Afraz/Cleo Davis

Contributing Artists

Wedding Dance Choreographer Dale Pengelly
Professional Ballroom Dance
Instructor Blair Petterd
Ballroom Dance Consultant
Carol Jelley
Vocal Consultant
Megan Shorey

Light and shade interview with Steve Pirie

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Play Briefing for Return to the Dirt

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Interview with Playwright Steve Pirie

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