The Sapphires

More soul than you can shake a sequin at!

1969. The Vietnam War. Bombs are dropping and the world is exploding in protest. Back at the Tiki Club in St Kilda, four sisters from country Victoria - Gail, Kay, Cynthia and Julie - catch the eye of a big-city talent scout with their Supremes cover act. But for the MacCrae girls, the realisation of a lifelong dream to perform overseas isn’t quite what they had in mind …

Based on the incredible true story of writer Tony Briggs’ mother, The Sapphires chronicles how these fierce and fabulous Yorta Yorta women blazed a trail from their small town roots to the frontlines of Vietnam, belting out Motown hits for the American soldiers and breaking through barriers with every beat.

For over 25 years, this multi-award-winning play and the hit film it inspired have captivated audiences across the world. Now The Sapphires are back to raise the roof on the Bille Brown Theatre in a sparkling new production featuring the next generation of First Nation superstars led by original director and theatre legend, Wesley Enoch.

Packed with heart, clad in sequins and boasting a swinging soundtrack that defined a generation, this story about a band of women — daring to go where others refused — is a powerful cultural anthem to the solidarity and soul of First Nations’ sisterhood.

Praise for The Sapphires

“A winner.”
— Sydney Arts Guide

“A cracking tale… magnificent.”
— Stage Whispers

“…a big beating heart in the right place.”
— The Guardian

The Sapphires was first produced by Melbourne Theatre Company in 2004.