Our Country’s Good Tickets
About Our Country’s Good
Don’t miss Timberlake Wertenbaker’s historical play, Our Country’s Good, on the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre stage. Book Our Country’s Good tickets on TodayTix.
See the exceptional cast including Jack Bardoe (Love Labour’s Lost, A Voyage Round My Father) as John Arscott/Harry Brewer/Captain Jemmy Campbell, Catrin Aaron (Richard III, Romeo and Julie) as Liz Morden/Lieutenant Will Dawes, Ruby Bentall (The Rubenstein Kiss, Ramona Tells Jim) as Mary Brenham/Reverend Johnson/Meg Long, Olivier Huband (The Duchess of Malfi, Mission Impossible: Fallout) as Caesar/Captain Watkin Tench, and Nick Fletcher (Minority Report, The Crucible) as Robert Sideway/Captain David Collins.
Our Country’s Good in London tells the tale of a British penal colony in Australia in 1788. When Lieutenant Ralph Clark decides that they should put on a play, it has the makings for a truly unique production. Through distrust, an actor facing the gallows, and a primarily illiterate cast, the prisoners are forced to come together to stage the show.
Run time
2hr 45min. Incl. 1 interval.
Venue
Categories
Age
Ages 14+.
Start date
5th September, 2024
End date
5th October, 2024
Venue
Directions
Location: Fringe/Off West End
Railway station: West Brompton
Bus numbers: 190, 266, 267, 391, H91
Night bus numbers: N9, N11
More information about Our Country’s Good
Our Country’s Good is a play that premiered on 10 September 1988 at the Royal Court Theatre. The production earned an Olivier Award for Play of the Year. Then, in 1991, the show ran on Broadway and earned five Tony Award nominations.
This exciting new revival has an exceptional creative team headed by director Rachel O’Riordan (Killology), the artistic director and chief executive at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.
O’Riordan said, “Timberlake Wertenbaker’s seminal play Our Country’s Good is a visceral story that reminds us of not only the dark history of the British Empire and Australia’s first penal colony, but also explores the morality of our justice systems. Through the story of transportation of criminals, the play invites audiences to interrogate whether deportation as punishment ever works and probes the ethics behind our prison systems. Collaborating with Timberlake alongside Ian Michael, our show’s First Nation consultant, has been an incredible joy and I am honored to bring this ensemble piece to life in this contemporary and bold revival.”
The creative team also includes sound designer Gregory Clarke (The Third Man), composer Holly Khan (Blackout Songs), set and costume designer Gary McCann (Saturday Night Fever), and lighting designer Paul Keogan (Scandaltown).
What to watch for
- The play is based on The Playmaker, a novel by Thomas Keneally.
- Most of the characters in Our Country’s Good are based on real people who sailed with the First Fleet, a fleet of 11 British ships that took convicts and colonists to Australia.
- The exam boards AQA and Edexcel use this play as a text for Advanced Level Theatre Studies in England.
- As part of his research, Wertenbaker saw a play performed by convicts at Wormwood Scrubs. He said of the experience, “In prison conditions, theatre can be hugely heartening and influential.”
Frequently asked questions
What is Our Country’s Good about?
Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Olivier-winning and Tony-nominated play, Our Country’s Good, returns to the London stage at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. The historical play tells the story of a British penal colony in Australia putting on a play.
Which theatre is Our Country’s Good at?
Our Country’s Good is at London's Lyric Hammersmith, which is located at King Street, Lyric Square, London, W6 0QL.
What is the running time of Our Country’s Good?
Our Country’s Good runs for 2hr 45min. Incl. 1 interval.
How do you get tickets for Our Country’s Good?
Check the top of this page for current availability and exclusive offers on Our Country’s Good tickets on TodayTix.
What is the age recommendation for Our Country’s Good?
Ages 14+.
Who wrote Our Country’s Good?
The play is written by Timberlake Wertenbaker.
Who directed Our Country’s Good?
Rachel O’Riordan directs the show.
Is Our Country’s Good appropriate for kids?
Our Country’s Good is ideal for children ages 14 and above as the play does have some strong language, scenes of violence, racism, and colonialism.
Is Our Country’s Good good?
Our Country’s Good is a wonderful play that has been staged numerous times since its 1988 premiere and has earned various awards. This impactful play returns to the stage in a highly anticipated revival with an excellent cast and creative team.
Tickets
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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