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The Shiralee: D'Arcy Niland's 1955 Australian western

Classic Australian western The Shiralee is brought to the stage by the Sydney Theatre Company.

The Shiralee is a 1955 novel by D'Arcy Niland, telling the story of a wandering swagman on a journey through the Australian outback, accompanied by his 10-year-old daughter. It was made into a 1957 film by Ealing Studios, starring Peter Finch, and now it is being brought to the stage of the Sydney Opera House by the Sydney Theatre Company.

Mark Burman talks to the show's cast and crew, including playwright Kate Mulvany, about this Australian classic's journey to the stage.

This episode contains a reference to suicide. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org

(Image: Ziggy Resnick, Josh McConville and Kate Mulvany in rehearsals for the Shiralee. Credit: Prudence Upton)

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27 minutes

Last on

Tue 25 Nov 2025 23:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 25 Nov 2025 04:32GMT
  • Tue 25 Nov 2025 13:32GMT
  • Tue 25 Nov 2025 18:32GMT
  • Tue 25 Nov 2025 23:32GMT