‘An absolute must-see.’
‘A love song to the power of community by the late Aidan Fennessy.’
‘A heartwarming night at the theatre.’
‘Fennessy has rendered a regional Victorian community with humour and an attention to detail that few could replicate.’
ABOUT THE SHOW
From the revered playwright behind one of MTC’s most beloved recent hits, The Architect, comes this funny and uplifting celebration of music, friendship and community. A world premiere production, The Heartbreak Choir is a warm-hearted hug of a play that will make you want to sing out loud.
In the old CFA hall on the outskirts of town, a small group of locals come together to sing, and to connect. Aseni, Barbara, Mack, Savannah and Totty have splintered from their original choir on a matter of principle and are intent on forging their own path. With their latest recruit Peter along for the ride, they have a new name, a space to rehearse in and a public debut booked. All they need now is to right the wrongs of the past … and to find a song that pairs perfectly with the local winery’s Sangiovese.
Brought to the stage by The Architect director Peter Houghton, The Heartbreak Choir is a joyful, song-filled snapshot of a devastated community learning how to heal. Featuring Maude Davey (The Newsreader), Carita Farrer Spencer (Ladies in Black), Ratidzo Mambo (Escape from Pretoria), William McInnes (An Ideal Husband), Emily Milledge (The House of Bernarda Alba), Louise Siversen (Noises Off) and Julian Weeks (Savage River), this emotionally resonant MTC NEXT STAGE commission is the last work from playwright Aidan Fennessy – a fitting final act of togetherness.
The Heartbreak Choir was commissioned through MTC’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program with the support of our Playwrights Giving Circle Donors, The Ian Potter Foundation, Naomi Milgrom Foundation, The Myer Foundation, Malcolm Robertson Foundation and The University of Melbourne.
Recording produced in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne
Learn more about The Heartbreak Choir
Learn More-
The Heartbreak Choir Set Design Virtual Tour
Experience every detail up close of Christina Smith's hyper realistic set for The Heartbreak Choir.
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Video
A celebration of song: The Heartbreak Choir’s community choirs
At the end of each performance of The Heartbreak Choir, a different local community choir joined the cast on stage for the heartfelt finale. Meet some of the choristers backstage as they reflect on this unique experience.
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Interview
Singing through change
William McInnes chats to us about how his character Peter confronts change in The Heartbreak Choir and why he hopes audiences will see bits and pieces of themselves in this poignant, funny story.
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Interview
Authentically fitting in
Ratidzo Mambo is thrilled to be playing a Zimbabwean character in The Heartbreak Choir, but she almost didn’t accept the part. She tells us what got her over the line and how her character Aseni is driven by truth and authenticity.
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Interview
Channelling courage
Louise Siversen is the good-hearted, headstrong Totty in The Heartbreak Choir. We talk to her about what it’s like working on a new play and how Totty has inspired her to be more courageous.
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Video
The Heartbreak Choir in rehearsals
Join The Heartbreak Choir cast and creative team in the rehearsal room and get a sneak peek of this joyous and uplifting celebration of music, friendship and community.
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Programme
The Heartbreak Choir programme
Learn more about Aidan Fennessy’s The Heartbreak Choir – an uplifting celebrating of music, friendship and community.
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Feature
Aidan Fennessy (1967–2020)
In memory of Aidan Fennessy, we look back on his impressive collection of work with Melbourne Theatre Company.
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Interview
Musical connections
The Heartbreak Choir's Musical Director, Vicky Jacobs, talks to us about how music and singing work within the play and how choirs have the power to bring us together.
Cast & Creative

Maude Davey
Barbara

Carita Farrer Spencer
Mack

Ratidzo Mambo
Aseni

William McInnes
Peter

Emily Milledge
Savannah

Louise Siversen
Totty

Julian Weeks
Beau

Aidan Fennessy
Writer

Peter Houghton
Director

Vicky Jacobs
Musical Director

Christina Smith
Set & Costume Designer

Matt Scott
Lighting Designer

J. David Franzke
Composer & Sound Designer

Lyall Brooks
Assistant Director
