Queensland Theatre Company (QTC) and Canberra Theatre Centre present The Sapphires, the iconic Australian musical by Tony Briggs, in a vibrant new production from 28 April to 24 May at the Bille Brown Theatre in Brisbane.

First staged in 2004 and later adapted into a hit feature film, The Sapphires has become one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary stage works, combining a powerful true story with the sounds and spirit of 1960s soul music. The play returns under the direction of Wesley Enoch, who helmed its original production, with a new generation of First Nations performers stepping into the story’s central roles.

Set in 1969, during a period of profound social change in Australia, The Sapphires follows four young Yorta Yorta women from regional Victoria whose Supremes-inspired girl group is discovered by a city talent scout. Their journey takes them from a small- town dance hall to performing for American troops on the frontlines of the Vietnam War.

Director Wesley Enoch says the story continues to resonate with audiences today through both its cultural significance and its enduring spirit.

“The Sapphires is set at a pivotal moment in Australian history,” Enoch says.

“First Nations people had only just secured the right to vote and were still fighting for recognition and equality in this country.

“What it reminds us of is how recent that history really is, and it invites us to think about how far the country has come since then.

“At the same time, it’s full of warmth, humour and incredible soul music, and that’s what gives the play its joy.”

The story draws on the experiences of Tony Briggs’ mother, Laurel Robinson. Briggs says writing The Sapphires became a way of honouring the women whose stories inspired it.

“The Sapphires came about from growing up listening to the stories my mother and aunties told,” Briggs says.

“Those stories were so inspirational that I wanted to pay homage to them.”

Queensland Theatre Company’s Head of First Nations Theatre, Isaac Drandić, says the production holds a special place in the company’s 2026 season.

“I wanted this season to honour and celebrate Aboriginal women, and The Sapphires is a perfect expression of that,” Drandić says.

“It’s an opportunity to elevate the voices and experiences of First Nations women while celebrating the incredible talent of our artists.

“It’s a story filled with music, warmth and joy, and I can’t wait for audiences to be swept up in it.”

This new staging marks the Queensland Theatre Company debuts of Ruby Henaway,

Aurora Liddle-Christie, Tehya Makani and Taeg Twist, joined by Garett Lyon and Chris Nguyen.

Performed with a live band, the show features classic soul hits including Respect, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss), reflecting the music that shaped the era and propelled these remarkable singers onto stages around the world.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit Queensland Theatre Company.