The Wake
22–24 Aug NSW

The Wake

Back by popular demand — will sell out!

Smash hit musical ‘The Wake’ returns to Brunswick Heads Picture House after a sell-out season last year.

‘The Wake’ is an original musical about the days when The Brunswick Heads Fishermen’s Cooperative was at the heart of Brunswick Heads. It’s an evening of singing and storytelling about the drama, tragedy, humour and romance of prawn trawling life on the dangerous Brunswick bar.

Writer and director, Ollie Heathwood, has written the songs with Musical Director Jude Magee, Annie Wylie, Ashleigh Dallas and Luke O’Shea. The dialogue and lyrics were developed from interviews with fishermen, Co-op workers and their families.

A talented ensemble of 16 musicians, singers and actors performed ‘The Wake’ in June 2024 to sold out audiences. Despite adding an extra show, ‘The Wake’ sold out quickly and many people were disappointed to miss out. The cast and crew will bring the show back to the Brunswick Picture House for one weekend — 22nd to 24th August — this year. If you missed out last year, get in quickly this time and secure your seats for this heart-warming show.

ABOUT ‘THE WAKE’
An original musical that answers the question “What happened to the fishing fleet in Brunswick Heads?” This exuberant and compelling play celebrates the days when the Co-Op was a much-loved meeting place at the heart of the town. Wonderful true stories told by fishermen and Co-Op workers are brought to life through songs, stories, and images on the big screen.

Residents, long term holidaymakers, and tourists alike are filled with a sense of loss when they go to the marina in Brunswick Heads and see the empty shell of the buildings that once housed the vibrant Brunswick-Byron Fishermen’s Co-Op, and the wonderful seafood and the fish and chip shop. People ask, “Where has the fish and chip shop gone, and why?” and “Why aren’t there any trawlers in Brunswick Heads any more?”

Many of us have fond memories of taking friends, family, and visitors to eat fish and chips at the boat harbour. Many people still go there expecting to be able to throw vinegar-soaked chips to seagulls while they enjoy the beauty of the river and the boats. But sadly, the Co-Op is closed, and the trawlers are gone.

‘The Wake’ celebrates and preserves the history of that place, and the local fishing community whose lives centred around it. This original musical will tell stories based on research and interviews with fishermen, their families, and workers at the Co-Op. Performances will involve large screen projections, professional musicians, singers and actors on stage at the iconic Brunswick Picture House. The play will celebrate the role that the fishing fleet played in our community and tell the story of why there is no longer a fleet in Brunswick Heads.

Directed by Ollie Heathwood.

Date:
FRIDAY 22 AUGUST @ 7PM
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST @ 7PM
SATURDAY 24 AUGUST @ 3PM

Our kiosk is always open for food and drink one hour before showtime. For the bar menu and what’s on offer, please check out our Dine & Drink page.

Age restrictions: 12+
— Duration: Approximately 1h 15m
— Doors 20 minutes before showtime

IMPORTANT VENUE INFORMATION FOR TICKETHOLDERS:
Please note the Brunswick Picture House is located in Brunswick Heads NSW, in the Northern Rivers region (NOT in Brunswick VIC). Please select your tickets carefully as no refund or credit will be granted for errors in identifying the venue location.

When completing your ticket purchase online via Eventfinda, tickets are usually emailed within 10 minutes of your purchase confirmation. Please ensure that your email address is correctly entered in your purchase and be sure to check your Junk Mail or Spam folders if you haven’t received your tickets. Eventfinda also contacts all ticketholders with show information via email, so be sure to check these folders.

TICKET PRICES

GENERAL $40 (plus booking fee)
General admission unallocated seating

CONCESSION $30 (plus booking fee) Valid concession card required and presented at door
General admission unallocated seating

YOUTH (12–17 years) $20 (plus booking fee)
General admission unallocated seating

HOUSEMATE TICKET PRICES
HOUSEMATE DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT! — Please note that in order to purchase Housemate tickets, you must have a valid paid Housemate membership and will need to provide your Housemate membership number upon checkout. For information on Housemates, click here!

HOUSEMATE PRICE — ADULT $32 (plus booking fee)
General admission unallocated seating