Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

Tender, funny and heartbreakingly honest, Ray Lawler’s astonishingly modern masterpiece remains one of the country’s most enduring plays – not because it belongs to the past, but because it captures the universal ache of watching life change before you’re ready.

The Australian classic that changed theatre forever returns to the Adelaide stage under the insightful direction of Artistic Director, Petra Kalive. More than 70 years after its groundbreaking premiere, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll continues to move audiences with its unforgettable portrait of love, friendship and the passing of time.

For sixteen summers, cane cutters Roo and Barney have escaped the backbreaking grind of Queensland’s sugarcane harvest for Melbourne, where love and laughter have made the world feel possible year after year. But when they return for their seventeenth summer, the friendships and rituals that once defined them crack under the weight of time.

“Kalive’s direction feels as incisive and as intelligent as the piece itself.”
— Australian Stage

“Lawler’s acutely tuned ear for the Australian vernacular… is almost as great a strength in a new century as it was in 1955.”
— Theatre Heritage

CONTENT
Suitable for ages 14+

RUN TIME
2 hours and 30 minutes including interval.

Tickets are now on sale as part of a subscriptions package.

Package 4-6 Plays from our main season to access the best seats in the house, discounted ticket prices and exclusive benefits. Plus, get priority access and discounts for our Add-on show and SAPRK program.

Single tickets will be on sale in December.

Audio Described Performances and Pre-Show Briefing for blind and vision impaired patrons
Saturday, 24 April, 1.00pm (briefing), 2.00pm (performance)
Monday, 26 April, 5.30pm (briefing), 6.30pm (performance), with a post-show Q&A

Captioned Performances for deaf and hard of hearing patrons
Wednesday, 28 April, 11.00am

Relaxed Performance
Monday, 26 April 6:30pm, with a post-show Q&A

Relaxed Performances are a welcoming theatre experience with adjusted lighting, sound, and conventions.

Wheelchair access & Companion Cards
Wheelchair accessible seats, companion cards and other accessible bookings can be made via phone on 08 8415 5353 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm), or via email at tickets@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

Visit the Access page for more information on our Access Program.

Subscriber Briefing
2027 Subscribers are invited to join us for an exclusive Subscriber Briefing to learn more about the creation of the show.
– Monday, 12 April, 6.00pm

Post Show Q&As
We hold Q&As with our artists and creative teams so that you can ask questions about the production.
– Monday, 26 April
– Wednesday, 28 April

A Date with State
Supported by the Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card, join us for our 2027 A Date With State program, with pre-show tea and coffee before the performance and a post-show Q&A.
– Wednesday, 28 April, 10.00am (pre-show tea and coffee), 11.00am (performance)

State Theatre Company South Australia is offering two school performances as part of our season of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll.

School performances
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

• Tuesday 4 May 11:00am
• Thursday 6 May 11:00am

Visit the State Educate resources page for the Study Guide and What to Expect.

Tickets are now on sale as part of a Teacher Subscription

Venue Access

This show will be performed at the Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre.

The recommended Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre drop off zone is at the northern end of the Riverbank Footbridge on War Memorial Drive (walk across the Footbridge to Dunstan Playhouse) or at the Intercontinental Hotel (walk north between the Intercontinental Hotel and Railway Station along the laneway to the Riverbank). There is also a drop off area and two accessible car spaces on lower Festival Drive, accessible from the west via Montefiore Road.

Getting to the Venue

Adelaide Festival Centre is easily accessible by public transport, including the tram (stop at Railway Station), trains, buses and a free bus service that operates on a loop throughout the city and North Adelaide with stops on the corner of King William Road and North Terrace.

For more information visit https://adelaidemetro.com.au/

For information about parking near the Adelaide Festival Centre, please click here.

Dining Options

Malt Shovel Taphouse
Located at the Adelaide Festival Centre at the end of the Adelaide Oval footbridge
Open Wednesday 3pm-11pm and Thursday – Sunday 11.30am-late

The Strathmore Hotel
Located 5 minutes from the Dunstan Playhouse at 29 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Open 7 days, 11am – 3am