The Heartbreak Choir

From award-winning Australian writer Aidan Fennessy comes The Heartbreak Choir — a love song to kindness, courage and the humble community choir.

In a weathered CFA hall on the edge of town, five locals gather to sing. They’ve broken away from their old choir over a matter of principle — and now, with a new name, a last-minute gig, and a bottle of local Sangiovese in hand, they’re finding their harmonies once again.

But this isn’t just about music. It’s about grief, community, and learning how to hold each other up when life strikes the wrong chord.

Set in a regional town, The Heartbreak Choir is a gently funny, deeply moving celebration of connection, second chances, and the small, defiantly hopeful ways we show up for one another. With its dry wit, big-hearted characters and unmistakable Aussie charm, this is a play that will leave you humming the high notes.

With a stellar cast of South Australian performers including the incomparable Libby O’Donovan, this play promises a powerhouse of local talent.

CONTENT
Coarse language and references to sexual assault, suicide and drug and alcohol use.

RUN TIME
135 minutes, including interval.

Tickets are now on sale as part of a 2026 Subscription package.

Package 4-7 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 shows.

Click here for information on how to Subscribe.

Single tickets will be available to purchase from 8 December 2025.

Audio Described Performances and Pre-Show Briefing for blind and vision impaired patrons
Saturday, 28 November, 1.00pm (briefing), 2.00pm (performance)
Monday, 30 November, 5.30pm (briefing), 6.30pm (performance), with a post-show Q&A

Captioned Performances for deaf and hard of hearing patrons
Wednesday, 2 December, 11.00am
Wednesday, 2 December, 6.30pm

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
2026 Subscribers are invited to join us for an exclusive Subscriber Briefing to learn more about the creation of the show.
– Monday, 16 November, 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, 30 November
– Wednesday, 2 December (matinee performance)

A Date with State
Supported by the Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card, join us for our 2026 A Date With State program, with pre-show tea and coffee before the performance and a post-show Q&A.
– Wednesday, 2 December, 10.00am (pre-show tea and coffee), 11.00am (performance)

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