The Lucky Country

The Lucky Country is a new Aussie musical for all Aussies. Digging deep into the themes of identity and belonging, The Lucky Country is a playful, wildly entertaining and heartfelt celebration of who we can be as Australians.

The Lucky Country takes us on an exciting journey led by a 13 year old Thitharr Warra boy. Crossing paths with all-Aussie characters, including grey nomads who find love crashing a Contiki tour, a WW2 veteran, a young refugee in Mingoola, and even a Chinese Australian restauranteur who dreams of life as a Byron Bay nudist! Following alongside our hero as he goes on his adventures, we are led into a deeper understanding of community and our place within it.

Featuring six exceptional performers and a five-piece band (including yidaki – didgeridoo), this 70 minute show introduces a host of new Australian anthems, illuminated and amplified by kaleidoscopic audiovisual design.

With Music and Lyrics by Vidya Makan (Six, Merrily We Roll Along) in collaboration with Sonya Suares, The Lucky Country gives a voice to those typically marginalised in our collective conversations about Australian identity and history. Be the first to experience a joyful and uplifting musical journey exploring what it means to be 'Aussie'.

"Vidya and Sonya are two of the most electrifying and thought-provoking theatre-makers we have today - we’re so excited for audiences to see the world premiere of this stunning work at the Hayes. Musical theatre that talks about our own country as it is today is sadly rare, which makes us all the more excited to present this show.” - Hayes Co-Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer

“What does it mean to be Australian? Who are we as a nation when we attempt to include ALL the parts of how we came to be. The Lucky Country is a love letter to these questions. Embracing the contradictions, love, hurt and joy of being ‘Aussie’. It’s an all Aussie musical, for ALL Aussies; featuring the voices I never got to see on stage, growing up.” – Writer and Lyricist of The Lucky Country Writer Vidya Makan

Music and Lyrics: Vidya Makan in collaboration with Sonya Suares

Director: Sonya Suares

Musical Director & Orchestrator: Heidi Maguire

Choreographer: Amy Zhang

Set and Costume Designer: Emily Collett

Lighting Designer: Rob Sowinski

AV Designer: Justin Harrison

Cultural Consultant: Amy Sole

Starring: Joseph Althouse, Milo Hartill, Ava Madon, Vidya Makan