


Every year after the Barbershop Singing National Championships, the men gather for the traditional “afterglow”. Whisky flows, dickie-bows are loosened and quartets sing booze-soaked harmonies into the small hours.
At the 2012 afterglow, Michael meets Tom. One is a barbershop purist with something to prove. The other is a first-timer with a messy suit, a bass voice and a quietly radical outlook: Why aren’t women allowed to sing at barbershop competitions too?
Over six years, their heated debate turns tender, sweet and as complex as a chromatic four-part harmony. Together, the two singers journey through their twenties and encounter some major awakenings. But barbershop has rules, both musical and social. And as Michael and Tom change, so might their place in the chorus.
From the minds of Sheanna Parker Russon (No Love Songs for Lady Basses) and Lillian M. Hearne (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812), this touching musical rom-com will have you humming long after the lights go down.
Oh, did we mention it’s sung in four-part acapella harmony?
9th July, 2026
25th July, 2026

GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY TRAIN: The theatre is a five-minute walk from the Devonshire St/Chalmers St exit of Central Station.
BY LIGHT RAIL: The theatre is also a five-minute walk from Surry Hills Light Rail Stop and approximately seven-minute uphill walk from Chalmers Street Light Rail Stop.
BY BUS: Buses travel along Chalmers St, Elizabeth St and Cleveland St.
BY CAR: There is no onsite parking, but limited timed parking is available on the streets around the theatre. On Sundays parking is unlimited.
Book, Lyrics & Melodies: Sheanna Parker Russon
Musical Director, Composition & Arrangements: Lillian M. Hearne
Co-Directors: Cassie Hamilton and Lily Hayman
Dramaturg: Jean Tong
Set & Costume: Designer: Ruby Jenkins
Sound Designer: Clare Hennessy
Lighting Designer: Tyler Fitzpatrick
Stage Manager: Cris Chavez
Cast includes: Cassie Hamilton, Nic Prior
A Purple Tape Productions Production
Griffin Lookout in 2026 is proudly supported by: Shane & Cathryn Brennan
Griffin Lookout provides Sydney’s most exciting independent theatre makers with a season at Griffin as well as producing and artistic support from the Griffin Team.
Afterglow is at Sydney's Downstairs Theatre | Belvoir St Theatre, which is located at 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, 2010.
Afterglow tickets start at $47.
Check the top of this page for current availability on Afterglow tickets on TodayTix.