Healing in Harmony at The Forge this October

Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company is back this October, with a new production to follow on from last year’s outstanding season of Death of a Salesman.  Warm, funny, and profoundly moving, The Heartbreak Choir by celebrated Australian playwright Aidan Fennessy, opens at The Forge Theatre on Friday 17^th  October, for a two-weekend run concluding with a Sunday matinee on 26^th  October.

Set in a small-town community hall, The Heartbreak Choir follows a ragtag group of locals who form a new choir in the wake of grief and loss, learning that sometimes the best way to heal a broken heart is to sing.  For director and company President Susan Gibson, the choice to stage The Heartbreak Choir was both timely and deeply personal.

Susan said

“I saw the original staging of the play in 2022 and instantly fell in-love with it.  The theme of the play is about resilience, connection, and the joy of music, It’s full of humour and heart, but at the same time it reminds us that joy and sorrow often walk hand-in-hand.”

Taking a gentle but realistic look at themes of friendship, forgiveness and finding your voice again, literally and figuratively, this story offers powerful roles for a talented ensemble of local actors

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“This play is full of real, everyday people, with an authentic Australian tone,” Susan said.  “I am absolutely thrilled with how the actors have embraced the challenge of portraying such grounded, human characters.  It’s a delight working with them all.”

Elaine Cope, the company’s Project Manager, says audiences will see a return to Production Line’s more light-hearted fare after the intensity of Death of a Salesman.

“This play has plenty of laughs and some gorgeous a cappella harmonies, but it’s also full of warmth and compassion. We’ve been really focused on honouring the Australian voice in this piece.  It’s beautifully written, and I think a lot of people will recognise themselves or someone they love on stage.”

The Heartbreak Choir will run for six performances from Friday 17^th October to Sunday 26^th October at The Forge Theatre. 

Book your tickets now

More information is available on

• The Heartbreak Choir web page

• Production Line’s Facebook page

• The Forge Theatre box office

L-R The cast of The Heartbreak Choir - Jayne Baylis, C.J Stephens, Michelle McLean, Andy Parry, Susan Hawton, Aleka Hutton, Susan Gibson (Director), Simran Kaur.

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