Our Country's Good

‘Theatre is an expression of civilisation’

Set in Botany Bay in 1789, Our Country’s Good tells the true story of the first ship to arrive in Australia, full of British convicts and officers. Surrounded by forbidding conditions and under the burning heat of the Australian sun, Lieutenant Clark attempts to bring literature, theatre and culture to the penal colony through a production of Farquhar’s The Recruiting Officer. As the barriers between captors and captives break down, they start to discover each other, both onstage and behind the scenes.

25 years ago, Our Country’s Good premiered at the Royal Court Theatre before transferring to the West End and Broadway, winning major awards on both sides of the Atlantic.

Our production comes at a time when the British prison system is in turmoil, and theatre and education have never been more important. A play that strives to show the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and friendship through theatre.

‘A consummate revival of a modern classic’ - Guardian

‘Bursting with humanity, humour, heartache and passion’ - Daily Telegraph

‘Marvellous revival. Hilarious. Desperately moving’ - Mail on Sunday

‘An exceptional piece of writing – a deliciously detailed world’ - Time Out

‘All the ingredients of a stirring heart-thumper’ - Metro

‘Staged with overwhelming warmth and humanity’ - Sunday Express