In the twenty-eighth year of the reign of King George III, the British Government sent a fleet to colonize Australia. Eleven ships, carrying supplies and almost 1,500 officers, seamen, marines, and convicts, travelled for eight months before reaching New South Wales. Few of the convicts on board were dangerous criminals.

Under permanent threat of punishment and the searing heat of the Australian sun the convicts fight to retain what little dignity they can. And when a benevolent governor suggests staging a production of The Recruiting Officer it is the young colony begins to ask disturbing questions about rehabilitation and retribution.

Based on real events, this is a powerful and often amusing story of the redemptive and transforming power of theatre.

Written by Timberlake Wertenbaker. Original music by Eric Blakemore. Directed by Iona Farley and Dan Meigh.