CATALPA: Flight to Freedom
In collaboration with WA Museum
Courage…tenacity…daring and a shipload of adventure! The incredible true story of the most audacious prison break in Australia’s history.
2026
19 – 22 MARCH, FREMANTLE PRISON – SOLD-OUT
29 – 30 APRIL, ACE CINEMAS, ROCKINGHAM – BOOK HERE
April 29 | 11am & 7pm
April 30 | 11am & 7pm
14 – 17 MAY, COMO THEATRE – BOOK HERE
May 14 | 11am* & 7pm
May 15 | 11am* & 7pm
May 16 | 2pm & 7pm
May 17 | 5pm
4 JUNE, KOORLINY ARTS CENTRE, KWINANA – BOOK HERE
COMO THEATRE INFORMATION:
*Following the 11am performance on Friday 15 May, the audience is welcome to remain in the theatre for a Q&A with the Cast and Director
**Audio description is available for the 2pm performance on Saturday 16th May. To book this limited service please contact info@theatre180.com.au or call 0414 345 381.
The rescue of six Fenian prisoners from the fortress of Fremantle Prison was one of the most daring and audacious prison breaks in Australia’s history. Two years in the planning, involving espionage, secret letters, undercover operatives who travelled from Boston to Western Australia to enact the plan, a love affair, a rescue ship masquerading as a whaleboat, a desperate boat chase and the threat of war against the might of America, this story has all the hallmarks of a major Hollywood movie and all the heart of an Irish ballad.
Perfectly suited to THEATRE 180’s ground-breaking CinePlay genre with its sprawling storyline, cast of thousands and epic landscapes from the high seas to 19th century Western Australia, CATALPA: Flight to Freedom is an important part of our recent history. Its themes of bold ideas, daring action and beliefs in the value of political free will are indicative of the Western Australian character.
Fremantle Prison was known as a ‘living tomb’, a place of hellish imprisonment and far from the green fields of Ireland and the land of birth for these freedom fighters seeking independence from centuries of crippling British rule.
Featuring Myles Pollard, Tadhg Lawrence and Taran Knight, CATALPA: Flight to Freedom is a dramatic and gripping tale of hope and adventure.
Como Theatre, 16 Preston St COMO, May 14 - 17
Koorliny Arts Centre, Kwinana, June 4
04 Jun 2026
“
The show is absolutely brilliant. You have brought a complex story to life in a thrilling way. The performance is totally engaging, you have done the story proud.
- Margo O'Byrne
Huge congrats to everyone for a sensational production! The feedback has been incredible. Your hard work, dedication, love, care and passion is felt right through this very special show.
- Geoff Leeder
One of the best, if not the best production of ANY theatre show I have seen.
- Sharyn McCaskey
A masterful performance by the three actors in the telling of the well-researched story of the Catalpa. All of this of this to the very innovative and unique kaleidoscope of effective screen scenery that really brought to life this historic event.
- Mary Carroll
The play is obviously an outstanding success and a tremendous recount of a WA Maritime story. History is important to our heritage and I was delighted to see such accuracy of the recount, the enthusiasm and talent of the actors and the enthralled audience appreciate this magnificent example of theatre. I wish 180 every success not only for the theatrical and entertainment value, but more importantly, the purpose and meaning of an event that should be widely known and understood for its message of perseverance, justice, life and liberty. It was, quite simply, brilliant.
- Sean
The Team
Writers
Stuart Halusz and Myles Pollard
Director
Stuart Halusz
Cast
Myles Pollard
Tadhg Lawrence
Taran Knight
Dramaturg
Jenny Davis
Assistant Director
Myles Pollard
Visual Design
Josephine Jay (Gneiss Design)
Visual Production
Sunburnt Films
Sound Design and Programmer
Amaru Zachariassen
Sound Consultant
Ben Collins
Costume Designer
Ingrid Zurzolo
Stage Manager and Programmer
Craig Williams
Lighting Designer and Assistant Stage Manager
Aaron Stirk
Theme Song Composer
Craig Skelton
Theme Song Lyrics
Stuart Halusz
Theme Song Vocalist
Tadhg Lawrence
Theme Song Musicians
Ian Simpson: Guitar/Banjo
Phil Waldron: Bazouki
John Clare: Bodhran
Chris Gibbs: Electric Guitar
Josephine Hayes: Fiddle
Fiona Doyle: Irish Whistle
Craig Skelton: Bass Guitar
Elliot Jebb: Drums
Theme Song Recording Engineer
Kieran Kenderessy
Theme Song Mixing Engineer
Ben Collins
Marketing Manager & Publicity
Limelight Consulting
Photographer
Stewart Thorpe
Thank You To:
Support Us
you can support us
As an independent, not-for-profit theatre company, we welcome any form of support. Donations of $2.00 or more are tax-deductible.
The THEATRE 180 Public Fund (ABN: 33 042 434 145) is a tax deductible fund listed on the Australian Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations maintained under Subdivision 30-F of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
ALL DONATIONS ARE MAINTAINED IN A SPECIAL PUBLIC FUND ADMINISTRATED BY THEATRE 180 AND THESE FUNDS WILL ONLY BE USED FOR THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THE ORGANISATION.
THEATRE 180 Public Fund
Robin Tunnicliffe FCPA CPM, Jenny Davis OAM, Stuart Halusz
Make A Donation
Whether large or small, any donation will help THEATRE 180 in a variety of ways – by providing much-needed resources to support our administration costs, or to help fund a particular area of our work such as set/props construction, wardrobe, Emerging WA Artist mentoring or script development.
Partner with THEATRE 180
THEATRE 180 works with a number of organisations and individuals in a variety of ways to achieve different outcomes. Please contact us to find out more.
Leave A Legacy
A bequest to THEATRE 180 will help to ensure that many more audiences will continue to benefit from the stories we tell, for many years to come.