What's On

Theatre Works proudly presents

Soldier Boy
By Anthony Hill
Directed by Beng Oh

At 14 years of age Private James Martin enlisted to fight for his country. He would never return home.

Bridging history and the present, this visually and emotionally charged production of Anthony Hill’s Soldier Boy follows James Martin from Melbourne to the battlefields of Gallipoli. Brought to the Theatre Works’ stage by an impressive team of artists and art makers including Director Beng Oh and Green Room Award Winner and Nominee Sidney Younger and Jack Burmeister, this compelling season offers a fresh, contemporary perspective on the ANZAC legacy.

Immortalising the life of James Martin in his final hour, Soldier Boy is a powerful examination of his choice to serve, his legacy, and the loved ones he left behind. An ever-evolving landscape of memory and reality that illuminates the stark contrast between the innocence of youth and the brutal realities of war.

Playing as a part of the By Theatre Works programming stream this June/July, don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the story of Australia's youngest known ANZAC.

Theatre Works is a vibrant hub for creative expression, fostering the development and presentation of innovative and daring performances. Committed to supporting the next generation of artists and engaging audiences with powerful storytelling, the organisation is vital to Australia’s cultural landscape. Soldier Boy is playing as a part of the By Theatre Works programming stream. Other By Theatre Works productions in 2025 include Three Sisters, Love and Information, The Machine Stops, The Beep Test, and Storked.

Written and Adapted by Anthony Hill
Directed by Beng Oh
Performed by Philip Hayden, Laura Iris Hill, Emily Joy, Marc Opitz, Ashlynn Parigi, Oliver Tapp, Charlie Veitch and Mark Yeates
Sound Design and Composition by Jack Burmeister
Lighting Design by Sidney Younger
Set Design by Vivienne Hargreaves
Produced by Theatre Works
Stage Manager / Operator: Ella Thompson
Associate Secondment (Directing): Jessica Fallico
Associate Secondment (Marketing and Producing): Arianna Marchiori
Publicity by Sassy Red PR

19 June – 5 July 2025
Tues – Sat 7:30pm, Wed – Fri 11:30am
Previews: Thurs 19 and Fri 20 June 7:30pm
Opening Night: Sat 21 June 7:30pm
Tickets: $55 Full, $48 Concession, $40 Preview, $35 Rush Tix, $25 Mob Tix (+bf)
Bookings: www.theatreworks.org.au/2025/soldier-boy
Enquiries: (03) 9534 3388
Venue: Theatre Works - 14 Acland Street, St Kilda
www.theatreworks.org.au

Duration: 100 minutes no interval
Age suitability: 14+
Warnings: War, violence, child soldiers
Accessibility: Theatre Works is a wheelchair accessible venue. A full access guide will be available closer to the date