The acclaimed theatrical production Vandemonian Lags: New Songs From the Prison Without Walls will make its way to Melbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Frankston in May 2025.
Vandemonian Lags, an extraordinary musical and narrative experience, brings to life dramatic true stories from Tasmania’s convict history, featuring an ensemble cast of celebrated musicians and performers.
Vandemonian Lags tour dates
- Thursday 22 May – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo, 7:30 pm
- Friday 23 May – Melbourne Recital Centre, 7:30 pm
- Saturday 24 May – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat, 7:30 pm
- Sunday 25 May – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston, 3:30 pm
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About the production
Originally a centrepiece of the inaugural DARK MOFO festival in Hobart in 2013 and last performed at the Port Fairy Folk Festival in 2019, Vandemonian Lags blends music, history, and storytelling. The show explores the stories of convicts and ex-convicts from Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) and their migration to the Victorian goldfields following the discovery of gold in 1851.
The production features original songs by Mick Thomas, Ben Salter, Van Walker, Liz Stringer, Darren Hanlon, and Jeff Lang. Narrated by Tim Rogers and Brian Nankervis, it is directed by Ian Pidd and produced by Steve Thomas and Catherine Pettman.
The all-star cast includes Mick Thomas, Tim Rogers, Brian Nankervis, Jeff Lang, Ben Salter, Darren Hanlon, Shelley Short, Van Walker, Claire Anne Taylor, and Sal Kimber. They are joined by an exceptional band featuring members of Weddings Parties Anything: Jen Anderson, Mark Wallace, and Michael Barclay, alongside Craig Pilkington.
Tickets for all performances are on sale now. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Caravan Touring website.
