Kelly

Ned Kelly sits in a grimy cell at Old Melbourne Gaol on the night before his execution. His brother and fellow gang member Dan, who Ned believes died at the siege of Glenrowan, visits disguised as a priest. He's seeking Ned's blessing and forgiveness before heading north to start a new life in Queensland. But after everything they've been through together over the years, and how all of this has affected them, a blessing is not an easy ask. Brothers of the same blood and name, but with very different perspectives of their past. Cowards, murderers or heroes? Life or death?

Now, at the end, they confront each other, striving to understand their past. Dramatically entwining fact, theory and myth, Kelly is the latest achievement of Brisbane-based playwright Matthew Ryan (boy girl wall, Sacré Bleu). It is masterfully balanced with light and shade, and the quick-fire banter between the characters resonates with a crass but irresistible brand of Australian humour. Kelly is a fast-moving, action-packed story which portrays the infamous cult heroes in a totally new light.

Please note: Kelly contains coarse language and adult themes

Queensland Theatre Company’s Kelly opened last week, and already the rave reviews are rushing in.

"Nothing in this production is overstated, which contributes to its absolute success. As said by MacDonald in his notes for the piece, ‘in this play the walls of the legend are stripped back to reveal a deep and complex story of guilt and entitlement between brothers’. A stunning, exalting and truly authentic piece of theatre. 4 1/2 stars out of 5." - artsHub

"This provocative, engaging play may become our next Australian classic." - Stage Whispers

“Brilliantly directed by Australian stage and television veteran Todd MacDonald, Kelly is a beautifully conceived character drama. It hinges on the charisma and competence of a tiny cast to deliver a tightly coiled, fascinating script.” - Brisbane Times

• The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906) is believed to be the world's first feature film.
• Mick Jagger played Ned Kelly in title film (1970); he also sang Wild Colonial Boy on the soundtrack album Ned Kelly (Waylon Jennings).
• Heath Ledger played Ned Kelly in the title film (2003) in which Bernard Fanning performed the song Shelter for my Soul. Yahoo Serious (Reckless Kelly, 1993) and John Jarrett (The Last Outlaw, 1995) have also played Ned.
• Johnny Cash penned a song Ned Kelly which features on his Man in Black album (1971). Kelly has also been celebrated in song by musicians such as John English, John Williamson, Midnight Oil and Redgum.
• In trying to project the essence of what it means to be Australian, the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics featured a myriad of Ned Kellys.
• Great Australian artists Sidney Nolan, Norman Lindsay, Adam Cullen and Luke Roberts have painted their interpretations of, and homage to, Kelly.