Directed by internationally acclaimed opera and theatre director Gale Edwards and composed by George Palmer, Cloudstreet is a remarkable collaboration between the best of Australia's award-winning creative talent. Cloudstreet is an opera that will thrill audiences with a rare mix of stunning originality and real humanity. It appeals to the universal themes of love, regret, loss, heartbreak and joy.

Taken from the original novel by Tim Winton, set during the 1940s and 1950s, it takes you into the 'ordinary' lives of two working-class families - the Lambs and the Pickles - who flee to the city to start again. Brought together under the same roof, they share tragedies, triumphs and moments of magic as their lives become inextricably intertwined.

Cloudstreet is a gripping moral story with a touch of the surreal. It is a lyrical, funny musical journey about two irresistibly lovable and larrikin families. Winton's colourful characterizations spun with Palmer's haunting music will keep you under its spell long after you leave the theatre.

The story so far…

In 2010 George Palmer had the idea to match the complex story of Cloudstreet with an equally compelling score. After hearing about the project Gale Edwards soon became involved and they have since been working collaboratively on the epic task of turning one of Australia's best-loved literary works into an unforgettable two-act opera set to be nothing short of the next Australian masterpiece.

Be a part of bringing Cloudstreet to the stage…

In July 2012 the Cloudstreet team will creatively workshop the first half. The opera will be developed, refined and polished by a full cast of performers, the musical and artistic director, composer and our production staff. It will then be performed before an audience of major key stakeholders in the arts industry with the view of it being turned into a full-scale production.

Support the development of new Australian opera and join us on Cloudstreet.

Your donation will go directly towards the costs of the ten day creative development workshop of the first half of the opera. Expenses include such items as venue hire, lighting and sound, performers fees, stage and production crew, musicians and much more.     

Cast list in alphabetical order by surname

Lurelle Alefounder (Soprano) - Dolly
Dora Armannsdottir (Soprano) - Red
Keara Donohoe (Mezzo/soprano) - Elaine
Simon Gleeson (Tenor) - Fish
Simon Halligan (Baritone) - Chub
Pascal Herington (Tenor) - Lon
David Hidden (Baritone) - Quick
Michaela Leiska (Soprano) - Rose
Kathryn McCusker(Soprano) - Oriel
Barry Ryan (Baritone) - Sam
Ariya Sawadivong (Soprano) - Spirit girl
Javier Vilarino (Baritone) - Ted
Byron Watson (Baritone) - Lester
Amanda Windred ( Mezzo/soprano) - Hattie

Director - Gale Edwards
Music Director - Simon Kenway
Music and lyrics - George Palmer