It’s the 7th of February 2009 – forever known in Australia’s history as ‘Black Saturday.’ It’s also Tom Robinson’s 18th Birthday.  Celebrations kick off at the family’s Kinglake home and nothing seems out of the ordinary.  But tensions start to rise between Tom and his older brother Matthew, along with the temperature outside, and before the ice-cream cake has time to melt a deeply held family secret is revealed.  But will bringing everything out in the open finally give the Robinsons the peace and acceptance they’ve constantly struggled for – or will it tear them further apart and make them question the very structure they’ve tried to uphold?

Brilliantly striking the balance between pathos and humour, Hearth immediately draws in audiences with its witty and lyrical dialogue, relatable characters and timely themes. 

Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Geoff Paine (TV’s Neighbours), Sonya Suares (Melbourne Talam, MTC), Martin Blum (Boy out of the country, Larrikin Productions), Carole Patullo (Button, La Mama) and Kurt Pimblett (Hir, Belvoir). 

Urgent, heartfelt, at times hilarious, and achingly raw - this compelling new drama is guaranteed to not only be a thought-provoking night at the theatre, but also an extremely enjoyable one.

Murphy’s story-telling sparkles… Murphy writes whirling, unfiltered emotion most powerfully‘ – Australian Stage.

‘Murphy’s writing crackles with dark wit and beauty‘ – Theatre People.


Performed by Geoff Paine, Sonya Suares, Kurt Pimblett, Carole Patullo, Martin Blum & Eleanor Webster

Written by Fleur Murphy

Directed by Tom Royce-Hampton

Produced by Fiona Stafford

Set & Costume Design by Chantal Marks ​

Lighting Design by Clare Springett

Sound Design by Max Royce-Hampton and Tom Royce-Hampton

Image by Chris Tomkins