Experience a powerful and moving performance of The Shoe-Horn Sonata, brought to life by Limelight Touring Company. Written by acclaimed Australian playwright John Misto, this gripping fictional play tells an unforgettable tale of resilience and remembrance.

In 1945, Sheila and Bridie were freed from a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Now, after a half-century separation, the filming of a television documentary forces them to relive the past. Inspired by accounts of wartime survival, The Shoe-Horn Sonata is a fictional yet deeply moving exploration of courage, memory, and reconciliation.

Important information

• There are two performances of the show: 11am and 6pm.
• The run time is approximately two hours with a 20-minute interval 
• This performance contains references to sexual assault and violence that may be distressing for some audience members. Viewer discretion is advised.

Cast

Colette Quin plays Sheila Richards

Colette has been involved in all aspects of dance and theatre for as long as she can remember. She became more involved in acting when she moved to Wangaratta in the early 1990s and has performed with many companies across Victoria.

Brenda Spilva plays Bridie Cartwright

Brenda has a long-standing history of drama and performing and started acting in primary school. Her love of theatre has seen her perform in plays and musicals spanning more than 20 years with recent performances for local theatre companies. She launched Limelight Touring Company in late-2024.

This performance is presented in partnership with the Australian Nurses Memorial Centre and is proudly supported by the Victorian Veteran’s Council and State Government Victoria.