A woman leaning on a trolley of office folders.

The Palace Letters

  • Theatre
  • Sydney Theatre Company
  • Drama Theatre
  • Run time: 150 minutes, including interval Subject to change
  • Seating map

The scandal that changed Australia, and still divides

Australia, 1975. A government is dismissed, a nation is divided and a correspondence between the Queen and Governor-General Sir John Kerr is kept hidden from the public. Based on Jenny Hocking’s groundbreaking book, The Palace Letters brings one of the most controversial episodes in Australian political history to the stage. 

Written by Melanie Tait and directed by Priscilla Jackman, this gripping political drama explores power, secrecy, loyalty and the unanswered questions surrounding the dismissal of Gough Whitlam. What did the Palace know? What role did the Governor-General play? And who gets to decide what the public is allowed to know? As long-hidden letters finally come to light, The Palace Letters asks us to reconsider a defining moment in our national story – and the institutions, individuals and relationships that shaped it.

Presented by the Sydney Theatre Company

Event details

Credits

Playwright
Melanie Tait
Author
Jenny Hocking
Director
Priscilla Jackman

You may also like

Into Space

6 – 14 Jan 2027

  • Kids & Families
  • Circus
  • Theatre
An astronaut floating above five others that are looking up to her. She has her arms and legs kicked out with a fun expression.

Hook’s Neverland

9 – 17 Jan 2027

  • Circus
  • Cabaret
  • Comedy
  • Kids & Families
  • Magic
Captain Hook's dazzling silver hook hand against a starry purple sky.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

16 Jul – 22 Aug 2027

  • Theatre
An illustration of an hourglass with a man and woman reaching out for each other inside..

Attending this event

Practical information about this event, ticketing and visiting. If you have questions or need help, see our general terms and conditions for tickets and events or contact us.

Ticket information

If you have further questions or need help, please refer to our general terms and conditions for tickets and events or contact a member of our team on 1300 764 849.

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Drama Theatre

The Drama Theatre is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

  • Checking availability