Perseverance Street Theatre Company is Gympie’s leading independent, not-for-profit professional theatre company, dedicated to empowering regional performance makers and communities through the transformative power of the story. Founded in 2022, the company has quickly become a creative force in Queensland’s cultural landscape, known for producing original, thought-provoking works that resonate with local audiences.

With a core focus on youth engagement, Perseverance Street delivers dynamic programs that span from professional theatre productions to mentorship initiatives and school-based workshops. The company is committed to developing the next generation of regional artists, fostering real-world skills and confidence through hands-on creative practice. By pairing emerging voices with experienced practitioners, Perseverance Street ensures that knowledge is passed on, and new talent is nurtured.

All artists and creative professionals engaged in the company’s work are based in the Gympie region, reinforcing its mission to support local talent and create sustainable career pathways within the arts. Their acclaimed production GRIT received 4.5 stars from Art Hub independent reviewers and toured regional communities with great success.

Perseverance Street Theatre Company stands as a model for grassroots cultural innovation—one that prioritizes accessibility, inclusivity, and the power of storytelling to connect and inspire.

Pirates, Cowboys and Aliens by Sofia Abbey is produced by Perseverance Street Theatre Company.

CREATIVE TEAM
Director – Sharon Hogan
Playwright – Sofia Abbey
Sound Design – Alex Harvey
Lighting Design – Jonas White
Animation – Rowan Lanzon

CAST
Abby Bowyer
Fletcher Colfs

CREW
Tour and Stage Manager – Jonas White

Who is Jude and why does she want to save the playground?

In a theatre landscape where family audiences are often overlooked, Pirates, Cowboys and Aliens offers a joyful, visually inventive theatre experience designed to spark children, parents and grandparents' creativity. Nominated for six Matilda awards, this acclaimed production is inspired by interviews collected within regional communities about childhood. Blending animation and physical performance, the production follows a boy who is aged before his time and a girl who won't grow up.

Featuring original illustrations created by local families, the work celebrates creativity, curiosity and the power of play.

A range of marketing and support resources are available for presenters. High-resolution production images, marketing copy and digital promotional assets are available for use across websites, social media and print. A social media toolkit will be provided to assist venues in promoting the work to local audiences. The play will be published in July, offering an additional resource for educators and libraries. Teacher’s notes are also available to support engagement with schools and curriculum-linked learning.

Pirates, Cowboys and Aliens is supported by a suite of optional engagement activities designed to deepen community participation. These include intergenerational creative workshops where children, parents, grandparents and carers create original drawings and stories inspired by imaginative play. Selected artworks can be incorporated into the performance through projected animation, creating a meaningful connection between local communities and the production.

The company can also offer post-show Q&As and artist talks exploring the creative process, storytelling and theatre-making. By inviting communities to contribute creatively and see their ideas reflected on stage, the project fosters intergenerational connection, celebrates regional voices, and leaves behind a legacy of shared storytelling and creative confidence.