Bonny & Read is a new queer musical based on real female pirates of the 1700s. Mary Read is captured aboard a ship with a cut-throat female Captain Anne Bonny, sailing alongside Calico Jack. However, Mary must keep her identity hidden; disguised as “Mark” Read she must help them escape a feared Naval Captain hunting them down. But what happens when Anne begins to fall for this mysterious “Mark” Read? This new musical explores the themes of love, identity and finding your place in a world where you didn’t think you belonged.

Developed with Shopfront Arts Co Op’s ArtsLab Residency from September of 2023 to March 2024, it was presented at 107 Redfern for a 2 week season. Featuring 10 original songs and a cast of 6 emerging Sydney-based talents, with the writers having had the opportunity to be mentored by award-winning Australian musical theatre composer Laura Murphy. Since then the story has been developed with Dramaturgical support through the Hayes Creative Development Program. 

It has now been programmed as part of Qtopia Sydney’s 2025 Mainstage Season in the Loading Dock Theatre. You can see it from 29th October - 8th November 2025 - Tickets are availble now!