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A scene from the performance of 21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke in a theatre.

Photo: 21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke WA regional tour. Image by Stuart Halusz

The tour was supported by the WA Government’s Playing WA funding – through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment program (RACIP). The program builds liveability and vibrancy in regional and remote communities across the state by supporting touring of  WA produced performing arts shows. 

21 Hearts, the story of renowned nurse Vivian Bullwinkel, showed to audiences in York, Bridgetown, Beverley, Albany, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton with some excited audience members travelling long distances specifically to attend. With 6 of their 7 shows a sell out and over 2,300 audience members, it is regarded as the most successful Playing WA tour to date. The tour built new audiences in regional communities while also supporting the viability and prosperity of regional venues.  

The show was written by Jenny Davis OAM who was recognised by the WA Government as a State Cultural Treasure in 2024.  

Executive Director Rebecca Davis shared the story of one 13 year old girl who begged her family to take her to the show, ‘She had read Jenny Davis’ book Courage Be My Friend: The Vivian Bullwinkel Story and was so adamant about getting to see the performance. She ended up having 3 generations of her family attend the show in Beverley, and that was just one of many stories we heard about people feeling a connection to the story or having a personal connection to Vivian Bullwinkel herself.’ 

Congratulations to THEATRE 180 and all cast and crew on such an outstanding and successful tour. 

The next round of Regional Performing Arts Playing WA funding opens 2 September 2025.

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Page reviewed 27 February 2023
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