This October, Victorian Opera presents a heartening, harrowing and darkly funny new opera adapted from Helen Garner’s acclaimed novel The Spare Room at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Published in 2008, Garner’s award-winning novel tells the story of Helen, who lovingly prepares her spare room for her friend Nicola, who arrives in Melbourne seeking alternative treatment she believes will be the miracle cure her Stage 4 cancer.
From the moment Nicola staggers off the plane, Helen becomes her nurse, guardian angel and judge as the pair navigate an uncertain path through a course of unconventional therapies, the demands of care, and the truths that test us all.
The Spare Room has been adapted by composer Jane Hammond and librettist Therèsa Borg, who tenderly capture the love, rage and friendship at the heart of Garner’s celebrated novel, transforming it into a powerful new opera.
At the heart of the production are celebrated sopranos Natalie Jones and Antoinette Halloran as Helen and Nicola. They are joined by an ensemble cast featuring Carrie Barr, Emily Bauer-Jones, Rachael Joyce and Adrian Tamburini, who perform a range of supporting roles. Scarlett Sheludko and Juliette Tancredi share the role of Helen’s granddaughter, Bessie.
Fresh from hit productions including The Talented Mr Ripley, Julia and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Sarah Goodes makes her operatic debut as director. Harriet Oxley and Paul Jackson return to Victorian Opera as set / costume designer and lighting designer respectively, while Victorian Opera’s Head of Music, Phoebe Briggs, conducts a chamber orchestra.
Co-produced in association with Monstrous Theatre, join Victorian Opera for the world premiere of The Spare Room, an unforgettable new Australian opera inspired by one of the country’s best loved novels.
The Spare Room
Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 7 – 10 October 2026
Information and Bookings: www.victorianopera.com.au
Image: Antoinette Halloran and Natalie Jones star in The Spare Room – photo by Jeff Busby