21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke
Witness for yourself, the theatre production of the compelling true story from WWII, honouring the bravery, strength, love and hope of Australian Army Nurses in the face of adversity. Touring Australia in 2026.
Vivian Bullwinkel was one of 65 Australian nurses who boarded the Vyner Brooke in an attempt to flee the Japanese invasion of Singapore in February, 1942. Bombed by Japanese fighter planes and after spending days at sea, she and some other survivors found their way to Radji Beach on Banka Island where they surrendered. In one of the most atrocious acts of war crimes in our history, 22 nurses were forced to march into the sea where they were callously machine gunned. The only survivor and witness, Vivian spent the rest of the war in a prison camp before liberation, and her remaining years fighting for recognition of the bravery of her friends and colleagues; their strength and courage in the face of death sustaining her for the rest of her illustrious life.
21 Hearts relays the resilient Aussie humour displayed by the women in the camp and provides a respectful and authentic voice to those who were silenced, remembering them for who they were and not just for what happened to them.
A story of hope, courage, resilience and heart.
Featuring 6 of WA’s most outstanding actors, 21 HEARTS is a celebration of the human spirit and an uplifting, inspiring story which reminds us of the great futility of war.
Don’t miss this seeing this incredible story told on stage.
2026 Production Schedule
Feb 13 - 22 COMO THEATRE, PERTH WA - BOOK NOW
April 23 | 7:30pm DON RUSSELL PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, GOSNELLS WA (sales opening Feb 2026)
June 12 | 7:30pm MANDURAH PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE WA - BOOK NOW
June 20 | 11am & 5pm ALBANY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE - BOOK NOW
July 4 | 2pm & 7pm CHAFFEY THEATRE, RENMARK SA - BOOK NOW
July 10 | 11am & 7pm BALLAARAT MECHANICS INSTITUTE, VIC - BOOK NOW
July 15 | 11am & 7pm ALBURY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, NSW - BOOK NOW
July 18 | 7pm BATHURST MEMORIAL CENTRE, NSW - BOOK NOW
July 22 | 7pm SOMERSET CIVIC CENTRE, ESK QLD - BOOK NOW
July 25 | 2pm & 7pm THE EVENTS CENTRE, CALOUNDRA QLD - BOOK NOW
“How rarely do we hear the true female stories from wars. You’ve honoured these women in such an authentic way.
The writing, acting and staging were all terrific and evocative of the can-do attitude of the women being portrayed.
The research and writing was clearly a labour of love and, with descendants of the nurses’ families there in person, it must have been particularly rewarding to honour them the way you have.”
Presented by Theatre 180
Written by Jenny Davis
Directed by Stuart Halusz
Featuring Caitlin Beresford-Ord, Rebecca Davis, Michelle Fornasier, Alex Jones, Tegan Mulvany and Helen Searle.
