A Bright Light in the Darkness

The Catherine McAuley Story

Witness the remarkable story of Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy

“A Bright Light in the Darkness” is an engaging and heartfelt theatrical production by Blue Whale Theatre, created to bring the inspiring life of Catherine McAuley to the stage. Catherine devoted her life to helping the poor, tending to the sick, and educating young girls and women in 19th-century Ireland. Her legacy as the founder of the Sisters of Mercy continues to influence and inspire countless lives around the world today.

This beautiful production chronicles her journey from humble beginnings to establishing the House of Mercy in Dublin, a home and school for the poor that remains standing today. Through perseverance, faith, and selfless dedication, Catherine’s work and values laid the foundation for Sisters of Mercy assemblies worldwide, leaving a lasting imprint of compassion and mercy.

After sell-out tours across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland, A Bright Light in the Darkness will once again tour primary and secondary schools, as well as community venues throughout NSW, QLD and VIC in 2025.

Show Versions Available:

Version 2 – For Stage 1 Students (K- 2 Primary Students)

This adapted version of the play is specially designed for younger children, with simpler language and a shorter runtime. Just like the full-length version, students are encouraged to ask questions after each section, engaging with the actor to better understand Catherine’s story and values.

Duration: 45-50 minutes (including Q&A). Flexible timing if needed.

Audience: Best suited for younger primary students.

Format: Interactive performance with age-appropriate Q&A.

Catherine McAuley student theatre

Version 1 – For Stage 2 and Stage 3 Students (Primary and Secondary)

This full-length version of Catherine McAuley’s story is designed for older students, offering a more comprehensive view of her life and work. The show is performed in three sections, with a hot seating session after each segment, allowing students to engage directly with the actor portraying Catherine McAuley, asking questions about her thoughts, struggles, and experiences.

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (including Q&A). Flexible if shorter time is required.

Audience: Suitable for both primary and secondary school students.

Format: Interactive performance with Q&A through the “hot seating” technique.

Theatre performance for student learning

Booking Information and Pricing

Costs for Primary Schools:

  • $10.50 per student (for the first 100 students)

  • $8.50 per student (for the second 100 students)

  • $7 per student (for the third 100 students)

  • $5 per student (for any additional students beyond 300)

    All bookings include travel expenses.

For Secondary Schools:

$13.50 a student. Please contact us for a tailored quote.

Locations available

NSW : Sydney, Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Blue Mountains, Central West,Bathurst, Orange, Forbes, Wollongong, Goulburn, Yass, Wagga, Albury, Griffith,

VIC: Shepperton, Seymour, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Kyneton, Ballarat, Geelong,Melton, Swan Hill, Mildura,

What Schools Are Saying

  • Thank you to the Blue Whale Theatre actors for providing a professional and quality  experience for our children. They have learned information about Catherine McAuley in the  past, however, her devotion, strength and generosity was really brought to life by the play.  The children laughed, were moved and intrigued.”

    Sonya Brennan, Holy Rosary Primary  Kensington, VIC

  • "The performers were great, they were very engaging and we liked how there were  opportunities for questions embedded within the production. They performed the story  well, and really got into their characters. Our Year 7s were very inquisitive and asked lots of  questions''.

    James Sheahan College, Orange, NSW August 13th 2020.

  • "Each performer captured the characters superbly showing depth and emotional connection for us in the audience. The elements of death were portrayed in a respectful and appropriate level for the children.. got the children interested and motivated to help others, and learn more about Catherine's life."

    Luke Ryan, Year 5 teacher, St Michaels Primary Baulkham Hills, Sydney.

  • "Thank you for the production…it was awesome and very well received by both staff and Yr 7 students! Again, please pass on my thanks to Jade and Roger the other actors, they were fabulous!"

    Cam Tu-Hines, Year 7 teacher, Aranmore Catholic College, Leederville, Perth WA

  • "The play A Bright Light in the Darkness was well written and very informative. I learned about some of the people in Catherine McAuley’s life and how they had an impact on the person she became. The actors changing characters throughout the play added great range, giving us a better understanding of the Mercy story."

    — Aliyah, Year 8, Mercedes College, Perth

  • "The play A Bright Light in the Darkness is an exceptional dramatisation. It powerfully sends an authentic message to influence students and staff to be inspired to action. Staff commented that it was the best school incursion they have ever seen."

    — Philip Ledlin, Principal, Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary, Chatswood, Sydney

How We Bring the Theatre to Your School:

Blue Whale Theatre makes it easy to host a full theatre production at your school or community venue. We bring everything necessary to transform your space into a theatre, from period costumes and props to a professional backdrop and sound system. Our adaptable setup allows us to perform in large halls or smaller spaces, so no stage is required.

Here’s what we bring:

  • Professional theatre backdrop and props

  • Period-accurate costumes made especially for the show

  • Sound system for music and audio

  • A team of three professional actors who also facilitate interactive Q&A workshops with students

Setup Requirements:

All we need from you is an indoor space with a power socket and an audience! Our actors will arrive 60 minutes before the performance to set up.

WWC Checks and Insurance:

All Blue Whale Theatre actors are professionally trained, fully insured, and hold current NSW Working with Children Checks. We will email WWC details and actor photographs to your school prior to the performance for identification.

Catherine McAuley theatre production

Book Your Performance Now

With limited spots available for our upcoming tour across NSW, VIC and QLD, we encourage schools to book early to secure their preferred dates. Don’t miss this engaging and inspirational opportunity for your students to learn about Australia’s first saint through an immersive, interactive performance.

Get in Touch to Book:

Email: info@bluewhaletheatre.com
Phone: 0401 418 323