Lane Cove is about to host something truly special. For four nights only, 25–28 September, internationally acclaimed UK duo Wright & Grainger bring their award-winning blend of myth, music and modern storytelling to the Pottery Lane Performance Space as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival.
Fresh from sold-out seasons at The Rocks, this Lane Cove season is a rare opportunity for local audiences to experience the duo’s globally celebrated work right on their doorstep.
The Shows
Orpheus
Debuted in 2016 and now performed over 500 times across the world, Orpheus reimagines the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
But this isn’t a distant myth — it unfolds through karaoke bars, pubs and winding side streets, accompanied by Phil Grainger’s live guitar and Alexander Wright’s poetic narration. The result is raw, emotional, and profoundly moving, blending spoken word and music to explore love, loss and the power of song.
Winner of Best Theatre at Adelaide Fringe and Fringeworld, Orpheus has been hailed as:
- “Theatrical magic” – Glam Adelaide
- “Storytelling at its finest” – critics worldwide
This is contemporary theatre at its most intimate and unforgettable.
Helios
Premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 (winner of the Summerhall Lustrum Award) and revived at the Adelaide Fringe in 2024 and 2025, Helios tells the story of Phaethon, the son of the sun god, who dares to drive his father’s chariot across the sky.
In Wright & Grainger’s hands, this ancient tale becomes deeply personal — reframed through the landscapes of rural North Yorkshire and questions of identity, masculinity and vulnerability.
Performed solo by Alexander Wright, with Grainger’s cinematic score swirling around him, Helios has been described as:
- “Deeply personal, euphoric and heart-broken at once”
- “A gorgeous retelling… a virtuoso performance”
It is myth brought into the present, glowing with humanity and courage.
Grandpa Poseidon (Family Show)
Rounding out the Lane Cove season is something for families. Grandpa Poseidon, running 27–28 September, is a playful, interactive adventure that introduces kids to Greek myths with humour, music, and lots of audience participation.
The story begins in a seaside town. A kid is on holiday. A seagull swoops to steal a chip. And there, at the bus stop, sits Poseidon — a retired god gazing out at the ocean.
What follows is a tale about change, fear, and finding your feet in a new place. With songs, storytelling, and even post-it notes, children are invited to help shape the journey as they discover that even gods can feel a bit lost sometimes.
This is Greek myth with a playful twist — full of laughs, music and audience participation, but also tenderness, teaching kids about listening, talking and resilience.
Who are Wright & Grainger?
Hailing from rural North Yorkshire, Alexander Wright (storyteller) and Phil Grainger (musician/composer) have built a worldwide reputation since 2016 for weaving ancient Greek myths into contemporary performances filled with heart, humour and live music. Their shows have travelled across four continents, from railway arches to heritage churches, earning rave reviews, cult audiences and multiple theatre and music awards.
Their trademark? Transforming intimate venues into sites of communal magic — where timeless myths meet modern life and the personal becomes universal.
Acclaim & Awards
Wright & Grainger are no strangers to glowing reviews and packed houses. Their shows have received consistent ★★★★★ praise across the UK and Australia:
★★★★★ “This company truly are the best at storytelling” – ThreeWeeks
★★★★★ “Theatrical Magic. I laughed. I cried. I loved it” – Glam Adelaide
They are also multi-year winners of Best Theatre at the Adelaide Fringe (2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024), cementing their place as festival favourites worldwide.
Don’t Miss Out
Whether you’re drawn to the modern musical retelling of Orpheus, the emotional power of Helios, or the laughter and fun of Grandpa Poseidon – you won’t want to miss out.
📅 When: 25–28 September 2025
📍 Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space, 1 Pottery Ln, Lane Cove NSW 2066
🎟️ Book Now:
THIS IS A SPONSORED ARTICLE
How local journalism keeps communities engaged
Local newsrooms play a vital role in keeping communities informed and engaged with the decisions that affect them. Without dedicated coverage of local government, infrastructure, and policy changes, many residents are left uninformed about issues that significantly impact their daily lives. Independent newsrooms help bridge this gap, providing a trusted source of information and giving people a platform to voice concerns. Strong local reporting doesn’t just inform, it fosters public participation and strengthens civic engagement. – extract from the Local and Independent News Association Website
