NORPA is preparing to bring one of Australia’s most powerful stage works to communities across the Northern Rivers. The regional company will present Suzie Miller’s award winning play Prima Facie in early 2026, marking a major cultural moment for the region. Residents in Byron Bay, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Kyogle, Grafton and Lismore will soon experience a production that has impressed audiences in Sydney, London’s West End and Broadway.
This touring season is part of NORPA’s new Village Circuit program. It is designed to decentralise culture, support local talent and keep live performance strong in regional towns. With rising living costs, reduced funding pressure on arts organisations nationwide, and continued recovery from pandemic disruptions, this strategic model signals a fresh approach to community arts access. It blends global quality with local delivery, drawing attention to the economic, social and cultural value of regional theatre.
A Landmark Production Comes Home
Prima Facie follows a brilliant criminal defence lawyer whose belief in the justice system is shaken by her own experience. The story cuts to the heart of conversations about consent, power and institutional fairness. It is a timely topic across Australia and beyond. With public interest in justice reform growing, this staging offers regional audiences a chance to engage in a vital discussion in an accessible and relatable way.
This production will feature Matilda Ridgway in the lead role, directed by Heather Fairbairn. Both bring strong professional theatre experience to this local stage. NORPA’s artistic approach focuses on merging professional excellence with place based storytelling. It ensures that local audiences receive the same high quality artistic experiences as metropolitan theatre goers. That model strengthens cultural equity and encourages greater participation in the local creative economy.
NORPA has spent years developing pathways for artists and crews from regional areas. By staging an internationally acclaimed play through a regional network, the company reinforces its commitment to long term talent growth. This means more job opportunities, broader creative development and stronger visibility for regional arts. It also strengthens tourism by positioning the Northern Rivers as a cultural destination. Live performance brings audiences, and audiences bring spending to local cafes, transport operators and accommodation providers.
Prima Facie stands out not only for its subject matter but also for its resonance with current policy discussions. National campaigns focusing on consent education, gender equality and institutional responsibility continue to grow. This production places these issues in front of local audiences in a clear and emotional way. Theatre can spark ideas that policy papers cannot, and this tour could play a role in shaping community dialogue across the region.
How The Village Circuit Strengthens Regional Arts
NORPA’s Village Circuit represents a blueprint for the future of regional touring. Instead of asking audiences to travel long distances or miss out, the company is bringing major theatre productions to town centres. This approach supports social cohesion and encourages participation in shared cultural experiences. It also acts as a stimulus for local economies as attendees often shop, dine and travel around performances.
The touring model also gives local councils and community hubs more visibility. It allows small towns to host large cultural events, building civic pride. In a regional environment where services can be uneven, shared access to arts programming becomes an important part of regional inclusion. Kids, families and older residents can all attend without significant transport barriers. This encourages intergenerational audiences and increases the long term sustainability of local arts culture.
One of the strengths of the Village Circuit is that it will continue annually, each year offering a new touring production. That long horizon helps local venues plan ahead, attract sponsorship and build programming confidence. It also helps businesses plan seasonal cultural offerings, creating a virtuous cycle of arts and local commerce.
- Key impacts expected from The Village Circuit:
- Increased local cultural participation
- Stronger tourism activity across local towns during summer
- More employment pathways for regional artists and crew
- Innovation in regional arts delivery that other communities may follow
- Better arts experiences for young audiences who may not reach major cities
This strategy fits within broader efforts to decentralise culture. National arts reports highlight that regional creative industries contribute billions in economic value and create thousands of jobs. Local access to culture supports mental wellbeing, social connection and lifelong learning. When a community has regular events, it strengthens belonging and identity. NORPA’s approach reflects this larger vision by investing in continuous cultural access rather than one off events.
Why Prima Facie Matters Now
The themes in Prima Facie remain deeply relevant. Legal systems across democracies face public pressure to evolve. More voices call for trauma informed justice, and more conversations highlight the gap between lived experience and legal frameworks. This production speaks directly to these ideas using personal narrative rather than abstract debate. Audiences see a story play out, feel the human impact, and leave thinking about real world change. That emotional connection can influence how people talk about justice in their homes, workplaces and public life.
Australian playwright Suzie Miller has earned global recognition for her sharp, layered writing. She blends legal insight with human storytelling. This combination allows audiences to understand complex systems without heavy legal language. People connect with the character first, then see the system through that character’s eyes. It gives a clear path to empathy and reflection. Simpler language and strong narrative make difficult themes easier to process.
Regional communities have their own experiences with access to justice. Distance, limited services and local resource gaps can influence how people navigate legal systems. Staging Prima Facie here allows these conversations to flourish in a community setting. Audience forums, school discussions and community arts talks often follow NORPA shows. This means the work can extend beyond the stage into meaningful grassroots dialogue.
In a world saturated with digital media, live theatre still holds power. People gather, sit in the same room and share a story together. That shared space encourages trust and openness. It invites emotional response and calm discussion. It is a different experience to online debate. NORPA is offering more than a performance. It is offering a civic moment.
Touring Schedule and Key Information
Tour Schedule and Access Guide
| Location | Venue | Date Range | Seating Capacity | Ticket Info | Suggested Local Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Byron Bay | Community Theatre | Feb 2026 | Mid sized | Tickets via norpa.org.au | Visit Main Beach and local cafes |
| Tweed Heads | Civic Centre | Feb 2026 | Large venue | Tickets via norpa.org.au | Explore Tweed Regional Gallery |
| Murwillumbah | Local Theatre | Feb 2026 | Medium | Tickets via norpa.org.au | River walk and farmers market |
| Kyogle | Memorial Hall | Feb 2026 | Intimate | Tickets via norpa.org.au | National Park bushwalk |
| Grafton | Saraton Theatre | Feb 2026 | Historic large hall | Tickets via norpa.org.au | Clarence River precinct |
| Lismore | NORPA at Lismore City Hall | Feb 2026 | Major venue | Tickets via norpa.org.au | CBD dining and art trails |
How to Attend and What to Expect
Tickets are available online through NORPA’s official website. Early booking is encouraged because the story has high public interest and seating varies by town. Prices are set to remain accessible so families, students and pension card holders can participate. Some venues will host community events or post show conversations. Attendees can expect professional staging, strong acting and a powerful script delivered with care and respect for the subject matter. Arriving early is recommended to enjoy local hospitality and avoid rush entry.
Visitors coming from nearby towns can plan short day trips or weekend stays. Local councils and tourism providers are expected to prepare supporting promotions. This increases regional spending and boosts the hospitality sector. People can combine theatre with farm markets, coastal walks or river visits. Cultural tourism in the Northern Rivers continues to grow and this tour adds to that trend.
Trending FAQ
What is Prima Facie about?
It is a drama about a defence lawyer whose life changes after her own traumatic experience. It explores justice, truth and consent.
Who is performing in this production?
Actor Matilda Ridgway stars, directed by Heather Fairbairn, supported by NORPA’s creative team.
Where will the play tour?
Byron Bay, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Kyogle, Grafton and Lismore in February 2026.
How can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available at norpa.org.au. Advance booking is advised.
Why is this tour important?
It strengthens access to culture in regional areas, supports local employment and starts constructive conversations about justice and community safety.
Is the show suitable for younger viewers?
The content deals with mature themes. Guidance is recommended, and NORPA will provide rating details when booking.
Can local schools participate?
Schools are encouraged to contact NORPA for information on group bookings and education resources.
What economic benefits are expected?
Live performance boosts local food, travel and accommodation spending. It also supports creative industry jobs and visitor movement across towns during summer.
How long is the performance?
Typical runtime for Prima Facie productions is around 90 minutes. Exact times will be confirmed closer to the tour date.
Will there be post show discussions?
Some venues plan community conversations. Details will be listed on NORPA’s website prior to opening night.
