After three years, A Campfire Story returns to Manly Dam every Friday and Saturday through September, promising to be bigger, spookier and more immersive than ever.
The outdoor theatrical experience, written by Joel Burrows and Disapol Savetsila, is set around a real campfire and explores how grief can shape us all.
“I love campfires so much that I made a play about one,” said Joel.
“It kicks off with you sitting at a campfire, listening to a narrator tell you the tale of Jane MacKilgray, a farmer who is trying to stop her sons from taking over her land. However, unlike your typical campfire yarn, the more this narrator talks, the more immersive their story becomes.
“Strange creatures begin howling in the distance. Characters that begin as mere verbal descriptors start to show up around the fire. What begins as a straightforward campfire story transforms into a fully-fledged, theatrical show.”
The production first premiered at Manly Dam in 2022 and was a huge success. “Audiences loved watching this story play out under the stars,” said Joel.
This second run in 2025 promises a more polished and professional experience.
“This version is bigger and better than ever. The play is being supported by Sydney Fringe Festival. Our set is more professional, and our campfire is more spectacular in size,” Joel said.
One popular tradition remains the same. During the intermission, the cast, crew and audience members gather around to roast marshmallows, adding to the authenticity.
The actors say the outdoor setting is essential to bringing the play to life and critical to its success.
Rocco Forrester-Sach, who plays the part of both Sam and narrator, praised Joel’s dual role as both writer and director.
“You have the best of both worlds. He is so onboard and so collaborative,” he said.
“It is one of the most exciting performances that I have done. Feeling the fresh air on your face, if it is raining you just have to adapt, I just love the impromptu nature of performing outside.”
For Rocco, his favourite part is a line that captures the emotion of the story.
“Sam saw that his childhood house was no longer his childhood home.”
Simon Arthur, who plays Sam’s brother Benji, highlighted the quality of acting and impact of the ensemble.
“I like, in particular, the dinner scene that is when every character is there and there is a bit of back and forth and you can really see the dynamic.”
For actress, Angela Johnston, the setting’s natural eeriness makes the experience unforgettable.
“You look down there is dirt, there are trees above you, birds around you, creatures running around. You can’t replicate that,” she said.
