A true story walking the tightrope between heartbreak and hilarity, Breaking the Castle is a dark comedy about falling apart and faking your way through recovery – until you can’t. 

An hilarious, heartfelt true story of human resilience

Breaking the Castle follows the story of David, a struggling actor whose life is a chaotic blend of substance abuse, Shakespearean soliloquies, failed auditions, and debilitating mental health. David takes himself to the brink, until an unlikely lifeline offers hope in the mountains of South-East Asia.

This is not your average tale of addiction. It’s a razor-sharp, darkly comic ride through one man’s chaos, full of warmth, laughter, and surprising hope. Think Trainspotting meets Fleabag-raw, real, and unexpectedly hilarious, with a huge heart that will have you leaving the theatre feeling inspired and uplifted.

A genuine work of empathy, Breaking the Castle is a remarkable true story about the indomitable nature of the human spirit.

The season comes after a sold-out season at QPAC in 2023 and 2025 followed by a critically acclaimed run at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London in the same year. The play has now been optioned for the film.

A portion of the Box Office proceeds from Breaking the Castle will go to the Australian Anti Ice Campaign.

Banner image © Grant Leslie, Grant Leslie Photography 

Presented by Cluster Arts Global in Association with BTC Productions

23 – 26 July 2025

Sydney Opera House

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