Fresh from a triumphant 2009 season where hundreds of Sydney students enjoyed this acclaimed production, John Misto’s ‘Shoe-horn Sonata’ returns to the Newtown Theatre.

Starring Lisa Peers and Janine Penfold, John Misto’s award-winning play tells the compelling story of an Australian Army nurse, Bridie Cartwright, (played by Lisa Peers) who befriends English schoolgirl Sheila Richards (Janine Penfold) in a Japanese POW camp in Borneo during World War II. It’s about their friendship, survival and eventual triumph over incredible odds. Their reunion is filled with laughter and tears and the discovery of a shoehorn which holds a dark secret that has kept the pair apart for half a century.

Using footage from the National Film and Sound Archive, director Stephen Wallace has created an evocative presentation of the play, which features on the HSC English syllabus.

Newtown Theatre, Wednesdays 3 and 24 March, Saturdays 6, 13, 20 and 27 March at 8pm; plus matinees, Saturday 27 March 2pm and Sunday 28 March 5pm. Tickets $20-25 and $20. Group bookings and special performances available. Phone (02) 8507 3034 or visit www.newtowntheatre.com.au.