Hell Ship

Hell Ship - The journey of The Ticonderoga is a sea voyage, a tragedy, and a love story that sets sail on stage at QUT Gardens Theatre from March 22 to 23, 2021.

This must-see one-man show by renowned writer, historian and performer, Michael Veitch, tells the true story of one of the most dramatic, yet now forgotten chapters of Australia’s early maritime history.

Hell Ship is the tale of hardship and heroism, survival and love, following the nightmare, three-month voyage of the emigrant clipper ship from Liverpool to Port Phillip Bay in 1852. By the time the ship reached Australia, the Ticonderoga was a floating catastrophe with nearly 200 of her passengers dead after a typhus outbreak.

 Thoroughly researched by Michael Veitch, Hell Ship is primarily the story of two people: Annie Morrison, a young Scottish nurse and the ship's official surgeon, James William Henry Veitch, and their tireless efforts to safe lives.

Veitch uses his trademark dry humour and razor sharp wit to illuminate the dark and inhumane conditions of the so-called 'hell ship' on its journey across the seas in a story personal to his family; the young surgeon being his great-great grandfather.

With a stunning soundtrack arranged and performed live by Michael’s son, Thomas Veitch, the show's emotions and history run deep with a moving and profound story that will touch audiences everywhere.

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