Holden Street Theatres Inc. presents the South Australian premiere of Adam Rapp's Tony Award-nominated drama The Sound Inside at The Studio from 11 to 29 August 2026, directed by Nick Fagan and starring Michelle Nightingale and Benji Riggs. The 90-minute two-hander explores the tense, unlikely connection between a college professor and her volatile student as their bond deepens toward an unthinkable decision.

Holden Street Theatres Inc. (HST Inc.) presents the South Australian premiere of Adam Rapp’s psychologically rich and emotionally compelling drama, The Sound Inside.

Widely regarded as one of the most significant contemporary plays of the last decade, the Tony Award nominated play will captivate Holden Street audiences with its intimate exploration of storytelling, loneliness and the power of words this August.

Directed by HST Inc.’s Director in Residence Nick Fagan, The Sound Inside will play at The Studio from 11 to 29 August 2026 as part of HST Inc.’s 2026 in-house season.

The Sound Inside is a razor-sharp psychological thriller that unfolds with the elegance of a gripping novel. The intimate two-hander captures the unlikely connection between two desperately lonely souls: celebrated author and college professor Bella and the brilliant and volatile student Christopher. United by a love of words and books, they are drawn to each other.

As their connection deepens, Bella reveals a secret that forces them both toward an unthinkable decision. A masterclass in restrained, intelligent drama, this is theatre that slips under your skin - and stays there.

The production stars two of South Australia’s leading theatrical talents in Michelle Nightingale as Bella Baird and Benji Riggs as Christopher Dunn, who will bring this fiercely intelligent and tension- filled drama to life.

HST Inc. Artistic Director Martha Lott said that the “South Australian premiere of The Sound Inside is part of the organisation’s ambition to present world-class independent productions that create memorable and accessible experiences for audiences.

“The Sound Inside is gripping, raw and emotionally charged theatre at its very best”, Lott said.

“I’m excited for audiences to experience the power of Adam Rapp’s extraordinary storytelling for the first time on the local stage”

.“HST Inc. is passionate about presenting high-quality, affordable theatre for South Australian audiences and giving artists the opportunity to work on great plays such as this”.

“As a venue HST Inc continues to thrive in a time where independent theatre has never played a more important role in the community”.

Nick Fagan said The Sound Inside is the perfect gateway to live theatre.

“At just 90-minutes The Sound Inside grips you like a great novel. In the intimacy of The Studio, audiences are invited into the world of Bella and Christopher for a theatrical experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls”, Fagan said.

The Sound Inside is presented by Holden Street Theatres Inc. by arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French: A Concord Theatricals Company.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Preview | 11 & 12 August 2026
Full Season | 13 – 29 August 2026
Duration: 90 Minutes (no interval)
Age Suitability: M
This production contains strong themes as well as strong language

TICKETS

General Admission: $38.30
Preview: $31.30
Concession: $31.30
Group 6+: $31.30

Purchase Tickets: https://holdenstreettheatres.online.red61.com.au/event/890:32/
Or Via Phone: (08) 8225 8888