because there was fire
On a warm summer night two teens disappear from a neighbourhood barbecue, fleeing to the outback on a reckless, robbery-fueled road trip. But they soon learn that escape isn't that easy… and fires can burn beyond control.
The debut play from multi-award-winning South Australian playwright Jamie Hornsby returns to the Adelaide Fringe. Superbly directed by Joshua Maxwell, 'because there was fire' is a darkly comic coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the burning Australian bush.
WINNER: Best Work Newcastle Fringe 2018
WINNER: Best Drama, Best Feature and Best First-Time Screenwriter at Melbourne International Screenplay Awards (Screen Adaptation)
★★★★★ - We Talk Theatre
★★★★1/2 - The Barefoot Review
★★★★ - Glam Adelaide
“Truly marvellous.” - Stage Whispers
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Presented by: Watermelon Jam and Jopuka Youth Arts,
Watermelon Jam is the producing company led by Joshua Maxwell, an award-winning director, designer and producer with extensive Fringe experience across Australia. For Adelaide Fringe 2026, Watermelon Jam presents because there was fire in association with Jopuka Productions, one of NSW’s leading youth arts companies.
Jamie Hornsby is a multi-award-winning playwright, composer, performer and photographer. Jamie has received two AWGIE Awards, including the prestigious David Williamson Prize for Excellence in Writing for Australian Theatre, and the Frank Ford Memorial Young Achiever Award at the Ruby Awards. His work has been produced nationally and internationally, including at ATYP’s Rebel Theatre in Sydney, the GREC Festival in Barcelona, and three Off-Broadway readings in New York City.
Sessions
Ticket Prices
Prices may not be available on all sessions
All transactions incur a $4.80 Transaction Fee (some exceptions apply). Read more at Fees explained.
1 Venue
The Library at Ayers House Events
Ayers House, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide
We have access from North Terrace via two driveways. Additional access is via Rundle Street via Paxton's Walk. We have parking onsite (pay and display) and a U-Park next door to the west.
- Step-free mobility aid access through the main entrance with an accessible bathroom.
- Venue is suitable for all ages
Suitability & Warnings
