Cooktown’s Pioneer Cemetery came alive once again as the Spirits of Cooktown returned for another unforgettable season — a masterful blend of history, theatre, and atmosphere presented by Box Jelly Theatre Company in partnership with Cook Shire Council with funding through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
This year’s production drew record crowds, with audience members travelling from as far as Brisbane and Canberra to experience the show. Some attendees who joined the Friday performance were so captivated that they returned for the encore on Saturday night — a testament to the quality of storytelling and performance that Spirits of Cooktown has become known for.
A hauntingly beautiful experience
Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Pioneer Cemetery, the performance transported audiences back in time, illuminating the lives and stories of Cooktown’s pioneers. The mix of emotion, authenticity, and subtle humour created an atmosphere that audience members described as “fantastic,” “spooky,” “entertaining,” and “deeply moving.”
“Outstanding! I learnt so much — each graveside story left us with much to ponder,” one audience member commented. Another praised the cast’s talent, saying, “It was absolutely amazing. It would be wonderful to see it more often during the tourist season.”
A stellar cast of local and visiting talent
The 2025 cast featured a mix of familiar local faces and visiting talent, each embodying the town’s rich and sometimes tragic history with skill and sensitivity:
| Character | Artist |
|---|---|
| John Christie | Ant Ring |
| Grace Olive | Kristina Olsen |
| Lizzie Patching | Marika Snider |
| Minnie Byrnes | Sarah Speller |
| Anna Svendsen | Nicole Nasser |
| Alfred Hovel | Darren Williams |
| Jens Percival Lund | Heidi Ganley |
| Arnold Kissack | Marty Patty |
Their performances brought the past to life — from heartbreak to humour, resilience to tragedy — in a way that felt deeply personal and profoundly local.
A community effort
The success of Spirits of Cooktown is the result of a passionate community effort. Sincere thanks go to Box Jelly Theatre Company for their creative leadership, the Cooktown History Centre for their invaluable research and support, and to every actor, crew member, and volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the production shine.
An unmissable tradition
Described as “awesome, slightly creepy, entertaining and confronting,” the event continues to grow as one of Cooktown’s most unique cultural experiences. With each season, Spirits of Cooktown cements its reputation as a powerful celebration of storytelling, history, and community spirit.
For those who missed it this year — don’t make the same mistake twice. Spirits of Cooktown is an experience not to be missed.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cook Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
