This October, the cemetery will once again become the stage for an atmospheric journey through Cooktown’s rich and colourful history, with local stories brought to life through theatre, music and performance, and tickets are now on sale!
For the third year in a row, Box Jelly Theatre Company is returning to Cooktown with The Spirits of Cooktown, bringing the true stories, characters and lives connected to the Cooktown Pioneer Cemetery to life in a unique community theatre experience.
This October, the historic cemetery will once again become the stage for an atmospheric journey through Cooktown’s rich and colourful past, with local stories brought to life through theatre, music and performance.
Set among the graves and stories of those who came before, The Spirits of Cooktown offers audiences a chance to experience local history in a whole new way, stepping back in time and discovering the people, personalities and stories that helped shape the region.
Whether you’re a Cooktown local or visiting the region, this is an evening of history, storytelling and live performance you won’t want to miss.
Experience the story after dark
There will be two performances each night, giving audiences the chance to choose their preferred session:
Friday 2 October 2026
• 6pm to 7pm
• 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Saturday 3 October 2026
• 6pm to 7pm
• 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: Cooktown Pioneer Cemetery
Tickets
• Adults (18+): $10
• Youth (13 to 17): $5
• Children (6 to 12): Free
Bookings are required for all attendees, including children.
The performances are not suitable for children under six years of age.
WANT TO BE PART OF THE STORY?
The casting call for local aspiring actors, singers and musicians aged 13 years and over is still open. If you’d like to be part of the performance, expressions of interest are open until Friday 18 September 2026.
To express your interest, email mail@cook.qld.gov.au or call 4082 0500.
