THE HANGING OF ANDREW VAIR

Step back into the dramatic world of the Victorian Goldfields with The Hanging of Andrew Vair! 🎭

In January 1869, a shocking event unfolded in Armenian Gully, St Arnaud, when Amos Cheale, a prominent mine manager, was shot dead. The accused? Scottish miner Andrew Vair, who had discovered gold but was stripped of his find. After fleeing and evading capture for over a year, Vair's fate was sealed at the Ararat Circuit Court, where he was found guilty of wilful murder but pleaded for mercy. Despite the jury's appeal, the judge condemned him to hang on 15 August 1870, making him the last man executed in St Arnaud.

Join us as this true crime story comes to life in a powerful play originally performed by the St Arnaud Theatre Company in 1985. Don't miss your chance to witness this haunting tale unfold in the same town where it all began!

Performances:

• Thursday, 9 July 2026 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, 11 July 2026 at 1:00 PM
• Saturday, 11 July 2026 at 7:30 PM
  (Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show)

Venue:

St Arnaud Town Hall
40 Napier Street, St Arnaud VIC 3478

Tickets:

• Adults: $25
• Teens (13–19): $10
  (Unallocated seating — first in, best dressed)
  Book your tickets now!

Additional items available on the night or with ticket purchase:

• Production playbill: $5
• Limited edition commemorative tin sign: $15 (strictly limited)

Suitable for ages 13+
St Arnaud Theatre Company is a Special Program of the St Arnaud Economic Development Company Ltd ABN 14640009178.