Under the Whale with The Lost Quays
SHANTIES AND SEA SONGS FROM THE TIME OF THE TALL SHIPS In 1897 a blue whale was found beached in the southwest of WA, now dramatically displayed in the WA Museum Boola Bardip. Times have changed, but it is easy to forget that in the 19th century, whale oil provided many essentials for day-to-day living: heating, lighting, cooking and lubricants. Join WA's premier sea shanty band, The Lost Quays, to hear the work songs from whalermen and other crews from the days of the tall ships. From beneath the whale skeleton, let the Quays take you on a musical journey, with insights into seafaring history, plus the chance to sing along with a shanty or two! Known for their strong harmonies, energetic and engaging performances, The Lost Quays are sell-out festival favourites in WA and interstate.
If you’re into sea shanties, history, or just love a good toe-tapping tune, Under the Whale with The Lost Quays is a fun and unique night out. Held under the massive blue whale skeleton at WA Museum Boola Bardip, it’s got a pretty epic setting—perfect for a show all about life at sea!
The Lost Quays are a bunch of Fremantle folk musicians who know their way around a sea shanty. Their harmonies are tight, their energy is great, and they clearly love what they do. The songs, both traditional and original, tell stories of WA’s whaling and sailing past, bringing a bit of history to life.
Now, the show was advertised as a singalong, but in reality? Not so much. If you already knew the lyrics, you could join in, but most of us were hearing these songs for the first time, so it was more of a sit-back-and-listen vibe. That said, the music was catchy, and you might find yourself humming along by the end!
Between songs, the guys shared stories about WA’s whaling history—some of which were super interesting, while others ran a little long. A bit of trimming would’ve kept the energy up, but when they got back to the music, the show really shone.
The setting under the whale skeleton added to the atmosphere, making the whole thing feel special. It’s a great mix of history, music, and storytelling—perfect if you’re after something different at Fringe World.
So, if you’re up for a night of maritime tunes, a bit of history, and a seriously cool venue, Under the Whale with The Lost Quays is definitely worth checking out.