The Kelly Gang (Denham play)

The Kelly Gang is a 1946 stage play written by Australian playwright, Sumner Locke Elliott, under the pseudonym John Denham. The play tells a fictionalized account of the life and times of the infamous Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly, and his gang.

The play explores themes of poverty, injustice, and the conflict between the law and the marginalised. It depicts Kelly as a complex character, motivated by a desire to protect his family and community from corrupt police and unfair treatment. While acknowledging Kelly's criminal actions, the play also attempts to understand the circumstances that led him down a path of outlawry.

The play was originally broadcast as a radio drama before being adapted for the stage. It has been performed numerous times throughout Australia since its debut and remains a significant work in Australian theatrical history, contributing to the ongoing debate and fascination surrounding the Kelly legend.