News

Finding Billy

Imagine being eleven or twelve years old and playing the most intense lead role imaginable, in a musical that is touring the country. Four boys playing Billy Elliot (pictured left - Jamie Rogers, River Mardesic, Omar Abiad & Wade Neilsen- phptograher James Morgan) carry the weight on their slight shoulders. The role is compared to Hamlet, such is in intensity of the time on stage and physical demands. With Billy Elliot the Musical open in Adelaide and soon in Melbourne  David Spicer speaks with members of the cast.

Musicals in 2020

As of March 2020, most current productions have been postponed or cancelled due to COVID19,

Shrek the Musical

Based on the much-loved DreamWorks movie, Shrek the Musical opened on Broadway complete with a dragon portrayed by a large animatronic head.

This production has less technology and more old-fashioned show business schtick. Instead of a robot, Australian audiences will have the star power of Marcia Hines as the dragon.

Director’s Diary with Sam Strong

As Queensland Theatre prepares for its milestone 50 years of operation in 2020, it ends 2019 by celebrating the tenure of artistic director, Sam Strong, who leaves the company after four years.

HOME at HOTA

Coral Drouyn looks at HOTA on the Gold Coast, where the arts are thriving.

At a time when Government has decided there is no need for a Ministry of The Arts, some regional Arts Centres are wondering “where to?” next.

2019 Sydney Theatre Awards Nominations

Nominations have been announced for the Sydney Theatre Awards for 2019, which will be presented at a gala ceremony on Monday 20 January 2020 at 7pm at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre.

Griffin Appoints New Artistic Director

Griffin Theatre Company has announced playwright, director and dramaturg Declan Greene as the next Artistic Director of the Company.   

Aussie’s Return After Wowing West End

Fresh from a prestigious Olivier Award nomination in London, Bernadette Robinson is returning to Australia for a new tour of her one woman show Songs for Nobodies, written by Joanna Murray-Smith, in which she portrays five ordinary women, the “Nobodies” of the title, and the iconic vocalists (Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Patsy Cline, Billie Holliday and Maria Callas) who inspired them. Bill Stephens reports.

Adelaide Fringe 2020 Program

The 60th anniversary of Adelaide Fringe takes place in 2020, from February 14 to March 15, featuring 1210 events, with more than 7000 artists and 361 venues set to take part.

Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall said the substantial growth this festival has seen in the last 60 years has solidified its place as the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

Elton John visits Billy Elliot in Sydney.

The cast of Billy Elliot the Musical were surprised with a very special guest in the house tonight at the Sydney Lyric, Sir Elton John.

Elton, who wrote the music for the show and his husband David Furnish, who is an Executive Producer, slipped into the Sydney Lyric theatre on Thursday November 28 to enjoy the Australian production  

Elton joined the cast on stage for the curtain call with the crowd erupting into thunderous applause and going wild with excitement!

Garden of Unearthly Delights - Adelaide Fringe 2020

The Garden of Unearthly Delights is marching into action for the Adelaide Fringe’s 60th year, with a host of local, national and international acts.

In 2020, The Garden will host around 112 shows across 17 venues with a program full of comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, interactive spaces, music, magic and more.

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