News

Stage Lights Up: (Ghost Light Off)

As theatres across the country slowly reopen their doors we speak with producers across the country about their experiences. As ‘ghost lights’ are dimmed and stage lights switched on, Stage Whispers correspondents Beth Keehn (Queensland), Kimberley Shaw (Western Australia) and Mark Wickett (South Australia) have been out enjoying live theatre again.  Fleet footed smaller theatre companies have led the way. There is a clear message to theatre communities and audiences: be brave, be safe, and get back to support your entertainment venues.

Hedwig Cancellation Sparks Huge Debate

The cancellation of the Sydney season of Hedwig and the Angry Inch following objections from the Australian Transgender community about the casting of Hugh Sheridan has sparked a huge debate.  

Young Frankenstein to Re-Open Hayes Theatre

Hayes Theatre Co will return to the stage in 2021 with a new production of Young Frankenstein, the musical by Mel Brooks, adapted from his own c film which parodies the horror movie genre. Staged by the creative team behind the 2019 production of American Psycho - director Alexander Berlage, choreographer Yvette Lee, and designers Isabel Hudson and Mason Browne - this new production will hit the Hayes stage in February 2021.

HOT AT HOTA.

Coral Drouyn looks at the return of the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts.

It’s hard to believe there are only 7 weeks left in 2020, and won’t we all be glad to see the back of it. But the upside is that live entertainment is returning to our theatres and our lives – and we are all glad of that.

Australian Made Sydney Festival in 2021

Sydney Festival artistic director Wesley Enoch and his team have realised an entirely “Australian made” program that will manifest throughout the city through 130 events across three weeks from 6–26 January.

From Parramatta to Chippendale, Sydney will provide the canvas for 24 days of engaging and immersive events, exhibitions, workshops and talks. After a year hallmarked by uncertainty, the 2021 program reflects a commitment to, and celebration of, the very best Australian art, artists and the audiences who love them.

The Artists of Colour Initiative Top 6 Finalists Announced

The Top 6 Artists of Colour Initiative finalists have been selected from the Top 30 semi-finalists. They are Grace Driscoll, Jarrod Draper, Lauren Cheok, Martha Berhane, Milo Hartill-Batsietswe and Raphael Wong.

Black Swan’s 2021 Season - With Love

Western Australa’s Black Swan State Theatre Company declares that with its 2021 season With Love, it is ‘emerging from 2020 with a refreshed vision and purpose: To create brave and playful conversations. For you. About you. With you.

‘2020 has certainly taught us the fundamental importance of gathering; not only to have a great night out, but to connect as a community, to learn more about ourselves and to care about each other…genuinely, it’s just not the same without you.’

Belvoir 2021 Season - Part One.

Belvoir has announced the productions making up the first part of their 2021 season. In recognition of the unpredictable times at hand, the first announcement reveals the shows that will take to the stage from February to September 2021, with the second announcement to be shared in early 2021.

Comprising of four brand new shows and the welcome return of two ‘all-time best’ shows, Belvoir’s 2021 season continues to celebrate outstanding established and emerging voices and great Australian storytelling, as we all optimistically turn to a new kind of normal.

Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2021 - First Six Shows Announced

The first tease of the 2021 Adelaide Cabaret Festival has been revealed, with six shows announced including the world premiere of Alan Cumming’s brand-new show, Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age. 

The Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director’s own show will be an evening of story and song, celebrating and exploring Cumming’s puckish, eclectic spirit and joie de vivre. The one night only performance is set to close the festival at Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre on June 26. 

Hamilton Australian Cast Announced

HAMILTON’s original Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize winning creative team today confirmed the full company for the new Australian production opening at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, beginning 17 March 2021.

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