Stage Briefs

Six The Musical Rescheduled

As a result of the ongoing disruptions created by the Sydney lockdown and the consequential measures put in place by state governments around border closures, the producers of SIX THE MUSICAL have confirmed the previously announced Brisbane season has now been rescheduled to commence in January 2023.

The Australian tour was due to start rehearsals in Sydney this September 2021 followed by performances in Brisbane this November 2021, however the delay will now see the tour commencing in Sydney this December 2021.

Next to Normal Resumes at Chapel off Chapel

The snap lockdown in Victoria has again devastated the arts. An independent production of the of musical Next to Normal has been closed for a second time.

“This is just soul destroying. (Thursday) was meant to be our opening night of Next to Normal in Melbourne. Cancelled last time and now this. My heart bleeds to the beautiful talented cast of this show and more importantly to Producer James Terry who is an incredible human being to try and try again." wrote lighting designer Jason Bovaird on his facebook page.

Jagged Little Pill The Musical Postponed

Now opening in December 2021 - Read more

Producers have today announced the postponement of the Australian premiere of JAGGED LITTLE PILL from September as a result of the current COVID-19 situation in Greater Sydney and NSW and uncertainty about future gathering and movement restrictions affecting the operation of theatres.

Theatre Companies Celebrate Grants

Eighty-two private and public arts organisations across the country have been awarded  $40 million under the fourth batch of grants from the $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

Lloyd Webber's Cinderella Makes It To The Ball

David Spicer reports.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has had his first critical success in many a year, following the triumphant opening of his new musical adaptation of Cinderella.

As the Times reviewer noted, "We’ve reached the point where the making of this on-off show could almost be material for another musical. The postponements and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s increasingly anguished pronouncements have threatened to upstage his revamped version of the fairytale."

Victorian Theatres Smashed Again

Artists have reacted with depair at Victoria's latest lockdown with the timing of the restrictions coming at the worst time for many productions.

David Spicer reports.

Disney's Frozen had only just opened on Wednesday night (July 14, 2021), and like all other theatre is now closed until Tuesday night, when the five-day lockdown is scheduled (for now) to finish.

Performer Queenie van de Zandt wrote about her experience in an independent production of Next to Normal.

Bippity Boppity Behind You!

Polish off those glass slippers and discover the magic of British pantomime online.

With COVID-19 lockdowns a continuous reality, Aussie parents are looking for new ways to keep kids entertained at home. This winter you can give Netflix a night off and bring a new kind of live theatre into your home.

Adelaide Fringe Launches 2022 Poster Competition

Image: 2021 Adelaide Fringe poster winner Polina Tsymbal and Fringe director Heather Croall. Photorapher: Rebekah Ryan

The global search is now on for the 2022 Adelaide Fringe poster, supported by Principal Partner BankSA.

Sydney Theatre Gloom

The prospects of another month in lockdown in greater Sydney has left theatre producers - professional, not-for-profit, community and school - devastated. David Spicer reports.

The announcement by the New South Wales and Federal Governments of a funding package on July 13, is based on the assumption that the lockdown will continue at least for another four weeks.

Sydney Theatre Audiences Shrinking

Sydney Theatre Companies are coming to terms with new restrictions on the number of people allowed into indoor venues.

The NSW Government has announced that that indoor spaces must have only one person per four square metres.  which means that many theatres will not be able to legally sell 100% of their tickets.

The producer of Hamilton has announced that it will be running at 50% capacity from June 23 until 30.