The Power of Performance

The annual subscription season delivered by the Civic Theatre always caters to a wide variety of tastes and interests. The shows on offer in the coming months certainly match that brief. From comedy to opera to hard-hitting drama, this lineup delivers the very best in live performance.

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Go on, have a laugh!

Australians love their long weekends, and Novocastrians are particularly fond of the Queens Birthday celebration when the laugh-fest that is the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow rolls into town. Every June, audiences are treated to a sample of the hottest acts from one of the world’s best comedy festivals. This year, host Ben Knight will lead off the laughs before MC’ing the four special guest performers – Alex Ward, Andy Saunders, Lizzy Hoo, and Sam Taunton. They’re only in town for two nights, so secure your seats today!

Be swept away by the beauty of Carmen

Enigmatic and elusive, Carmen is the femme fatale you simply cannot forget. Luring Don José into her world with her sensual Habanera, he gives up everything to be with her. But by then, Carmen’s wandering eye has already found a new lover – the dashing bullfighter Escamillo. Don José’s jealousy is fierce. Escamillo’s passion is intense. In a gripping finale, Carmen must face her fate. Boasting gorgeous sets and vintage-inspired costumes, this new production is bursting with thrilling Spanish colour and the rhythms of Bizet’s vibrant score. Hear classics such as the Habanera and the Toreador Song just as Bizet meant them — loud, live, and completely unamplified – performed by Opera Australia’s stellar cast and a live chamber orchestra. This production also features the Hunter Trebles Children’s Choir, who will rejoice at the opportunity to perform on the magnificent Civic Theatre stage.

Drama at its best

The Man with the Iron Neck is anything but your standard night at the theatre. Featuring awe-inspiring aerial wizardry, this bold and tender portrait of survival melds Ursula Yovich’s heartachingly beautiful text with daring physicality against a backdrop of moving sound, set, and video design. A powerful new work about finding hope and embracing life after grief, it tackles the growing rate of suicide among young indigenous men, ultimately delivering an eye-opening, transformative physical theatre experience brimming with hope.

“Grabs you by the heartstrings and never lets go”

After a sell-out season in Sydney, the breathtaking musical ONCE comes to Newcastle for five shows only this September. The only Broadway score to win an Academy Award®, Grammy Award®, Olivier Award, and Tony Award®, this captivating and life-affirming musical immerses audiences in the irresistible musicality of Dublin. Performed by an outstanding ensemble of actor-musicians playing instruments live on stage, ONCE is a modern-day musical that reminds us of the power of music to connect us all.

Last chance to use your vouchers

Don’t miss out on your last opportunity to use your Dine & Discover vouchers – they expire on 30 June! Redeem your “Dine” vouchers at the Civic Digest for a pre-show meal and use your “Discover” vouchers to take $25 off the ticket price for any of our shows.

DON'T MISS

All of these performances will be staged at the Civic Theatre. Bookings are available online at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au or by phoning 4929 1977. Civic Ticket Office gift vouchers are also now available.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow – 11+12 June at 8pm

Opera Australia presents Bizet’s Carmen – 6 July at 7.30pm

The Man with the Iron Neck – 1 September at 7.30pm

ONCE – 8 September to 11 at 7.30pm and a matinee at 2pm on 11 September.

Pictured Top: The Man With the Iron Neck. image by Brett Boardman