News

HAPPY PEOPLE: New Matthew Lee Robinson Musical in Concert

The smiles and trials of children’s television…

HAPPY PEOPLE are so sweet they’re acidic.

Helpmann-nominated composer/lyricist Matthew Lee Robinson has announced the Australian premiere concert performances of his musical HAPPY PEOPLE, starring Bobby Fox (Jersey Boys), Gretel Scarlett (Grease), Tom Sharah (That ‘90s Show), Sun Park (Mamma Mia!), Bert LaBonté (The Mountaintop) and Robyn Arthur (Mother & Son), with direction by Chris Parker (Atlantis).

ENSEMBLE THEATRE 2015 SEASON

Sandra Bates and Mark Kilmurry have announced the 2015 season for Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre, which will be Sandra Bates’ last season as Artistic Director. Sandra announced she will retire from her position of Governing and Artistic Director in Jan 2016, celebrating 30 years at the helm of the theatre.

2014 Helpmann Awards

The 14th Annual Helpmann Awards were presented in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre tonight, Monday 18th August, across 41 categories.

Host Jonathan Biggins was joined by some of Australia’s most talented performers and industry leaders to announce this year’s winners while recognising the distinguished artistic achievement and excellence across the major disciplines of Australia's live performance industry.

Below is a full list of winners.

Congratulations to all the winners.

 

 

10TH ANNIVERSARY ADELAIDE CURTAIN CALL AWARDS: WINNERS ANNOUNCED

There’s no greater thrill than standing on stage at the end of a show and knowing you’ve entertained or moved an audience. The only feeling that comes close is receiving acknowledgement from one’s peers; the people who recognise the training, experience, dedication and support work at the heart of an outstanding theatre performance or production.

OzAsia: Ibsen in One Take

South Australia’s sister state, the Shandong Province of China, is the prime focus of the Adelaide Festival Centre’s 2014 OzAsia Festival, which features more than one hundred and forty performers from the region.

Spotlighting the rich history and culture of the province, the Festival also presents performances and events from Japan, India, Korea, the Philippines, Cambodia, Palestine, Bangladesh, Russia, Indonesia, Mongolia and Australia.

SYDNEY TO DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN!

Producers Howard Panter and John Frost today (August 15, 2014) confirmed that the new Australian production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show will play a limited season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from April 2015. Returning in the role of Frank N Furter will be television and theatre star Craig McLachlan, fresh from shooting the title role in the third series of ABC TV’s top rating drama series The Doctor Blake Mysteries. Further cast members will be announced later this year.

SQUABBALOGIC ANNOUNCES 2014-15 SEASON

Sydney musical theatre company, Squabbalogic Independent Music Theatre Inc, has announced their second annual season of independent musicals, which will be presented at The Seymour Centre’s Reginald Theatre this year and next.

The season of three productions features the Australian premieres of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM and TRIASSIC PARQ, plus Broadway classic MAN OF LA MANCHA.

Rolling Thunder Vietnam

Former Sydney Morning Herald theatre critic Bryce Hallett has penned a concert drama based on the poignant stories behind the Vietnam War. It features the rock’ n’ roll and video footage from the era, linked by ‘soliloquys’. Ahead of its national tour in August and September he spoke to David Spicer about the show and the challenges of developing new work.

Sandra Bates to Retire From Ensemble

Sandra Bates announces her retirement as Governing and Artistic Director of Ensemble Theatre after 30 years at helm. 

2014 Rob Guest Endowment Award Finalists

The six Finalists for the 2014 Rob Guest Endowment Award were announced last night (August 11) at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney. Competing against 30 other Semi-Finalists, six outstanding performers were chosen by an expert panel of judges, which included Todd McKenney, Stuart Maunder and Guy Simpson.

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.