Local productions to see in Canberra this autumn
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Calling all theatre enthusiasts!
Whether you are looking for an outing the whole family can attend, a humorous and side-splitting comedy or something a bit dark and twisted, this autumn season has you covered.
Here are some spectacular shows that you won’t want to miss.
Shirley Valentine (Canberra Theatre Centre)
Bringing Broadway and the West-End to Canberra is the award-winning comedy Shirley Valentine. brought to life by Australian stage and screen star Natalie Bassingthwaighte, this one-woman tour de force is a journey of rediscovering a passion for life and a sense of self.
Go along for the ride of a lifetime with this heartwarming, hilarious, and inspiring story to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
Until Sunday 23 March | Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, City | Book here.
The House of Bernarda Alba (ACT Hub)
“A storm is brewing in every room. The day it breaks we’ll all be swept away”.
The multi-award-winning Chaika Theatre brings to life the cloistered, claustrophobic world of Spanish women on the brink of the Spanish Civil War and fascist takeover in The House of Bernarda Alba. Originally written in the mid-1930s, this adaptation of the Spanish classic by Karen Vickery will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Until Saturday 29 March | ACT Hub, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | Book here.
Trash Test Dummies Circus (The Q)
Theatre lovers of all ages, this one is for you. The award-winning show, ‘Trash Test Dummies Circus’ will leave you laughing and captivated.
This circus comedy takes household wheelie bins to new heights and promises to be a family event you won’t want to miss.
Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 April | The Q, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Madagascar the Musical (Canberra Theatre Centre)
Everyone’s favourite animal gang is coming to Canberra! The much-loved Dreamworks animation Madagascar, will come to life at the Canberra Theatre Centre as part of the musical national tour.
This story of friendship, self-discovery, and loads of fun is a high-energy adventure the whole family will love.
Tuesday 22 to 23 April | Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, City | Book here.
The Moors (Mill Theatre at Dairy Road)
If dark comedy and gothic thrillers are your go-to, then you won’t want to miss Jen Silverman’s The Moors.
Inspired by the lives of the Brontë sisters, this dark melodrama covers repressed desires and oppressive social mores through a sharp, witty and contemporary lens.
Wednesday 26 March to Saturday 12 April | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Pirates of Penzance (The Playhouse)
The Hayes Theatre Company is bringing to life a new adaptation of the swashbuckling Pirates of Penzance. This sprawling, satirical and musical masterpiece stars just four talented performers (including Jay Laga’aia) and needs to be seen to be believed.
So buckle up and board the voyage of this much-loved classic, and why not immerse yourself in the on-stage seating to really delve into the whole experience?
Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 April | The Playhouse at Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Blithe Spirit (REP Theatre)
Take a step into the unknown through Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit. Through psychics and seances, something is bound to go awry. Expect an improbable farce, that will present the unexpected.
Thursday 1 to Saturday 17 May | REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | Book here.
Bell Shakespeare’s Henry 5 (The Playhouse)
Shakespeare lovers can’t miss this. Take a step back in time with Bell Shakespeare’s Henry 5 this April. Telling the story of leading troops from despair to climactic victory at the battle of Agincourt, Henry is hailed a warrior and hero, but at what cost? Go see it to find out.
Thursday 10 to Sunday 20 April | The Playhouse at Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Sweet Charity from Free-Rain Theatre
Sweet Charity is set in the swinging sixties, and follows the adventures of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopeful dance hall hostess who is looking for love and a better life. Despite disappointments in her romantic endeavours, Charity remains resilient and continues to search for her happily ever after. Sweet Charity touches on themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams.
With a score by Cy Coleman, book by Neil Simon, and original choreography by Bob Fosse, Charity’s adventurous journey towards love is marked by some of the best-loved songs (If My Friends Could See Me Now, There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This) and most iconic dance numbers (Big Spender, Rich Man’s Frug, Rhythm of Life) in Broadway history.
Tuesday 29 April to Sunday 18 May | The Q, 253 Crawford St, Queanbeyan | Tickets here
