P O T BIG Information TICKETS
Tickets are available from Movies Games & More in Victoria Street Taree, by phoning 6552 5699 or online at www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/mec Tickets are available at the door from one hour before each performance (unless sold out)
WEBSITE SOCIAL MEDIA
Keep up to date with new shows and information at: www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/mec www.facebook.com/ManningEntertainmentCentre Instagram and Twitter ~ @ManningEntCent
GIFT VOUCHERS A Manning Entertainment Centre gift voucher is the perfect present! Vouchers are available from anywhere that sells Entertainment Centre tickets
DRINKS
SHOW
Ovations, the Manning Entertainment Centre bar, is open for one hour before and after each performance. Cast members and touring artists often come to the foyer after a performance so you never know who you might meet if you stay for a drink.
ACCESSIBILITY
The theatre is fitted with a T-switch hearing aid loop that is accessible from all seats. Seats A9 to A18 are removable for wheelchair access The Manning Entertainment Centre is a cultural venue of Greater Taree City Council. Details in this brochure are correct at the time of publication. The management reserves the right to add or substitute artists and vary the program should the need arise.
ur ick yo
seats
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AGE ST
12th March, 1pm & 6pm
TASHI By Anna and Barbara Fienberg Join Imaginary Theatre on a journey of adventure and excitement as they perform two of Anna and Barbara Fienberg’s popular Tashi stories – Tashi and the Mountain of White Tigers and Tashi: Lost in the City. TASHI AND THE MOUNTAIN OF WHITE TIGERS The Wicked Baron is up to his old tricks again. This time he’s trying to cheat Tashi’s Aunty out of the home she has lived in all her life, and he’ll stop at nothing. Tashi knows he has to do something, but what? TASHI: LOST IN THE CITY Poor Jack is really worried when he and Tashi find themselves stuck in an elevator, but it reminds Tashi of one of his amazing adventures when he was lost in the city back in his old country
Duration: 70 minutes Perfect for ages 4-10
George Orwell's
1984
created &adapted by shake & stir theatre co 2ist March, 1pm & 8pm
Strap yourself in for this terrifically frightening theatrical event set against a towering wall of plasma screens. Oceania; a Nation perpetually at war, where cameras watch every move and Thought Police roam the streets. A place Winston Smith calls home. By day, Winston is an editor at the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history to align the past with the radical political agenda of the ruling party and its illusive leader, Big Brother. By night, Winston pursues a forbidden love affair with the mysterious Julia in an attempt to rebel against the oppressive regime set down by the party and maintain some control over his otherwise totally controlled life.
Adaptor: Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij Director: Michael Futcher Designer: Josh McIntosh Lighting Designer: Jason Glenwright Sound Designer: Guy Webster Media Producers: optikal bloc
"It all points to another victory for a young company who give so much back to the theatre community, and work towards bringing theatre to the regions and into schools." CAMERON WOODHEAD, THE AGE
"Wonderful, wonderful production... Everyone gives 110% - I just loved it!" 612ABC RADIO, DOUG KENNEDY
Toured by Perf orming Lines fo
Blak Lines Wulamanayurw î ś the Seven i
Pamanui
28th March, 11a
m & 29th March
Playwright Jason De Santis brings a Tiwi twist to an old favourite to create a modern Aboriginal adventure story, inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Wulamanayuwi and the Seven Pamanui is a joyful romp through a familiar tale of myth, magic and adventure. Narrated by Jarparra, the Moon Man, join Wulamanayuwi, daughter of a Tiwi warrior, on her journey to rescue her seven little brothers transformed by Jirrakilala, her evil stepmother into seven mischievous spirits, the seven Pamanui. Puppets, song, dance combine to make this a whole family adventure featuring the language and rhyme of the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin. Packed with spirit and humour, Wulamanayuwi will delight audiences young and old.
Writer: Jason De Santis Director: Eamon Flack Designer: Bryan Woltjen Puppetry Director: Sam Routledge  Lighting Designer: Richard Vabre
"De Santis is a real talent: mischievous, poetic and assured." THE AUSTRALIAN
"Wulamanayuwi and the Seven Pamanui is a feast of colour, movement and culture that completely satisfies the appetite for a spirited night out at the theatre." THE BAREFOOT REVIEW
Duration: 75 minutes Perfect for ages 7+
, 6pm
tages & A CriticaltrSe production hea The Shift T
s l r i G The y
e r G in e 11am k & Helen arolyn Boc
by C
& 3 June, 8pm
4 Jun
The Girls In Grey reimagines World War One through the eyes of three Australian Army Nurses. Leaving our shores to prove their worth, independence and find adventure, Elsie, Grace and Alice experience the tragedy of a war that irrevocably changes the world. Brought to the stage by some of Melbourne’s finest performers and acclaimed by historians as deeply authentic and moving, The Girls In Grey is an important and widely accessible new Australian play that reaches across the generations, uniting young and old in a compelling fusion of contemporary theatre and history.
Director: Karen Martin, Lighting: Nick Merrylees, Sound: Nick van Cuylenburg Set: Alexandra Hiller Costume: Lyn Wilson Production: Ben Leeks
“The Girls In Grey is a tribute to the courage of Australian Military Nurses” CAMERON WOODHEAD, THE AGE
“the three women’s voices blend like a Greek chorus in this engaging ensemble” KATE HERBERT, HERALD SUN
Duration: 70 minutes.
Hopkins
Melbour
Comedy ne intern at
ional
festival roadshow 19th & 20th June
, 8pm
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is back, with two big nights of comedy from some of the world’s funniest comedians. Last year Roadshow hit the dirt track, with over 90 performances in over 65 Australian towns, covering a distance of more than 25,000km, before taking the tour to the world, with seasons in Singapore, Hong Kong and India. What happens on tour doesn’t always stay on tour, and when a bunch of comedians are unleashed on a road trip, you can only imagine what they get up to! Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow – the hijinks are coming our way!
“absolutely the funniest side-splitting, laugh-till-it-hurts show yet” THE HONEYCOMBERS (SINGAPORE)
Recommended ages 15+
ROAD TRIP With Damian Callinan 2 July, 8pm
Comedians Damian Callinan & Mickey D have packed the Tarago and are en route to the Manning Valley to put on their show. Only problem is they don’t have a show … Yet!! After years of travelling Australia performing comedy from Karratha to Capella, Damo & Mickey are elite comedy commandoes: Dropping out of the sky in the dead of night to surgically locate the local funny before being winched out for the next mission. Road Trip takes their skill for localising material a step further….The whole show will be about the Manning Valley!! But this isn’t just a standup show, the third player in the game is award winning documentary film maker, Charlie HillSmith (Strange Birds in Paradise). It’s through his eyes that you’ll see how the lads spend their two days in our town before bursting onto the stage with a 90 minute celebratory roast. You’ll revel in seeing your world portrayed back at you, be confounded by the boys’ depth of local knowledge and be amazed by the lengths they'll go to get a laugh - but they’ll keep the Tarago’s engine running just in case.
Director: Damian Callinan Performers: Damian Callinan and Mickey D.
‘One of the country’s best performers’ THE AGE
Damian Callinan is a rare, clean-cut, clean-mouthed comic you could take your parents to see without anyone cringing. HERALD SUN
R I A N O
any
Mel
Comp t e l l a B e n bour pm 5th July, 2
& 7.30pm
On Air is a pure dance work inspired by our fundamental human interdependence. Choreographed by Simon Hoy with music by Debussy, Shostakovich, Samuel Barber and Chopin. ‘On Air’ is an example of classical dance reinterpreted to be relevant and inspiring for both new and loyal ballet audiences. The Melbourne Ballet Company has toured throughout much of Australia and has established itself as a vibrant and exciting arts organisation. Through the vision of its own creative team, the Company’s dynamic repertoire has been acclaimed as both thrilling and compelling.
“lyrical, generous and optimistic” THE AGE “Essential and compelling viewing” THE HERALD SUN Duration: 75 minutes
Mr McGee
Biting Flea &
22nd July, 11am & 6pm
Six whimsical Pamela Allen stories are weaved together in the much loved Mr McGee and the Biting Flea by Patch Theatre Company. Using an assortment of props and found objects, the three performers bring the stories to sweet, music-infused life while offering powerful connections to the inner lives of children. This wonderful production features adaptations of Pamela Allen’s stories: Mr McGee, Alexander’s Outing, Belinda, Brown Bread and Honey, Mary Elizabeth’s House and Mr McGee and the Biting Flea for great entertainment and storytelling. This multi award-winning production has been enchanting children around Australia since 2007. It has won the National Helpmann Award for Best Children’s Presentation in 2008, the Adelaide Critics Circle Award for Innovation in 2007 and the Australian Performing Arts Centre’s National Drovers Award for Touring Excellence in 2007.
“A wonderful experience for children emphasising the magic of theatre. Beautifully performed... THE SYDNEY SUNDAY HERALD
“A simple valentine of theatrical imagination.” MINNEAPOLIS HERALD
Duration: 45 minutes Perfect for all ages
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship 25th July, 8pm
After a successful tour in 2013, their first to their region, the Manning Entertainment Centre is thrilled to welcome the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship Ensemble for a return visit, performing a contrasting program of chamber music. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship is Australia’s premier orchestral training program. It is a year-long program which brings together up to nine young musicians on the verge of their professional orchestral careers to work with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on the Concert Hall stage of the Sydney Opera House, be guided by visiting international soloists and to perform a chamber music series around New South Wales. Since it began in 2001, almost 60% of participants have gone on to be employed by orchestras around Australia and throughout Europe and Asia. There are now 7 past Fellows who are permanent members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The program is under the guidance of Sydney Symphony Principal Viola and Fellowship Artistic Director, Roger Benedict.
Chorus Harmonius 24th August, 2pm
Local choirs and individual singers will come together in glorious vocal harmony under the guidance of one of Australia’s most accomplished and recognisable choral leaders. Dr Jonathon Welch AM is an award winning singer, conductor, teacher, songwriter and recording artist with a career spanning over thirty years alongside many of the world’s greatest, including Dame Joan Sutherland, kd Lang, Baz Lurhmann, and Richard Bonynge to name a few. In 2007, Jonathon’s work creating choirs for the homeless and disadvantaged in Australia was the subject of the internationally acclaimed ARIA, Logie and Helpmann award winning TV documentary ‘Choir of Hard Knocks’. Jonathon is in high demand as a guest conductor and choir leader throughout Australia, Canada and the USA. Jonathon will guide local singers over two days of workshops, culminating in one unforgettable concert celebrating the joy of singing.
Gruffalo THE
m 3rd September, 11.30am & 6p
CDP with Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation based on the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
‘A mouse took a stroll through the deep, dark wood…’ Whether their favourite food
is roasted fox, owl ice cream, scrambled snake or Gruffalo crumble, audiences eat up this delectable tale about the adventures of a clever little mouse in a forest full of predators. Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in this big scary monster of a show. Mouse can scare hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when she comes face to face with the very creature she imagined? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and fun for children aged 3 and up, and their adults.
“funny, charming and smart...” THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“Beg, borrow or steal tickets. Your kids will love you for it.” STAGE WHISPERS
Duration: 50 minutes. Perfect for ages 3+ and their adults
17th September, 1
pm & 7.30pm
The Flying Fruit Fly Circus
CONTROL ALT DELE
TE
Control Alt Delete is a truly unique performance featuring 16 highly skilled young artists from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, aged between 10-18. Under the dynamic direction of award winning director and choreographer Jodie Farrugia, this work brings together circus, physical theatre and dance to present an athletic, entertaining and touching piece of contemporary circus with emotion and meaning at the heart of every trick.
Created and Directed by: Jodie Farrugia, with the trainers and young artists of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus Composer: Morganics
"“An essential national treasure, determined to delight. It’s hard to find more bang for your buck!” SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is a phenomenon, a world-class youth act.” AUSTRALIAN STAGE
Duration: 60 minutes. Recommended ages 6+
HSC
performance
showcase 7th Augusr 7.30pm
Time and again we hear of the immense talent of our young performers. This is your chance to witness those talents first hand. Year 12 students spend up to a year preparing their HSC performance piece, the pinnacle of their high school studies. Join their family and friends to celebrate their achievements and experience the next Hugh Jackman or Cate Blanchett at the start of their career.
Pete
heatre Compan
y production
A Monkey Baa T
Sheep
Based on the pict ure book by Jack ie French and Bruc 14th October, e Whatley
6pm & 15 Octobe
r 11am & 6pm
Pete the Sheep is a brand-new 50-minute musical, based on Jackie French and Bruce Whatley’s quirky and quintessentially Australian picture book. Hilarious and imaginatively told by four performers, it explores the challenges and rewards of being an individual while honouring your own spirit and strength, whilst working with the flock.
Director: Jonathan Biggins Composer / Lyricist: Phillip Scott Adaptors: Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry Designer: Renee Mulder Lighting Designer: Matt Marshall
“a truly Aussie tale – delightful, funny, iconic, warm and hilariously Ocker, from the lingo to the names to the shearers’ blue singlets” KIDS BOOK REVIEW
Duration: 50 minutes. Perfect for ages 3-9
THE MANNING ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE IS TRULY BRINGING YOU THE GREATEST SHOWS ON EARTH IN 2014. In association with National Theatre Live, the Bolshoi Ballet and the Royal Shakespeare Company, we are bringing you the best productions from around the world. Captured live and with a focus on the performance experience, these screenings will make you feel like you are sitting in the theatre in London, Stratford-Upon-Avon or Moscow. New screenings will be announced throughout the year. Keep an eye on the Manning Entertainment Centre website for details: www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/MEC
Other shows in 2014
• John Wat ers in Look ing Throug ha Glass Onio n • Sydney C omedy Fes tival Show • Local Son case gwriters U nplugged • Sydney P iano Festiv al • Taree and District Eis te d dfod • Taree Art s Council • Manning Valley Cho ral Society • Manning Youth Creat ive Ensemb le
And pl en shows ty more to com e! Stay up to date at www.gtcc.n sw .g ov.au/mec or find us on Facebo ok, Twitte r and Instag ram