Civic Theatre Season 2022 by City of Newcastle

A message from

the Lord Mayor of Newcastle

Nuatali Nelmes Lord Mayor of Newcastle

I’m proud of the highly proactive response City of Newcastle adopted in 2020 and 2021 to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the creative and performing arts, delivering a wide range of programs and grants to support the arts, culture and heritage sectors of the city.

rekindle their passion for performance and share with friends and family the exhilaration of hearing live music or the emotional journey of experiencing live theatre through this vibrant new program of events.

While it’s been another year of challenging disruption, it’s also been a time of triumph in the face of adversity, challenging us to do things differently, come together as a community and support each other during this difficult period.

The 2022 Civic Theatre subscription season will provide another crucial boost, allowing us to support our local performing arts community, enhance the city’s night-time economy and delight theatregoers with what is a perennial highlight on the arts calendar.

As we continue our journey out of this pandemic, it seems particularly fitting to be officially launching the Civic Theatre subscription season for 2022 under the theme of “reignite”.

I congratulate and thank the Civic Theatre team for curating such a strong program for 2022 and look forward to taking my place in the audience within this beloved cultural landmark throughout the coming year.

With restrictions continuing to ease, it is an opportune time for Novocastrians to

Niirun Yalawa Awabakal and Worimi burrei We all sit on Awabakal and Worimi land We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people of this nation. We respectfully acknowledge the Awabakal peoples of the land on which we meet for our Season 2022 program. We pay tribute to elders past, present and emerging and recognise it is a great privilege to be standing on country.

Welcome to

Season 2022

Leonie Wallace Theatre Manager

Adversity often spurs creativity and, without question, 2022 will be a year for reigniting our city’s cultural spark. As we regroup from two tumultuous years, which have been particularly harsh for the performing arts, we look to those very same performers to step back into their creative strengths and help lead our recovery. As with theatres across the globe, the Civic Theatre has had to be highly adaptive to the challenges posed by Covid-induced lockdowns. It has been a tough time for so many in our sector and I would like to acknowledge the tenacity and flexibility of the remarkable group of people I work with at the Civic Theatre. As we move into 2022 with a true sense of optimism, we are collectively ready to thrive, shrugging off what has been, and collaborating to rebuild faith in all that live performance brings to our lives. The unique experience of

theatre reminds us we are not alone – we all delight in taking our place in the auditorium, with fellow audience members, and connecting with the performers and the storytelling. We are proud of the role our annual subscription season plays in further enriching the cultural fabric of our city and hope, in the coming 12 months, theatre’s role of connecting our community is valued more than ever. It is with this optimism that we proudly present Season 2022, boasting the best of local and national touring productions. The subscription season has always featured Novocastrian producers and 2022 is no exception. At a time when supporting our local theatre industry has never been more important, we are delighted to include: Creativity, an original new work from perennial favourites, Stray Dogs Theatre; Grappling from the Edge by Catapult Dance; and Airness from

Knock & Run Theatre. They sit among a season of superb, diverse theatrical wonders, from shake&stir’s Jane Eyre to Ensemble Theatre’s Black Cockatoo, from Opera Australia’s Barber of Seville to the genius of Bell Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. In 2022, we continue to expand our “Beyond the Stage” program and you can read more about that in this brochure. You will also see how we are working to ensure a visit to the theatre is a true ‘night out’, including the

Thank you

introduction, for select performances, of a fabulous new dining experience in City Hall. Finally, I would like to thank our sponsors Crosbie Wealth, SWS Lawyers, Jennings Print and Hunter Parking and Storage for their ongoing support of the season. We look forward to welcoming them and you, our valued subscribers, back to the cultural heart of our remarkable city for yet another superb Civic Theatre Subscription Season.

to our sponsors

Become a Civic Theatre subscriber today. Access the best seats, free parking, big savings and more.

Season 2022

Subscriber Benefits When you book three or more shows from Season 2022, you immediately become a Civic Theatre Subscriber. All subscribers receive:

Big Savings • Book three or more Season 2022 shows* in one transaction to receive subscriber discount. • Discounted tickets and early bird offers to other touring shows throughout the year.+

Hospitality • Discounted pre-show drinks for Civic Theatre Season 2022 shows. • Enjoy a free popcorn at Civic Cinema screenings. • Discounted coffee at the Civic Theatre Café each time you visit. • Secure your pre-show dinner reservations in the Civic Theatre Café or Banquet Room^

Best Seats Access to book early and secure the best seats in the house.

Free Parking Free parking in the Civic West Parking Station for all Season 2022 evening and weekend performances. Further details will be sent with your subscriber card. Parking must be booked online.

Flexibility Plans change; pending ticket availability, subscribers can swap performance times and shows at no cost, via the Civic Theatre Ticket Office

• Invitations to pre and post show events.

* Compared to purchasing single tickets in three separate transactions throughout the year and incurring three booking fees. + Wherever possible. Negotiated with touring show promotors throughout the year, on your behalf. ^ Dinner & Show packages available. Terms & conditions apply.

PLAYHOUSE

From the company who brought you Being Sellers, Dali: Hallucinogenic Toreador, Human Resources and Shakespeare’s Fools. IMAGE BY ARI CHAND

Stray Dogs Theatre Co.

Creativity Friday 18 February 8pm Saturday 19 February 2pm & 8pm Tuesday 22 February 8pm Wednesday 23 February 8pm Thursday 24 February 8pm Friday 25 February 8pm Saturday 26 February 2pm & 8pm Director

CARL CAULFIELD

Music Director IAN COOK

Duration 2hrs (including interval) Suitable for ages 15+ + Post Show Q&A on Opening Night

Written & Directed by Carl Caulfield

Creatives in a regional conservatorium take on their tone-deaf leaders in a bid to save music. A recent purge of academics and courses at a Conservatorium of Music at a regional university has left the remaining staff and their students demoralised, their only life raft the joy they find in making music. Dr Richard Fenchurch, lecturer, conductor and Mozart scholar, reluctantly agrees to lead the Conservatorium through the maelstrom, following the mysterious departure of the Head of Music. Fenchurch finds himself caught between the smooth-talking PVC, Professor Graham Gombold, with his promises of musical manna, and his mutinous colleagues, led by Dr Lucy Golding, who are firmly against any further cuts or changes to the curriculum. Creativity, a play with music, is another hard-hitting satire from Newcastle playwright Carl Caulfield, exploring not just the crisis facing the Humanities in our universities but the existential threat facing the Arts in general.

CIVIC THEATRE

Jally Entertainment

Mother & Son Written by Geoffrey Atherden

True to the tv series, it’s cleverly written to stand up to today’s pace, with all of the charm. Loved it!! Audience Member

She’s back! Everyone’s favourite forgetful mum, Maggie Beare, is headed to the Civic Theatre. Geoffrey Atherden penned the first TV episodes of Mother & Son in 1984, creating an instant classic and award-winning TV series. Now he revisits his famous characters for the stage.

IMAGE BY TYSON LLOYD FILMS

Arthur is at his wit’s end and desperate for some time away with his new girlfriend. But who will look after Maggie? While Arthur’s dentist brother, Robert, and his wife, Liz, claim they’d love to help, Liz has bigger fish to fry.

Friday 25 March 7:30pm Saturday 26 March 2pm & 7:30pm

Is Robert having an affair with his hygienist? Will Arthur get away to pop the question? Will Maggie go on a trip of her own?

Director

Vague but vicious and more arsenic than old lace, Maggie would have Arthur tied to her apron strings for life – if she could just remember where she put that apron!

Proudly supported by

AARNE NEEME

Starring

JULIE MCGREGOR as Maggie and CHRISTOPHER TRUSWELL as Arthur

Duration 2hrs 10min (including interval)

CIVIC THEATRE

This show [Stardust] truly is a treat ABC Radio National

The Mission is a beautiful, touching, rich tribute Keith Gow Reviews

IMAGE BY SARAH WALKER

Wednesday 27 April 7:30pm Director

DANIEL LAMMIN

Producer

JOEL CARNEGIE

Duration Stardust 45mins The Mission 55mins Adult themes, occasional course language, smoke The Mission contains depictions of, and reference to, Aboriginal people who have passed away. It also describes confronting content in relation to the massacre, dispossession, and mistreatment of First Nations Peoples.

The Space Company

Stardust + The Mission Stardust Written & Performed by Joel Carnegie The Mission Written & Performed by Tom Molyneux

Two powerful yet forgotten Australian stories uncovering our past to reveal who we are today. Stardust tells the story of bandleader and trumpet player Col Brain. Before he died, Col placed his most prized life possessions into a cupboard and locked it up, never to be opened again. But what was inside? Told by his grandson, award winning ABC presenter & performer, Joel Carnegie, Stardust is a heart-warming musical quest to uncover what Col wanted us to know about his life by the things he left behind. The Mission follows “Fighting Gunditjmara” man Allan McDonald off to war. As one of the first Aboriginal soldiers from Victoria to enlist, Allan fought at Gallipoli and Beersheba, only to be denied a soldier’s settlement upon return and forced from his traditional land. Told by his great, great nephew, acclaimed Gunditjmara actor, Tom Molyneux, The Mission tells the truth of Uncle Allan’s struggle; fighting for Country, for love and for justice. Experience this award-winning double bill and meet two ordinary individuals, whose extraordinary lives still reverberate to this day.

CIVIC THEATRE

shake & stir’s Jane Eyre is a blazing success. It will make you think, it will make you feel and it will give you hope. Broadway World

shake & stir theatre co

Jane Eyre Written By Charlotte Brontë Adapted by shake & stir theatre co

Charlotte Brontë’s iconic gothic tale, boldly adapted for the stage. Brontë’s gothic tale of a spirited orphan in search of love, family and a sense of belonging, Jane Eyre blazes the country in 2022. Witness one of the most iconic pieces of English literature retold in a faithful yet fiercely original new stage adaptation from the nationally-renowned shake & stir theatre co (Animal Farm, Dracula). Following a childhood spent suffering at the hands of her cruel aunt, Jane finds employment at Thornfield Hall – the impressive yet mysterious home of Edward Rochester. As Jane and Rochester become inexplicably drawn to each other, the dark secrets locked within the walls of Thornfield start to unravel, forcing Jane on a heart-wrenching journey toward truth and freedom. This stunning new production, featuring original music written by multi ARIA Award winner Sarah McLeod, will set a fire blazing in your soul.

IMAGE BY DYLAN EVANS

Saturday 14 May 7:30pm Duration 2hrs 20mins (including interval) Contains adult themes, simulated violence and supernatural elements and features strobe lighting, loud music and fire/ smoke/haze effects.

CIVIC THEATRE

An Ensemble Theatre Production

Black Cockatoo Written by Geoffrey Atherden, Directed by Wesley Enoch

A wonderful balance of educating and entertaining ... hard hitting honesty and delightful comedy Broadway World

IMAGE BY CHRISTIAN TRINDER

Saturday 21 May 8pm Sunday 22 May 2pm & 8pm Duration 1hr 30mins (no interval) Suitable for ages 12+

Content Warning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences are advised that this show contains depictions of people who have died.

A funny and moving episode from Australia’s sporting history. More than 150 years ago, 13 brave Aboriginal men in Western Victoria picked up their cricket bats and embarked on a treacherous voyage to England and into the unknown – all in the name of sport. Risking illness and persecution, Australia’s first international cricket team – including Australia’s first Indigenous sporting hero, Johnny Mullagh – ‘amazed the English crowds, with astonishing talent, personality and grit’. They should have returned to Australia as celebrated heroes. Instead, they came back to find the world they once knew was no longer there. This is not just a story about cricket – this is story of strength, resistance, hope and possibility. When a group of young present-day activists sneak into the Wimmera Discovery Centre to expose the truth of what happened to Johnny and his team mates, a hidden legend of triumph and tragedy unfolds. Funny and incredibly moving, Black Cockatoo is a new artistic collaboration between iconic Australian writer, Geoffrey Atherden (Mother & Son, Babakiueria) and former Sydney Festival Artistic Director, Wesley Enoch (Black Diggers).

CITY HALL

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Energy & Elation Experience spirited music by Mendelssohn, Haydn & Dvořák. One night only. Felix Mendelssohn’s overture to Victor Hugo’s play Ruy Blas skillfully sets the stage for a dramatic and tragic tale, with a brooding opening that quickly finds its feet with an energetic melody, before sweeping into a spirited finale. It’s a curtain raiser that’s sure to delight. The mood continues with Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto. It’s a rare chance to hear a trumpet take the lead as a solo instrument, and just as rare to hear Sydney Symphony’s brilliant and renowned Principal Trumpet, David Elton, bring this unique composition to life. In his Symphony No. 8, Dvořák digs into his Czech heritage. With nature-inspired themes, bird-like woodwind melodies and swift contrasts, it’s impossible not to be swept up into Dvořák’s homeland pride and joyous optimism. Principal Partner

Wednesday 25 May 7:30pm Artists

ROGER BENEDICT Conductor DAVID ELTON Trumpet

Program

MENDELSSOHN Ruy Blas Overture HAYDN Trumpet Concerto FIFTY FANFARES COMMISSION DVOŘÁK Symphony No.8

Duration 90 minutes, including a 20 minute interval

CIVIC THEATRE

From the company who brought you Being Sellers, Dali: Hallucinogenic Toreador, Human Resources and Shakespeare’s Fools. Stray Dogs Theatre Co.

IMAGE BY ARI CHAND

A feast of humour Australian Friday Stage 18 February

8pm Saturday 19 February 2pm & 8pm Tuesday 22 February 8pm Wednesday 23 February 8pm Thursday 24 February 8pm Friday 25 February 8pm Saturday 26 February 2pm & 8pm

Director Friday 10 June CARL CAULFIELD 8pm Saturday 11 June Music Director 8pm IAN COOK

Duration Duration

2hrs2hrs 15min (including interval) (including interval) Recommended for mature Suitable for ages 15+ audiences 15+ + Post Show Q&A

Creativity Written by Carl Caulfield International Melbourne AComedy timely, funny and provocative new work Festival about the crisis facing the Humanities in our Roadshow universities. A recent purge of academics and courses at a The ultimateofcomedy road tripuniversity returnshas in 2022! Conservatorium Music at a regional left the remaining staff and their students demoralised, their only life raft the joy they find in making music. Dr Richard Strap yourself in Australia! The and Melbourne Fenchurch, lecturer, conductor MozartInternational scholar, Comedy Festival hitting the highways to homereluctantly agreesRoadshow to lead theisConservatorium through the deliver the freshest and funniest from the 2022 Festival to maelstrom, following the mysterious departure of the Head neighbourhoods across the nation. of Music. For 24 years, thehimself Roadshow hasbetween presented all killer, no filler Fenchurch finds caught thean smoothline-upPVC, of Australian international stars and talking Professorand Graham Gombold, with his talented promises newcomers to comedy fans far and colleagues, wide. of musical manna, and his mutinous led by Dr Lucy Golding, who areoffirmly against any further or and Buckle up for a night stand-up, sketch, satire, cuts silliness changes to the curriculum. song in this rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your post-pandemic cravings! Bookhard-hitting now for thatsatire muchCreativity, a playcomedy with music, is another needed live comedy fix. from Newcastle playwright Carl Caulfield, exploring not just the crisis facing the Humanities in our universities but the existential threat facing the Arts in general.

CIVIC THEATRE PL AYHOUSE

For circus thrills with a classy, classical touch, Wolfgang hits the right notes. Three Week’s Edinburgh

Circa Contemporary Circus

Wolfgang’s Magical Jally Entertainment Musical Circus Created by Yaron with Benjamin Knapton and Mother &Lifschitz Son the Circa Ensemble Written by Geoffrey Atherden

The thrill of circus, the mayhem of Mozart. She’s back! Everyone’s favourite forgetful mum, Straight from the score and onto stage, theTheatre. man known Maggie Beare, is headed tothe the Civic

as Mozart appears amid a storm of powder, tumbling and twirling, as musical mayhem and movement fuse in this Geoffrey Atherden the first TV episodes of Mother & family show with apenned circus twist. Son in 1984, creating an instant classic and award-winning Toseries. those Now who he know him, his he famous is Wolfgang, the dart-playing TV revisits characters for the stage. ratbag. To those who are watching and listening, he is the Arthur is at his wit’s end and desperate for some time away wigged genius Mozart. Come and discover his irrepressible with hisand newvibrant girlfriend. But who will look after Maggie? While spirit compositions through physical comedy Arthur’s dentist brother, and mischievous antics.Robert, and his wife, Liz, claim they’d love to help, Liz has bigger fish to fry. Designed to amaze people from the age of three and Isupwards, Robert having an affair with his hygienist? Will Arthur get Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus reinvents the away to pop magical the question? go illuminating on a trip of her composer’s musicWill in aMaggie skilful and show, own? featuring Circa’s dexterous daredevil artists and a live accordionist. Vague but vicious and more arsenic than old lace, Maggie would have Arthur tied to her apron strings for life – if she could just remember where she put that apron! Commissioned by The Art House Wyong. Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

A fabulously humble stage show that lets the story and characters shine! True to the tv series, it’s cleverly written to stand up to today’s pace, with all of the charm. Loved it!! Audience Member

IMAGE BY TYSON LLOYD FILMS

IMAGE BY DAMIEN BREDBERG

Friday 25 March 7:30pm Saturday 26 March 2pm & 7:30pm Sunday 24 July 10am & 2pm Director AARNE NEEME

Duration 60mins (no interval) Starring

JULIE MCGREGOR as3+ Maggie Suitable for ages andCirca CHRISTOPHER TRUSWELL respectfully acknowledges as Arthur the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we work and live paying Duration respects to Elders past, present future 2hrsand 10min (including interval)

CIVIC THEATRE

From the company who brought you Being Sellers, Dali: Hallucinogenic Toreador, Human Resources and Shakespeare’s Fools. Christine Harris & HIT Productions Stray Dogs Theatre Co.

IMAGE BY ARI CHAND

Energetic, passionate, heart wrenching, Friday 18hilarious Februaryand uplifting, 8pm engaging Saturday 19 February Australian Stage

The Sapphires Creativity Written by and Directed by Tony Briggs Written Carl Caulfield

A timely, funny andSapphires, provocative new work The journey of The Australia’s about the crisis facing the Humanities in our answer to The Supremes. universities.

2pm & 8pm Tuesday 22 February 8pm Wednesday 23 February 8pm PRODUCTION IMAGE 2020 HISTORICAL Thursday 24 February 8pm Friday 25 February 8pm Wednesday 24 August 11am & 7:30pm Saturday 26 February 2pm & 8pm Musical Director NATHANIEL DirectorANDREW

The multi award-winning musical play, inspired by the A recent purge academics courses a remarkable trueofstory of writerand Tony Briggs at mother, returns to Conservatorium Musiconly. at a regional university has left the stage for twoofshows the remaining staff and their students demoralised, their Set inlife the heady days offind the in late 60s a music. quartet talented only raft the joy they making DrofRichard young singers from aconductor remote aboriginal mission are Fenchurch, lecturer, and Mozart scholar, discoveredagrees and guided bythe a kind-hearted, soul-loving reluctantly to lead Conservatorium through the manager. maelstrom, following the mysterious departure of the Head

Choreographer LEONARD MICKELO Music Director

Creativity, a play with music, is another hard-hitting satire from Newcastle playwright Carl Caulfield, exploring not just the crisis facing the Humanities in ourProudly universities but the existential threat facing the Arts in general. supported by

CARL CAULFIELD

IAN COOK

Duration 2hrs 10mins (including Interval) Duration Suitable for ages interval) 7+ 2hrs (including Some adultfor themes, Suitable ages 15+ simulated warfare + Post Show Q&A

of Music. sequins and armed only with microphones, they Wearing find themselves trying tocaught spreadbetween joy in thethe hellsmooththat is the Fenchurch finds himself Vietnam War.Professor Graham Gombold, with his promises talking PVC, of andclassic, his mutinous colleagues, ledand by Dr Anmusical upliftingmanna, Australian full of comedy, heart Lucy Golding, who are against any further romance, together withfirmly unforgettable soul music,cuts Theor changes thestay curriculum. Sapphirestowill with you for years to come.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body

CIVIC THEATRE

Opera Australia

The Barber of Seville By Rossini Jally Entertainment

Beyond haircuts and beard trims, this canny barber is the city’s matchmaking maestro!

Mother & Son

Written by Geoffrey Atherden Almaviva is wealthy, stealthy and head over heels. Rosina is witty, pretty and equally smitten. She’s also betrothed. They need a plan. Time to call on: Fi-ga-ro! Figaro! Figaro! mum, She’s back! Everyone’s favourite forgetful

Maggie is headed to the Civic Theatre. The stage isBeare, set for comic chaos. The Barber of Seville pops with lyrical acrobatics and irrepressibly funny characters. Rossini’s most famous ‘opera buffa’ is a musical masterpiece Geoffrey Atherden penned first TV ofHollywood Mother & with a storyline that would bethe equally atepisodes home in a Soncom. in 1984, creating an instant classic and award-winning rom TV series. Now he revisits his famous characters for the stage. Opera Australia’s finest voices assemble with a live chamber Arthur is and at hisa wit’s and desperate somea time orchestra localend children’s chorus to for deliver scoreaway which with his new girlfriend. But who will look after Maggie? While is instantly familiar from movies, cartoons and commercials. Arthur’s dentist brother, Robert, and his wife, Liz, claim they’d Delight a riotous romp along road to true love! This is love toinhelp, Liz has bigger fishthe to fry. opera at its light-hearted, effervescent best. Is Robert having an affair with his hygienist? Will Arthur get Sung in to Italian withquestion? English surtitles away pop the Will Maggie go on a trip of her Performed with a Live Chamber Orchestra own? Vague but vicious and more arsenic than old lace, Maggie would have Arthur tied to her apron strings for life – if she could just remember where she put that apron!

A fabulously humble stage show that lets the story and characters shine! True to the tv series, it’s cleverly written to stand up to A must-see if you today’s pace, with all of love: Downton the charm. Loved it!! Abbey, Sliding Audience Member Doors, clever disguises gone wrong and a IMAGE BY of TYSON LLOYD FILMS case mistaken identities. Opera Australia

Friday 25 March 7:30pm Saturday 26 March 2pm & 7:30pm Thursday 25 August Director 7:30pm AARNE NEEME

Director Starring

PRISCILLA JACKMAN JULIE MCGREGOR as Maggie and CHRISTOPHER TRUSWELL asDuration Arthur 2hrs (including interval) Duration Strobe Lighting, use of herbal cigarettes, mature themes 2hrs 10min (including interval)

CITY HALL

From the company who brought you Being Sellers, Dali: Hallucinogenic Toreador, Human Resources and Shakespeare’s Fools. Stray Dogs Theatre Co.

Clever, beautifully IMAGE BY ARI CHAND constructed and hugely entertaining. The Daily Telegraph

Friday 18 February 8pm Saturday 19 February 2pm & 8pm Tuesday 22 February 8pm IMAGE BY ISABELLA MOORE Wednesday 23 February 8pm Thursday 24 February 8pm 27 September Tuesday 6pm Friday 25 February 8pm Wednesday 28 September 11am & 1pm 26 February Saturday 2pm & 8pm Concept & Direction SCOTT WRIGHT & ERTH Director CARL CAULFIELD

Design STEVE HOWARTH Music Director IAN COOK

Duration 55mins (no interval) Duration Suitable for ages 5+ 2hrs (including interval) Fog, smoke for effects, Suitable agesloud 15+ noise, dinosaurs + Post Show Q&A

Creativity Written by Carl Caulfield Erth Visual & Physical Inc.

A timely, funny and provocative new work about the crisis facing the Humanities in our universities.

Erth’s Prehistoric World

Two worlds. Twice the thrill. A recent purge of academics and courses at a Conservatorium of Music at a regional university has left the remaining staff and theirocean students demoralised, their Travel to the bottom of the to discover ancient bioonly life raft the joy they findmarine in making music. Dr back Richard luminescent creatures and reptiles, then to dry Fenchurch, lecturer, conductor and Mozart scholar, land to witness some of the most amazing dinosaurs to have reluctantly to lead the Conservatorium through the ever walkedagrees this Earth. maelstrom, following the mysterious departure of the Head Renowned of Music. the world over for their theatrical magic and for pushing the limits of design, content and experience, Erth’s Fenchurch caught between the smoothPrehistoric finds Worldhimself is a fusion of the highly successful Dinosaur talking PVC, Professor Graham Gombold, with his promises Zoo and Prehistoric Aquarium. of musical manna, and his mutinous colleagues, led by Dr Experience thewho creatures of your imagination coming to life Lucy Golding, are firmly against any further cuts or on stage to in this enthralling new show! changes the curriculum. This show is presented as part of Season 2022 and the Creativity, a play with music, is another hard-hitting satire New Newcastle Annual Festival from playwright Carl Caulfield, exploring not just the crisis facing the Humanities in our universities but the existential threat facing the Arts in general.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body

CIVIC THEATRE

Bell Shakespeare

The Comedy of Errors By William Shakespeare. Directed by Janine Watson Jally Entertainment

Far-fetched coincidences and chaotic hilarity. Mother & Son Shipwrecked and separated Written by Geoffrey Atherden 33 years earlier, two sets of long-lost twins miraculously find themselves in the same city, on the same day. What could possibly go wrong?

She’s back! Everyone’s favourite forgetful mum, The Comedy of Errors is an hilarious romp of swapped Maggie is headed to the Civic Theatre. identities,Beare, misguided love, mistaken imprisonment and chaotic mishaps, leading to an unbelievably crazy day for bumbling twins. Geoffrey Atherden penned the first TV episodes of Mother & Son in 1984, an instant classic and award-winning At the heartcreating of this tale of comedic misfortune is an old man TV series. Now he revisits his famous characters fora the stage. searching for his lost children. He finds himself in hostile land, in the fight of his life ... to save his life. As far-fetched Arthur is at his wit’s end and desperate for some time away coincidences unfold, chaotic hilarity ensues and a man’s life with his new girlfriend. But who will look after Maggie? While could be saved — if only everything would go to plan. Arthur’s dentist brother, Robert, and his wife, Liz, claim they’d love to help, has bigger fish to fry. Directed byLiz longtime Bell Shakespeare collaborator Janine Watson, this is a beautiful story about reunion, wrapped up Is Robert having an affair with his hygienist? Will Arthur get in an evening of entertainment and laughter. away to pop the question? Will Maggie go on a trip of her own? This show is presented as part of Season 2022 and the New Annual Festival Vague but vicious and more arsenic than old lace, Maggie would have Arthur tied to her apron strings for life – if she could just remember where she put that apron! This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body

IMAGE BY TYSON LLOYD FILMS

Tuesday 27 September Friday 25 March 7:30pm 7:30pm Saturday 26 March Director 2pm & 7:30pm JANINE WATSON

Director Lighting Designer AARNE NEEME KELSEY LEE

Starring Movement Director JULIE MCGREGOR as Maggie

SAMANTHA CHESTER and CHRISTOPHER TRUSWELL as Arthur

Duration Suitable for ages 12+ Duration

2hrs 30min (including interval) 2hrs 10min (including interval)

CIVIC THEATRE

From the company who brought you Being Sellers, Dali: Hallucinogenic Toreador, Human Resources and Shakespeare’s Fools.

Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub

Grappling for Creativity the Edge Stray Dogs Theatre Co.

IMAGE BY ARI CHAND

…lithe and sinuous originality…with a mischievous sense of Friday 18 February 8pm and wry, ironic humour comment. Saturday 19 February 2pm &Times 8pm Canberra

Tuesday 22 February 8pm Wednesday 23 February 8pm Thursday 24 February 8pm IMAGE BY ASHLEY DE PRAZER Friday 25 February 8pm Saturday 26 February 2pm & 8pm Thursday 29 September 7:30pm Director Friday 30 September CARL CAULFIELD 11am & 7:30pm Music Director Director IAN COOK CADI MCCARTHY

Duration Duration 2hrs (including interval) 1hr Suitable 15mins (no forinterval) ages 15+ Suitable ages 13+ + Postfor Show Q&A

Written by Carl Caulfield

Where is your edge and how close are you to A timely, funny and provocative new work slipping off? about the crisis facing the Humanities in our universities.

This new work investigates current politics and the thin lines of morality. A series of gambles, roll the dice, which way do Awe recent of academics and courses at a grapple for fall? purge Trust no-one, question everything and Conservatorium the upper hand!of Music at a regional university has left the remaining staff and their students demoralised, their Withlife society living extremes, a worldmusic. of uncertainty, only raft the joy at they find in making Dr Richard can we make senseconductor of the ever-changing? Seize the Fenchurch, lecturer, and Mozart scholar, unattainable opponent, and pushing to thethe outer reluctantly agrees to leadstruggling the Conservatorium through limits . . . following the mysterious departure of the Head maelstrom, of Music. Performed by a powerful ensemble of artists, Grappling for the Edge willhimself take the audience on a the thrillsmoothride which Fenchurch finds caught between successfully marries dance, theatre, humour, and talking PVC, Professor Graham Gombold, withpolitics his promises the everyday experience. Holding up a mirror toled society, of musical manna, and his mutinous colleagues, by Drthis workGolding, handles who strong which explode Lucy arecontemporary firmly againstthemes any further cuts or onto theto stage. A powerful evening of highly physical, textchanges the curriculum. driven, dance theatre. Creativity, a play with music, is another hard-hitting satire This Newcastle show is presented as part of Seasonexploring 2022 andnot thejust from playwright Carl Caulfield, New Annual Festival the crisis facing the Humanities in our universities but the existential threat facing the Arts in general.

CIVIC THEATRE PL AYHOUSE

An all-out comedy that’s fricking funny. Hella heartfelt, and badass brilliant. DC Metro

Knock & Run Theatre

Airness Jally Entertainment Written by Chelsea Marcantel

Mother & Son An exuberant reminder that everything we Written by Geoffrey Atherden need to rock is already

inside us.

When Nina enters her first airfavourite guitar competition, shemum, She’s back! Everyone’s forgetful thinks winning will be easy. But as she befriends a group Maggie Beare, is headed to the Civic Theatre. of charismatic nerds, all committed to becoming the next champion, she discovers there’s more to this art form than playing pretend; about the finding in your Geoffrey Atherdenit’s penned first yourself TV episodes of favourite Mother & songs and performing raw classic joy. Willand Ninaaward-winning be able to let Son in 1984, creating anwith instant goseries. and set herself free onstage? TV Now he revisits his famous characters for the stage. Following mission to shred or be shredded, Airness is Arthur is atNina’s his wit’s end and desperate for some time away an exuberant reminderBut that everything we need to rock is with his new girlfriend. who will look after Maggie? While alreadydentist inside us. Arthur’s brother, Robert, and his wife, Liz, claim they’d love to help, Liz hasSaroca bigger as fishCannibal to fry. Queen, James Featuring Marissa

as Shreddy Eddy and ensemble Newcastle’s IsChapman Robert having an affair with his an hygienist? WillofArthur get finest to young Airness is a theatrical event away pop performers. the question? Will Maggie go on amusical trip of her not to be missed! own? This show presented as part of Season 2022 and the Vague but is vicious and more arsenic than old lace, Maggie New Annual Festival would have Arthur tied to her apron strings for life – if she could just remember where she put that apron!

Friday 30 September 8pm Saturday 1 October IMAGE BY TYSON LLOYD FILMS 2pm & 8pm Wednesday 5 October 8pm Thursday 6 October Friday 25 March 8pm 7:30pm Friday 7 October Saturday 26 March 8pm 2pm & 7:30pm Saturday 8 October 2pm & 8pm Director AARNE NEEME

Directors JAMES CHAPMAN AND Starring

JODY MILLER as Maggie JULIE MCGREGOR and CHRISTOPHER TRUSWELL as Duration Arthur 1hr 50min (including interval)

Duration Suitable for ages 15+

2hrs 10min strobe (including interval) Smoke, lighting and loud music

PLAYHOUSE CIVIC THEATRE

From the company who brought you Being Sellers, Dali: Hallucinogenic Toreador, Human Resources and Shakespeare’s Fools. Stray Dogs Theatre Co.

IMAGE BY ARI CHAND

Friday 18 February 8pm Saturday 19 February 2pm & 8pm Tuesday 22 February 8pm The comedians all Wednesday 23 February knew what they had 8pm to do to get a laugh, Thursday 24 February and had the crowd in 8pm constant stitches. Friday 25 February AU 8pm Review Saturday 26 February 2pm & 8pm Director

CARL CAULFIELD

Saturday 1 October Music Director 8pm IAN COOK Duration Duration 2hrs2hrs (including interval) (including interval) Recommended for mature Suitable for ages 15+ audiences 15+ Q&A + Post Show

Creativity Written by Carl Caulfield Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase A timely, funny and provocative new work

about the crisis facing the Humanities in our universities. The festival’s funniest in one hilarious night. A recent purge of academics and courses at a The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase tour will be tearing up Conservatorium of Music at a regional university has left the freeways of Australia for the ninth year, to bring the crème the remaining staff and their students demoralised, their de la crème of the 2022 Festival to Newcastle! only life raft the joy they find in making music. Dr Richard Fenchurch, lecturer, and Mozart scholar, Expertly curated andconductor lovingly presented, the Sydney Comedy reluctantly agrees to the some Conservatorium through the Festival Showcase willlead feature of the festival’s hottest maelstrom, following mysterioustwo departure the Head acts live on stage for the an incredible hours ofof hard-hitting of Music. Boasting a line-up of veteran favourites and some of laughter. the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure Fenchurch finds himself caught between the smoothentertainment will leave you sore from belly laughs! talking PVC, Professor Graham Gombold, with his promises of musical manna, and his mutinous colleagues, lednight by Drof Call your pals and grab your tickets to the funniest Lucy Golding, who aresee firmly any further cuts entertainment you will allagainst year – don’t miss out onor a huge changes to the curriculum. night of laughs. Creativity, play with music, is another hard-hitting satire This show isa presented as part of Season 2022 and the from Annual Newcastle playwright Carl Caulfield, exploring not just New Festival the crisis facing the Humanities in our universities but the existential threat facing the Arts in general.

InDaily

Gravity & Other Myths

Backbone IMAGE BY DARCY GRANT

Pushing the boundaries of contemporary circus Backbone is a powerful work by Gravity & Other Myths, an internationally renowned Australian company pushing the boundary of contemporary circus.

Tuesday 25 October 8pm

A frenetic celebration of human interconnectedness, Backbone examines the various perceptions of what strength is, where it comes from and how it is measured.

Wednesday 26 October 2pm

Sexy but sincere, raw yet utterly disciplined, Backbone is proof you can’t do the impossible without spending a little sweat.

Composers

ELLIOT ZOERNER AND SHENTON GREGORY

Director

DARCY GRANT

+ Backbone has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, through the Confederation of International Arts Festivals Inc. commissioned by Adelaide Festival, Melbourne Festival & Sydney Festival. * Gravity & Other Myths is supported as an organisation by Arts South Australia. ^ Backbone is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts.

Duration 1hr 20mins (no interval) Suitable for ages 5+ Haze effect and loud music

CIVIC THEATRE

A genre-defying, thought-provoking, visual extravaganza … so intensely beautiful it makes you proud to be human

Crosbie Wealth combines forward-thinking advice with the verve and commitment to deliver a financial edge.

With energy, performance and possibility. Call 1800 234 000 or visit crosbiewealth.com.au to learn more about our private wealth services and highly personalised approach.

Beyond the Stage Our Beyond the Stage program offers you free and low-cost event experiences for adults, families, and children.

arts, ensure our venues are full of exciting content and is a platform for highlighting the incredible talent in our region.

The ever-evolving program is designed to encourage greater participation in the

civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

We invite you to join us for: Civic Bar Beats A summertime series featuring live and local musicians in an open air setting outside the Civic Theatre Bar.

Civic Cinema Enjoy a variety of modern classics and contemporary films.

Morning Melodies A series of themed musical offerings curated by local artists. Afterwards enjoy a brunch or lunch in our Civic Theatre Café.

Live @Lunch Enjoy music concerts in City Hall, followed by a delicious lunch time meal prepared by our Executive Chef.

Dining

experience

Civic Theatre Café The café will be open two hours preshow and offers a quick and easy menu including our popular, freshly-made pizzas. The café is the ideal place to grab a tasty bite before your show.

Civic Theatre Bar Civic Theatre Pre-Show Dining Try something new in 2022 as pre-show dining will be offered in the Banquet Room in City Hall for selected performances. Our new Executive Chef Mark Rusev, has created a tantalising seasonal menu with two or three course options. When you dine with us you’re mere steps away from the theatre doors. See our website for the menu and our booking form for the selected shows we are offering this special pre-show experience.

The charming Civic Theatre Bar is open for evening performances and features a selection of quality local and imported beers, custom cocktails, fine wines from the Hunter Valley, ciders and spirits. For opening night of all Season 2022 shows in the Civic Theatre, there will be pre-show music in the Civic Bar, commencing two hours before curtains up, with early bird bar specials. After all Season 2022 shows, the bar will stay open for an hour, so you can enjoy a drink and chat about the show.

See you at

The Civic Located in the heart of Newcastle, the Civic Theatre is your number one choice for live performance. Accessibility Accessible seating, bathrooms, wheelchair access and hearing loop is available on the ground floor (stalls) of the Civic Theare. Nearest accessible parking spaces are in King St, Burwood St and Auckland St. Please discuss your requirments with the ticket office staff when booking.

Planning Your Visit If arriving by car, the nearest secure parking station is Civic West on King Street. Subscribers receive free parking on Season 2022 show nights. Access codes will be mailed with your Subscriber card. Nearest light rail station is Civic. Nearest bus stops are on King & Darby Streets. See transportnsw.info for timetables and public transport routes.

Civic Theatre Ticket Office Bookings ONLINE civictheatrenewcastle.com.au PHONE 02 4929 1977 IN PERSON 375 Hunter St, Newcastle. Mon — Fri 9am - 3pm+ Sat 9am - 12:30pm+ plus one hour before all shows.

+Opening times may vary in 2022

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE CIVIC THEATRE

24/7 Security Monitored & Ticketless Parking huntercarparks.com.au CIVIC WEST PARKING STATION FREE PARKING FOR SUBSCRIBERS (Must Book Online) 291 King Street Newcastle (Access via Gibson St)

Passionate about the arts. Dedicated to the law.

Committed to the Hunter.

www.swslawyers.com.au

Booking Form SUBSCRIPTION SEASON 2022

Creativity

Fri 18 Feb

8pm o Adult

$50

Stray Dogs Theatre Co

Sat 19 Feb

2pm o Subscriber

$42

Sat 19 Feb

8pm o Concession/Group 6+

$44

Tue 22 Feb

8pm o Youth (15-21)

$35

Wed 23 Feb

8pm o

Thu 24 Feb

8pm o

Fri 25 Feb

8pm o

Sat 26 Feb

2pm o

Sat 26 Feb

8pm o

Playhouse

Mother & Son Jally Entertainment Civic Theatre

Fri 25 Mar Sat 26 Mar Sat 26 Mar

7.30pm o Adult 2pm o Subscriber 7:30pm o Concession/Group 6+

$60 $52 $54

Youth (15-21)

$38

2 Course Meal*

$55

3 Course Meal*

$70

* Pre-show Dining on Opening Night Only

Stardust/ The Mission The Space Company Civic Theatre

Wed 27 Apr

7.30pm o Adult

$50

Subscriber

$42

Concession/Group 6+

$44

Youth (17-21)

$35

Child (12-16)

$20

Family (2A + 2C)

$120

2 Course Meal

$55

3 Course Meal

$70

no. tix

total

SUBSCRIPTION SEASON 2022

Jane Eyre

Sat 14 May

shake&stir theatre co Civic Theatre

Black Cockatoo

$ 7.30pm o Adult

$60

Subscriber

$52

Concession

$54

Youth (13-21)

$38

2 Course Meal

$55

3 Course Meal

$70

Sat 21 May

8pm o Adult

$60

Sun 22 May

2pm o Subscriber

$52

Sun 22 May

8pm o Concession/Group 6+

$54

Youth (17-21)

$38

Child (2-16)

$30

Family (2A + 2C)

$160

2 Course Meal#

$55

3 Course Meal#

$70

Ensemble Theatre Civic Theatre

Preshow Dining not available at matinee

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Wed 25 May

Civic Theatre

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow Civic Theatre

7.30pm o Adult

$60

Subscriber

$52

Concession/Group 6+

$54

Youth (17-21)

$38

Child (12-16)

$30

2 Course Meal

$55

3 Course Meal

$70

Fri 10 Jun

8pm o Adult

$55

Sat 11 Jun

8pm o Subscriber

$45

no. tix

total

SUBSCRIPTION SEASON 2022

Wolfgang's Magical Musical Circus

Sun 24 Jul Sun 24 Jul

$ 10am o Adult

no. tix

total

$35

2pm o Subscriber

$30

Circa Playhouse

The Sapphires

Wed 24 Aug

Concession/Group 6+

$33

Youth (13-21)

$26

Child (3-12)

$20

11am o Adult

$50

HIT Productions Civic Theatre

Wed 24 Aug

7:30pm o Subscriber

$42

Concession/Group 6+

$44

Youth (17-21)

$35

Child (7-16)

$30

Family (2A + 2C)

$140

2 Course Meal#

$55

3 Course Meal#

$70

Preshow Dining not available at matinee

The Barber of Seville

Thu 25 Aug

Opera Australia

7:30pm o Adult

$60

Subscriber

$52

Concession/Group 6+

$54

Youth (15-21)

$38

Family (2A + 2C)

$160

2 Course Meal

$55

3 Course Meal

$70

Civic Theatre

Erth's Prehistoric World

Tue 27 Sep

6pm o Adult

$35

Erth Visual & Physical Inc

Wed 28 Sep

11am o Subscriber

$30

City Hall

Wed 28 Sep

1pm o Concession/Group 6+

$33

Youth (13-21)

$26

Child (3-12)

$20 Concession: Pensioner, Senior, Unemployed, Student

SUBSCRIPTION SEASON 2022

The Comedy of Errors

Tue 27 Sep

$ 7:30pm o Adult

Bell Shakespeare

no. tix

total

$60

Subscriber

$52

Concession/Group 6+

$54

Youth (15-21)

$38

Family (2A + 2C)

$160

2 Course Meal

$55

3 Course Meal

$70

Civic Theatre

Grappling for the Edge

Thu 29 Sep

Catapult Dance

Fri 30 Sep

7:30pm o Adult

$40

11am o Subscriber

$34

Civic Theatre

Fri 30 Sep

7:30pm o Concession/Group 6+ Youth (12-21)

Airness

$36 $26

Fri 30 Sep

8pm o Adult

$50

Sat 1 Oct

2pm o Subscriber

$42

Sat 1 Oct

8pm o Concession/Group 6+

$44

Wed 5 Oct

8pm o Youth (15-21)

$35

Thu 6 Oct

8pm o

Fri 7 Oct

8pm o

Sat 8 Oct

2pm o

Sat 8 Oct

8pm o

Sat 1 Oct

8pm o Adult

Knock & Run Theatre Playhouse

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase

Subscriber

$55 $45

Civic Theatre

Concession: Pensioner, Senior, Unemployed, Student

SUBSCRIPTION SEASON 2022

Backbone

Tue 25 Oct

8pm o Adult

$50

Wed 26 Oct

2pm o Subscriber

$42

no. tix

total

Civic Theatre

Concession/Group 6+

$44

Youth (12-21)

$35

How to subscribe • Choose three or more shows from Season 2022. • There is a one-off booking fee of $5.

Online Go to civictheatrenewcastle.com.au Click on Season 2022 and select three or more shows.

Mail Mark the times and dates for you three or more shows on the attached booking form. Complete your details and mail or deliver your booking form to: Civic Theatre Ticket Office 375 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300 Civic Theatre Newcastle

Ph: 02 4929 1977 PACKAGES

Season Shows (minimum 3) SUBTOTAL Handling & Booking Fee

TOTAL

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE Please attach information to this booking form if you require special seating or audio assistance.

BOX OFFICE USE ONLY Date Received

Privacy Statement Newcastle City Council (of 282 King St, Newcastle) is committed to protecting your privacy. We take reasonable steps to comply with the relevant legislation and Council's Privacy Management Plan. The information collected in the Booking Form is being collected by the City of Newcastle Ticketek Box Office and Marketing Team for the purpose of processing your application for Subscription. Supply: Voluntary. Consequence of non-provision: Council and/or Ticketek will not be able to process your Subscription. Storage and security: Your information will be stored in the Ticketek booking system in order to process the booking, as well as Council's electronic records system in accordance with the State Records Act. It will only be accessible to authorised officers. Access: Your information can be checked for accuracy by calling Ticketek on 4929 1977.

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CARDHOLDER’S SIGNATURE > Handling fee, will be deducted at time of subscription.

season

At a glance

18-26 Feb Creativity Stray Dogs Theatre Co 25-26 Mar Mother & Son Jally Entertainment 27 Apr Stardust/The Mission The Space Company 14 May Jane Eyre shake&stir theatre co 21-22 May Black Cockatoo Ensemble Theatre 25 May Energy & Elation Sydney Symphony Orchestra 10-11 June Melbourne Comedy Fest Roadshow 24 July Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus Circa 24 Aug The Sapphires HIT Productions 25 Aug The Barber of Seville Opera Australia 27-28 Sept Erth’s Prehistoric World Erth Visual & Physical Inc* 27 Sept The Comedy of Errors Bell Shakespeare* 29-30 Sept Grappling for the Edge Catapult Dance* 30 Sept-8 Oct Airness Knock & Run Theatre* 1 Oct Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase* 25 - 26 Oct Backbone Gravity & Other Myths

*These shows are presented as part of Season 2022 and the New Annual Festival

Stay up to date with all shows in the Civic Theatre

Civic Theatre Newcastle 375 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300 Ticket Office: 02 4929 1977 civictheatrenewcastle.com.au Follow us Civic Theatre Newcastle

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