Riverside Theatres Brochure: Dec 2022 - Mar 2023

HELLO!

Wow! Where has the year gone?

I am sure like all of us here at Riverside you’re amazed by the way 2022 seems to have flown by, and before we all know it we’ll be rocketing into 2023! Over these past months it’s been so wonderful to see our houses full again, and to be sharing the joy, laughter, tears and drama that only live theatre can deliver, with you, our audiences.

As we head towards summer, we have so many wonderful (and happily ‘La Nina’-proof!) shows on offer as to kick off our 2023 season.

Starting straight out of the gate in early January, we have a high-flying start to the 2023 Sydney Festival with the extraordinary Afrique en Cirque’s daring acrobats, accompanied by skilled musicians performing authentic and original choreography to the pulsating rhythm of the djembes of Guinea. This Australian exclusive is sure to be a major hit of this year’s Festival and is not to be missed. The Festival fun doesn’t stop there and includes the mind-blowing and provocative fun of one man show, Paradise or The Impermanence of Ice Cream and laughs galore with the fabulous Multi-cultural Comedy Gala featuring some of Australia’s hottest and riotously diverse comedy stars!

For the little ones, the crowd-pleasing story of the Gruffalo continues with The Gruffalo’s Child sure to be the family hit of the holiday season followed later in the year by even more family fun from CDP Kids with Are We There Yet and Tall Stories The Snail and the Whale.

In early 2023 we are so thrilled to be a key partner to the wonderful celebration of love and inclusion that is Sydney WorldPride. Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) is proudly partnering with Sydney WorldPride to present the Australian premiere of Broadway sensation, Choir Boy. This is joined by a colourfully eclectic trio of works with NTofP’s The Life Cycle of Blanco, the fabulous Queerstories X Worldpride Celebrity Edition, and the pizzazz of dance, burlesque and circus that is Matador.

We happily see many Riverside favourites returning in 2023, including our regular Sydney Comedy Club and fabulous Cinema Seasons and Festivals. March marks the return of the hilarious crew from The Wharf Revue with Looking for Albanese, sure to give some light relief to counter the election furore.

2023 is yet another big year of musicals and world-class theatre at Riverside. Get your sultry 90’s groove on for the return of last year’s hit production of Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical. Later in the year join us to see if you can solve the mystery as the international theatrical phenomenon The Mousetrap plays its limited return season exclusively in Parramatta after the sold-out Theatre Royal Sydney season. Fan favourites Packemin Productions are also back with their spectacular production of global crowd-pleaser Les Misérables.

In the second half of 2023, Riverside is also proudly presenting some unique and all new Australian works, including the theatrical staging of Colleen McCullough’s Tim, and the riveting, deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful days in Australia’s history when we present Sydney Theatre Company’s ground-breaking The Visitors. Riverside Members have the exclusive access to these productions until they go on sale to the General Public in the new year.

Whether it’s bringing a taste of Broadway and the West End to Western Sydney, staging the latest original or cutting-edge Australian works, or something lighter for a laugh or some fun with the kids, Riverside’s 2023 program has something for everyone. The team and I can’t wait to welcome you to our house – your local house – to celebrate the joy of live performance throughout the year.

Until then, stay happy and safe, and we will look forward to seeing you in the foyer soon!

Best

Craig McMaster Director | Riverside Theatres