
NUNANGLANUNGDYU BARAMADA GULBANGA
MAWA NAA BARAMADAGAL DHARUG NGURRAWA
BADURA BARAMADA DHARUG YURA.

WE RESPECTFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS AND CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND AND WATERS OF PARRAMATTA, THE DHARUG PEOPLES.
MAWA NAA BARAMADAGAL DHARUG NGURRAWA
BADURA BARAMADA DHARUG YURA.
WE RESPECTFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS AND CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND AND WATERS OF PARRAMATTA, THE DHARUG PEOPLES.
ONLINE
riversideparramatta.com.au
Riverside Box Office
Cnr Church & Market Sts, Parramatta
Mon – Fri, 10am – 4pm Sat, 10am – 4pm
02 8839 3399
Mon – Fri, 10am – 4pm Sat, 10am – 4pm
Join our e-mailing list to receive updates about upcoming shows, special events, and offers.
Cover Image Photo: Murder for Two, photo courtesy of Hayes Theatre Co.
Scan the QR code on each page to visit the website for the most up-to-date ticket prices and availability.
Look out for this M on each page for shows with Members pricing available.
Eligibility for concessions will vary across events. Information correct at time of printing. Pricing and fees subject to change.
Members – Free
Online / Phone / Counter: Live event – $6.95 Cinema – $3.00
Introducing Riverside’s Morning Movie Club – take a break, come and grab a cuppa and a movie in Rafferty’s Cinema.
With affordable tickets (concessions from only $9) and a free bickie with every hot drink, we now offer 10:30am Thursday morning sessions for most titles in our cinema program. New films added regularly.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SIGN UP TO OUR CINEMA eNEWS FOR REGULAR UPDATES.
What a start to the year! May was a special one for Team Riverside and the City of Parramatta as we unveiled the designs and winning team for Western Sydney’s New Centre of the Arts… the Reimagined Riverside Theatres.
Riverside is set to undergo a $188 million redevelopment that is a monumental step in Parramatta’s journey to become a global city. The centrepiece will be a stunning 1500-seat Broadway-style lyric theatre, with First Nations inspired interiors, crafted with global best-practices standards, and a strong focus on accessibility and artistic flexibility. The state-of-the-art facility will give both local and international a stage to shine, and will attract major Australian works and the best of Broadway and the West End shows to Parramatta.
We could not be more excited and humbled by the outpouring of positive support for our beautiful new theatre centre. Huge shout out to our incredible Riverside team for your contributions and passion, our inspiring First Nations advisory group for their insights on Designing with Country, our Riverside Advisory Group for their counsel and my colleagues at City of Parramatta for their contributions and commitment to building Parramatta as a major global Cultural Destination. Our thanks also to the NSW Government for their ongoing support and contribution to the project’s funding.
We’d also like to congratulate our winning design team lead by Cox Architecture and 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio and Bangawarra, and the team from ARUP for their management of our Design Excellence competition.
Most importantly, we appreciate the support of you, our audiences, as we head into this exciting new vision for Riverside and Parramatta’s global cultural future. While we are closed for redevelopment, you can be assured we are committed to continuing to present a season of brilliant and exciting performances in some unique new spaces – more news to follow on this soon! We’re kicking off this last programming year here at the current venue with a stunning array of shows starting with National Theatre of Parramatta's Karim, a world premiere production that tells a complex story of family ties and generational divides. Later this year NTofP will present the Australian premiere of Yoga Play with a brilliant and talented cast in a razor-sharp comedy that finds laughs on the road to enlightenment.
Musical theatre enthusiasts will love the smash hit Murder for Two following its double sold-out season at Hayes Theatre. This hilarious musical comedy with its outrageous blend of music, mayhem and murder, is a witty parody of classic murder mysteries and is guaranteed night of fun and laughter!
We're excited to also bring Bonnie Lythgoe’s production of Snow White to the Riverside stage. Bonnie’s renowned pantos have played sold out seasons in the Sydney CBD for many years, and we are thrilled they have chosen Riverside for their return season in Sydney. This magical theatrical pantomime experience is as much for the adults as it is for the kids; an interactive, hilarious, and heartfelt production where audience participation is highly encouraged!
We’ve also got festivals galore as the iconic arts festival, Sydney Fringe returns to Riverside. Featuring an incredible lineup of International and Australian works, come experience the unique and exciting buzz of Sydney Fringe Festival in Parramatta.
Our highly anticipated SPOT ON Children's Festival is back during the October school holidays and is bigger than ever. Featuring an incredible line up of fun and exciting shows including Imagine Live, The Listies Make Some Noise and the fabulous Shrek the Musical - we can't wait to have you and the kids back for some great family fun.
We're always so happy to welcome you back to our house for unforgettable live experiences, and a cosy night of great theatre with your special person or friend is a surefire way to beat the winter blues.
Don’t forget to sign up for email updates as we develop the amazing new Reimagined Riverside so we can share the progress as we work towards this exciting development of a world class cultural icon for Western Sydney!
Take care, keep warm and hope to welcome you back to our House soon!
Craig McMaster Director | Riverside Theatres
BY JAMES ELAZZI
DIRECTED BY JAMES ELAZZI & SHANE ANTHONY
DATES
From Thu 25 Jul
How do you leave when you can’t leave?
Karim and Beth watch the trains roll in and dream of getting out of this small town. Joe searches the streets of Tahmoor for hidden treasures that might help pay the bills. Abdul opens his home and his heart to a young man in need…
Written by the three-time nominated playwright at the NSW Premier’s Literary Award, James Elazzi (Lady Tabouli, Queen Fatima and Son of Byblos) weaves his signature humour and tenderness in this brand-new play. Set on the rural outskirts of Western Sydney, Karim tells a complex story of family ties and generational divides as young Karim’s life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers an oud, a traditional Middle Eastern instrument, and realises that this may be the key to a new destiny.
Join us for this world premiere production that shows how love can be found in the most unexpected of places.
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
NCM & AMPLIFIED HOUSE
DATES
Sat 3 Aug
M
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
A rollicking homage to some of the most popular songs of the 20th century and the songwriters who made them happen.
Acclaimed entertainers Amelia Ryan, Philippa Lynas and Michael Griffiths shine in this joyous, triumphant and aweinspiring celebration of the songwriters who transformed 1960’s rock ‘n’ roll forever.
Simply Brill dramatically retells the birth of iconic songwriters such as Bill Hayley & The Comets, Neil Sedaka, Bobby Darin, Carole King, Cynthia Weil, and Ellie Greenwich. These up-and-coming teenage songwriters gave voice to an entire generation with hits such as Rock Around The Clock, Splish Splash, Oh Carol, Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling, River Deep Mountain High, Leader of the Pack and more – all sublimely recreated with the vocal brilliance of Amelia, Philippa, and Michael and a live 5 piece band.
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
HAYES THEATRE CO
DATES
Fri 9 – Sat 10 Aug
★★★★ “Enthralling... Capital-E entertainment”
– Sydney Morning Herald
SCAN IT. BOOK IT. M
Strap in for 90 minutes of mystery, music, and mayhem. Two performers play 13 roles (and the piano!) in this smash-hit whodunnit that sold out a season at Hayes Theatre. Twice.
Australian comedian and TikTok sensation, Gabbi Bolt stars in this rip-roaring rollicking ride alongside Maverick Newman.
Officer Moscowicz dreams of being a detective. So, when the great American Novelist Arthur Whitney is shot, he jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills.
Did Whitney’s wife give him a big finish? Or is the prima ballerina the prime suspect? Or did the overly friendly psychiatrist make a frenemy?
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
A monthly comedy gig featuring three stand-up comedians.
Check out our website for new comedians announced each month. SAT 24 AUG
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
LIVE NATION & JUBILEE STREET PRESENT
Nazeem’s back and is as ‘Totally Normal’ as ever. Nazeem has performed around the globe, including sell-out seasons – and now he’s bringing his highly anticipated charm and humour to Riverside. Strap in for a full dose of Nazeem, live and up-close.
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
credit: Regula Anick McDowell
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
A SIMONNE SMILES PRODUCTION
Sat 17 Aug
M
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
A magical children's ballet of friendship and love set in the Australian bush during the historic gold rush.
Told entirely through the dance form of ballet, Gold is a journey through Australia’s early migrant history and incorporates bush characters based on Indigenous flora and fauna, in an accessible, non-verbal mode of performance that will delight and engage.
Suitable for ages 6+
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
OPERA AUSTRALIA
DATES
Sat 24 Aug
M
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
Experience the original bohemian love story. When this opera finishes, you'll know the answer to an eternal question: is love enough?
La Bohème exposes your soul to the feelings that only music can express. The music soars with the ecstasy of love, crackles with the pain of jealousy and cries with the agony of loss.
Puccini’s score has always captured the soaring spirit of young love, and this new production breathes fresh life into one of the world’s favourite operas.
This production is supported by The Opera Conference, Australia’s national partnership of professional opera companies, the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts and funding advisory body, by the NSW Government through Create NSW, and by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
BASE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
DATES
Sun 25 Aug
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
Immerse yourself in the Irish Dance and Grand Illusion sensation that has taken the world by storm.
Celtic Illusion is a breathtaking array of experiences, fusing Irish Dance, Magic and influential flavours of Fosse, Michael Jackson, with a Broadway style.
The show features new spellbinding illusions and choreography, alongside a musical score that will either make you cry or send shivers down your spine. Starring the multi-talented former lead dancer of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and Star Illusionist Anthony Street, with Georgia May, a marvel in both dance and illusion.
Celtic Illusion is a show like no other.
4 - 8
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 2 4
FORM DANCE PROJECTS & RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENT
DATES
Sat 7 Sep
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
IDEA NOW, an inaugural showcase of new independent dance as part of the city-wide IDEA'24 festival.
This special event will take place for one night only, showcasing thrilling independent dance as a central feature of the IDEA'24 festival. The evening features world premieres, offering an engaging mix of dance genres, cultures, and styles.
IDEA NOW aims to share new and innovative ideas with local audiences and national and international partners. This platform is about exposure and creating connections and opportunities for collaboration between artists, venues, programmers, and investors.
As part of IDEA NOW, we also invite you to Watercooler conversations, where local, national, and international artists, arts workers, and creatives come together to engage in conversation, collaboration, and exchange.
SUN 8 SEP
SUN 22 SEP
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
"Mesmerising performance… an immediate sellout" – Brisbane Festival
World music favourites MZAZA have created a theatrical musical experience like no other in collaboration with some of Australia’s leading theatre-makers. Based on the album of the same name, the show draws inspiration from history’s philosophers and astronomers, leading us on a surreal voyage through the ether to explore what links us to each other and the world around us.
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
Four decades on, the Mara! Band is still ‘ahead of the pack’ in driving the creation of uniquely Australian world/jazz music and showcasing it to audiences here and abroad.
Join them to celebrate this milestone along with guest artists Martenitsa Choir and featuring Mara & Llew’s latest creation, The Mara! Big Band.
SAT 2 NOV SAT 26 OCT
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS KATIE NOONAN AND KARIN SCHAUPP
SONGS OF THE SOUTHERN SKIES VOL 2
Two of Australia’s most acclaimed virtuosos continue their ARIA awardwinning collaboration with Volume Two of their Songs of the Southern Skies project, celebrating some of the finest artist and songwriters from across multiple generations of Australian women.
Photo credit: Glenn Hunt
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS THE METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA HOLLYWOOD IN
The Metropolitan Orchestra (TMO) return to Riverside for a special performance showcasing some of the greatest movie music ever written. Led by dynamic Chief Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams with a full orchestra, this blockbuster event will showcase incredible music from some of the biggest cinematic blockbusters that will leave the audience yelling for more.
NATIONAL THEATRE OF PARRAMATTA PRESENTS
BY RAJIV JOSEPH
DIRECTED BY BALI PADDA
DATES
Thu 12 – Sat 14 Sep
★★★★ ½ "The black-humoured banter of Waiting for Godot, the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy... It’s not just that directorial debuts don’t come any stronger than this, few productions of any sort do." – Sydney Morning Herald
What happens to a life-long friendship when two ordinary men are ordered to do the unthinkable?
After a successful and critically acclaimed season in 2022, Guards at the Taj is making its return season!
Featuring a heartbreakingly funny friendship put to the ultimate test and existential banter reminiscent of Beckett and Stoppard, Guards at the Taj mixes witty black comedy with the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy.
Suitable for ages 5+ 28 Sep – 3 Oct
Alison Lester's iconic best seller, brought to life. This show is a joyous celebration of the natural world that will follow you home and live in your heart for years to come.
M
Blending clowning, physical theatre and circus arts, The Librarian invites young audiences to discover the passion of reading and the power of the imagination.
Suitable for ages 5 - 12
1 – 3 Oct M
4 – 5 Oct
Join Australia’s favourite kids' comedians Rich and Matt, as they belt out songs with the LOLs turned up to 11. Hilarious, fabulous fun for the whole family.
Drawn from Japanese folklore, Little Bozu and Kon Kon follows a shapeshifting raccoon and a misunderstood fox from different worlds. They find each other in a shared need for friendship and, from it, accept their differences.
Suitable for ages 4 - 7
Suitable for ages 4 - 400 million (dinosaurs allowed).
4 – 5 Oct M
Make memories and experience the magic of live theatre!
12 – 20 Oct
Based on the animated film, Sydney Youth Musical Theatre is proud to present the Tony Award-winning fairy tale musical adventure following an unlikely hero and his donkey as they save Far Far Away.
Suitable for ages 5+
Listen, move and sing with our Mini Music Makers series! Experience the joy of music, whether it be through our cushion concerts with Outback Tracks and Emily Who or having a go at being your own pop star with our Karaoke Disco Party.
Suitable for ages 2+
Scan the QR to learn what's on at the festival!
Riverside presents a diverse range of cinema events - from feature films and independent films, to Australian and world films. We offer the best of world stages, captured live and screened at Riverside, with exciting interviews and special events.
NATIONAL THEATRE OF PARRAMATTA & LA BOITE THEATRE PRESENT
BY DIPIKA GUHA DIRECTED BY MINA MORITA
DATES
From Thu 17 Oct
“A well-polished romp…a fresh new comedy with a sharp cultural bite.” - LA Times
SCAN IT. BOOK IT. M
A razor-sharp comedy that finds laughs on the road to enlightenment.
Joan is the new CEO of yoga apparel giant Jojomon, hired to stabilise the athleisurewear company after her predecessor was brought down by an unsavoury scandal. But trouble is brewing, sales are plummeting and her plan to save the business is getting riskier and riskier.
Written by US playwright Dipika Guha, this is an uproarious exploration of cultural appropriation, exploitation, consumerism, fat shaming and lavender scented yoga pants. The Australian Premiere will be directed by internationally renowned director Mina Morita with a stella cast of comedy talent and answers burning questions about capitalism and the business of peace.
FORM DANCE PROJECTS & RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENT
OH SHEILA & DESTRUCTIVE STEPS DANCE ASSOCIATION
DATES
Fri 29 – Sat 30 Nov M
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
A double bill of Western Sydney, female led street dance crews featuring Kinetic Illusions by Oh Sheila - InnerWest Sydney’s all female power-house street dance crew, Oh Sheila transforms the theatre into a complex and multifaceted world, challenging the audience’s understanding of our perceived reality.
And INTERFLOW by Destructive Steps Dance Association - Representing the style of Waving alongside elements of their Hip Hop, Popping, and Locking bases, four street dancers explore and contemplate the flows within their freestyle dance, deconstructing and reconstructing across unconventional music genres.
FRI 6 DEC
FRI 20 DEC
A-LIST ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
Ever wondered why dogs get so excited around 6pm? Or what the point of the little toe is? Or what to do when you forget someone’s name? Come along and see Jimeoin in his hilarious brand new show and you will find out all the answers to the world’s big questions. With more facial expressions than a baby eating a lemon, don’t miss Jimeoin as he takes you on a journey that’ll have you none the wiser by the time he takes his final bow!
Flanked by gorgeous men, Australia’s six-foot something songstress Prada Clutch & her ‘girls’ pay tribute to the history of Aussie drag –in concert. Revisit the good ol’ days with Les Girls in the 60’s, sing along to classic disco hits & sashay into today with a celebration of charttopping Christmas divas who are sure to make the Yuletide gay!
“I love drama. It’s fun to be here. It’s funny to be cheeky all the time. Have a laugh.”
– Anthony, participant
Riverside's Beyond the Square drama workshops for adults with disability have been running for over 27 years working with a large number of incredible artists as teachers, facilitators and directors.
The program runs throughout the year, with bookings available for a selection of dates.
Scan here to find out more online about Riverside's Beyond the Square workshops.
Riverside is committed to making our programs and venues welcoming and accessible for all people. If you require specific seating, audio or accessible parking please contact our Box Office on 02 8839 3399 who will be happy to assist. Our Customer Experience team can also help you to your seat if required.
Level access from the street leads into our foyer. Level access continues into all venues. Space for wheelchairs is available in all venues but requires booking in advance.
Accessible bathrooms are available at each end of the foyer.
Limited paid parking at Riverside is available for patrons with a current disability parking permit only. Ask the Box Office when booking your tickets.
Riverside has an FM transmitter-receiver hearing system in all three theatres to assist patrons who are hearing impaired. Patrons can choose from a single ear earpiece, a neck loop for telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants or their own headphones, to amplify the sound from the stage. This system is adaptable for people with all types of hearing loss. To access this free service, ask the Box Office when booking your tickets.
Patrons with hearing impairment can access some live performances and cinema sessions through captioning. Captioning is available on large screens inside the theatre for live performances and as open captioning for some films.
Riverside accepts the NSW Companion Card, allowing a support person free entry
If you need seats closer to the front to be able to see and enjoy the show, please advise the Box Office when booking your tickets.
Select performances and cinema screenings are audio described for the benefit of blind or low vision patrons by providing a narration that provides detailed information and descriptions of the visual elements of a performance. This includes actions, expressions, gestures, sequences, costumes, and scenery. AD is relayed via a free headset and receiver linked to an FM transmitter-receiver hearing system. Tactile (sensory) pre-show tours are offered alongside AD performances. Advise the Box Office when booking your tickets.
A number of performances at Riverside are selected to be interpreted with Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Interpreters are discreetly positioned on side stage and provide an opportunity for people who are Deaf to access and enjoy these performances.
These are sensory friendly performances where the perceived ‘rules’ of theatre are modified to allow patrons with Autism and other specific needs to enjoy the performance in a welcoming environment.
Modifications will differ depending on the production, but can include the house lights being dimmed, but not turned all the way down; the understanding that patrons may come and go from the theatre as needed; elements of the show that might include loud noises or sudden bright lights being toned down or removed.
The performing arts helps build stronger, more connected communities and can transform lives. Here at Riverside we are proud to be a vibrant cultural hub in our local community, but we always strive to do more.
Please consider making a tax deductible donation to help us continue to give education access, eliminate barriers to attendance and strengthen new play development.
Beyond the Square is Riverside’s drama program for people with disability. Offering participants creative outlets, personal and social exploration, and skills development it is one of the longest running and largest programs of its kind in Sydney.
Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta is investing in the future, creating opportunities for Western Sydney artists and audiences through mentoring and much more.
For more information on the Parramatta Cultural Trust, to become a Sponsor or to find out other ways you can help Riverside, contact us on 02 8839 3399. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Find us nestled on the banks of the scenic Parramatta River in the heart of Church Street.
T: Our closest station is Parramatta Station which is approximately 15 minute walk from Riverside. Trains to Parramatta run every 10 to 15 minutes and bus services run regularly throughout the night.
F: Parramatta Wharf is an 8 minute walk to us along the river. For more transport options and to plan your trip see transportnsw.info
P: There are multiple car parks in short walking distance of Riverside (see map).
If you hold a current accessible parking permit, we have a small number of onsite parking spaces available to book through our Box Office on 02 8839 3399
Please note: Permanent traffic changes are now in place on and around Church Street (between Market & Macquarie Streets) for the Parramatta Light Rail. Motorists traveling to Riverside should note, these changes may affect the amount of time that it takes for you to drive & park.
Check out dining, parking and accommodation offers from our partners at riversideparramatta.com.au/your-visit
Riverside Theatres is an initiative of City of Parramatta Council
MAJOR PARTNER PARTNER (GOVERNMENT)
RIVERSIDE THEATRES
Cnr Church and Market Streets Parramatta NSW 2150
PO Box 3636 Parramatta NSW 2124
ABN 49907174773
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Director – Craig McMaster
Marketing & Communications Team Leader – Samantha Attard
Technical & Facilities Operations Manager – Mike Brew
Ticketing & CRM Team Leader – Dave Fili
Executive & Creative Producer, National Theatre of Parramatta – Joanne Kee
Business Manager – Tanya Sampson
Programming & Curatorial Manager – Catherine Swallow
Customer Experience Manager – Jordan Vassallo
Brochure Design and Artwork leadinghand.com.au
Details in this brochure are correct at time of printing. Riverside reserves the right to add, withdraw and substitute artists and vary the programme and prices should the necessity arise. Please note that some performances may contain smoke, strobe lighting, loud noises, coarse language and nudity. Where known we will indicate this in our program, website and in the theatre foyer at the time of the performance.
RIVERSIDE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Cr Ange Humphries
Cr Cameron MacLean
Cr Sameer Pandey
Cr Georgina Valjak
Jon Greig
Keiasha Naidoo
Dr Robert Lang
Vyvienne Abla
Marwa Abouzeid
Derrin Brown
Cate Cunningham
Jackie Emery
John Moore