Hello and Welcome to Riverside Theatres’ 2025 season! We're thrilled to have you here and can't wait to share the exciting lineup that we have in store at Riverside in the first half of 2025.
Starting off the year in January, we have an awesome foursome of shows from Sydney Festival. Join Canada’s Cirque Alfonse for an amazing circus for all ages with Animal, the Australian premiere of a hilarious kids musical about childish grown-ups in Bully Bully, saddle up for Cowboy, an interactive solo contemporary dance work that ropes in the Wild West and finish with a sumptuous audiovisual experience and song cycle with the critically celebrated The Bridal Lament 哭嫁歌
For the music enthusiast, we’ve got plenty of tunes to tickle your ears. ARIA Hall Of Fame Inductee and Australian music icon, Daryl Braithwaite takes to the stage in February, followed a week later by one of Australia’s foremost singer/songwriters, Richard Clapton We welcome back the Australian Haydn Ensemble for Hayden’s Sunrise and the Australian Chamber Orchestra for An Evening with the ACO Collective Quartet.
What better way to introduce children to the joy of live performance than with The Box Show by Junkyard Beats (already selling fast, so don’t miss out!), You’re an Instrument a magical, musical science experiment, the hilarious Mr Snotbottom, ACO’s The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee) and awardwinning children’s performer Lucas Proudfoot with his guitar, stomp box, didgeridoo and a cast of unforgettable characters in Proudfoot and Friends.
Get in quick and join us for a joyous yet bittersweet send-off our old friends from The Wharf Revue with their last-ever show - The End of the Wharf as We Know It. If you missed the soldout Riverside season of the smash-hit RBG: Of Many, One last May, you won’t want to delay in getting seats for the limited return season with the brilliant Heather Mitchell telling the
story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the legendary jurist who changed the face of the American legal system. We’re also excited to bring the cult cabaret An Evening Without Kate Bush to Parramatta, with the extremely talented Sarah-Louise Young performing a glorious tribute to the music, fans and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music.
For lovers of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless creations and the world’s greatest musical hits from the West End and Broadway, get along to Music of the Night We’re delighted to welcome three great productions from across the ditch Yes Yes Yes, The Trojan War and coming in July is the Australian premiere of Mr Redlight
Lastly, a highlight for May will be No Love Songs from friends at New Theatricals. Through a powerful blend of humour, heart and indie rock music, you’ll be taken on a journey that captures the essence of love and the realities of early parenthood. After sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and in London, see it before it heads off on a national tour.
It has been a big year for us at Riverside and 2025 will be even more exciting. On behalf of our entire team, my sincere thanks all our members, patrons and friends for your ongoing support of Riverside. There’s so much still to come, so make sure to keep in touch with us by signing up to our email list for the latest news and special offers.
Have a great 2025 and the team and I look forward to seeing you at the theatre soon!
Craig McMaster Director | Riverside Theatres
Riverside Theatres is set to become the centrepiece of Parramatta’s arts and culture precinct, drawing both international and Australian performances to the area and boosting the local night-time economy.
The proposed redevelopment will deliver a modernised and expanded facility, doubling its capacity to meet the needs of the current and future population of Parramatta and Western Sydney.
This project will transform Riverside Theatres into a world-class performing arts centre, welcoming more than 400,000 visitors per year. It will open doors to exciting opportunities for international and local talent, while also creating spaces for emerging artists to showcase their work, making Parramatta a hub for artistic excellence and cultural vibrancy.
Images: Artist impression of the redeveloped Riversides Theatres led by COX Architecture with 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio and Bangawarra
The
Reimagined Riverside Theatres is designed with First Nations inspired interiors, crafted with global best-practice standards, with a strong focus on accessibility and artistic flexibility.
Our proposed design respects Parramatta’s rich cultural heritage, thoughtfully integrating contemporary architecture with elements that honour the area’s historical significance, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.
The sophisticated design is proposed to feature:
• A 1500-seat Broadway-style lyric theatre;
• A refurbished 700-seat Riverside Playhouse theatre;
• A new 325-seat black-box drama theatre;
• A state-of-the-art 100-seat digital cinema and studio;
• New and enhanced public foyers, bars and function spaces;
• A strong focus on accessibility and sustainability;
• All new loading dock, back-of-house, technical and performer spaces with a focus on inclusivity and universal access for staff and performers
Construction of the reimagined Riverside Theatres will start in late 2025, with doors to Western Sydney’s newest performing arts centre set to open in 2028.
EXPLORE MORE
BullyBully
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE MAAS THEATER EN DANS NETHERLANDS
A hilarious musical about childish grown-ups
A hilarious musical for ages 3+ told in the style of West Side Story, with many songs, funny quarrels, a bit of bickering and (eventually) a happy ending.
This joyous show follows two childish grownups – lords of their own pink and green kingdoms – on a squabble odyssey. Who can shout the longest? What kind of hissy fit gets your toy back? I’m the king of the castle, so no-one tells me how to run things.
7—12 Jan
Animal
CIRQUE ALFONSE | CANADA
★★★★★ “Be prepared to be amazed by the balancing strength and high-flying circus acts.” – Play & Go Adelaide
This joyous show ups –lords of their kingdoms –on a shout the longest? your
Loved for their high-flying antics and infectious energy, Cirque Alfonse spins childhood memories and rural cliches into Animal, a surreal circus experience set to an infectious live soundtrack of ‘agricultural funk’. They’re flipping farm life on its head – and the barn upside down!
Barnstorming circus for all ages 3—12 Jan
★★★★★
“Fantastic show with a lot of humor” – I Love Theatre (Netherlands)
toy back?
This joyous show ups – lords of their kingdoms – on a shout the longest? your toy back?
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
IT. IT.
Cowboy
MICHAEL FORM DANCE FARM
MICHAEL SMITH, FORM DANCE PROJECTS & THE FARM AUSTRALIA
I’m no-one tells me how
An immersive Wild West fantasy
An immersive Wild West fantasy
“Genuine, spontaneous and humorous, with a healthy dose of self-mockery on the side.”
“Genuine, and humorous, with a dose of on the side.”
– Dance Australia
– Dance
7—12Jan7—12 Jan
for an interactive solo contemporary dance work that the Wild West and your imagination Creator Michael Smith, armed with bassist Ben Ely, through vast landscapes and spaces, into a
Saddle up for an interactive solo contemporary dance work that ropes in the Wild West and your imagination. Creator and performer Michael Smith, armed with an original score by Regurgitator bassist Ben Ely, gallops through vast landscapes and intimate spaces, dragging you into a world where the cowboy is king — or is he?
8—11 Jan
The Bridal Lament
哭嫁歌
The 哭嫁歌
RAINBOW CHAN 陳雋然 | AUSTRALIA
陳雋然 AUSTRALIA
“A rich and layered third-culture meditation on ritual, heritage and loss.”
“A rich and layered third-culture meditation on ritual, heritage
– The Age
A audio-visual
A sumptuous audio-visual experience and song cycle.
– The Drawing Weitou ancestry (first settlers of Hong Kong), Chan reimagines a Weitou ritual known as the bridal lament, a public performance of grief in which a bride wept and sang in front of family and friends. With a new suite of songs by Chan and direction from Tessa Leong, this lush work pays homage to ritual in a vibrant and dynamic world of projection, movement and colour.
Drawing on her Weitou ancestry (the first settlers of Hong Kong), Rainbow Chan reimagines a Weitou ritual known as the bridal lament, a public performance of grief in which a bride wept and sang in front of family and friends. In this liminal space, brides expressed bitterness towards their arranged marriages and the prevailing patriarchal rule.
23—26 Jan
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
JUNKYARD BEATS
THE BOX SHOW
DATES
Tue 21 – Thu 23 Jan
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
In the hands of Junkyard Beats, ordinary household items are transformed into extraordinary musical instruments and unwanted junk comes alive in exciting and surprising ways!
The Box Show excites the imagination of children and adults alike. We follow four characters during their daily activities in a world made of cardboard boxes and junk. The contents of an abandoned kitchen and wheelie bins become the greatest drum set in the world; plastic bags are an amazing musical instrument and the human body becomes a unique sound machine.
Tag along for a day in the life of a bunch of musical misfits as they reinvigorate the junk that the world has forgotten.
Learn about sustainability with this high energy, imaginative music-in-education performance combining drumming, dance, theatre and comedy. With a language of gibberish and rhythm, this show is accessible to any age and nationality.
Photo credit: Krysta Guile
Photo credit: Vishal Pandey
NATIONAL THEATRE OF PARRAMATTA'S TRUE WEST PROGRAM PRESENTS
SERPENT SECRETS
DATES
Wed 5 – Thu 6 Feb
Serpent Secrets is a captivating festival of new AsianAustralian works staged during the 2025 Lunar New Year.
The return of this hugely successful annual event is a celebration of new writing, diverse voices and rich cultural narratives that fosters community engagement and supports a wide range of talented artists.
Over two special nights you will experience the vibrancy of Asian-Australian storytelling as we bring together tales that span generations and life experiences.A driving force in supporting Asian artists, fostering creativity, and breaking barriers in the theatre landscape, Slanted Theatre has built a community where every voice is heard. With over 130 artists involved in productions over four years, Serpent Secrets is a testament to the commitment Slanted Theatre have to building a community where every voice is heard.
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
Photo credit: Robert Hoang
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
A SOFT TREAD PRODUCTION
THE WHARF REVUE:
THE END OF THE WHARF AS WE KNOW IT
CREATED
AND WRITTEN
BY JONATHAN BIGGINS, DREW FORSYTHE AND PHILLIP SCOTT
DATES
20 – 23 Feb
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
After twenty-five years in the harsh and unforgiving spotlight of politics, The Wharf Revue is coming to an end.
Many public figures who’ve appeared in the show regularly over the years are lining up for a place in the final hurrah: Keating, Howard, Downer, Costello, Gillard, Abbott, Carr and other throwbacks too numerous to mention. Those who bear the torch of democracy today: Lambie, Hanson, Bandt, Dutton and Albo – a veritable “Who’s that?” of Australian politics.
So join us for this joyous yet bitter-sweet send-off to one of the great national theatrical institutions – but please, no flowers by request.
SAT 8 FEB
SUN 9 MAR SAT 15 FEB
SINCLAIR ARTISTS PRESENTS
DARYL BRAITHWAITE
ARIA Hall Of Fame Inductee and Australian music icon, Daryl Braithwaite, is back on tour, singing all his hits as well as his stunning new material.
SINCLAIR ARTISTS PRESENTS
RICHARD CLAPTON
Richard Clapton as one of Australia’s foremost singer/songwriters, paved the way for subsequent generations of songwriters to write about the experience of being Australian.
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS AUSTRALIAN HAYDN ENSEMBLE HAYDN'S
SUNRISE
STRING QUARTETS BY HAYDN, BEETHOVEN & FANNY MENDELSSOHN
The AHE commence their 2025 season with two wonderful quartets by Haydn (the master) and Beethoven (the pupil) that morph effortlessly from the loft to the lowbrow.
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
MARA! 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
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.
SAT 25 MAY FRI 2 MAY SAT 22 MAR
RIVERSIDE THEATRES AND THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PRESENT AN EVENING WITH THE ACO
COLLECTIVE QUARTET
Treat yourself to an evening of classical music featuring classical masterworks by Bach, Beethoven and Dvořák, alongside contemporary works by Philip Glass and Caroline Shaw, interspersed with delightfully informative introductions to the music.
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
THE HEART WHISPERS AND WHIRLS BY THE RESONANT HEART
A mesmerising kaleidoscope of multilingual poetry, original compositions, folk songs, movement and shadow puppetry, brought to us by the “7 creative sisters” from Naarm’s Resonant Heart Collective.
Photo credit: Maria Boyadgis
Photo credit: Rick Evertsz
RAW COMEDY 2025
THU 13 FEB
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.
Sign up to our Cinema eNews for monthly listings, deals and special Q&As
JOIN CINEMA eNEWS
SCAN HERE
Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
MAEVE MARSDEN’S
QUEERSTORIES
DATES
Sat 22 Feb
SCAN IT. BOOK IT. M
Vulnerable and fierce, hilarious and heartbreaking, Queerstories celebrates the culture and creativity of the LGBTQI+ community one true story at a time, each guest invited to share the story they want to tell, but are never asked to; unexpected tales of pride, prejudice, resilience and resistance.
An institution around the country, Queerstories has played to crowds big and small, from Mudgee to Murwillumbah, Albury to Adelaide, Brisbane and beyond, with an awardwinning podcast featuring an archive of nearly 400 queer tales.
This event is Auslan interpreted.
Photo credit: Patrick Boland
Heather Mitchell in RBG: Of Many, One, Photo credit: Prudence Upton
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS A SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
OF MANY, ONE
BY SUZIE MILLER
DIRECTED BY PRISCILLA JACKMAN WITH HEATHER MITCHELL
"One of the all-time great performances."
– Sydney Morning Herald
M
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
BACK DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
6 – 8 MARCH
Heather Mitchell,
Photo credit: Rene Vaile
FORM DANCE PROJECTS AND RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENT
THAT’S TWO THANK YOU
A DUET FESTIVAL
DATES
Fri 28 Mar – Sat 5 Apr
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
Join FORM Dance for a two-week festival of dance duos featuring an exciting lineup of local, national, and international artists presenting their unique duet performances.
From gladiatorial bombast to the featherweight flirtation, That’s Two Thank You showcases how two bodies can dance a whole world of stories from the epic to the intimate and back.
The festival will conclude with the inaugural duet dance competition for short works on Saturday 5 April.
Don’t miss this chance to witness the power of partnership on stage.
Photo credit: Wendell Levi Teodoro
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
A HEY DOWLING PRODUCTION
AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH
MADE
BY: SARAH-LOUISE YOUNG AND RUSSELL LUCAS
PERFORMED BY:
DATES
Fri 28 Mar
SARAH-LOUISE YOUNG
★★★★★ “Spellbinding” – The Daily Telegraph (Critics’ Choice)
Enter Strange Phenomena, howl with the Hounds Of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights. Kate's not there, but you are.
This award-winning cult cabaret pays glorious tribute to the music, fans and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music. From releasing ‘Wuthering Heights’ aged just 19 to selling out the Hammersmith Apollo nearly forty years later, Bush has always surprised and confounded her critics.
Photo credit: Steve Ullathorne
Music of the Night
Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber,
Photo credit: Steve Ullathorne
2 0 2 5
4 to 13
APRIL
2 0 2 5
T h e h i g h l y a n t i c i p a t e d 3 6 t h e d i t i o n o f t h e A l l i a n c e
F r a n ç a i
R
w e e k e n d s o f m u s t - s e e F r e n c h c i n e m a .
S t
F r e n c h c i n e m a . À b i e n t ô t !
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
YOU’RE AN INSTRUMENT
BY THE SONICRATS
DATES
Wed 16 – Thu 17 Apr
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
A magical, musical science experiment that turns people into instruments!
SCAN IT. BOOK IT. M
Two scientists take kids on a wild ride where movement becomes music, turning anything and everything into musical instruments. A funny interactive all-ages family show exploring the history of sound and music, including the thoughts and feelings behind any toot, ding, dong or symphony, featuring the incredibly exciting technology of Airsticks.
MR SNOTBOTTOM
TUE 22 – THU 24 APR
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
E D 2 3 A P R I L A T
W E D 2 3 A P R I L A T 7 : 3 0 P M
The Princess, The Pea (and the Brave Escapee ),
Photo Credit: Maria Boyadgis
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
AN AUSTRALIAN CAMBER ORCHESTRA PRODUCTION
THE PRINCESS, THE PEA (AND THE BRAVE ESCAPEE)
AN ORIGINAL PLAY BY FINEGAN KRUCKEMEYER WITH MUSIC BY BRYONY MARKS
DATES Sat 3 May
Isabella was born with everything. Daughter of the grandest king, surrounded by the greatest wealth, held in the highest castle. Her life was big, bold and brash, but Isabella notices the small, beautiful things… from the way frogs hold their breath in the pond, to how sand feels between her toes at the beach. Her life is easy, but Isabella is not content, and dreams of escaping palace life.
One day, in the midst of a storm, when everyone is looking elsewhere, she finds her chance. With all the courage she can muster, she sets out to uncover the magic the world holds. Her amazing super senses guide her on a journey filled with daring feats and surprising friendships.
This stunning production is perfect for audiences of all ages who need a reminder that they can be brave, even if they feel scared of the unknown.
BY W I L LIAM SHAKESPEARE
DIRECTED B Y GEORGE B ANDERS
FRI 9 M AY
SCAN IT. BOOK IT.
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
PROUDFOOT AND FRIENDS
WITH LUCAS PROUDFOOT
Join award-winning children’s performer Lucas Proudfoot on stage with his guitar, stomp box, didgeridoo and a cast of unforgettable characters on a non-stop musical adventure around Pelican Bay.
You’ll meet wise, respected elder Aunty May, cheeky best friends Ned and Sis and all their magical animal friends, like Hopa-tee-woo Kangaroo, Boompa-tee-moo Emu, BigGulp Pelican and everyone’s favourite Ruby the Frog! But watch out for Cane Toad Bill and Fruit Bat Charlie from Smelly Mud Swamp – those shady characters are always up to no good…
Catering to 3–7-year-olds, this ground-breaking 45-minute musical comedy show features state-of-the-art digital puppeteering and choreographed animated projections that delight and captivate little ones (and big ones!) as proud First Nation’s performer Lucas leads them on a hilarious interactive sing-along adventure. DATES Tue 20 – Wed 21 May
Photo credit: Andro Engelbrecht
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
YES YES YES
BY ELEANOR BISHOP & KARIN MCCRACKEN
DATES
Tue 27 May
SCAN IT. BOOK IT. M
Part documentary, part confession, part open conversation, Yes Yes Yes is a theatre show created specifically for young adults. Exploring the knotty and necessary topics of healthy relationships, desire and consent, it blends audience interaction with captivating solo performance.
Humorous, witty and moving, it sparks conversation where conversation can be difficult!
The result is a funny, generous and innovative piece of contemporary theatre that speaks directly to one of the most pressing issues young people face today and holds its audience at its heart.
Yes Yes Yes is supported by Creative New Zealand.
Photo credit: Jinki Cambronero
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS
THE TROJAN WAR
BY A SLIGHTLY ISOLATED DOG
DATES
Fri 30 – Sat 31 May
"A high-octane, overly-charged show that defies many conventions of theatre!" – Dominion Post
Five flirtatious “French” performers meet you at the door. They bring you in, they show you to your seat, they flirt with you. Maybe they fall a little bit in love with you. Then they tell a story – with you.
Like a wild dress-up party, The Trojan War tells the story of the tragic fall of Troy through theatrical magic, twisted pop songs and explosive wit. The most charming performers you can hope to meet play a revolving repertoire of outrageous characters.
Created and performed by A Slightly Isolated Dog, this New Zealand theatre company delivers a frantic and hilarious mash-up in the style of Monty Python meets The Mighty Boosh. Leave your inhibitions at the door and join us to explore hilarious parallels between war-torn ancient Greece and the chaos, confusion and absurdity of the present day.
Photo credit: Andi Crown
WED 11 – SUN 15 JUN
SAT 21 JUN
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS BRINK PRODUCTIONS’
LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI
BY VIDYA RAJAN
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY MELINA
MARCHETTA
The beloved Australian classic comes alive on stage! Josie Alibrandi, a spirited Italian-Australian teen, is in her final high school year. As a scholarship kid with big dreams, she grapples with grades, romance, and family tensions. Caught between her strict nonna and devoted mother, Josie navigates class, identity, and family secrets while forging her path in a shifting world.
THE METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA
After their recent triumphant Hollywood in Concert performance, The Metropolitan Orchestra return to Riverside for a showcase event featuring a huge 70-piece orchestra. Led by Chief Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams, TMO will perform Benjamin Britten's Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra along with Gustav Holst's incredible The Planets in an orchestral experience like no other.
Photo credit: Daniel Boud
WED 9 – SAT 12 JUL
WED 6 – SAT 9 AUG
RIVERSIDE THEATRES PRESENTS NIGHTSONG'S
MR RED LIGHT
BY CARL BLAND
In this slapstick whirlwind, a pie shop becomes the stage for unexpected connections and chaos. Mr Red Light, a man cursed with bad luck, tries to rob a bank but fails miserably, ending up in a pie shop with three stubborn hostages and the world’s worst police negotiator. As time ticks away, Mr Red Light and his captives form surprising bonds, revealing truths and vulnerabilities. Strangely, Mr Red Light seems to know more about their lives than he should, turning the botched heist into a journey of self-discovery and laughter.
RIVERSIDE THEATRES AND SOFT TREAD IN ASSOCIATION WITH MAYBE PILE PRESENT TROPHY
BOYS
★★★★★ "Theatre lovers should rush to see Trophy Boys, the hilarious and devastating debut play from Emmanuelle Mattana. (it) is a revelation. Catch it while you can." – The Age
A queer black comedy about power, privilege and high school debating. Using a winning combination of satire and camp, Trophy Boys interrogates the welldocumented toxic masculinity, misogyny and homophobia of our elite private boys’ schools, and their prevalence in the backgrounds of those holding the highest offices in the country.
Photo credit: Stephen Langdon
You’ll receive great discounts, priority bookings and a raft of exciting opportunities you can enjoy throughout the year when you become a member of Riverside Theatres.
riversideparramatta.com.au
IN PERSON
Riverside Box Office
Cnr Church & Market Sts, Parramatta
Mon – Fri, 10am – 4pm Sat, 10am – 4pm
BY PHONE
02 8839 3399
Mon – Fri, 10am – 4pm Sat, 10am – 4pm
TICKET INFORMATION
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.
TRANSACTION FEES
Members – Free Online / Phone / Counter: Live event – $6.95 Cinema – $3.00
Join our e-mailing list to receive updates about upcoming shows, special events, and offers.
“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.
Photo credit: Grant Leslie
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
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.
BATHROOMS
Accessible bathrooms are available at each end of the foyer.
PARKING
Limited paid parking at Riverside is available for patrons with a current disability parking permit only. Ask the Box Office when booking your tickets.
HEARING ASSISTANCE
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.
CAPTIONED EVENTS
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.
COMPANION CARD
Riverside accepts the NSW Companion Card, allowing a support person free entry
LOW VISION
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.
AUDIO DESCRIBED EVENTS
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.
AUSLAN INTERPRETATION
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.
RELAXED 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
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
National Theatre of Parramatta is the creating, producing and touring arm of Riverside Theatre, known for our bold contemporary productions that resonate with our community. We invest in the future by creating opportunities for Western Sydney artists to thrive and build careers as we grow a vibrant theatre industry in Parramatta.
PARRAMATTA CULTURAL TRUST
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)
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
Cover Image: An Evening Without Kate Bush, Photo credit: Steve Ullathorne
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.
