See You at The Civic!

THERE'S AN ABUNDANCE OF GREAT SHOWS TO ENJOY AT THE CIVIC THEATRE, PLAYHOUSE AND CITY HALL THIS WINTER!

In July, we are presenting the world premiere of Creativity, a new work by Stray Dogs Theatre Co. Writer and Director Carl Caulfield describes the show as a satire with music and comedy with some very dramatic moments. It's set within a music Conservatorium that is facing radical change and confronting all kinds of challenges to survive. It's about inspirational teachers battling an institution that doesn't fully understand or appreciate what it does. The play will resonate with Newcastle audiences as it reflects what is happening to the Humanities and raises provocative questions about the future of the arts in a digitised world.

If music and lunch sound good, Live at Lunch Divas on Bastille Day is for you! Celebrate the music of France with French classical and cabaret opera star soprano Amelia Farrugia, French knight Flutist Jane Rutter, and acclaimed pianist Donna Balson. This fabulous trio of Aussie Divas perform best-loved French arias songs and solos for voice, flute and piano. Enjoy the concert and then join the stars of the show for a French-themed lunch in the Cummings Room in City Hall.

The Sapphires, written and directed by Tony Briggs, is a multi-award-winning musical play inspired by the remarkable true story of the writer's mother. Set in the heady days of the late 60s, a quartet of talented young singers from a remote aboriginal mission are discovered and guided by a kind-hearted, soul-loving manager. The Sapphires is an uplifting Australian classic, full of comedy, heart and romance, together with unforgettable soul music.

Beyond haircuts and beard trims, the Barber of Seville is the city's matchmaking maestro! 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! The stage is set for comic chaos and irrepressibly funny characters. Rossini's most famous 'opera buffa' is a musical masterpiece with a storyline that would be equally at home in a Hollywood rom-com. Opera Australia's finest voices assemble with a live orchestra and a local children's chorus, the Hunter Trebles, to deliver an instantly familiar score.

See you at the Civic soon!