Ladies and gentlemen, a theatre is a community. I’m so pleased to become a part of yours. The Lighthouse Theatre brings us together; to celebrate, to laugh, to cry, to experience moments of wonder, intimate spectacle and incredible fleeting beauty. Your 2016 Theatre Season is here to share these experiences through some of the finest performances from Australia and beyond. We share irreverent laughs with the Aboriginal Comedy All Stars and Rod Quantock, take deeply moving musical journeys with Dave Arden and Dust of Uruzgan and we experience the grandeur of the Dancer’s Company’s Giselle and Oz Opera’s Marriage of Figaro. We share dark romances with Death in Bowengabbie and the gripping gothic masterpiece Wuthering Heights, hear voices soar with The Diamonds and laugh the house down with the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow. We share distinctly Aussie family fun with Circus Oz and the iconic Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, are charmed by Educating Rita’s modern pygmalion and wonder at classical beauty with Schubert Quintet and acclaimed pianist Piers Lane’s Chopin by Candlelight. But our community can’t happen without you. Become a subscriber in 2016 by choosing four or more shows from the season and share in the rewards – priority booking, cheaper tickets, VIP functions and deferred payment.
Michael Frawley - Theatre Manager Media Partner
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Preferred Accommodation
“This show is hilarious. Belly aching, cheek hurting, hilarious… See it. See it. See it. 5 stars” – Adelaide Advertiser
Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes including interval
Friday 12th February 8pm – Lighthouse Studio From the oldest culture on earth comes the freshest and funniest standup comedy around. It’s the all-original Aboriginal Comedy Allstars showcase - featuring four of the brightest comedy stars under the Milky Way. It doesn’t get more Aussie than this!
The Aboriginal Comedy Allstars is cheeky, playful, irreverent, and hilarious. An utterly unique comedy experience – great, big belly laughs from the heart of the wide, brown land. Starring Matt Ford, Shiralee Hood, Kevin Kropinyeri and introducing Dane Simpson. Contains adults themes. Recommended for patrons 14 years of age or older.
Duration 110mins: including interval
SMA Productions
Image credit: Oneill Photographics
Friday 1st April 8pm – Lighthouse Theatre Following the successful 2015 tour of Boys in the Band, SMA Productions will return this year with The Diamonds. Featuring three stunning and talented young women, the show celebrates the original sisters of swing and soul, to the legends of motown and divas of disco and pop – Aretha Franklin, Patty Labelle, Dusty Springfield, The Supremes, Gloria Gaynor, Beyonce and Lady Gaga just to name a few. Billed as “Destiny’s Child meets The Supremes” this high energy extravaganza features 50 years of songs such as Boogie
M u s i c
Woogie Bugle Boy, Respect, Rescue Me, Say A Little Prayer, Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, All The Single Ladies, I’m Every Woman, Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves, Born This Way, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and many more medleys of the biggest female hits the world has ever known. Backed by their sensational live band The Players, this spectacular show weaves together amazing harmonies, stunning designer costumes, hit tunes and slick choreography to bring you the feel-good show of the year. If you loved the award winning Australian film The Sapphires then you’ll love The Diamonds…we dare you to stay in your seats!
“An evening with these Australian performers (is) a delightfully entertaining mix of music, comedy and movement, while featuring an impressive number of gasp-inducing circus tricks.” - Boston Globe
Duration: 2 hours: including interval
Friday 22nd April 7.30pm, Saturday 23rd April 1.30pm and 7.30pm – Lighthouse Theatre
skills. Built upon the traditional circus skills, these acts are subverted with a unique Australian voice. It’s larrikin story-telling, never taking itself too seriously, laughing in the face of danger and crying out with the fresh irreverence of the Aussie spirit.
The brand new Circus Oz show rockets into the Lighthouse Theatre in 2016 with an eclectic mix of extraordinary skills, ridiculous characterisation, hilarious mayhem and fabulous live music.
Watch as the diverse, multi-skilled mix of daredevil acrobats and musical performers combine to soar through the air on a custom designed flying trapeze. See nine performers on a single bike, or ten scaling the height of two Chinese poles, or watch the entire stage filled with flying juggling clubs combined with fast and furious knockabout. It promises to be a real visual and aural spectacular not to be missed!
A show of scale, the ensemble fills the theatre, reaching out to audiences and dazzling with spectacular group acts that are interspersed with intimate solo and duo
Image Credit - Photo by Dylan Evans
shake & stir theatre co and Queensland Performing Arts Centre
by Emily Brontë
Friday 29th April 8pm – Lighthouse Theatre Love is a dirty word! Brontë’s gothic masterpiece storms the country in a new adaptation from the company behind the critically acclaimed productions of George Orwell’s Animal Farm and 1984. When Heathcliff, a mysterious boy is rescued from the street and brought to Wuthering Heights, he develops a
passionate bond with Cathy Earnshaw and a repulsive distrust of her brother, Hindley. As time passes, Heathcliff and Cathy’s relationship deepens to the point of dangerous obsession, until one day, Cathy marries another man. Overcome with jealousy, Heathcliff flees the Heights only to return, years later, ready to exact revenge on those he believed ruined his one chance at happiness. Featuring a breathtaking design and a stellar cast, shake & stir invites you to drop by the Heights and settle in for this classic story, retold.
Contains adults themes. Recommended for patrons 14 years of age or older.
Duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes including interval
Duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes including interval
Andrew McKinnon presents
Tuesday 17th May 7.30pm – Lighthouse Theatre Piers Lane holds a unique place in classical music. One of Australia’s most internationally acclaimed pianists, he has performed in all the world’s great concert halls and has attracted remarkable reviews for his brilliant and sensitive performances.
with Piers Lane
He is also Artistic Director of both the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and the Sydney International Piano Competition. In this, his most extensive Australian tour, Piers Lane presents a spell-binding evening of popular works by one of the greatest composers of the romantic era in the
magical atmosphere of a stage bathed in candlelight. You will be transported to a world of enchantment in this very special performance. Impromptu No 1 in A flat major op 29 Fantasie in F minor op 49 Etude in E major Op 10 No 3 (‘Tristesse’) Ballade No 3 in A flat major Op 47 Barcarolle Op 60 INTERVAL Scherzo No 4 in E major op 54 Nocturnes Op 62 No 1 in B major and No 2 in E major Mazurka Op 17 No 4 Polonaise in F sharp minor
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes including interval
Thursday 2nd June 8pm – Lighthouse Theatre A travelling band of intrepid comedians is taking over Australia one town at a time, with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow! Join a line-up of the finest local and international comedy talents for an evening of entertainment like no other, hand-picked to bring the biggest and best belly-laughs to audiences from Margaret River to Mackay, Devonport to Dubbo and Wollongong to Warrnambool.
For nearly twenty years the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow has home delivered the best of the festival to towns and cities across Australia. For three months of touring comedy madness, the roadshow crew travels to over 80 regional destinations, bringing laughs to all corners of the great southern land! Experience Australia’s largest comedy festival with five comedic acts performing in the one show - it’s silly, it’s satirical, it’s side-splitting. It’s Australia’s ultimate comedy road trip!
Warning: Performances may contain course language, sexual references and material that may offend. Recommended for patrons 15 years of age or older
A Production by Christine Harris & HIT Productions
By Willy Russell Tuesday 14th June 8pm – Lighthouse Theatre Frank is a cynical, burnt-out English professor who drinks far too much whiskey. Rita is a hairdresser and a bit naive. She has, however, a wonderful and indeed desperate thirst for knowledge and she chooses Frank of all people to introduce her to culture. Frank soon discovers that Rita has a lot more common sense than the so-called educated class within which he moves. He begins to fall in love with Rita for her zest for life, her almost childlike qualities and her simple, natural intelligence. But Rita’s life soon changes in this new environment. Two very different worlds then collide, merging to produce a charming human comedy and a wonderfully entertaining modern day Pygmalion. Educating Rita was written by Willy Russell (the playwright of the ever popular Shirley Valentine) and premiered in 1980. The stage play and popular film version have gone to entertain audiences around the world becoming a comedy classic. Having successfully produced the play in 2007, HIT Productions are delighted to be producing this brand new production directed by AFI Award winning director Denny Lawrence. Starring Colin Moody & Francesca Bianchi Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes including interval Contains some strong language. Recommended for patrons 15 years of age or older.
Tuesday 19th July 7.30pm and Wednesday 20th July 7.30pm – Lighthouse Theatre
The Australian Ballet Presents The Dancers Company 2016 in
Love conquers all in the ultimate romantic ballet. Experience one of the world’s most loved ballet classics live on stage with The Dancers Company, The Australian Ballet’s regional touring program. Starring guest artists from The Australian Ballet, and graduating students from The Australian Ballet School, don’t miss this special staged production as it sweeps audiences away. Since its premiere in 1841, Giselle has captured the imagination and torn at the heart. This transcendent love story follows an innocent village girl transformed into a tender spirit after dying of a broken heart. With its hauntingly beautiful ensemble of white tutus, classical technique and heartbreaking story of boy-meets-girl, see why Giselle is the perfect must-see ballet. Book tickets early – don’t miss out! Original choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, staged by The Australian Ballet. Set and costume design by Peter Farmer, lighting design Francis Croese.
A marvel of precision and “ethereal beauty… Giselle is really the perfect ballet ” – Sunday Herald Sun
Government Partners
Principal Partners
Tuesday 26th July 7.30pm – Lighthouse Theatre Mozart’s brilliant opera The Marriage of Figaro follows the adventures of a household over one crazy day. Masters are lusting over their servants, servants are outwitting their masters - Figaro is the Downton Abbey of opera, but a whole lot more fun!
Opera Australia
Award-winning creative duo Michael Gow and Robert Kemp have created a brandnew production, featuring stunning period costumes and a clever set. A talented chamber orchestra and chorus of local children will accompany some of Opera Australia’s finest singers performing Mozart’s beautiful music. In a wealthy household in Seville, Figaro is Principal Partner
Opera Conference Partners
Government Partners
marrying Susanna, but the Count wants to seduce her first. Marcellina wants Figaro and the Countess just wants her husband back. But Susanna is smarter than all of them. After a crazy day of disguise and duplicity, will she get her happily ever after? Find out when Mozart’s comic masterpiece comes to the Lighthouse Theatre. It’s a delightful night out, suitable for the whole family. Sung in English, performed with chamber orchestra. Conductor - Paul Fitzsimon Director - Michael Gow Adaptation by - Michael Gow Set & Costume Designer - Robert Kemp Lighting Designer - Matt Scott
Duration: 60mins
“The theatrical equivalent of one of those circusact plate-spinners... it’s a fabulous package, truly satisfying on all sorts of levels.” The West Australian
Duration: 60 minutes.
Friday 5th August 8pm – Lighthouse Studio Welcome to Bowengabbie, where the elderly abound and meals-on-wheels is a boom industry. When Oscar left he swore he’d never come back. But then Aunt Jeannie dies and not even Oscar can refuse. And then the rest start dropping like flies. Join Oscar as he attends a series of increasingly ridiculous funerals as the locals compete to throw Bowengabbie’s biggest ever send-off!
Shaman Productions and Critical Stages
by Caleb Lewis
But is it love bringing him back? Or is something more sinister at play? Death in Bowengabbie is a big, black, tender-hearted comedy about love, loss and the mourning after... Writer - Caleb Lewis Director - Matthew Edgerton Starring - Bryce Youngman Designer - James Collins Lighting Designer - Joe Lui
Gunditjmara/Kokatha Songman and Storyteller
Duration: 70mins: No interval
“Dave Arden has the sweetest rhythms and he has a perfect ear for melodies on the guitar. His use of dynamics is simply brilliant.” Archie Roach
Saturday 3rd September 7.30pm – Lighthouse Studio Dave Arden is one of Australia’s most prolific and accomplished musicians. A talented songwriter and storyteller, this is your chance to see Dave live in concert. Backed by a full band, this performance features twelve original songs and stories taking you on a journey into Dave’s two countries of the Gunditjmara and the Kokatha tribes. Nominated for a Deadly Award for Best Male Artist in 2012, and again in 2013 for Best Single Release of the Year for the acclaimed track, “Freedom
Called”, Dave is a tour de force on stage, weaving music, storytelling, culture and history. Dave comes from the Kokatha peoples of the west coast of South Australia and our own Gunditjmara peoples of south western Victoria. Telling his family’s story over four generations, this inspiring show is a not to be missed celebration of music and words that delves into the hope, joy and struggle of Dave’s tribal and urban life. Director and Lead Vocalist - Dave Arden Producer and Co-director - Violet Arden Lead Guitarist - Scott Wilson Drummer - Nick Karasavvidis Bass Player - Lucas Taranto Keyboards - Daniel Zisin
A CDP production
In association with Monkey Baa Theatre Company adapted by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry from a series of books by May Gibbs by arrangement with The Northcott Society and Cerebral Palsy Alliance Duration: 55 minutes with no interval
Tuesday 4th October 6.30pm – Lighthouse Theatre
Kookaburra, Mrs Fantail, Mr Lizard, Mr Frog, Mrs Snake, Mr Possum and, of course, Little Ragged Blossom.
This exquisite new stage adaptation will spark the imagination and sense of adventure in 5-10 year olds and their families as they experience the timeless charm of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie.
Can Snugglepot lead the way? Can Cuddlepie hold his nerve? Can they avoid falling victim to the Big Bad Banksia Man?
The Gumnut babies are on a mission to see a human – but only in the distance! On their journey to the big city they meet friends and foes including Professor
These much loved characters come to life on stage as this funny and charming new production introduces today’s children to the wonderful world of May Gibbs.
Thursday 6th October 7.30pm – Lighthouse Theatre Prepare to be enthralled by the greatest work of chamber music. In 1828, two months before his untimely death at the age of just 31, Schubert completed what would be his only string quintet. Unperformed for more than two decades after his death, it has risen to be admired as a work of extraordinary emotional range and great beauty, Duration: 110mins: Including interval
demanding exceptional skill from its performers. Australian Octet is the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s new flagship chamber ensemble. Unique in Australian music, the Australian Octet is dedicated to performing music for five to eight strings. Australian Octet is one of only two professional string octets in the world. This performance of the Schubert Quintet by Australian Octet is matched with Dvorak’s atmospheric Sextet and a newlycommissioned Octet from one of our finest living composers, Graeme Koehne.
Friday 28th October 8pm – Lighthouse Studio Fred Smith is no ordinary singer-songwriter and this is no ordinary show. Dust of Uruzgan is a collection of songs Fred wrote while working as a tribal and political advisor alongside Australian Forces in the Uruzgan Province of Afghanistan for two years. Fred is a true raconteur; a masterful, entertaining storyteller. His songs are stories put to well-crafted music… and what emotionally transcendent music it is.
This show is moving in a way that creeps up and slaps the cynicism out of you before you know what’s hit you, and suddenly you’re seeing life from the perspective of the other; the other you have quite possibly never considered. Fred weaves his stories and songs expertly alongside the backdrop of the evocative visual imagery, and you are instantly transported into the lives of soldiers, male comradery, victims, parents, yourself… It isn’t an easy show to describe, but it is spellbinding to watch.
Duration: 75 mins
Thursday 10th November 7.30pm – Mortlake Soldiers Memorial Hall Friday 11th November 7.30pm – Theatre Royal, Camperdown Saturday 12th November 7.30pm – Lighthouse Studio Rod Quantock has been a stand-up and, more recently, a sitdown comedian for almost 50 years. His shows are always relevant to the moment and change with the headlines of the day. But what Rod has noticed is that the headlines of today are the same as the headlines of yesterday. To prove it, he is reprising one of his most successful shows, Boredom Protection Policy. In this incarnation, Rod revisits the headlines of fourteen years ago and compares them to today. Quantock’s Boredom Protection Policy debuted in 2002 at Trades Hall Melbourne to critical and popular acclaim. Boredom Protection Policy is a solo show about contemporary politics and society presented by Australia’s longest serving comedian. Warnings: Some adult themes.
Become a Theatre Season subscriber! Just pick four or more Theatre Season shows and enjoy the following benefits:
Priority booking
Theatre Season subscribers enjoy a priority booking period. Subscribing early ensures you get the best seats in the house! Subscribers enjoy an exclusive priority booking period until 17 December 2015.
Subscribe and save
Subscribe to the 2016 Theatre Season and save.
Book now, pay later
Only subscribers can take advantage of our deferred payment option. Secure your seats now and we will charge your credit card in the week of the performance.
Can’t make the show?
Suddenly discover you can’t make the show? Only subscribers can exchange Theatre Season tickets for another performance later in the season. Please Note: Tickets cannot be changed or cancelled within 72 hours
of a performance. Due to contractual arrangements this offer is not available for Piers Lane and Giselle.
Meet the performers
At selected shows, subscribers can meet and chat with some of the performers and production team at our exclusive pre and post show functions. Discover insights about the shows, rub shoulders with the professionals and catch up with fellow subscribers.
Never lose your tickets again
Pick up your tickets at the door on the performance night. This way tickets can’t be lost or forgotten!
Be entertained all year
As a subscriber you can put all the dates in your diary now and not worry about missing out. Guarantee yourself up to 15 great performances in 2016!
Youth tickets
If you’re 20 and under or a Deakin University/Fulltime student under 25, most shows in the Theatre Season are $35 or less. Appropriate identification is necessary.
Concessions
Holders of a Pensioner Healthcare or Carers card are eligible for reduced ticket prices for Theatre Season shows.
Special requirements
Lift access and extra wheelchair seats have been implemented to make your theatre experience even more enjoyable. Whether you need wheelchair access, an aisle seat or are visually impaired our staff will do their best to ensure your needs are accommodated and you have the most appropriate seats available. Please let us know of your needs when purchasing tickets.
Hearing loop
Our hearing loop covers up to 80% of the theatre and studio and will assist patrons
with impaired hearing. Please advise staff when booking.
Mobile phones
Please consider your fellow patrons and the performers on stage by ensuring your mobile phones is switched off prior to the performance.
Recording devices
Due to copyright restrictions the use of still and video cameras, mobile phones and other recording devices is not permitted during performances.
Box office opening times
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9.30am 4.30pm Tuesday, Thursday: 12.30pm - 4.30pm And one hour prior to performances
Bookings
In person: 185 Timor St, Warrnambool Phone: 03 5559 4999 Online: www.lighthousetheatre.com.au
Quest Warrnambool is proud to be the preferred accommodation provider for Lighthouse Theartre Looking after performers, artists and audience members, we aim to be your home away from home. Just a mere 150m away from the doors of the theatre Why would you want to stay anywhere else?
For bookings, call: 03 5564 1200 www.questwarrnambool.com.au 15-19 Liebig Strett, Warrnambool 3280
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The Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool is proudly owned and operated by Warrnambool City Council Lighthouse Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance of the following organisations which make the 2016 Theatre Season possible.
Proud supporter of Lights Up Theatre Season Warrnambool
Port Fairy
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Mortlake
5560 2100
Aboriginal Comedy Allstars Fri 12 Feb, 8pm
Lighthouse Studio
The Diamonds Fri 1 Apr, 8pm
Lighthouse Theatre
Circus Oz Fri 22 Apr, 7.30pm
Sat 23 Apr, 1.30pm Sat 23 Apr, 7.30pm
Lighthouse Theatre Lighthouse Theatre Lighthouse Theatre
Wuthering Heights Fri 29 Apr, 8pm
Lighthouse Theatre
Chopin by Candlelight Tue 17 May, 7.30pm
Lighthouse Theatre
Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow
Lighthouse Theatre
Thur 2 June, 8pm
Educating Rita Tue 14 June, 8pm
Lighthouse Theatre
Giselle Tue 19 July, 7.30pm
Wed 20 July, 7.30pm
Lighthouse Theatre Lighthouse Theatre
The Marriage of Figaro Tue 26 July, 7.30pm
Lighthouse Theatre
Death in Bowengabbie Fri 5 Aug, 8pm
Lighthouse Studio
Dave Arden
Sat 3 Sep, 7.30pm
Lighthouse Studio
Tue 4 Oct, 6.30pm
Lighthouse Theatre
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
Schubert Quintet Thur 6 Oct, 7.30pm
Lighthouse Theatre
Dust of Uruzgan Fri 28 Oct, 8pm
Lighthouse Studio
Boredom Protection Policy Thur 10 Nov, 7.30pm
Mortlake Soldiers Memorial Hall Fri 11 Nov, 7.30pm Camperdown Theatre Royal Sat 12 Nov, 7.30pm Lighthouse Studio
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