2025 SEASON
FEBRUARY TO JUNE
Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA) is comprised of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Q Theatre, Penrith Conservatorium and Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest and represents a diverse and dynamic blend of creative practice in Western Sydney.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
PP&VA acknowledges and pays respect to the Darug and Gundungarra people who are the traditional owners in which Penrith Local Government Area is situated. We also pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging, and to the First Nations people living in our community today.
WELCOME TO THE AUTUMN/WINTER 2025 SEASON
The Joan is turning 35 this year and we are celebrating in a big way; bringing fresh energy to our stages with a vibrant program packed with unforgettable performances .
From the family adventures of Josephine Wants to Dance and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show to a stellar line-up of live music concerts and events — plus the much-anticipated return of Shake & Stir’s award-winning theatrical adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 — there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.
The Borland Sound Lounge becomes your Friday night destination when Sounds Fresh debuts in late February. Supported by Live Music Australia, this bi-monthly delight runs until June, showcasing the original music of local musicians. Don’t miss the highlight of this season — Australian indie rock legends The Whitlams, supported by our own Sara Humphreys.
If you love (and need) a laugh, we are partnering with the Sydney Comedy Festival in April/May, bringing a week of world-class comedians and hilarious shows across all our venues, with up to eight different shows per night .
For fine music lovers, the Penrith Youth Orchestra Academy Concert is a must-see event. Featuring the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Penrith Symphony Orchestra performing alongside some of our most talented young musicians, it offers a chance to experience world-class musicianship in Western Sydney.
I look forward to seeing you across a crowded foyer soon!
Krissie Scudds CEO Penrith Performing & Visual Arts
Photo by Scott Richardson
The Joan presents
LIVE ORIGINAL MUSIC
The Whitlams
Liven up your Fridays and kick off your weekend with The Joan’s series of live, original music by the best artists from Western Sydney and beyond. Relax in The Joan’s Borland Sound Lounge as you enjoy a complimentary premium drink and soak up the sounds.
TASHA + MITCHELL PEARCE
Friday 21 February 5:30pm
HEARTY FIRE + ISOBEL KNIGHT
Friday 28 February 5:30pm
SAM BUCCA + ELLEN MARA BAND
Friday 7 March 5:30pm
THE WHITLAMS + SARAH HUMPHREYS
Friday 21 March 6:30pm
OSITA + BLUE HILL
Friday 30 May 5:30pm
MIGRET + BRENDAN O’REILLY
Friday 27 June 5:30pm
+ SARAH HUMPHREYS
Friday 21 March 6:30pm
Iconic Australian indie rock sensation, The Whitlams return with their signature storytelling and electrifying performances in May. Tim Freedman leads the band, joined by Jak Housden, Terepai Richmond, and Ian Peres. Featuring hits and fresh releases, plus support from Sarah Humphreys, this is a night not to miss!
TICKETS | From $22 | Single or multi-pass tickets available Visit thejoan.com.au or scan the QR code for more info
MORNING MELODIES
TICKETS MORNINGINCLUDETEA AT10AM!
Get ready for high-energy performances from some of your all-time favourites at our monthly morning variety concerts!
SONGBIRDS OF THE 60S AND 70S
Jo Elms brings the unforgettable hits of legends like Helen Reddy, Dionne Warwick, Olivia Newton-John, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Dusty Springfield and more to life, delivering a powerful celebration of timeless music.
STRING ALONG WITH THE HOLLYWOOD CLASSICS
Join ARIA chart-topping violinist Vov Dylan and The Palace Orchestra for a special event featuring Hollywood, Broadway classics, and the world premiere of La Vida Apasionada by Australian composer Margaret Brandman.
THE VEGAS SONGBOOK
Experience the magic of Vegas as renowned singer Craig Martin takes you on a journey through the hits from the 1950s to today including Sinatra, Garland and Bublé, accompanied by his pianist and backing vocalist.
Wednesday 26 February 11am
Wednesday 26 March 11am
Wednesday 23 April 11am TICKETS
NSW POLICE BAND: FROM
STAGE TO SCREEN
Award-winning vocalist Belinda Parsons and the 33-musician NSW Police Band come together to present an unforgettable concert featuring Gershwin, Porter, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Bernstein, and Broadway’s greatest hits. Conducted by John Saunders.
WE HONESTLY LOVE YOU
A heartfelt tribute to Olivia Newton-John, starring Sussanah Mirana and a 7-piece band. Featuring hits like I Honestly Love You, Physical, and Xanadu, this is a must-see for Newton-John fans and music lovers alike.
Wednesday 28 May 11am
Wednesday 25 June 11am
THE WHARF REVUE:
THE END OF THE WHARF AS WE KNOW IT
“…brilliantly witty, sharp, insightful, and just plain hilarious.”
Stage Noise
by
After 25 years of political satire, The Wharf Revue is making its final curtain call in Penrith. Expect appearances from familiar faces like Keating, Howard, Gillard, Abbott, Lambie, Dutton and Albo.
Thursday 27 February 7.30pm SOLD OUT
Friday 28 February 2pm JUST ANNOUNCED & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
Saturday 1 March 2pm SOLD OUT & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
| Standard $75 | Concession $70
Photo
Vishal Pandey
PYO ACADEMY CONCERT
Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of classical masterpieces including music by Dvořák, Beethoven and Handel, performed by Penrith Youth Orchestra (PYO) with world class musicians from the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO).
Sunday 2 March 3pm
Photo by Eddy Summers
TICKETS
MORNINGINCLUDETEA AT9AM!
Don’t miss the 2025 Penrith Seniors Festival Comedy Gala at The Joan! Celebrate and laugh with top comedians, including Andrew Barnett, Anisa Nandaula, Laura Hughes, and Sean Woodland. Penrith City Council presents
Monday 3 March 10:30am
TICKETS | Free, bookings essential
THE POEMS, PRAYERS AND PROMISES OF JOHN DENVER
Award-winning performer Darren Coggan returns to his country roots honouring John Denver’s greatest hits, from Take Me Home, Country Roads , to Rocky Mountain High , and Annie’s Song
An unforgettable live tribute to a legendary voice.
“Coggan’s musical storytelling is outstanding, as is his singing and playing."
Sunday Herald Sun
Friday 14 March 7:30pm
TICKETS | Standard $65 | Concession $60
Photo by Eddy Summers
“A
JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE
Based on the book by JACKIE FRENCH & BRUCE WHATLEY
Adapted by EVA DI CESARE , SANDIE ELDRIDGE & TIM MCGARRY
A hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and… a dancing kangaroo!
Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Despite the protests of her little brother Joey, Josephine ventures into town where the city ballet is performing Swan Lake and all her dancing dreams come true.
Audience Info | The performance on Friday includes a free 10-minute post-show Q&A with the cast. The show on Satuday will be presented as a relaxed performance.
Thursday 20 March – Saturday 22 March
Photo by Alex Vaughan
PENRITH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
SYMPHONIC
SERIES I
FIREBIRD
Stravinsky’s Firebird shines at the heart of a dynamic program, alongside SaintSaëns’ brilliant Fifth Piano Concerto. Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun adds a touch of sensuality, marking a defining moment in modern music since its 1894 premiere.
SYMPHONIC
SERIES II CINEMA
FANTASTIQUE
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon as the Penrith Symphony Orchestra takes you on a thrilling journey through some of the biggest blockbusters of all time, from Star Wars to Harry Potter, Spirited Away, and The Lord of the Rings .
POPS FOR TOTS UNDER THE SEA
Join Emily Who and the Penrith Symphony Orchestra for a magical musical journey beneath the waves. Explore how the orchestra and instruments come to life, sing, dance, and even try your hand at conducting.
Saturday 22 March 7:30pm Sunday 1 June 3pm Saturday 14 June 11am
TICKETS | From $25
ON SWING
Step back in time to the jazz and swing eras as The Three Little Sisters, Kate Blakk, Chriss Lloyds and Boogie Woogie Big Band perform classics from legends like The Andrews Sisters, Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra in this electrifying concert.
Friday 28 March 7pm
TICKETS | Standard $89.50
Feel Good Vibrations at this unforgettable tribute to The Beach Boys, featuring hits including, Surfin’ Safari, Surfin’ U.S.A ., Surfer Girl , Little Deuce Coupe, Barbara Ann , and California Girls
Sunday 30 March 7:30pm
TICKETS | From $49
THE AUSTRALIAN EAGLES & MONEY FOR NOTHING: DIRE STRAITS EXPERIENCE
Experience the ultimate Hall of Fame Icons concert in a music extravaganza! Bringing together two legendary tributes, this unforgettable evening of rock ‘n’ roll magic celebrates your favourite hits from Hotel California to Sultans of Swing
Friday 4 April 7:30pm
TICKETS | Standard $91.60
THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES SHOW
Feel the fever again and get ready to dance the night away as you relive the hits that defined a generation, from You Should Be Dancing to How Deep is Your Love and Stayin’ Alive . Don’t miss this ultimate Bee Gees tribute show!
Friday 11 April 7:30pm
TICKETS | Standard $75
FRIENDLYJORDIES PRESENTS: ALIEN HUNTER
Get ready for a comedy show that’s out of this world. Friendlyjordies dives into the UFO phenomenon, not with the usual ‘unidentified flying objects’ but with real ALIENS. He believes the U.S. government is hiding alien spacecraft and is risking his credibility to convince you.
Saturday 12 April 7:30pm
TICKETS | Standard $50 | Concession $45
THE BLACK BLUES BROTHERS
This smash-hit acrobatic tribute to The Blues Brothers blends breathtaking stunts, music, and comedy. Direct from sold-out shows worldwide, five Nairobi Sarukazi artists deliver a high-energy spectacle, wowing audiences of all ages.
Thursday 17 April 7:30pm
TICKETS | From $59.90
APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY ART WORKSHOPS
Join us for hands-on art workshops inspired by our exhibitions! Children aged 3 – 12 can paint, draw, and create in tailored programs led by experienced artist educators. Each workshop includes a guided exhibition visit, art making activities, and all materials. Plus, enjoy free drop-in kids’ activities in the garden and Main Gallery!
Q THEATRE DRAMA WORKSHOPS
Spark your imagination and develop new skills with Q Theatre’s interactive drama and dance workshops for all ages at The Joan. Choose from First Nations dance, filmmaking, acting, devising, puppetry and more!
Tuesday 15 April –Wednesday 23 April
TICKETS | 1 hour $25 | 2 hours $40
Creative Kids Vouchers accepted
STAY TUNED FOR FULL DETAILS
Tuesday 15 April –Saturday 26 April
TICKETS | 4 hours $60 | Full Day $90 | Masterclass $120
Creative Kids Vouchers accepted
STAY TUNED FOR FULL DETAILS
Photo by Eddy Summers
Photo by Eddy Summers
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
Created by JONATHAN ROCKEFELLER
Based on ERIC CARLE’S books
AGES18+ MONTHS
“Beautiful, rhythmic and faithful to the author’s works.”
Time Out
April School Holiday fun – See over 75 magical puppets come to life on stage in this critically acclaimed show featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, The Very Busy Spider and Ten Little Rubber Ducks .
Audience Info | The performance at 12pm will be a relaxed performance.
Thursday 24 April 10am, 12pm & 2pm
Photo by
James Taggart
Roar with laughter at some of Australia’s finest and funniest acts, the biggest international stars and the most promising emerging talents, offering everything from stand-up to sketch, satire, improvisation, musical, absurdism, theatre and magic.
TICKETS | From $32.50
SOLD OUT
DANNY BHOY: DEAR WORLD…
Sunday 27 April 6pm
HEATH FRANKLIN’S CHOPPER: THE LAST HARD BASTARD ON EARTH…
Sunday 27 April 8pm
THE SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL GALA
Tuesday 29 April 7:30pm
PRAKASH DANIEL: LOBSTER BOY
Wednesday 30 April 7:45pm
MELANIE BRACEWELL: A LITTLE TREAT
Thursday 1 May 8:45pm
NEEL KOLHATKAR: DIRTY FLIRTY 30
Friday 2 May 9:30pm
GLADYS: A MUSICAL AFFAIR
Thursday 1 May 6:30pm
THE UMBILICAL BROTHERS: THE DISTRACTION
Friday 2 May 7pm
BRODEN KELLY: YABUSELE
NAZEEM HUSSAIN: YOU PAID FOR THIS
Thursday 1 May 7pm
EFFIE: UPYOURSELFNESS
Friday 2 May 8:45pm
Saturday 3 May 9:30pm Plus, more…
FRENCHY: EMBRACE THE CHAOS
Australia’s favourite scoundrel is back with his wildest, darkest stand-up show yet. Unfiltered, unpredictable, and utterly hilarious, Frenchy delivers sharp jokes, rogue stories, and unexpected chaos. Not for the faint-hearted – get ready for a bloody good time!
Friday 9 May 8pm
Featuring over 20 iconic Queen hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You , and Somebody to Love, We Will Rock You follows two rebels on a mission to save rock ‘n’ roll in a post-apocalyptic world.
Friday 9 May – Saturday 17 May
PRINNIE STEVENS: LADY SINGS SOUL
Prepare to be swept away by Prinnie Stevens’ soulful magic as she performs hits by Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Beyoncé, and more. Prinnie’s raw talent and charisma will leave you breathless.
Friday 23 May 7:30pm
TICKETS | Standard $59 | Concession $54
PENRITH YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND VALDA SILVY ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT
Join the Penrith Youth Orchestra & Valda Silvy Ensemble for an afternoon of vibrant music, from Mozart’s elegance to John Williams’ thrilling scores, celebrating the incredible talent of emerging young musicians.
Sunday 25 May 3pm
Photo by Eddy Summers
SUITABLE FORYEARS 3–6
Join Sydney Writers’ Festival School Days for an inspiring, educational experience with bestselling authors, sharing insights on their creative process, challenges, and successes – plus a chance to connect and ask questions!
Authors include: TERRI LIBENSON , JOEL MCKERROW, JARED THOMAS , KATRINA NANNESTAD and a secret surprise special guest!
Monday 26 May 9:30am
TICKETS | Student/Additional Teacher $29
“Shake
&
Stir cement themselves as masters of adaption with 1984.”
Australian Stage
Big Brother is back. Strap yourself in for an electrifying take on the George Orwell classic, from the award-winning creative minds at Shake & Stir (Frankenstein, Animal Farm and Dracula).
Audience Info | The matinee performance includes a free post-show Q&A with the cast.
Friday 13 June 1pm & 7:30pm
TICKETS | From $40
Photo by Joel Devereux
Saturday 21 June 6pm
COMING SOON
Here’s a taste of the incredible events we’re bringing your way in 2025.
Music
The Harbour Agency presents
DISCO
REVOLUTION: NIGHT FEVER TOUR
Relive classic hits from Earth, Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, Bee Gees, and more, plus Disco Revolution’s latest tracks. A night of timeless disco magic and memories!
Kids and Families
By Legs On The Wall
BEETLE
Legs On The Wall’s physical storytelling and Freya Blackwood’s animations bring the bush to life in Beetle, a tale of resilience and hope, reminding young audiences that everyone has a place in the world.
Music
The Harbour Agency presents
JOHN WATERS: RADIO LUXEMBOURG LIVE
Iconic star of stage and screen John Waters celebrates the songs of the British Pop Invasion that changed modern music, from Waterloo Sunset to My Generation. Featuring Stewart D’Arrietta and The Chartbusters.
Saturday 19 July 7pm
Friday 8 August 10am, 12pm & Saturday 9 August 10am Saturday 16 August 8pm
Photo by Carlita Sari
ACCESSIBILITY
The Joan is committed to providing inclusive, quality arts experiences for all audience members.
Wheelchair and Level Access
• Level access is available to the ground floor foyer, including Box Office.
• All levels of The Joan are accessible by a lift.
• Box Office has an accessible counter.
• Wheelchair seating is available in all theatres.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible bathrooms are located on the Ground Floor and Level 2.
Baby Change Facilities and Pram Parking
Baby change facilities are located on Ground Floor. Pram parking is available for all kids and family shows – please talk to an usher when you arrive at the theatre.
Companion Cards
Companion Cards are valid for all performances.
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances aim to reduce anxiety and provide a supportive environment for patrons with autism, learning disabilities, and sensory or communication needs.
Theatre etiquette, such as noise and movement, is more relaxed. The performance may be accompanied by a visual story or sensory guide.
We are happy to assist with requests for specific seating, audio or other requirements. Please let us know when booking your tickets.
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre PO Box 2 | Penrith NSW 2751 | 597 High Street Penrith Box Office | 02 4723 7600 | boxoffice@penrith.city @JoanSutherlandPerformingArtsCentre | @the_joan | thejoan.com.au
Online
thejoan.com.au
Phone
(02) 4723 7600
In Person
Joan Sutherland
Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith
Box Office
Box Office is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm and one-hour prior to performances.
Ticket Information
Scan the QR code on each page or visit our website for the most up-to-date ticket information.
Concession pricing is available for pensioners, Australian Government Health Care Card and Seniors Card holders, as well as full-time tertiary and school students. Discounts are available to select performances for Q Theatre and Penrith Conservatorium students. Please refer to our website for full details.
Booking Fee
A $5 fee applies to all transactions.
School Bookings
School groups receive 1 complimentary teacher per 10 student tickets booked unless otherwise stipulated on our website.
STAY IN THE LOOP
Get the latest news, events, and offers by signing up to our mailing list. Visit thejoan.com.au or scan the QR code.
by
VENUE HIRE
Host your next event at The Joan and make it truly unforgettable. With versatile spaces including a 550-seat concert hall, 378-seat theatre, 90-seat studio, meeting rooms, café, and bar, we have it all. Conveniently located on Penrith High Street, just steps from the library and Westfield.
SUPPORT US
Help keep the arts and culture thriving in Western Sydney. Every donation of $2 or more is tax-deductible and directly supports community programs, local artists, students, teachers, the conservation of public sculptures, and the accessibility of our programs for all.
Photo by Eddy Summers
Photo
Eddy Summers
FOR HIRE
The Halfway Line surveys the expansive, 30-year career of Aboriginal artist, Blak Douglas. Featuring paintings, drawings, sculptures and installation, the exhibition celebrates the artist’s longstanding connection to Penrith, and his enduring profile as one of Australia’s leading artists.
L) Blak Douglas, Storming the Senate (Aden Ridgeway) 1999. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. 260 x 155cm. Courtesy of the artist. R) Blak Douglas (Australia 1970). Dunghutti, South-east region. Moby Dickens 2022. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. 300 x 200 x 3.3cm. Art Gallery of New South Wales, purchased with funds provided by the Aboriginal Art Collection Benefactors 2022. © Blak Douglas. Image © Art Gallery of New South Wales.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Sounds Fresh
Supported by Live Music Australia –An Australian Government initiative, ensuring that Western Sydney continues to thrive as a cultural hub for live music.
The Wharf Revue
Penrith Youth Orchestra Academy Concert
In collaboration with Penrith Seniors Comedy Gala
The Poems, Prayers and Promises of John Denver; The Australian Eagles & Money for Nothing: Dire Straits Experience; The Australian Bee Gees Show; Prinnie Stevens: Lady Sings Soul; Disco Revolution – Night Fever Tour and John Waters – Radio Luxembourg Live
Josephine Wants to Dance
Penrith Symphony Orchestra
Pop for Tots
The Beach Boys Experience
School Holidays at Penrith Regional Gallery and The Joan
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Frenchy
We Will Rock You
Penrith Youth Orchestra and Valda Silvy Ensemble In Concert
In partnership with with
Sydney Writers’ Festival:
Primary School Days 1984
Blak Douglas: The Halfway Line
Thanks to Our Supporters
BOARD MEMBERS
PP&VA GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
PP&VA SPONSOR
A Night at the Theatre Beetle
Adam Porter (Chairperson)
Dale Maxwell-Smith (Deputy Chairperson)
Cllr Kristie Boerst
Don Church
Cllr Robin Cook
Beetle is commissioned by the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) and The Art House – Wyong and was supported by Inner West Council. The 2025 tour has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Cllr Ross Fowler OAM
Andrew Jackson
Melissa Matheson
Alison McLaren
Amanda Rudolf
PP&VA ACCOMMODATION PARTNER
Details of this brochure are correct at time of printing. PP&VA reserves the right to add, withdraw and substitute artists and vary the programme and to where necessary.
