From epic musicals and thought-provoking productions to Australian national treasures: here are the shows not to miss at the Geelong Arts Centre this July.
Despite that minor chill you’re feeling, Geelong still buzzes through Winter, especially as we head indoors for the biggest season for theatre, musicals and concerts yet.
With a plethora of entertainment once again adorning our favourite regional theatre, from the most loved and well-known children’s music group and dance workshops to cultural conversations and one of Australia’s most iconic voices, this is your cue to get ready for a huge July of entertainment in Geelong.
Here are the shows not to miss at the Geelong Arts Centre this month.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Our Top Pick for July: The Boy Who Talked To Dogs
When: Wednesday, July 13 – Saturday, July 16
Where: Geelong West Town Hall
Beautifully adapted by Irish playwright Amy Conroy, The Boy Who Talked To Dogs is a magical and mischievous tale of transformation, redemption, and what happens when the underdog finds his pack.
Based on the memoir of trauma survivor Martin McKenna, published by Skyhorse Publishing, The Boy Who Talked To Dogs brings together brazen theatricality, thrilling acting, rousing Irish music and shadow puppetry in a show that will connect with all ages, courtesy of Adelaide’s acclaimed Slingsby.
The play tells a story of a boy bullied both at home and school who finds his family in a band of stray dogs, and themes of bravery, resilience and finding love are all front and center.
“Young Marty is a triplet,” the show descriptions reads. “One of three, only he is the odd one out, the runt of the litter. No one understands him, except his dogs. Locked in the coal shed at night, Martin finds solace from the iciness of a troubled home in 1970’s Ireland, by cuddling up to his German Shepherds, Major and Rex.
“When he runs away at thirteen, Marty is adopted by a pack of six stray dogs. Together they survive on the road, ignoring “do not enter” signs, dodging trains, stealing milk bottles and meals from open kitchen windows, fizzing and whizzing with energy – outcasts on the outskirts. Emerging as pack leader, Marty discovers deeper ways to communicate with the dogs, learning tricks that lead him back to human company – and a new place where he “can be me”.”
Based on the true story of Nimbin’s famous “Dogman”, who grew up in Garryowen, Limerick, this tough but tender tale is a celebration of the love of animals we share our homes and lives with, starring acclaimed Dublin actor Bryan Burroughs amidst a dazzling array of shadows, songs and stellar musicianship.
Tickets here.
50 Years on Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
When: Saturday, July 2 at 8pm
Where: Costa Hall
On the back of the successful Bohemian Rhapsody movie, comes the most popular and successful Queen tribute show starring internationally acclaimed Freddie Mercury, Thomas Crane.
Thomas with his all-star band Bohemian Rhapsody bring back to life all the visual excitement, sound and stage energy of a Queen concert.
Renowned for his flamboyant stage persona and extensive vocal range, lesser-known was Freddie Mercury’s innate gift for piano and guitar. Not only does Thomas Crane’s charisma and stage presence mimic the energy of the late, great Mercury, he’s got the piano and guitar skills to boot, and he’ll be showing them off LIVE during this incredible show!
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody will perform all the great hits including We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, A Kind of Magic, I Want To Break Free, Another One Bites the Dust and Bohemian Rhapsody.
The show will work its way through the decades, showcasing Queen’s hits from the 70s through to the 90s.
Come and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Supergroup Queen!
Tickets here.
The Wiggles – Superhero Tour
When: Sunday, July 3 at various times
Where: Costa Hall
Calling all superheroes… the globally adored children’s group The Wiggles are flying onto stages this July with their brand-new action-packed Superhero Tour!
Featuring the band’s current lineup, Anthony, Tsehay, Lachy and Simon will take to the stage at Costa Hall in Geelong to sing, dance and play music for their fans, bringing along their Wiggly friends too! Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Shirley Shawn the Unicorn are all slated to make an appearance, alongside special appearances by Caterina Wiggle and John Wiggle from the Fruit Salad TV Wiggles series!
The Wiggles Superhero Tour will feature all your favourite Wiggles songs such as ‘Do the Propeller!’, ‘Hot Potato’ and ‘Rock-a- Bye Your Bear’, as well as new and catchy tunes such as Dippy Do Dinosaur Dance! It’s time to sing and dance to your favourite Wiggles tunes both old and new!
Arriving in Geelong in July, The Wiggles will perform two special 60 minute shows – one at 10am, one at 12pm and one at 12:30pm, giving kiddies the best start to their Sunday morning.
Tickets here.
The Australian Ballet Dance Workshops
When: Tuesday, July 5 to Thursday, July 7 at various times
Where: Studio 4
Ready to dance? Join The Australian Ballet Education & Outreach team in Geelong for a fun and creative dance workshop for all levels.
There are four workshops that you can choose from – one for each age group. There’s Dancing Story for 3-5 year olds, Dance workshop for 6-8 year olds, Dance workshops for 9-12 year olds, and Teens Dance students for ages 13-16.
These workshops are great for supporting confidence, resilience and teamwork skills; supporting individual needs and skill levels; they’re accessible to all children regardless of learning styles or physical abilities; and the best part is no previous ballet experience is required. You just need a water bottle, comfortable clothing for moving and dance shoes (or you can go bare feet!).
As part of these workshops, everyone is invited to watch a performance of The Story of Pomi & Gobba for FREE!
More info here.
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Parrwang | The Australian Ballet Holiday Dance Workshops
When: Tuesday, July 5 and Wednesday, July 6 at various times
Where: Studio 4
Presenting Parrwang 2022, the Australian Ballet Education & Outreach team in Geelong are also running free, fun and creative dance workshop for the First Nations community.
There are four workshops that you can choose from – one for each age group. There’s Dancing Story for 3-5 year olds, Dance workshop for 6-8 year olds, Dance workshops for 9-12 year olds, and Teens Dance students for ages 13-16.
These workshops are great for supporting confidence, resilience and teamwork skills; supporting individual needs and skill levels; they’re accessible to all children regardless of learning styles or physical abilities; and the best part is no previous ballet experience is required. You just need a water bottle, comfortable clothing for moving and dance shoes (or you can go bare feet!).
As part of these workshops, everyone is invited to watch a performance of The Story of Pomi & Gobba for FREE!
Tickets here.
Kate Miller-Heidke – Child In Reverse Tour
When: Friday, July 15 at 7:30pm
Where: Costa Hall
Effortlessly blending contemporary pop, folk, musical theatre and opera and joined by a six-piece band, Kate Miller-Heidke is coming to Geelong for one night at the Costa Hall. She’s touring her fifth studio album, 2020’s Top 10 ARIA Album Child In Reverse, which spawned the singles, ‘This Is Not Forever’, ‘Deluded’, ‘A Quiet Voice’, ‘Little Roots, Little Shoots’ and ‘Simpatico’ feat. Mallrat.
Commissioned by Opera Australia, her debut opera as a composer was The Rabbits, based on the book by Shaun Tan and John Marsden. Premiering at the Perth Festival in February 2015, it was the winner of four Helpmann Awards, including Best Score and Best New Australian Work. Since then it’s only been up and up. She also appeared as Australia’s representative in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest with her song Zero Gravity – winning her first place in her semi-final and placing within the top ten at the Grand Final in May 2019.
“It has felt like an eternity waiting for this tour to begin. I’ll be playing with my favourite musicians and we are bursting with joy and excitement at the prospect of hitting the road again after so long,” she says. “We will be premiering some brand new material plus selecting some deep cuts from the back catalogue, as well as celebrating some old favourites.”
“Playing live has always been a pivotal part of what I do – the connection with you all and sharing loved moments in time and space. This one is going to be special.”
Tickets here.
Xavier Rudd – Jan Juc Moon Tour
When: Saturday, July 16 at 8pm
Where: Costa Hall
National treasure Xavier Rudd is returning home to Geelong as part of his 33-date 2022 ‘Jan Juc Moon’ Australian tour.
Since the very beginning, Xavier Rudd’s ability to connect with people has been his most powerful gift. The more he has toured the world, the more hearts he has touched and the more of the world he has put back into his music. This year the Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist released his tenth studio album Jan Juc Moon, the follow up to Storm Boy in 2019.
The wind blows strong though Xavier Rudd’s tenth album. It’s a recurring image that speaks of wide-open space and the awesome natural elements that shape it: a force far greater than us, but ours to harness if we take the time to learn, reflect and respect its ways.
Taking his album to the stage, nothing compares to experiencing Xavier Rudd in concert who is truly at his best on stage in the company of his fans. Acoustic guitar in hand, engulfed by an ever more complex scaffold of didgeridoos, percussion and various eclectic instruments, Rudd cuts an utterly unique and compelling figure.
One of Australia’s most successful international artists Xavier Rudd has amassed huge followings in Australia, North America and Europe – he chooses idyllic destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Croatia and of course his home country Australia where his music, his message, and the environment around him all meet in stunning synchronicity.
Tickets here.
World of Musicals
When: Sunday, July 17 at 6pm
Where: Costa Hall
Love a musical? (Who doesn’t?!).Well, get ready as the World of Musicals brings the very best of musical theatre to life.
The World of Musicals Concert has graced stages across the globe and features a world-class ensemble of multi-talented performing artists who exquisitely recreate classic hits, fused with emotive ballads, big-screen anthems and iconic show tunes.
From the best of “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables” to “We will Rock You”, “Sister Act” and many more, the World of Musicals delivers a stirring musical concert theatre experience that will leave you spellbound – from the opening song to the final medley of classics.
‘All the hit songs in one show’ is the quintessential takeaway from this musical concert gala.
The World of the Musicals concert is a show that is tailored for the entire family, so get ready to be enthralled and sing along to all your favourite and much-loved Musical songs in one unforgettable evening.
Secure your seats today to a show inspired by many, but unlike any other.
Tickets here.
Amy Shark – See U Somewhere Tour
When: Saturday, July 23 at 8pm, and Sunday, July 24 at 7:30pm
Where: Costa Hall
Fresh off her Cry Forever arena tour, where she reminded us all what a raw and rare talent she is, ARIA award winner and alt-pop singer-songwriter Amy Shark is hitting the road for a mammoth 42 date regional tour of Australia presented by triple j, Handsome Tours, Select Music and Rage More.
Amy Shark will bring her critically acclaimed Cry Forever and Love Monster albums to regional fans right across Australia on her See U Somewhere tour.
“I’m the happiest when I’m on stage performing and I can’t wait to travel further into Australia where I’ve never been before, to explore some of these towns and meet everyone, it’s going to be a fun one,” she says. “I don’t know when I’ll get the chance to do a huge Australian run like this again so if I’m coming to your town, you are mine that night! No excuses.”
The “I Said Hi” and “Everybody Rise” singer scored nine nominations at the 2018 ARIA Awards and four wins, including Album Of The Year, Best Female Artist and Best Pop Release. Amy has toured internationally and performed on several major US television shows including The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and collaborated with renowned musicians in many genres such as Ed Sheeran, Travis Barker, and Keith Urban.
Don’t miss out as Amy Shark hits Geelong this year!
Tickets here.
NAIDOC Week – Cultural Conversations
When: Saturday, July 9 at 2pm
Where: Studio 4
This July, Geelong Arts Centre is hosting an inspiring panel of wonderful, local First Nations artists as part of a free Cultural Conversations event as part of Naidoc Week 2022.
Running both in-person and online on Saturday, July 9 from the Studio 4 stage of their Ryrie Street venue, the event will be facilitated by Noongar and Tuwharetoa artist and curator Kiri Tawhai who will chat to local First Nations artists, Wadawurrung Woman Kait James, proud Worimi man Gerard Black, and proud Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong woman and artist from south-west Victoria Tarryn Love on topics around the NAIDOC 2022 theme, “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!”
Now in its second year, Geelong Arts Centre’s Cultural Conversations series aims to bring First Nations voices and stories to the forefront and to provide a culturally safe space in which to engage in shared learning and important discussions.
In this second series of Cultural Conversations, panellists will provide opportunities for discussion, connection and conversation, as they share their diverse perspectives. This event allows audience members the opportunity to spend an afternoon hearing firsthand how art not only enables and strengthens cultural connection but can also serve as a platform for activism, for change and for sharing a unique point of view.
As part of this, audience members – both online and in-person and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Non-Aboriginal people of all backgrounds and gender identities – will have a chance to engage with the panel through a live Q&A. Here, for 90 minutes, everyone can gather, join the conversation, ask questions, and walk together.
Due to capacity restrictions, 100 tickets have been made available to attend this event in person, with a free simultaneously broadcast livestream available to all.
Registration is free, but essential. You can register and find out more here.
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Edward The Emu
When: Friday, July 29 – Saturday, July 30
Where: Costa Hall
The award-winning creative team from Monkey Baa Theatre Company are back with a brand-new take on another much-loved tale, Edward the Emu. Based on the books by Sheena Knowles & Rod Clement, this is more than an adaptation. This is a unique imagining of two beloved picture books, Edward the Emu and Edwina the Emu, combining the plights of both emus in one heartfelt, clever and funny new tale.
Edward is bored with his lot. Being the only emu at the zoo has left him feeling glum and under the impression that the grass is greener in everyone else’s enclosure. Maybe being a seal, or a lion, or a snake might be a better option in life for a lonely bird? Convinced that the other creatures are more popular, Edward breaks ranks and goes to find the fun and along the way, finds Edwina!
Written for the stage by Monkey Baa’s Artistic Director Eva Di Cesare (Diary of a Wombat, Josephine Wants to Dance) audiences follow the emus as they hilariously navigate their own feathered existential crises, seeking to find their place in the world. Meanwhile, unaware of the birds’ internal worlds, their human keepers are in hot pursuit to restore order to the zoo.
With exceptional, world-class puppet creation from Bryony Anderson and Alice Osborne’s puppetry direction, an original score from composer/sound designer Nate Edmondson, set and costume design by Isabel Hudson (Best Stage Design of An Independent Production, 2020 Sydney Theatre Award), lighting design by Matt Cox and inventive storytelling from Di Cesare, the emus’ journey of hijinks and tenderness leads them to discover that the best thing you can be is …. you!
Monkey Baa Theatre Company has been creating classic, much-loved productions for young people for over 20 years. Edward the Emu carries on the vision to make theatre an intrinsic part of young people’s lives with the quality, humour and heart that has made Monkey Baa a favourite of families across Australia.
Please be advised that the 12pm on Sat 30 July is a relaxed performance and an AUSLAN Interpreted show.
Buy tickets here.
Geelong Arts Centre is supported by The Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Major Artistic Partner Deakin University and Innovation Partner Costa Asset Management.
