Geelong Arts Centre's must-see 2022 season is filled with theatre, cabaret, dance, circus and music - and it all kicks off this month
After two incredibly topsy turvy years for the arts and entertainment industry, the Geelong Arts Centre is presenting a 2022 season like no other, welcoming live audiences back to Costa Hall, Ryrie Street Building, Geelong Arena, Geelong West Town Hall and beyond to rediscover the power of storytelling and witness a fabulous and diverse array of performances.
Marking the return of extraordinary arts experiences, the esteemed arts centre has announced ‘Our Season 2022’ featuring 11 crucial stories you can’t afford to miss, showcasing the voices of those who have overcome hardship, broken down barriers and fought for their place upon the world stage.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
From celebrating the experiences of strong and diverse women and highlighting the unique perspectives of First Nations Peoples, to shining a spotlight on those who strive to embrace their identities in the face of fear and adversity, there will be something for everyone to enjoy in 2022 with seven incredible core shows and four special addition performances that demand to be seen.
There’s no shortage of shows to see and so to help you out, we have collated a guide of the best-goings-on for the month of February, helping you plan your calendar accordingly. Thank us later.
John Williamson “Winding Back” Celebrating 50+ Years
When: Tuesday, February 15 at 7pm
Where: Costa Hall
This year Australian music icon John Williamson will celebrate his 52nd anniversary in the entertainment industry and foresee closing the book on his regular touring – and what better way to celebrate than at the beautiful Geelong Arts Centre.
Way back in 1970, when John Williamson wandered into Richmond’s GTV9 studios with a guitar under his arm, little did the Mallee-born farmer realise he’d make a 50+ year career out of singing and performing. His performance of ‘Old Man Emu’, the first song John had ever written, on Channel Nine’s popular New Faces program resulted in a number one single as well as a record deal. It also marked the appearance of a striking new talent: the unofficial custodian of Australian stories.
Half a century on, John Williamson has made an art of expertly capturing Australia in song. Painting lyrical pictures of our unique fauna and flora, landscapes and people, John has encapsulated the beauty, wonder and, sometimes, the heartbreak of life Down Under. From boabs to billabongs and snowy mountains to sandy beaches, his 52 albums – including 20 original studio albums – have traversed Australia like a dust-covered road train, deftly moving between larrikin humour and touching pathos.
With his honours including the ARIA Hall of Fame, an Order of Australia, 28 Golden Guitar Awards, Australian Roll of Renown induction, not to mention over 5 million albums sold and thousands of shows performed, it’s hard to begrudge the 75-year-old a less hectic schedule. First though, there’s a 51st anniversary to celebrate.
Perhaps John’s greatest legacy is making Australians proud of their country and of who they are. So, don’t miss him, True Blue himself, in Geelong for what could be the final time.
Purchase tickets here.
MONO: A Three-Person One-Man Show
When: Saturday, February 19 at 2pm and 7:30pm
Where: Costa Hall
MONO: – Nine hilarious monologues, three legendary stars, one wonderful show!
Noeline Brown (The Naked Vicar Show), Max Gillies (The Gillies Report) and John Wood (Blue Heelers) are the entire cast of MONO; the brand new classic comedy by Angus FitzSimons (Senior Moments). The comedy tour de farce for you.
In the tradition of Joyce Grenfell, Alan Bennett and Bob Newhart comes “MONO:”; with nine brilliant comic characters brought to life through hysterical monologues in 90 minutes of wit, fun and laughter.
What is MONO: about? It’s about a hectoring Headmistress, a bad Bush Poet (and he don’t know it), a puzzled Policeman, a meandering Minister, a chaotic Conductor, a mindless “Mindfulness” teacher, a surreal Sotheby’s Auctioneer, and a very sozzled Mother of the Bride.
“MONO:” Three Legends. One Show. Go!
Purchase tickets here.
Jon Stevens – The Noiseworks & INXS Collection
When: Saturday, February 26 at 7:30pm
Where: Costa Hall
After a sell-out tour in 2019, Jon Stevens is back tributing the legendary bands that catapulted him into Aussie rock royalty!
Jon Stevens – The Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tour brings hits ‘Take Me Back’, ‘New Sensation’, ‘Touch’, ‘Don’t Change’, ‘Hot Chilli Woman’, ‘Never Tear Us Apart’, ‘No Lies’ and more to the Costa Hall stage this month in what will be an assault of the senses.
In 2018 a co-founding member of INXS, Andrew Farriss surprised Jon by entering the band room after not seeing each other in 15 years to say, “That was an awesome gig Jon, but you really need to do more INXS songs”.
Jon was on The Best of Jon Stevens Tour reflecting on his 40-year career, performing songs from Noiseworks, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Dead Daisies and his solo collection with just a couple of INXS classics. This reunion with his old friend with whom he’d shared the stage with around the world fronting INXS from 2000-2005 formed the idea for his new tour Jon Stevens | The Noiseworks and INXS Collection Tour.
Featuring special guests, Boom Crash Opera, a visceral charge of emotion will transport you back to 1987 and beyond including the INXS songs that were such a huge part of the soundtrack of our lives.
Don’t miss your chance to witness Aussie rock royalty at Costa Hall!
Purchase tickets here.
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The Fabulous Caprettos
When: Sunday, February 27 at 7:30pm
Where: Costa Hall
Like something out of a Marvel movie, the massive music men of The Fabulous Caprettos have joined forces to become the next great reminder that Australian Rock’ n Roll still beats on, and although this supergroup group do not have intentions to fight crime unfortunately, they do very much have the intention to grace Geelong Arts Centre, for what will surely be a night of pure rock ecstasy.
Daryl Braithwaite, the much-adored Australian son behind the hits ‘The Horses ‘and ‘One Summer’, blues and roots extraordinaire Russell Morris, Southern Sons legend Jack Jones and Rai Thistlethwayte of Thirsty Merc, the band of cult classic ‘In the Summertime’, along with superstars Jackie Barnes and Jason Vorherr all come together this month in Costa Hall for a show that should not be missed.
This performance will be something special as the audience can see and hear all artists performing together on stage for the entire duration of the concert. They will perform their hits, favourites and songs that will only be heard for the first time at the shows. Special guest Darlinghurst, a new Melbourne based four-piece Australian Country-Pop group, will also open the show.
It is rare for a band of this calibre to come along, and play as a band, entirely for the duration of the show. So when we say you need to go. You need to go.
Purchase tickets here.
Spark Starter
When: Friday, February 25 at 5:30pm
Where: Geelong Arts Centre
If you’re looking for a Friday-night destination for creativity and camaraderie, Spark Starter at the Geelong Arts Centre is it.
Designed with Geelong’s creative talent front of mind, Spark Starter will provide a dual opportunity to support local artists and connect with Geelong’s extraordinarily passionate circle of creatives. Saunter into 81 Ryrie Street for a well-earned drink and delicious finger food, catch up with friends and colleagues, and stay ahead of the curve with exclusive insights into emerging local work and upcoming Creative Engine opportunities.
While you’re there, you also be enjoying amazing live entertainment from Rach Brennan, a well-loved Geelong based singer-songwriter re-emerging this year with commanding and confessional indie-pop.
Attendance is free but RSVP is essential. RSVP here.
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Jams For Juniors: Swan Lake
When: Saturday, March 19 at 10am, 11:30am and 1pm.
Where: Studio 4
Geelong Arts Centre’s renowned Family Magic program returns in 2022 with a diverse range of fantastic family-friendly productions, designed to captivate, inspire and entertain children under 12, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents and carers.
Kicking off the program in March, celebrated music educator, presenter, author and composer/arranger Karen Kyriacou hits Geelong Arts Centre to present Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jam for Juniors: Swan Lake.
Featuring musicians of the MSO, Jams for Juniors is the perfect way to introduce babies and toddlers to the magic of music! Children aged 0-5 and their adults can explore, play and join in at this popular 45-minute immersive musical experience.
Purchase 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.
