If it's comedy that you want, we've got what you need. A traditional stage show? Absolutely! Musical theatre? You betcha! Victorian stages have it all this month!
What do Cinderella, true crime and Mao’s Last Dancer have in common? They will all be explored on the stage this month across regional Victoria’s favourite theatres.
Here’s our guide to the best stage shows happening in regional Victoria this month.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
July Stage Shows
Criminal Outsider
More than 20 per cent of Australians aged under 54 are regular listeners of True Crime podcasts. Here, best-selling author Roy Maloy invites you to put on your detective cap for a live true crime and forensics performance. Attendees will be given case files on arrival, before being walked through a performance that includes forensics demonstrations and theories of Australian crimes. Those examined include Dolly Gray, Cranky Bella, Daniel Hempfield, Minnie Clark, Bridget Mahoney and Squizzy Taylor.
Criminal Outsider will be hosted by Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on July 27
The Grandparents Club
Grandparents aren’t just babysitters, you know. They are adventurous, engaged and living their best years as they play a vital role in family. It’s a grand ol’ life, you may say. Written by Wendy Harmer and featuring music from John Field, The Grandparents Club is a celebration of the wonderful world of grand-parenting. So come along and meet Club president and host Jimmy Bigelow and regulars Jeff, Liz and Maria.
The Grandparents Club will be hosted by The Story House, Geelong on July 20, Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 26 and WCPA, Wendouree on July 28
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Cinderella
The first written account of Cinderella is said to have come from Giambattista Basile in 1634. It is arguably the most well-known fairy tale, with the term Cinderella often used in underdog stories in sport. Join Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre as they present their rendition of a timeless classic, complete with dazzling costumes, enchanting set designs and the melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Salagadoola menchicka boola, bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, this is sure to be a treat for you.
Cinderella will be hosted by The Capital, Bendigo from July 26 through August 3
The Addams Family
The combined Catholic schools of Clonard, Sacred Heart, Iona and St Joseph’s College present The Addams Family. Ah, meeting the parents. Wednesday Addams, the princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet man from a respectable family. Her father, Gomez, is in the know but has been sworn to hold the secret from Morticia. When it comes time for everyone to meet at a family dinner, how will the hosts make the most of the sticky situation?
The Addams Family will be hosted by The Story House, Geelong from July 25-27
All Fired Up
Oh, to be a teenager in the ’80s. When your bedroom was the stage and your collection of Cabbage Patch Kids, Care Bears and Masters of the Universe was your audience, the possibilities were endless. Then, as it does, time passes and the next moment you’re on the brink of a midlife crisis. Meet Tammy Tooth who, through a quirk of fate, is transported back to her teenage years. Featuring a live band, this musical will have you footloose.
All Fired Up will be hosted by Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on July 17 & COPACC on July 19
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The Peasant Prince
From a ten-year-old peasant boy from impoverished rural China to the international dance scene, Mao’s Last Dancer is the acclaimed autobiography of Li Cunxin. In this children’s version of the extraordinary story, Monkey Baa presents a story of courage, resilience and hope. Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry, it has won Best Production at The Glugs and a Drover’s Award for Best Tour in 2016.
The Peasant Prince will be hosted by Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 30 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on August 1
Em Rusciano: Outgrown
Outgrown is Em Rusciano’s first big national tour since 2019’s Rage and Rainbows. In the words of the multi-talented performer, her last five years have been brutal, beautiful and bonkers. She has received three surprise diagnoses of ADHD, autism and early menopause. “Complete ego death”, as she has said. But as art can help soothe our ails, so too can it be therapy for the artist. So here she is to workshop her trauma through an over-the-top musical comedy extravaganza.
Em Rusciano takes to Civic Hall, Ballarat on August 3
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SLAP. BANG. KISS.
The stories of three young people set off a chain of events making them global symbols of revolution. SLAP is the story of Immi, a sixteen-year-old who strikes a security officer. BANG is the story of Sofia and her impassioned speech for the victims of a school shooting. And KISS is the story of Darby and Daniel, who come together in the parking lot of a small-town supermarket to set the record for the longest kiss.
SLAP. BANG. KISS. will be hosted by the Potato Shed, Drysdale on August 1 (morning and early afternoon shows)
Head to each theatre website to find further information and purchase tickets.
