Her Majesty's Theatre

Wednesday 8 to Sunday 19 September

Venue Helen Macpherson Smith Theatre

Produced by University of Ballarat Arts Academy

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… there was a romantic comedy of wit and grace. Beatrice and Benedick are perfect for one another and everyone knows it except them. Through tricks, trials and tribulations they are brought together in this Shakespearean comedy of love and laughter.

The 2010 Graduating Actors bring you their final love song about the war of words between women and men.

Dates
Evenings
Wednesday 8, Friday 10, Sunday 12, Thursday 16 & Saturday 18 September at 7.30pm
Matinees
Sunday 11, and Sunday 18 September at 2pm

Tickets
Adults $32, Concession $25, Students and Friends of the Arts Academy $18, Arts Academy Students $6, Groups 10+ $15.
Tickets available from MajesTix on 5333 5888.
Tickets not available online

Thursday 9 to Saturday 18 September

Venue Helen Macpherson Smith Theatre

Produced by University of Ballarat Arts Academy

Opening on Broadway in 2002 this stage version of the classic 1967 film starring Julie Andrews will have you bouncing and tapping your way out of the theatre. Come with Millie as she dives into the exciting big city life of 1920s New York, determined to become a success… even if it means marrying for money!

Fast becoming a modern favourite, this entertaining and colourful romp, full of thrilling musical numbers and dance routines is a must see for the whole family.

Dates
Evenings Thursday 9, Saturday11, Wednesday 15, Friday 17, Sunday 19 September at 7.30pm
Matinee Sunday 12 and Saturday 18 September at 2.00pm

Tickets
Adults $32, Concession $25, Students and Friends of the Arts Academy $18, Arts Academy Students $6. Groups of 10+ $15.
Tickets available from MajesTix on 53335888
Tickets not available online.

 Wednesday 22 September, 11am & 1.30pm

Venue Anglican Diocesan Centre Ballarat

Produced by Terrapin Puppet Theatre

 In Jof's life at sea, he would lose three boats, tie a million knots and make one amazing friend.

 Jof is born on the waves, in a crow's nest. From the youngest age, he finds he possesses the sailor's craft, of knot tying. When a huge storm destroys the boat and leaves his parents working in a circus, Jof returns to the sea, learning from the greatest fisherman of all, Okinawa Yukio.

 Upon Yukio's death, he leaves everything to his pupil. But sometimes boats don't want to be given, and Jof is shipwrecked again, on an island with poor Nicholas, who has lived on land but dreamt of the sea.

 With his new friend, Jof begins the journey home, using knots to solve problems, songs to lift spirits, and a message in a bottle to remind him of the beautiful harpist, Eliza Turk.

Director Kate Gaul
Composer Daryl Wallis

Tickets $18, Group 10+ $15

Saturday 25 September - Saturday 2 October

Venue SMB Courthouse Theatre , Lydiard Street South

Produced by Ballarat National Theatre Inc 

'Home-decorator falls to death from third floor window'… tragic, yes, but surely just a straightforward case of accidental death? Eager young Detective Sergeant Goss certainly thinks so but the old warhorse Detective Inspector Tindall has his doubts. If he is right, who are the 'suspects'?

Cast includes Fred Fargher, Pamela Maiden, Peppa Sindar, John Daykin and Emil Freund.

Dates:
Evenings - Saturday 25 September, Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 September & Friday 1 October, 8pm
Matinees - Sunday 26 September & Saturday 2 October, 2pm

Tickets
Adult $20, Concession $17, Member, Student and Group[ (10+) $14 

Tuesday 9 November, 2pm

Venue Her Majesty's Theatre

One of Australia's most enduring and recognised talents is undoubtedly the amazing Denise Drysdale. Her career has touched the lives of millions, via varied media, including television, radio, stage, recording and live appearances.

Starting her career as Melbourne's most famous Go Go dancer, followed by appearances alongside greats like Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton, Don Lane and Ernie Sigley, she starred in her own successful show, which ran for four years.

Denise then joined Frankie J Holden, on Channel 9's 'In Melbourne Tonight' for the next two years. This led to an invitation from Channel 7 to host her own show, which was also hugely successful and ran for four years.

Denise is now kept busy with personal appearances Australia-wide in clubs, hotels, casinos and corporate events. Her humour ensures that audiences of all age groups leave every show absolutely delighted!

Tickets All tickets $18, Group (10+) $15 - call the Box Office on 5333 5888 to discuss your group booking.
Add $1.40 for online tickets.

Tuesday 9 November, 8pm

Venue Her Majesty's Theatre

Produced by A-List Entertainment

Packed theatre? Relax. I'll handle this. You just sit back and do what you do best - listen, laugh and look good. Luckily for us, I've been in this situation before, and although it's never easy, it's nothing a nearly entirely new hour of classics won't handle! And remember friend, if things get too dicey out there, I can always whip out my guitar.

Arj Barker is back…….

Barker who won the coveted Perrier Best Newcomer Award in 1997 has firmly established himself as one of the golden boys on the international comedy circuit. He performed massive sell out seasons this year at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, followed by a four month tour around regional Australia. Arj Barker is the Hot ticket !

Arj has made numerous appearances on late night talk shows, including the Letterman and Conan O'Brian shows, as well as starring in his own Comedy Central half hour special on the HBO. He is a favourite on Australian TV having appeared in Thank God You're Here, Rove, Spicks & Specks, Good News Week, 7pm Project and Talkin 'Bout Your Generation.

Arj also stars as "Dave" in Seasons 1 & 2 of the HBO Smash Hit "Flight of the Concords". Australia's adopted son of comedy is back by popular demand! Get in quick. This is world-class comedy.

www.arjbaker.com

Tickets Adults $44.90  Conc. $39.90 Child 16U $39.90. Add $1.40 for online tickets.

Thursday 18 November, 8pm

Venue Her Majesty's Theatre

Produced by Peace Train Entertainment

Back in the 70s, Cat Stevens was the ultimate rock star. Talented, charismatic, with a seemingly endless succession of beautiful melodies streaming from his imagination, the international singing star had everything. But he wanted more out of life. So at the height of his career he shocked the world by taking his last bow. The music stopped and Cat Stevens was no more.

Darren Coggan presents a show about the man who so inspired him, recreating the sights and sounds, seeking out the man in the music and telling the story behind the songs.

Then, of course, there is the music. Hear twenty-three hits sung with remarkable authenticity by one of Australia’s most exciting young artists, backed by a high-energy band. From ‘Moonshadow’, to ‘Remember The Days Of The Old School Yard’, ‘Lady D’Arbanville’, ‘Sad Lisa’, ‘Father & Son’ and ‘Peace Train’, Darren Coggan traces the path of a man who never stopped wondering about how to make the world a better place.

Director John Saunders
Musical director Naomi Coggan
Photograph: Les Smith

Door prices Adult $45, Concession $41, Child/Youth/Student $28. Group prices available, contact box office for more information.
Season prices Adult $41, Concession $37, Child/Youth/Student $24.
Add $1.40 for online tickets.

Monday 22 November, 8pm

Venue Her Majesty's Theatre

Produced by Taikoz

‘Taiko’ is the Japanese word for ‘drum’ and TaikOz is Australia’s leading taiko drumming group. However, a TaikOz performance is more than just the beating of drums: it incorporates a complete world of drumming, song and dance that on the one hand harks back to ancient Buddhist and Shinto rituals and on the other, is a reflection of contemporary musical life, irrespective of nationality.

While once a uniquely Japanese art form, its transformation into an international language is a recent phenomenon and one in which TaikOz is very much at the forefront.

Blessings of the Earth features the full range of TaikOz’s dynamic taiko drums – including the 250kg ôdaiko Grand Drum – as well as a 'Solo' dance, Solo from 'Kaidan: A Ghost Story', choreographed by the internationally acclaimed Meryl Tankard. The performance also features beautiful melodies for the bamboo flutes, as well as traditional and contemporary songs. As with all TaikOz performances, Blessings of the Earth can be enjoyed by all ages.

TaikOz has established a unique performance aesthetic that is on the one hand boldly dynamic and stunningly dramatic, and the other, meditative, mesmerising, graceful and refined. A TaikOz performance is not just for the ears and the eyes, but is felt throughout the entire body. It is a truly visceral experience.

Door prices Adult $46.50, Concession $41.50, Child/Youth/Student $32.50. Group prices available, contact box office for more information.
Season prices Adult $42.50, Concession $37.50, Child/Youth/Student $28.50.
Add $1.40 for online tickets.

An 80-page journey through the story of one of Australia's most historic theatres by Peter Freund with Val Sarah.

It provides some fascinating glimpses into Ballarat's rich theatre history, from its early years as the Academy of Music until 1985 when the Royal South Street Society gifted the building to the people of Ballarat. The story since its renovation and re-opening in 1990 is told in the words of those who have been closely involved in the life of the theatre.

Price $20. Online $22.