May

Friday May 15

CONCERT: The Embrace of Fire- Tom Healey (organ/ piano), Helen Seymour (mezzo soprano) Featuring the stunning Embrace of Fire by Lebanese/French composer Naji Hakim plus the first performances of an organ work by Michael Hannan and the song cycle Across the Wetland  (poetry by Helen Seymour who is the vocal soloist). Also works by Widor, Melanie Bonis, Bach, Franck and Anna Lapwood. 7.30pm in St Paul’s Anglican Church, LaTrobe Terrace. Tickets $20 cash or card at the door. 

Saturday May 16

EVENT: BackTrack – The Great Aussie Rock Trivia Show hosted by Issue Dye. You’re invited to get a team together for a nostalgic trip through Australia’s music history. 8.00pm in the Potato Shed theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $45, $40, $25 (under 25) book at bellarineartscentre.com

Sunday May 17

CONCERT: From The Mountains To The Sea featuring Geelong musicians Brighid Mantelli, flute; Olivier Bonnici, violin; Jenny Ingram, viola: Allister Cox, clarinet; Sonoka Miyake, piano, Regina Thomae, piano. Performing works by Bruch, Schubert, Schoenberg, Fuchs and Reinecke. 3.00pm at All Saints’ Anglican Church, Noble Street, Newtown. Tickets $35, $30 (Concession) children free at trybooking or at the door.

May 22 – June 7

MUSICAL: Beauty And The Beast – The Broadway Musical directed by James Lee for Geelong Lyric Theatre Society. A live-on-stage version of Disney’s animated film with its memorable songs. 7.30pm in The Play House at Geelong Arts Centre. Tickets $59.90, $55.90, $49.90 (child) at Geelong Arts Centre

Saturday May 23

TOUR: Reyna’s HERStory women’s tour of Geelong returns after a successful opening. Conducted by Reyna Hudgell, her tours aim to redress the imbalance that history is invariably told from a male perspective. Reyna’s HERStory walking tours take an hour as they outline Geelong women’s input into our City’s history. They cost $20, start 11am of the steps of the Old Town Hall in Gheringhap St – and numbers are limited. Book through trybooking.com

Saturday May 30

PLAY: Red Sky Morning written by Tom Holloway for Theatre Works. A masterpiece of writing that explores the fragility of family bonds and life in regional Australia. 8.00pm in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $45, $40, $25 (under 25) book at bellarineartscentre.com

June

Wednesday June 3

MORNING CONCERT: Opera & Classics in Concert featuring Guiseppina Grech. 11.00am in the Play House at Geelong Arts Centre. Tickets $30.00, (conc) $26.00 (group 10+) from Geelong Arts Centre

June 4 – 13

PLAY: War Of The Worlds by Howard E Koch – the 1938 classic Orson Welles radio play staged by Torquay Theatre Troupe, directed by Sue Rawkins with the Bellarine Big Band. 8.00pm (2.00pm Sunday matinee, 5.00pm Saturday 13th) in Torquay’s Shoestring Playhouse.Tickets $30 from Humanitix

Thursday June 4

MORNING CONCERT: featuring Coady Green and Ricardo Roche Idini on piano, with a 1 hour programme of classical beauty. 11.00am at Barwon Heads Arts Hub, 5, Clifford Parade. Tickets $25.00, $10.00 (under 18) from https://www.trybooking.com/eventlist/bellarineclassics?embed

until June 7

MUSICAL: Beauty And The Beast – The Broadway Musical directed by James Lee for Geelong Lyric Theatre Society. A live-on-stage version of Disney’s animated film with its memorable songs. 7.30pm in The Play House at Geelong Arts Centre. Tickets $59.90, $55.90, $49.90 (child) at Geelong Arts Centre

June 11 – 13

PLAY: The Glass Menagerie Melbourne Theatre Company bring a touring version of Tennessee Williams’ classic play starring Alison With. 7.30pm in the Arts Centre’s Play House. Tickets $119.00, $107.00, $101.00 – $30 for under 30s from Geelong Arts Centre

Friday June 12

PLAY: Shoelace Chaser written by Madeleine Nunn for Melbourne Theatre Company for Theatre Works. A 17-year-old caring for her mother is barely holding things together. 1.00pm in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $25, book at bellarineartscentre.com

CONCERT: Konstantin Chambray (piano) plays works by Frederic Chopin, Dmitri Shostakovich, Samual Barber, brought by Geelong Chamber Music Society 7.30pm in McAuley Hall, Sacred Heart College, Aphasia St, Newtown. Tickets $45, $55, Children $10 or save with subscription package. Full details at http://www.geelongchamber.org

June 19, 20

ONE ACT PLAYS: Winter Solstice from Theatre 3triple2. For more than 18 years the Bellarine Arts Centre hs marked the shortest day of the year with two original one act plays, winter warmth and mulled wine. The tradition continues 7.30pm Friday, 2.00pm and 7.30pm Saturday in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $33 ($30 conc) book at bellarineartscentre.com

Tuesday June 23

MORNING CONCERT: Better Be Good To Me; TheAustralian Tina Turner Show from Issy Dye Productions. Michelle Gee brings a large dose of Tina talent and energy to the Bellarine Arts Centre for its Morning Showtime. 10.30am in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. All tickets $22 include refreshments. Book at bellarineartscentre.com

June 26 – July 11

PLAY: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark, directed by Greg Shawcross for Geelong Repertory Theatre Company. Set against the backdrop of the 21st century, William Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece remains a powerful revenge tragedy which examines doubt, corruption and justice.. 7.30pm in the Woodbin Theatre, Geelong West. Tickets $35.00, $33.00, $29.00 from Geelong Arts Centre

July

Thursday July 2

MORNING CONCERT: The Revelation Of A Great Artist featuring Mark Kruger on piano, a classical 1 hour programme delight. 11.00am at Barwon Heads Arts Hub, 5, Clifford Parade. Tickets $25.00, $10.00 (under 18) from https://www.trybooking.com/eventlist/bellarineclassics?embed

July 4 – 11

PLAY: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark, directed by Greg Shawcross for Geelong Repertory Theatre Company. Set against the backdrop of the 21st century, William Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece remains a powerful revenge tragedy which examines doubt, corruption and justice.. 7.30pm in the Woodbin Theatre, Geelong West. Tickets $35.00, $33.00, $29.00 from Geelong Arts Centre

Wednesday July 8

MORNING CONCERT: James Bond Classics featuring Geelong favourite singer Shandelle Cooke singing the movie anthems. 11.00am in the Play House at Geelong Arts Centre. Tickets $30.00, (conc) $26.00 (group 10+) from Geelong Arts Centre

July 10, 11

MUSICAL: Life, Oh Life featuring Gillian Cosgriff’s unique blend of songs, stand-up and (entirely voluntary) audience participation. 7.30pm in Geelong Arts Centre’s Open House, tickets $35, $32, $30 from Geelong Arts Centre

Tuesday July 14

MORNING CONCERT: Her Voice – Australian Women In Song presented by Colin Mockett with Jocelyn Mackay, Reyna Hudgell and Sonoka Miyake on piano. This programme of beautiful music, from classical to modern opera to popular was selected to define and reflect the status, roles and struggles of women in our society. The songs are explained by Colin, and performed by three brilliant women. 10.30am at the Potato Shed theatre in Bellarine Arts Centre. All seats at concession rate $22 include interval refreshments. Book at geelongaustralia.com.au

July 17, 18

PLAY: Gunawarra Re-Creation brought by Ilbijerri Theatre Company – Murrun has returned to the watering hole – the same one Auntie Aggie used to take her to…. 7.30pm in the Arts Centre’s Story House. Tickets $59.00, $53.00, $50.00 $30 for under 30s from Geelong Arts Centre

Friday July 24

CONCERT: Aura Go (piano) Rachel Bullen (oboe) & Matthew Kneale (bassoon) play works by Francis Poulenc, Amy Beach, Valerie Coleman and Ludwig van Beethoven; brought by Geelong Chamber Music Society 7.30pm in McAuley Hall, Sacred Heart College, Aphasia St, Newtown. Tickets $45, $55, Children $10. Full details at http://www.geelongchamber.org

Saturday July 25

COMEDY: Women of Wit Touring group of female comics arrive at the Bellarine Arts Centre for a happy night of laughter. 8.00pm in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $45, $40, $25 (under 25) book at bellarineartscentre.com

August

PLAY: One Strange Night in the Jumbuck Hotel – a comedy of horrors by Ethan Cook directed by Glen Barton for Torquay Theatre Troupe. 8.00pm in Torquay’s Shoestring Playhouse. Dates, details tbc.

August 12 – 15

PLAY: The Lark starring Noni Hazelhurst – a powerful one-woman meditation on life, death and change. 7.30pm (2.00pm matinee) in the Arts Centre’s Story House. Tickets $79.00, $71.00, $67.00 $30 for under 30s from Geelong Arts Centre

Tuesday August 18

MORNING CONCERT: The music of Judith Durham & The Seekers from Issy Dye Productions. Lesley Martin brings the Judith magic to the Bellarine Arts Centre for its Morning Showtime. 10.30am in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. All tickets $22 include refreshments. Book at bellarineartscentre.com

Friday August 28

CONCERT: Judith Dodsworth (soprano) & Joy Lee (piano) perform works by Samual Barber, Ottorino Respighi, Lori Laitman, Benjamin Britten & Lee Hoiby; brought by Geelong Chamber Music Society 7.30pm in McAuley Hall, Sacred Heart College, Aphasia St, Newtown. Tickets $45, $55, Children $10. Full details at http://www.geelongchamber.org

August 28, 29

DANCE: Swallow a contemporary dance work by Wiradjuri artist Joel Bray about the intimate ritual of discovering your totem. 7.30pm in Geelong Arts Centre’s Open House, tickets $35, $32, $30 from Geelong Arts Centre

September

MUSICAL: Ride the Cyclone presented by Geelong’s Theatre Of The Damned some time in September, date TBA. The 2009 darkly comedic musical follows six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir who compete to return to life after a rollercoaster accident. The show’s witty songs and unique, uplifting storyline has earned it cult status. Watch this site for more info when available.

September 4 – 19

PLAY: Calendar Girls, directed by Debbie Fraser for Geelong Repertory Theatre Company. Set in the Yorkshire dales, this feel-good story surrounds Annie and her best friend Chris’s efforts to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room by publishing a calendar. 7.30pm (2.00pm matinee) in the Woodbin Theatre, Geelong West. Tickets $35.00, $33.00, $29.00 from Geelong Arts Centre

Sunday September 6

FESTIVAL: Geelong Folk Festival revived by the Geelong Folk Music Club and presented in a single day at the Geelong West Town Hall. Headlined by Nick Charles, Fiona Ross, Seal Prince and the Roof Rats and featuring a host of artists including Mickey & Michelle, Milk, Photojenix, Shona Williams, Velvet Sledgehammer, Apolline, Bellarine Banshees, Carl Dickens, Wintersong, The Chooks, The Drongo and The Crow, Jacob Boots & Jill Meehan and family. Tickets $73, $68 Club members, $180 family, $107 single parent family, $40 teenager, Children free from trybooking.com

Tuesday September 8

MORNING CONCERT: Tom Lehrer Remembered presented by Colin Mockett with Kym Dillon. A morning session with the world’s finest satirical songs to set up your day. Whether you’re Poisoning Pigeons In The Park, doing the Vatican Rag or The Masochism Tango, Be Prepared for a morning of sparkling laughter and Lehrer magic. 10.30am at the Potato Shed theatre in Bellarine Arts Centre. All seats at concession rate $22 include interval refreshments. Book at geelongaustralia.com.au

Saturday September 12

COMEDY: Dane Simpson – Always Was, Always Will Be… Funny!
A wisecracking first-nation funny bugger arrives at the Bellarine Arts Centre for a happy night of laughter. 8.00pm in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $45, $40, $25 (under 25) book at bellarineartscentre.com

September 12, 13

EVENT: POV from re:group performance collective. A kid with a camera, two adults, no rehearsal – a dramatic cine-theatre experience. 7.30pm in Geelong Arts Centre’s Open House, tickets $35, $32, $30 from Geelong Arts Centre

October

PLAY: Rules For Living – a comedy by Sam Holcroft directed by Michael Baker for Torquay Theatre Troupe. 8.00pm in Torquay’s Shoestring Playhouse. Dates, details tbc.

October 8 – 17

PLAY: Strong Is The New Pretty from the Sydney Theatre Company and Brisbane Festival – the story of the birth of the AFLW. Tickets $119.00, $107.00, $101.00 – $30 for under 30s from Geelong Arts Centre

Tuesday October 13

MORNING CONCERT: The Neil Diamond Tribute Show from Issy Dye Productions. Award-winning Garry Johns brings a drama of Diamond’s ballads to the Bellarine Arts Centre for its Morning Showtime. 10.30am in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. All tickets $22 include refreshments. Book at bellarineartscentre.com

Saturday October 17

THEATRE: Sea Wolves Howl 60% Water and Cluster Arts. Based around a group of women and gender-fluid people who meet every morning on the beach to hold hands, howl like wolves then plunge into the sea. 8.00pm in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $45, $40, $25 (under 25) book at bellarineartscentre.com

Wednesday October 21

MORNING CONCERT: They Played At Carnegie Hall featuring Bernadette Robinson with songs from Edith Piaf, Maria Callas, Judy Garland and many more. 11.00am in the Play House at Geelong Arts Centre. Tickets $30.00, (conc) $26.00 (group 10+) from Geelong Arts Centre

Saturday October 24

CONCERT: Beethoven Revealed brought by Geelong Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Davis and featuring Trio Anima Mundi. Includes Egmont Op. 84, Triple Concerto Op 56, and Symphony No 4, OP 601.. 5.00pm in the Costa Hall. Tickets available from Geelong Arts Centre

Saturday October 31

EVENT: Spookfest Halloween takes over the the Bellarine Arts Centre from 11.00am to 3.00pm at a family event in and around the Theatre and surrounds. Tickets $5, (some events are ticketed separately) find details and book at bellarineartscentre.com

November

November 6, 7

PLAY: Macbeth directed by Peter Evans for the Bell Shakespeare Company. Compelling and moving classic tale. 7.00pm (1.30pm matinee) in the Arts Centre’s Play House. Tickets $69.00, $62.00, $59.00 – $30 for under 30s from Geelong Arts Centre

Tuesday November 10

MORNING CONCERT: The CHUCK BERRY Story presented by Colin Mockett & the region’s top rock Group All Shook Up! From Roll Over Beethoven to Brown Eyed Handsome Man to Memphis Tennessee and so many more, Chuck was a rocking hit factory with works that have lasted 60 years. Now he’s literally out of this world, as you will hear as Colin explains his story. 10.30am at the Potato Shed theatre in Bellarine Arts Centre. All seats at concession rate $22 include interval refreshments. Book at geelongaustralia.com.au

Saturday November 21

CONCERT: GRRRL POWER harnesses the musical aural and visual energy of iconic female groups. Hits and anthems from the Supremes to the Spice Girls, 8.00pm in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $45, $40, $25 (under 25) book at bellarineartscentre.com

Friday November 27

CONCERT: Melbourne Chamber Orchestra with Blair Harris (cello) perform works by Ottorino Respighi, Alice Humphries, Perr Vasks, Josef Suk; brought by Geelong Chamber Music Society 7.30pm in McAuley Hall, Sacred Heart College, Aphasia St, Newtown. Tickets $45, $55, Children $10.
Full details at http://www.geelongchamber.org

December

Wednesday December 2

MORNING CONCERT: Mistletoe Melodies featuring Tamara Kuldin and her Merry Little Big Band with a jazzy, swinging Christmas. 11.00am in the Play House at Geelong Arts Centre. Tickets $30.00, (conc) $26.00 (group 10+) from Geelong Arts Centre

Saturday December 12

ONE ACT PLAYS: hosted by Theatre 3triple2. Twelve original one act plays, on the twelfth of the twelfth. Another tradition continues at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Two performances, 2.00pm and 7.00pm in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $33 ($30 conc) book at bellarineartscentre.com

Tuesday December 15

MORNING CONCERT: Choose Your Own Christmas Adventure Hold on to your Santa hats – for Queenie van de Zandt is powering Christmas cheer into the Bellarine Arts Centre for its Morning Showtime. 10.30am in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. All tickets $22 include refreshments. Book at bellarineartscentre.com

Friday December 18

CELEBRATION: Christmas on the Bellarine This new event promises an evening of Christmas cheer with live music, kids activities and traditional carols. 6.00pm in the Potato Shed Theatre at the Bellarine Arts Centre. Tickets $5, book at bellarineartscentre.com