More delightful matinees

Daytime performance program Delightful Days & Matinees will again bring some of Australia’s best-loved performers to Geelong in 2024.

Following the finale performance of the 2023 Delightful Days & Matinees series, Becoming Eliza, on November 24, Geelong Arts Centre has announced next year’s program.

Comprising six performances scheduled from February to December, Delightful Days & Matinees is committed to engaging and connecting with audiences of all ages who prefer to visit Geelong Arts Centre during the day.

It will continue to foster opportunities for social connection and high-quality theatre experiences.

On February 14, acclaimed Australian jazz vocalist Tamara Kuldin and an ensemble of the country’s finest jazz musicians will open the 2024 program and take audiences on an intimate and sentimental journey through Doris Day’s most treasured songs with Dear Doris.

Acclaimed entertainers Amelia Ryan, Michaela Burger and Michael Griffith will shine on April 17 in Simply Brill; a joyous, triumphant and awe-inspiring celebration of the songwriters who transformed 1960s rock ‘n’ roll forever.

Having received an Olivier Awards nomination for Songs for Nobodies in 2019, Bernadette Robinson takes the stage on June 5 with The Songs of Judy Garland; a special concert sharing the classic tunes, and hilarious and heartbreaking anecdotes from the extraordinary life of this legendary artist.

Long-time Australian jazz favourites The Syncopators return to Geelong Arts Centre on July 31 with a very special concert to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

October 9 will see The Dancin Man hit The Play House stage; Luke Alleva’s all-singing, all-dancing, one-man show celebrating the men of song and dance that graced us on stage and screen, from Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire to The Nicholas Brothers and Sammy Davis Jr.

Finally, as the 2024 festive season approaches, join Australian star of stage and screen Lucy Durack for A Merry Little Christmas with Lucy Durack. Full of much-loved Christmas classics for the whole family to sing along to, ring in the holiday season with all-time favourites such as “Silent Night”, “All I Want for Christmas”, and “O Holy Night”.

“We are thrilled to launch our Delightful Days & Matinees program for 2024,” Geelong Arts Centre head of programming Penny McCabe said.

“We’re rolling out the red carpet to welcome back our daytime audiences to experience high calibre acts in our brand new arts centre.”

All 2024 Delightful Days & Matinees performances will take place at The Play House at Geelong Arts Centre at 11am.

Theatre-lovers are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and morning tea treats ahead of the show.

Geelong Arts Centre’s Delightful Days & Matinees program is supported by the Victorian government through Creative Victoria, major artistic partner Deakin University, and innovation partner Costa Asset Management.

Bookings can be made online at geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/delightful-days-matinees-2024, or by phoning the box office on 1300 251 200 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.