World class shows added to 2024 program

Country Arts SA has announced additional shows in its 2024 arts program, with a raft of quality performances set to be part of the regional program.

The original program was announced by Minister for the Arts Andrew Michaels in October last year in Naracoorte, with highlights including First Nations dance company Bangarra, performing their new show Yuldea and the State Theatre Company of South Australia and Brink Production’s Symphonie of the Bicycle.

With the release of the remainder of the 2024 calendar, Country Arts SA has honoured its commitment to bringing world class productions to the regions.

Country Arts S’s 2024 sees them bringing emerging and recognised artists to regional based venues to foster the opportunity of showcasing national and international artists to these communities.

Country Arts SA chief executive Anthony Peluso said Country Arts SA strives to bring artists from all disciplines to regional areas and our 2024 program is no different.

“We are pleased to announce new performances from the likes of the Australian Chamber Orchestra with their show How to Catch a Star, and Marcia Hines who will be touring her Still Shining 50th Anniversary Concert Tour,” he said. “Our full 2024 program is reflective of our ongoing mission to celebrate the dynamic culture of our regional communities and bring world class artists to Country Arts SA’s stages, and we could not be more excited for it.”

The additions to the program coming to Limestone Coast venues include Marcia Hine’s Still Shining 50th Anniversary Concert Tour, a show that is from the early days of Fire and Rain to the Discotheque album and all the way through to the 2022 release of The Gospel According to Marcia, with each performance encapsulating Marcia’s extraordinary vocal range and recording career.

Minister for the Arts, Andrea Michaels said the community look to the arts for inspiration, entertainment and at times simply as a distraction from our everyday lives.

“The arts matter wherever we are,” Minister Michaels said. “Country Arts SA increases access to the arts for regional South Australian communities and shares unique stories through high-standard art experiences. 2024 is going to be a wonderful year to experience art in every region in South Australia.”

2024 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: 

Stringy Bark Quartet (Robe)

In this intimate show, The Stringybark Quartet, known for their diverse repertoire, will take you on a musical adventure spanning classical, folk, pop and new music genres. Violinist, performer, and composer Belinda Gehlert will be joined on stage by violinist Emma Perkins, violist Linda Garret and cellist Gemma Phillips, who together will weave an evening of rich harmonies and soulful melodies, transporting audiences to another place and time.

Symphonie of the Bicycle Presented by State Theatre Company South Australia and Country Arts SA (Mount Gambier and Bordertown)

Written by and starring Hew Parcham, this gem of a show weave together a series of outrageous characters and stories across time and space in an absurdly hysterical, yet ultimately moving portrait of the quest for glory and heroism.

The Paper Boats with Country Arts SA presents Seven Little Wonders Mount Gambier – SOLD OUT)

Live music, interactive lighting and immersive video projection engages audiences you and old in a spellbinding story celebrating the power of art and creation.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra and Country Arts SA presents How to Catch a Star (Mount Gambier)

Based on the book by international best-selling author Oliver Jeffers, this magical tale about reaching for dreams will take you on a journey from awe and wonder, through perseverance to triumph. Featuring exquisite new music by Elena Kats-Chernin, How to Catch a Star will leave audiences of all ages filled with hope and optimism.

Bangarra Dance Theatre – Yuldea (Mount Gambier)

Frances Rings’ first work as Artistic Director is a ceremonial affirmation of history and heritage. Yuldea awakens the earth and sky worlds to tell the story of the Aṉangu people of the Great Victorian Desert.

Yuldea explores the moment traditional life collided with the industrial ambition of a growing nation. In 1917, the two halves of the Transcontinental Railway met at the precious water soak on the edge of the Nullarbor, Yuldi Kapi.

Band of SA Police

Enjoy spending the morning with Australia’s oldest police band. Enjoy their extensive repertoire of classic and sing-a-longs. It’s the perfect way to wrap up 2024 for the young and the young-at-heart. Bring the whole family as this show promises to be a musical treat for everyone!

Showing at: Renmark, Noarlunga, Port Pirie, Whyalla, Victor Harbour and Mount Gambier

Marcia Hines Still Shining the 50th Anniversary Concert Tour (Mount Gambier)

The 50th Anniversary Concert Tour – Australia’s beloved musical treasure, with a career spanning five amazing decades, will be returning to Regional Australia in 2024! Accompanied by her musicians and production crew, each performance will be a celebration of the extraordinary output of this legendary Australian.

Patch Theatre and Gravity & Other Myths Presents I Wish…(Mount Gambier)

I Wish… is an exciting collaboration between Patch Theatre and renowned South Australian circus company, Gravity & Other Myths. Through physical theatre, stunning visuals and a healthy dose of humour, explore our differences to reveal the magic of individuality.

Windmill Theatre Company presents Grug (Millicent)

Once the top of a Burrawang tree fell to the ground. Then the grassy top began to change. It became Grug! Stunning design and beautiful live puppetry combine to bring Ted Prior’s iconic picture book character to the stage in a smash-hit production that sees audience join Grug on some of his most exciting adventures.

French Film Festival (Mount Gambier)

Featuring: A Chance to Win; A Difficult Year; Divertimento; Jeanne du Barry; Mr. Blake at Your Service!; Nature of Love; The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan; The Three Musketeers: Milady

The full 2024 program including newly announced shows is on sale and available now. For further information and ticket sales for all shows, please visit the Country Arts SA website: https://www.countryarts.org.au/