Season set to soar in 2019

With a new year comes an exciting new program for the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) featuring iconic Australian actors, international hits, hometown heroes and astonishing acrobatics for its 2019 Deakin University Theatre Season.

On November 29, GPAC held a circus themed event, hosted by Geelong’s own Simon Gleeson and Natalie O’Donnell, who took to The Playhouse stage to launch the 2019 program in front of a 400-strong crowd.

GPAC chief executive officer Joel McGuinness urged theatre-goers to take the opportunity to come together and explore new ideas.

“I believe that the energy and dynamism of live performance brings people together, as well as providing context for sharing and being part of a creative community,” he said.

“The theatre program we are presenting in 2019 truly offers something for everyone – families, music fans, theatre lovers and anyone seeking a great night out or just to connect with like-minded people.”

The season opens in February with the acclaimed company Bangarra Dance Theatre returning with the incredible multi-Helpmann Award winning Bennelong; internationally renowned act Circus Oz will follow with their brilliantly choreographed new show Precarious.

Australia’s best and most-loved theatre companies will also return to Geelong; Ensemble Theatre with Diplomacy, starring theatre legends John Bell and John Gaden; Watch This with Sunday in the Park with George; and State Theatre Company of South Australia with the hilarious The 39 Steps.

A highlight will be the one-man play Scaramouche Jones starring acclaimed actor Colin Friels, returning to Geelong for the first time since the sell-out 2012 production of Death of a Salesman.

Geelong’s internationally renowned Back to Back Theatre will present a new production The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes, in its premiere outing before a huge run of festivals and international touring.

To spice things up will be the very funny and heartbreakingly beautiful international hit Guru of Chai from New Zealand-based Indian Ink Theatre Co.

Rounding out the 2019 season, GPAC has two exciting musical add-ons; Music and Heart – starring Simon Gleeson and Natalie O’Donnell, and Lady Beatle celebrating a new take on the fabulous music of the Beatles.

Theatre Season packages of five or more shows are now available, saving up to 25 per cent off the full adult ticket price.

For more information and bookings go to gpac.org.au.