Merrigong Theatre Company

Merrigong News

• 11 Jan 2012

  Position vacant: Production Coordinator (full time)

  We seek a full-time Production Co-ordinator to assist in managing the operational and technical facilities of the Performing Arts Centre.

  Applicants will have experience in stage craft including lighting, sound, flying, rigging and a strong understanding of the needs and requirements of a range of stage presentations and events. Production and technical experience, and exceptional communication and leadership skills are required.

  Please call 4224 5920 or email mcarolan@merrigong.com.au for a full position description.  Applications close at 5pm on Monday 23 January.

   

• 30 Nov 2011

  Christmas/New Year box office closure... and the perfect gift idea!

  
  
  The holiday season is almost upon us! And we've got just the thing for those of you with fussy friends and family, or the partner who has everything. Our Gift Certificates make your Christmas gift giving easy, and are bound to please recipients of all ages and tastes because they can be used to purchase tickets to any show or package at IPAC. This includes theatre shows, stand-up comedy, ballet, contemporary dance, musical performances, opera, touring acts and more! Visit IPAC's box office, call (02) 4224 5999, or click here to buy online.
  
  Our box office will be closed from 5pm on Friday December 23, reopening 9am Tuesday January 3, but tickets and gift vouchers will still be available for sale online during that period.

• 11 Nov 2011

  Position vacant: Marketing Coordinator (full time)

  We seek an outstanding, super-organised full time Marketing Coordinator to deliver the marketing and communication activities of the Centre. Applicants should have excellent communication & administration skills, copy writing skills, advanced computer skills, and the ability to manage time and multiple projects effectively.

  The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in marketing and/or communications, experience in planning and delivering printed materials and direct marketing campaigns, excellent organisational and time management skills and excellent communication skills.

  Please call Melanie Carolan on 4224 5920 or email mcarolan@merrigong.com.au for a full position description. Applications close Friday 25 November.

• 03 Nov 2011

  Blaze Project Gets Ready For The Showing

  The Blaze development continues. The most recent member of the team is Drayton Morley
  Click here to see Draytons blog.

• 02 Nov 2011

  Blaze Project Member Alicia Battestini Discusses Her Character

  Alicia Battestini discusses her character in the Blaze project showing on Friday 4 November 2011.
  Click here to see Alicias blog.

• 01 Nov 2011

  Blaze Project Development Continues

  Since late 2010, two actors from Altogether Drama (Philllip Prentice and Rachel Murphy) and local professional actors (Alicia Battestini and Drayton Morley) have been working under the direction of Anne-Louise Rentell (Merrigong's Artistic Associate) to create a new theatre work. The project has also called on skills of other local professional artists- digtal artist Toby Knyvett and circus director Jane Davis. 
  Click here to see Rachels blog.  

• 31 Oct 2011

  Blaze Project Development

  Over the past few years, Merrigong has collaborated with the Illawarra Disability Trust to run a series of mixed abilities workshops, putting performers from Altogether Drama (the Trust's established drama group) together with members of the local professional performing arts community to create strong development opportunites for all participants.
  Out of this collaboration has grown a desire to develop both an artistic and professional theatre outcome.
  Click here to see Philips blog.

   

• 24 Oct 2011

  Position Vacant: Front of House Manager (Casual)

  We seek a casual Front of House Manager to ensure the smooth running of the Front of House department during performances and events, ensure adherence to OH&S regulations Front of House, to assist in box office and to enhance the experience of IPAC patrons while providing a high level of customer service. The successful applicant will have Front of House or customer relations experience, experience in bar management or service, a current RSA, cash handling and reconciliation skills. A working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word and Excel) is essential. Previous experience in the performing arts industry, knowledge of OH&S regulations and a current Senior First Aid accreditation are desirable.

   

  For further information and a position description please contact:

  Melanie Carolan

  Ph: 02 4224 5920
  email: mcarolan@merrigong.com.au

   

  Applications must address the selection criteria and be received by close of business Friday 28th October 2011.

• 19 Sep 2011

  Theatre Development and Independent Artists update

  THEATRE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS COMING UP
  Our next Theatre Development Project will be co-developed by Merrigong and Emma Khourey on her piece, Miss Wollongong – Memoirs of a Pageant Princess. This piece incorporates circus skills and comedy, while we see Miss Wollongong recount her experience as the 'Princess of Steel' and her journey towards world peace in Wollongong.

  INDEPENDENT ARTISTS PROGRAM 2011
  In August, Building 25 presented their production of Anyone can edit…Phaedra in the Bob Peet Studio for two performances which were very well attended. The show went on to Under the Radar Festival in Brisbane and is also going to TINA in Newcastle. Expect more innovative and contemporary local product in 2012. Watch this space!

• 05 Jul 2011

  Merrigong Announces the Appointment of General Manager

  Merrigong Theatre Company today announced the appointment of Anne-Marie Heath to the newly created position of General Manager. With an operations and business development focus, Ms Heath will work closely with Merrigong’s Board of Directors and Artistic Director / CEO Simon Hinton in the further development of the Company over the next few years, following a period of significant growth for Merrigong.

   

  Mr Hinton said “We’re delighted that Anne-Marie is joining the company. She is a respected and experienced arts manager who brings a wealth of business and management skills to our team at a crucial time in its development”.

   

  With extensive experience in the arts industry, Ms Heath is currently the Manager of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre which has flourished under her leadership over the last four years. She has also held roles at various other arts companies including Kingston Arts Centre and Chapel off Chapel, both in Victoria.

   

  Ms Heath said “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with such a dynamic organisation and to being part of a team that continues the success and growth of Merrigong Theatre Company”.

   

  Anne-Marie will join the Merrigong team in September 2011.

• 29 Jun 2011

  New Works in Development at Merrigong Theatre Company

  Merrigong Theatre Company today announced the development of four new theatre works – two new plays that Merrigong is commissioning from Australian playwrights for possible future production, and two works by other theatre companies that Merrigong is supporting the development of.

  Merrigong Theatre Company is commissioning new work from acclaimed Australian playwrights Marcel Dorney (Fractions, New Royal, Thieves Like Us) and Mary Rachel Brown (The Dapto Chaser, Inside Out, Australian Gothic, National Security and the Art of Taxidermy). Vibrant and dynamic in both content and form, both works address the changing face of outer metropolitan/regional Australia, of which Wollongong is a part. Marcel Dorney’s Charcoal Creek is set in the late 1870s, when the region experienced one of the first incidents of violent resistance to new arrivals in the area by a group of colonists who attacked and burned their settlements. This later became known as the ‘Charcoal Creek Riots’. Marcel will draw on documentary evidence from research conducted by the Illawarra Historical Society for the work. A work-in-progress reading of Charcoal Creek will be presented at Merrigong’s Ruff! New Works in Progress in late July 2011. Mary Rachel Brown’s Continental Bathing tracks the history of Wollongong’s bathing culture from 1916, when Australia was at war and bathing was segregated, and ending in 1949, the year the bikini was legalised. Mary says of the work: “Not only does the play look at local bathing reforms, it examines the power of the sea. Against the tyranny of war and against all the odds, the ocean heals people. This play is a tribute to the emotional, physical and spiritual pull of the water. My ambition is to create a play that celebrates the Illawarra coastline. The work looks at the influence the coastal environment has had on the social history of Wollongong; it also provides a ripping roaring love story. A universal love story, but one bound by a sense of place.”

  Over the last few years Merrigong has been developing strong collaborative relationships with international partners, most recently co-producing a new touring version of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Funk it up About Nothin’ (with Richard Jordan Productions), which in 2011 toured throughout Australia and had seasons in Chicago and London. Merrigong will continue this international strategy by collaborating on the development of an exciting new work with our London-based international associate Richard Jordan, Glasgow-based Pachamama Productions and London’s Theatre Royal Stratford East. Glasgow Girls is a new work from award-winning director Cora Bissett (Roadkill). A brand new life-affirming musical, the work will tell the story of five girls who in Glasgow in 2005 took on the Scottish and English governments and, as a team, succeeded where politicians and adults failed. The girls were students at a high school in Glasgow, in a community that had learnt to accept the new wave of asylum seekers. Friendships had been built, bonds had formed and life seemed settled. That is until two families were ripped from their homes in Glasgow high rise flats and deported without warning in a dawn raid. This is not just a story about asylum seekers, but about young women becoming politically active and finding their voice. Merrigong's Artistic Associate Anne-Louise Rentell traveled to London in June 2011 to work as Assistant Director on the work's development at Theatre Royal Stratford East. Merrigong is excited to be able to support the development of this new work and to bring this incredible story to the stage. The work will have a work-in-progress presentation at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival.

  Closer to home, along with Malthouse Theatre and Griffin Theatre Company, Merrigong is supporting the development of Ride On Theatre's The Story of Mary MacLane - by Herself which will premiere in November at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre. More than one hundred years ago, The Story of Mary MacLane set America aflame. A shocking confessional from a 19-year old girl who refused to succumb to the corset-bound prudery of her age, Mary's scandalous memoir broke all the rules - and sold over 100,000 copies. Ride On Theatre's Bojana Novakovic and Tanya Goldberg will bring Mary's writings to the stage in a bold, quirky monologue for two, backed by original tunes written and performed by Tim Rogers (of You Am I fame), accompanied by musicians Dan Witton and Andy Baylor.

  Charcoal Creek will have a work-in-progress reading as part of Ruff! New Works in Progress at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre at 7pm on Saturday 30 July. For more information visit www.merrigong.com.au or call the box office on 4224 5999.

  As winner of the 2010 Edinburgh International Fringe Prize, Glasgow Girls will have two development showings at the Edinburgh International Festival on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 August. For more information visit www.eif.co.uk/fringeprize/glasgow-girls
  
  For more information on the girls who are the subject of this new work, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v+DdlQwZF-fXs to see the documentary made about them in 2005.

  The Story of Mary MacLane – by Herself plays Malthouse Theatre’s Beckett Theatre, Melbourne, 25 November – 11 December. For more information visit www.malthousetheatre.com.au or call the Malthouse box office on (03) 9685 5111

• 27 Jun 2011

  Talent Scout Recruits Former Drama Studio Student to Record an Album in L.A.

  Former Drama Studio student Nick Summerfield has been invited by the Australian Institute for Performing Arts (AIPA) to travel to Los Angeles, USA to write, rehearse and record an original eight-track album with a small hand-selected group of young performers.
  
  The project offers the young performers the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles in September to be coached by a world-renowned American vocal coach and create an album which will be professionally produced then distributed by an industry professional.
  
  Nick told of how the opportunity arose and of the valuable industry experience they’ll gain: “I put my music up on a casting website for actors, models and musicians, www.starnow.com and was just getting the odd shoot or short film. Then I received an email from AIPA [about the project].” 
  
  “There’ll be young singer/songwriters from around Australia going. We’ll do 14 nights in L.A. and 3 nights in Anaheim. We’ll work with some of the best singing teachers for the first few days, working on harmonies and stuff, and then we’ll go into production for about eight days.”
  
  “We’ll do a workshop in Disneyland and we'll be going to the Emmy's or Grammy’s and going backstage. We’ll be working with Ray Parker Jnr, who wrote the Ghostbusters song, and other famous people who've been in the industry for ages.”
  
  The album will be recorded and mixed in Los Angeles then mastered in London, with the tracks being made available for sale online and the profits distributed equally among the artists. AIPA says through this project, the young performers will develop an understanding of “how to get their music out into the industry without the possibility of it getting stolen, reproduced or in reality – ignored.”
  
  The Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC) is home to The Drama Studio, a dynamic drama school established in 1988 by Fiona Gabb-Finley. The Drama Studio offers drama classes for school students from Kindergarten through to Year 12 throughout the school year. For enquiries, please call Fiona on 0418 966748 or email dramastudio@bigpond.com
  
  Nick's EP Close Your Eyes is available to purchase at Redback Music in Wollongong and on iTunes.

• 20 Jun 2011

  Positions vacant: Artistic & Community Projects Coordinator and Marketing Manager

  Merrigong Theatre Co. manages one of Australia’s busiest and most dynamic regional venues, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong. It is also a vibrant theatre company in its own right, commissioning, producing and touring exciting contemporary theatre, and presenting an annual season of theatre, dance and children’s programming.

  Artistic and Community Projects Coordinator
  Merrigong Theatre Co is seeking an Artistic and Community Projects Coordinator to assist the Artistic team in programming, producing, facilitating and touring high quality performing arts product, and in the development and delivery of a community program. The successful applicant will have excellent communication and writing skills, experience in administration and demonstrated knowledge in computer systems. Previous short listed applicants will be considered and need not resubmit an application. Applications must address the selection criteria and be received by 5pm Friday 1 July, 2011.

   
  Marketing Manager
  We seek an outstanding marketing professional to lead our small marketing team. With extensive experience (preferably in the arts), you’ll continue to build our audiences and develop the Merrigong Theatre Co. brand through innovative, forward thinking marketing. Applications must address the selection criteria and be received by 5pm Monday 4 July, 2011.
  
  Full selection criteria and position descriptions are available from:

  Melanie Carolan

  Ph: 02 4224 5920

  Email: mcarolan@merrigong.com.au

• 10 Jun 2011

  Andy Aveling's final 'Untrained' rehearsal update

  
  
  Here we are, last warm up before the show. We've just found the goodies from the theatre in our dressing rooms. How cool is that! I've finally managed to remember enough of the dance to get me through I think. It's been an awesome experience and now I am really eager to put it all together in front of an audience.
  
  Andy

• 07 Jun 2011

  Andy Aveling & Malcolm Whittaker's 'Untrained' rehearsal update

  From Andy:
  
  Today we practiced the choreography a bit more before the media call. It felt a bit strange that most of the journos weren't interested in interviewing the trained fellas. They all wanted to know about why Malcolm and I went to the audition, what we thought of the show etc. It sort of felt a bit unfair considering they're the ones with all the talent!
  
  
  
  We ran through a part of the show for the media too, it was great to hear some audience reactions for the first time, even though there were only a handful of them there. It's exciting to imagine what it'll be like for the proper shows. After that we spent some time shooting our short films. It was interesting to see the creativity in action.
  
  cheers,
  
  Andy
  
  From Malcolm:
  
  
  
  Look out for guest appearances by Bill Murray, Isabella Rossellini and Dennis Hopper in Untrained this weekend!
  
  Malcolm. x 

• 06 Jun 2011

  Andy Aveling's 'Untrained' rehearsal update

  

  Today we spent some time learning a scene from a movie to perform as part of the show. Thankfully, I found it easier to memorise that than the choreography Byron's been teaching us. I'm amazed at how easily the trained blokes can learn a sequence, fine tune it and commit it to memory within a matter of minutes. I find remembering the moves and their correct order really hard. This afternoon we did our first full run through which went pretty well.
  
  

  Cheers,

  Andy

• 27 May 2011

  Positions vacant: General Manager and Marketing Manager

  Merrigong Theatre Co. manages one of Australia’s busiest and most dynamic regional venues, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong. It is also a vibrant theatre company in its own right, commissioning, producing and touring exciting contemporary theatre, and presenting an annual season of theatre, dance and children’s programming.
  
  General Manager
  We seek a dynamic, experienced arts manager to take on this newly created role with an operations and business development focus. Reporting to the Artistic Director / CEO, you will work closely with board and staff to shape the ongoing development of the Company.
  
  Marketing Manager
  We seek an outstanding marketing professional to lead our small marketing team. With extensive experience (preferably in the arts), you’ll continue to build our audiences and develop the Merrigong Theatre Co. brand through innovative, forward thinking marketing.
  
  Applications close 10am Fri June 10.
  
  For position descriptions and selection criteria contact: Melanie Carolan, Ph: 02 4224 5920, Email: mcarolan@merrigong.com.au

• 28 Apr 2011

  Latest Theatre Development projects announced

  March applications for Merrigong's Theatre Development Program have now been assessed and the Artistic Team is very pleased to announce that two more Theatre Development Projects will be happening over the coming months. Congratulations to Simon Luckhurst and Malika Elizabeth who will be working on Jessie Mae and to Robbie Curtis who will be working on WithinFall. Jessie Mae is a dramatic exploration of the legendary singer Jessie Mae’s life and legacy that showcases her achievements and her music. WithinFall is a dance/circus piece that will be developed in preparation for filming and then entered in ReelDance. We look forward to watching the projects evolve.
  
  The next deadline for Merrigong's Theatre Development Program applications is Friday 27 May 2011. Next month, Merrigong will continue to offer a limited number of Artist in Residence opportunities for independent artists and groups to have access to space and some technical support for the development of new work. Playwrights and anyone else interested can contact Artistic and Community Projects Co-ordinator Lee Rickwood on lrickwood@merrigong.com.au or 4224 5947 to lodge your interest.

• 21 Apr 2011

  Easter/Anzac Day long weekend box office closure: tickets still available for purchase online.

  The IPAC box office will be closed for the Easter/ANZAC Day long weekend, from 5pm on Thursday 21 April, reopening at 9am on Wednesday 27 April. Tickets are still available to be purchased online.
  
  All at Merrigong Theatre Company would like to wish those enjoying some time off a happy and safe break.

• 20 Apr 2011

  Merrigong Theatre Company's 2010 Annual Report

  Merrigong Theatre Company’s diverse 2010 season has resulted in a strong year for the company, as the results in its recently-released annual report show.

   

  Whilst there was a 3% decrease in Merrigong’s theatre season subscribers, their overall audience numbers maintained steady growth and increased by 9.4%. The venue’s total audience and centre visitation had remarkable increases of 16.7% and 17.6% respectively. “This is perhaps in response to a deliberate strategy to broaden our program in the hope that we can, over time, significantly diversify our audience beyond core traditional theatre-goers.” commented Simon Hinton, Merrigong’s Artistic Director / CEO.

   

  Artistically, Merrigong achieved great success in further developing its reputation of bringing some of the best international and Australian theatre to the Illawarra. In association with their London-based producing partner Richard Jordan Productions, they toured Canadian Rick Miller's MacHomer to three other venues around Australia, their second tour of an international theatre work. Other international work presented to audiences was The Walworth Farce from Ireland’s Druid Theatre and Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet. Audiences also enjoyed work from some of Australia’s best contemporary theatre-makers, including return visitors Bell Shakespeare, Bangarra Dance Theatre and Sydney Theatre Company, and new visitors such as Red Stitch and the highly-acclaimed Force Majeure. A highlight for many was the Belvoir / Black Swan co-production of smash-hit musical The Sapphires.

   

  In 2010, Merrigong’s producing arm reached another milestone, with the production of Caleb Lewis' Death in Bowengabbie (winner of the Judge's Commendation for Best Writing at the 2009 Adelaide Fringe Festival), which was adapted from a one-man show into a work for a cast of four. Mr Hinton said “It had excellent production values realised by a wonderful creative team and cast and our audience’s response was further proof that high-calibre, professional theatre produced locally can sit comfortably in our season, next to the work of the very finest companies from around Australia and the world.”

   

  2010 saw Illawarra Performing Arts Centre receive the highest accolade available from industry and peers to performing arts centres in Australia. At the Australian Performing Arts Centre Association’s annual Drover Awards for Touring Excellence, IPAC was voted Best Presenter by a selection of top performing arts companies who tour to venues across the country. Steve Sanders, Chairperson of Merrigong’s Board of Directors said “I had the pleasure of attending the BoardConnect symposium in Brisbane in November, an event for board members in the Performing Arts industry, and it was great to hear how well our company is perceived by the premier performing arts companies around Australia... We are fortunate to have such a strong team, focused on results and professionalism.”

   

  Together with local partner Illawarra Children’s Services, Merrigong launched an adventurous new initiative, the South Coast Children’s Festival. The three-day event saw more than 3,000 children and their families enjoy workshops, art, music, roving artists, and theatre in and around IPAC. Mr Hinton said “We’re delighted that this event will be annual and - based on the initial response - believe it will grow into a much-anticipated date on the local calendar.”

   

  Board changes during the year included the resignation of David Farmer and Ken Sullivan and the appointment of Peter Chrystal.

   

  Mr Sanders said “Another year at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre has passed with great strides being made towards our vision of realising “the power of art to transform”. Our diverse program in 2010 certainly further advanced our company’s aspiration to be recognised as the nation’s premier regional theatre company. To our many patrons and supporters, I thank you for your continued interest in what we do at Merrigong Theatre Company. Your appreciation of the product we present encourages us to strive for more diverse and challenging theatre to offer each year.”

   

  Click here to download Merrigong Theatre Company's 2010 Annual Report [2.33 MB]

• 13 Apr 2011

  New David Strassman performances added due to demand!

  David Strassman will be doing 2 additional performances due to demand:

   

  Friday 6 May – 9:15pm

  Saturday 7 May – 9:15pm

   

  These go onsale at 9am on Thursday 14th April. Click here to book.

• 12 Apr 2011

  Australian Music Greats to Play at IPAC

  

   

  Music lovers in the Illawarra will be thrilled at the announcement of Illawarra Performing Arts Centre’s new music series. Throughout the year, IPAC will play host to some of Australia’s finest vocalists and musicians, including Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp, Simon Tedeschi and Kevin Hunt and Jonathan Zwartz and Phil Slater in three exceptional performances.

   

  On Wednesday 18th May, Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp will present an intimate selection of some of the most beautiful songs from the British Isles. From Dowland, Elgar and Britten, to Nick Drake, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, and traditional Celtic folk tunes. After years of crossing paths, these two leading female artists will finally share the stage to create a unique blend of ethereal vocals and lyrical guitar. Audiences will be drawn in by the sublime dialogue of these two masterful musicians.

   

  Described by pianist Leslie Howard as one of the finest musicians of his generation worldwide, Simon Tedeschi was named the Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year, nominated for a MO Award as Classical Performer of the Year and for an ARIA award for Classical Record of the Year. Joining Simon on Wednesday 29th June will be respected jazz pianist Kevin Hunt, who has performed regularly on the Sydney jazz scene since 1981. Kevin has led his own ensembles specialising in performances of his own compositions as well as select pieces from classical composers. He has recorded with Simon Tedeschi, Don Burrows, Marie Wilson and James Morrison, to name a few.

   

  Jonathan Zwartz and Phil Slater, two of the most in demand and highly-acclaimed musicians in Australia, will perform together on Thursday 21st July. Both have performed with a wide range of artists including Lou Reed, Nigel Kennedy, Missy Higgins, Vince Jones, Bernie McGann, Pharoah Sanders, James Morrison, Mike Nock, Tina Harrod and many others. Both are award-winning band leaders, with Jonathan’s recording The Sea receiving two Bell Awards for Best Song of the Year and Best Ensemble of the Year, whilst Phil’s recording The Thousands received a Limelight Award and the Bell Award for Best Australian Jazz Ensemble. Jonathan and Phil first performed as a duo whilst undertaking a lecture series in Thailand. The two musicians found this intimate performing setting exciting, and have continued performing together since.
  
  Those wishing to see all three performances can book a Music Package through IPAC’s box office. It offers great savings on ticket prices, the best seats in the house, plus a complimentary glass of house wine, beer or soft drink with each session. To book, visit the box office or phone 4224 5999. Packages are priced at Adult: $96; Concession: $84; Student $45.

• 23 Mar 2011

  Cast of The Dapto Chaser announced

  We're excited to announce the four cast members who will star in this year’s major in-house production, The Dapto Chaser. This work by local playwright Mary Rachel Brown will open at IPAC on Thursday 12 May and will star Noel Hodda, Drayton Morley, Don Reid and Doug Scroope. The script is currently in development, with rehearsals set to commence on the 15th April.
  
  
  
  ^{The Dapto Chaser cast (L to R) - Noel Hodda, Don Reid, Drayton Morley & Doug Scroope}

   

  The Dapto Chaser Director, Anne-Louise Rentell said of the cast and current script development process: “It’s wonderful to have a really experienced cast. That kind of experience in the room is invaluable.”

   

  Playwright Mary Rachel Brown joined Anne-Louise and the cast during the week of 14 – 18 March to work on the development of the script. She commented “It’s been a luxury to workshop it with the cast this week. We all started an hour early this morning out of keenness!”. Anne-Louise said “We’re all playing dramaturge to some extent. As a director, it’s great to have the cast and playwright in the room to get your head around the script.”

   

  Playing the role of Errol Sinclair’s youngest son ‘Jimmy’ is local actor Drayton Morley. Drayton graduated from NIDA in 1991 and has most recently appeared in Animals Out of Paper and Little Nell for Ensemble Theatre, as well as Love Song for Darlinghurst Theatre. He has also played roles on TV’s Home and Away and All Saints. Drayton was thrilled to find out his audition was successful: “I actually played a dog called Ned once. I’ve gone from being a dog to dog wrangler. I play a lure driver in The Dapto Chaser. I actually got to sit in a lure driving box this week.”

   

  Starring in the role of dog-racing legend ‘Errol Sinclair’ is Don Reid. Don’s theatre career began in 1956. Some of his theatre credits to date include Burnt Piano for Ensemble Theatre and Lady Macbeth of Mtsenk for Arts Radar & B Sharp. Don commented on the production: “I have zero experience in the world of dog racing, but what I can say of the play is this: it’s most certainly about Dapto but it’s about a hell of a lot more. I can’t wait to get into rehearsals.”

   

  Doug Scroope, one of the founders of the Arcadians Theatre Group in Corrimal, has been cast as race track identity ‘Arnold Denny’. Doug is an accomplished actor with more than twenty years experience, having worked on various feature films, short films, television, stage, musical theatre and radio. Doug says he’s familiar with dog wrangling, having previously undertaken the task for television: “I’ve been a dog wrangler on two occasions, for Police Rescue. On one occasion, every time the Director would yell ‘ACTION!’ the dog would start shaking like a leaf!”

   

  Noel Hodda has the role as Errol’s eldest son ‘Cess’. Some of his credits include The God Committee for Ensemble Theatre, Embers for HotHouse Theatre and Thursday’s Child for Monkey Baa. Noel is known for his television roles as ‘Rob Keegan’ in popular 1980’s series Sons and Daughters, ‘David Fielding’ on E Street and has also appeared on Backberner and as Father Tappeiner in Foxtel’s Mary MacKillop documentary.

   

  The Dapto Chaser is produced by Merrigong Theatre Company, who last year produced Death In Bowengabbie by Caleb Lewis, the second project the company has developed all the way from commissioning through to production since 2009’s 4 Plays About Wollongong. Since their first full-scale production in 2006 (Van Badham's Camarilla), Merrigong has produced a major work every year: Athol Fugard's Valley Song in 2007 and Thieves Like Us, a world premiere from Australian playwright Marcel Dorney in 2008. Anne-Louise Rentell said of directing Merrigong’s latest production: “I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s the best and funnest part of my job!”

  
  THE DAPTO CHASER OPENS AT IPAC ON THURSDAY 12 MAY. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW.

• 22 Mar 2011

  A Message From Wollongong Symphony Orchestra's Chris Cook (Chairman of the Board) & Julie Pinazza (Orchestra Manager)

  The Directors of the Board of the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra Foundation regret to inform you that we have suspended the 2011 concert series pending a review of our operations. This means that the Popular Classics concerts scheduled at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre on Sunday April 3rd will not proceed. All concerts are on hold for the time being.

   

  Consequently, we are refunding 2011 subscriptions received to-date for the four concerts.

   

  Naturally we regret having to take this decision and apologise we were unable to inform you earlier. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the orchestra’s concert programs and acknowledge the valuable contribution you have made to the development of the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra.

   

  It has been a privilege to work with you. Your support of and vision for the development of a professional symphony orchestra in the Illawarra has given our community years of fine classical music. Our sincere gratitude.

• 22 Mar 2011

  Tour Update from Greta Honold, FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’ Company Manager

  We opened FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’ in Sydney on the 16th March and we could not have asked for a better reception. The house was packed, the energy was through the roof, and the cast was on fire. After the show I stood in the CarriageWorks lobby, a glass of champagne in hand, and looked around at all the unbelievably cool, creative people surrounding me, at Nick Basset’s amazing photographic series of B-Boying, at the real life B-boys breaking just steps away from me, and I thought, Shakespeare would be so stoked to be included in a hip hop festival! FUNK IT UP is a delicious blend of hip hop and Shakespeare. Having come from Chicago Shakespeare Theater, it feels appropriate that we have come halfway around the world and now find ourselves steeped in the world of hip hop. And what a testament to the Q Brothers and their amazing cast that this show is at home in a hip hop festival as it is in a Shakespeare theater. That is quite an achievement.

  Now that we’ve opened the show, I know we all look forward to seeing everything this amazing city has to offer. It may be too early to say, but Sydney may actually give Chicago some competition in the skyline department. I’ve always thought that Chicago’s skyline can’t be beat, but check back with me in a week and see how I feel…

• 18 Mar 2011

  Locals to perform with the pros in Lucy Guerin Inc’s acclaimed Untrained

  Locals Andy Aveling and Malcolm Whittaker have been selected to perform in Lucy Guerin Inc’s acclaimed Untrained at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June.

   

  Untrained, conceived and directed by Melbourne-based Lucy Guerin, brings together four men on stage. Two are highly skilled, professional dancers who have performed in theatres across Australia and internationally; and two have no dance training whatsoever. Not your average contemporary dance experience, Untrained is a quirky and irreverent theatrical exploration.

   

  Each performer responds to a series of written instructions ranging from the banal to the hilarious. The complex, refined movements one can do with ease another can only approximate – but how they approach each task, even how they walk and stand – reveals an intimate portrait of each man’s character.

   

  A sell-out success at festivals in Hong Kong, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, Untrained began as a workshop exploring Lucy Guerin’s interest in choreographing for non-dancers. What has emerged is a rare and funny insider’s view into dance as an art form which, at the same time, touchingly demonstrates how our everyday moves expose who and what we are.

   

  Auditions for the two untrained dancers for the Wollongong performances were held at IPAC on Thursday 10 March. Andy Aveling and Malcolm Whittaker were successful in their auditions and will perform alongside professional dancers Rennie McDougall and Joseph Simons. Andy Aveling said “The audition was a wonderful experience and I was surprised how much fun I had doing it. I was really on a high for the rest of the night. I went in to the audition with no expectations, but afterwards found myself really wanting to get the part so I could get another taste of that thrill of being on the stage.” Malcolm Whittaker received the news while busily involved in an exhibition opening and said “Thanks for the opportunity! Can't wait to get out of my head and into my body.” Andy and Malcolm will rehearse with the company for five days ahead of performing in Wollongong.

    

  www.untrainedtour.com

   

• 14 Mar 2011

  Merrigong's new Finance Assistant and Artistic & Community Projects Co-ordinator

  We've just welcomed two new staff members to our team! Heike Obermayr has taken the position of Finance Assistant and our new Artistic and Community Projects Co-ordinator is Lee Rickwood.

• 02 Mar 2011

  Tour Update from Toby Knyvett, FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’ Tour Manager & Lighting Designer

  The tour is under way! We opened in Bathurst last night. On the way here we took the cast to Featherdale Wildlife Park in Western Sydney so they could see some Australian fauna. The kangaroos and wallabies were popular, as were the koalas and the croc. I found the emu kind of intimidating. It looked like it was just waiting for the right moment to eat your face off. I also saw a whole family of Albino wallabies which I thought was pretty special.

   

  

   

  Next stop was Katoomba to see the Three Sisters and the views of the Blue Mountains. The cast were suitably impressed.

   

  Bathurst is a classy town. I've been once before but it rained the entire time so it's nice to see it all in the sun. One thing I did try last time was pizza from this joint called Church Bar. It's (unsurprisingly) a bar in an old church, but it's very cool. I gently demanded that we go there for dinner and was very relieved to discover that other people thought it was cool too. Our party is kind of big at the moment. There is me (Tour manager and Lighting), Allan Doyle (Sound), Daniel Potter (Production Manager), Mick Godbee (Truck driver and Head Mechanist) and Simon Hinton (Merrigong Artistic Director and Australian producer). From Chicago we have the seven cast members (Adrienne, GQ, JQ, Pos, Jackson, Ericka and Burf (Jillian)), Rick Boynton (Chicago producer), Angela Adams (Stage Manager), Dan Hess (Company Manager) and Greta Honold (Company Manager). Last but not least is Richard Jordan (UK Producer) who will be taking the show to London.

   

  In any case we were the biggest group at the Church. However, it shrinks down considerably after this week, where it's just me, Doyle, Greta, Angi and the cast. Because it's the first show we have a bigger posse so that we can make sure any first run hiccups are worked out, as well as ensure we have some 'outside eyes' to give us advice on the look of the touring version of the show.

   

  We are in the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre in the middle of town. The BMEC is a good venue with a good crew.

   

  

   

  We put the set up in five hours, focused the lights for another three and a half, ran a technical rehearsal and had the show on at 8pm. Unlike the IMB theatre back home, the BMEC has a dress circle - a second level of seating on a balcony. It gives the room a completely different feel even though it has a comparable number of seats. The opening went really well. There were a lot of students from the local university and hopefully that will drum up some word-of-mouth for Orange, which is close enough for them to transit to.

   

  

   

  We have one more show in Bathurst tonight and then transfer to Orange tomorrow, opening there with a matinee on Friday morning. Looking forward to setup tomorrow where we don't have a show that night. Means we can spend a little more time on the details.

   

  Peace out.

  - Toby K

• 28 Feb 2011

  Tour Update from Greta Honold, FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’ Company Manager

  We just concluded our run at IPAC, and now we’re off to Bathurst. Wollongong was the perfect place to start off our tour – we truly do ‘love the gong!’ We’ve learned a lot of things about Australia in this first week. Our top ten favorite things about Australia so far:

   

  1. Everyone says “see you later,” even taxi drivers, and people you will assuredly never see again.

  2. The use of the word “heaps.” And “keen.” And especially when they’re put together, as in, “We’re heaps keen on this hip hop Shakespeare business.”

  3. The weather. Can it be said enough?

  4. You can buy Jim Beam and coke in a can.

  5. People are totally cool with wearing little to no clothing in public.

  6. Australian audiences laugh hardest at the dirtiest jokes in Funk It Up.

  7. People actually do walk down the street carrying surfboards.

  8. The coffee is delicious. But confusing. Flat white? Tall black? Say again?

  9. Kangaroo. We haven’t seen a live one yet, but it sure tastes good…

  10. The wonderful folks at Merrigong Theatre Co and all our awesome Wollongong audiences. You guys rock!

   

  Greta Honold

  FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’ Company Manager, Chicago Shakespeare Theater

   

  Merrigong and Richard Jordan Productions will tour Funk it up About Nothin' to the following venues:

   

  Wollongong (Wed 23 - Sat 26 Feb)

  Illawarra Performing Arts Centre 

   

  Bathurst (Tue 1 - Wed 2 Mar)

  BMEC   

   

  Orange (Fri 4 - Sat 5 Mar)

  Orange Civic Theatre

   

  Wagga Wagga (Tues 8 Mar)

  Civic Theatre                                 

   

  Albury (Thur 10 - Sat 12 Mar)                    

  Albury Entertainment Centre

   

  Sydney (Wed 16 - Sat 26 Mar)                       

  CarriageWorks

   

  Dandenong (Tues 29 Mar - Sat 2 April)                 

  Drum Theatre

• 15 Feb 2011

  Tour Update from Greta Honold, FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’ Company Manager

  It’s hard to believe that in just a few short days we will be in Australia! The Chicago run of FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’ closed Sunday, and now we are all busy preparing for our impending adventure. Last minute packing, shopping—and downloading lots of movies to our respective portable viewing devices to help us make it through the long flight. We’re excited to meet our friends at Merrigong, to eat some delicious seafood, see the ocean, and then there’s that weather! Winter in Chicago has been snowy and bitterly cold, so I for one am checking the forecast in Wollongong with gleeful frequency. Mostly though, we can’t wait to share FUNK IT UP with Australian audiences.  Every night was a party here at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and we hear Aussies like to have a good time… Should be a match made in heaven. See you soon, Australia!
  
  Greta Honold
  
  FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’ Company Manager, Chicago Shakespeare Theater

• 03 Feb 2011

  WANTED!

  So you think you can dance? ...or know someone who thinks they can?
  
  Merrigong Theatre Company is looking for two young men with no formal dance training to become part of UNTRAINED, a show where two untrained dancers match it with two professionals.
  
  Auditions to take place March 2011, for workshop and performance in June.
  
  For more information or to register your interest, contact Anne-Louise Rentell at Merrigong Theatre Company on 4224 5910 or email arentell@merrigong.com.au

• 24 Jan 2011

  Merrigong gets another mention on playbill.com

  Funk it up About Nothin' has opened very successfully in freezing cold Chicago. You can read what Merrigong's Simon Hinton had to say about the first preview on our Facebook page. And we got another mention on www.playbill.com too! Check it out here.

• 19 Jan 2011

  Work for Merrigong

  Jobs going at Merrigong at the moment:

  - Finance Assistant, full time. Applications close Friday 21st January. Contact Judi Douglas jdouglas@merrigong.com.au for a full position description.

  - Artistic and Community Projects Co-ordinator, full time. Applications close Friday 28th January. Contact Melanie Carolan mcarolan@merrigong.com.au for a full position description.

• 18 Jan 2011

  An interview with Toby Knyvett, lighting designer for Funk it up About Nothin'

  Toby makes his Chicago Shakespeare Theatre debut as Lighting Designer for Funk It Up About Nothin’. His Merrigong credits include Death in Bowengabbie, 4 Plays About Wollongong, The No Chance in Hell Hotel, Lost and Found - The Sugar Candy Show and Thieves Like Us. Toby is a lighting designer, vision designer and production manager. He also develops and programs his own interactive performance systems. He’s currently in Chicago working on the lighting design for Funk It Up About Nothin’ and took some time out to tell us about it.

   

  You're in Chicago to design the lighting for our Australian tour of Funk it up About Nothin’. How has your experience been so far? What's it like over there?
  
  It's great. Chicago is a beautiful city, but freezing cold. Right now it's -14 Celsius outside, and that's not taking wind chill into account. There isn't as much snow as there was in New York, which I'm told is unusual for this time of year. I just can't get over the buildings here. Unlike most cities, all the skyscrapers are matched to each other so the overall effect is that the whole city was designed from scratch according to some master plan.
  
  Chicago Shakespeare Theater is located on Navy Pier, which is essentially a combined theme park/shopping mall/'event precinct' that juts out into Lake Michigan. The photos are of the view as you walk out of the theatre doors. It blows me away every time.

   

  

   

  

   
  In summer, Navy Pier is the most popular tourist destination in the Midwest. Apparently they get a few ticket sales from people who come to Navy Pier to get some fairy floss and go on the ferris wheel but decide 'Hey, why not see some Shakespeare while we’re here? We can fit it in after the fun house and still see the fireworks'. It's great that the theatre can be culturally aligned with other 'fun' activities, rather than being perceived as some kind of out-of-the-way, high art experience.
  
  Chicago Shakespeare Theater are a fantastic company. Like Merrigong, they have a 500 seat and 200 seat theatre, but unlike Merrigong employ 60 people full time! The theatre industry is so different in America. Chicago Shakespeare Theater's production values are amazing. I just saw the set for As You Like It, which is running in their downstairs theatre. The scale and detail was incredible. I was jealous. I was told on a show a few years ago they filled the front of the stage with water and had actors diving into it from out of the roof. Cirque de Soleil stuff. And they are a regional company. Once again, jealous.
  
  The people here are really warm. There are a number of differences between the way we work lighting in Australia vs the USA, and everyone has been very patient with me.
  
  Tell us a little about your work process and how everything is coming together. You started most of it in Wollongong, so what happens next?

  Today is my big test. I've seen a few runs but today I'll finally get to see the lights come on. Unlike set or costume design, lighting doesn't actually get rigged until about a week before the show opens. So lighting designers have to make a lot of educated guesses about what will and what won't work. And if things don't work there is very limited time to change them. So I'm a little nervous. But with the support of the crew here I'm confident it will go well.
  
  You've had the chance to see Funk it up live on stage - what have we got to look forward to?

   

  The show itself is looking great. The cast are, honestly, ready for an audience tomorrow. However they have to wait ‘til Friday for the first preview. The energy they have is phenomenal. There are a few moments in the show where they can improvise a little and they are hitting it every time. You might be sceptical; you might think a hip-hop adaptation of Shakespeare sounds like a gimmick. I can tell you that it's not the case. It really works. It strikes the perfect balance between being accessible, entertaining and telling the story well. If you walk in knowing nothing about Shakespeare, you will not only enjoy it, but will walk out knowing why Much Ado About Nothing is a classic.
  
  And I reckon the lighting will be pretty good as well.
  
  Cheers - Toby K

• 05 Jan 2011

  The Q Brothers Hip Hop workshop for schools

  Teachers take note!
  
  We're offering schools a Q Brothers Hip Hop Workshop as part of the Funk it Up About Nothin’ tour, included as part of a package. Students pay $20 to see the 11am performance on Thursday 24th February, which will be followed by the workshop at 1.15pm. The workshop can run anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on numbers and available time.
  
  Content
  The workshop consists of fun exercises involving rhythm and words, leading to natural and organic rhymes, without any pressure of “coming up” with something on the spot. What starts out as fun and games transforms into an exercise in which each participant takes on a role within a story, and writes a few rhymes from that character’s point of view. We then place characters together in groups, and have them turn their lines into rhyming dialogue. Ultimately, everyone has a chance to perform their “part” from within a smaller group, for the whole entire group. By the end of the workshop, we watch the same “play”, done in five different ways, by each “company”. No previous rap skills are necessary.
  
  Click here for more information on the show.
  
  For more information, contact the Education Co-ordinator, Jennifer O'Sullivan on 4224 5903 or email josullivan@merrigong.com.au.  To book, fill in the booking request form and email or fax to the Education Co-ordinator on (02) 4226 9696.

• 01 Dec 2010

  Marcel Dorney has won the QLD Premier’s Drama Award

  Queensland Premier and Minister for the Arts Anna Bligh MP today announced that Fractions was chosen as the winner from a field of 94 entries from across the country.

   

  “Fractions is a story about Hypatia, a brilliant female mathematician and philosopher who, 1600 years ago, was responsible for the Library of Alexandria – a collection of all the knowledge in her world,” said the Premier.

   

  “When political turmoil runs unchecked, religious fanatics threaten to destroy the library. As Hypatia struggles to save it, she is forced to confront her own prejudice and to make a terrible choice.”

   

  The Premier said that, as the winner of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, Marcel Dorney will work with Queensland Theatre Company to stage Fractions as part of the 2011 mainstage season.

   

  “Mr Dorney is a proven talent and has previously performed and worked extensively within theatre,” said Ms Bligh.

   

  “His work has been commissioned by the Queensland Theatre Company, Merrigong Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre, Red Stitch Actor’s Theatre, La Boite, Brisbane Powerhouse and the Next Wave Festival."

   

  “Marcel Dorney has also had commendable success with New Royal, which he wrote and directed at the Sue Benner Theatre. This work earned him two Matilda Awards in 2006, including Best New Work."

   

  “I’m sure audiences will welcome his new work Fractions in 2011.”
  

  The Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, which was established in 2001, focuses on the development process of creative works.

   

  “The three finalists, shortlisted earlier this year, each wrote exciting, inspiring and unique scripts,” said the Premier.

   

  “Each finalist’s work was then developed in workshops with professional dramaturgs, actors and directors and then staged as public readings."

   

  “This has resulted in three plays cultivated to a professional level and it has also provided a wonderful opportunity to nurture some home-grown talent,” said Ms Bligh.

   

  The Queensland Premier’s Drama Award is the only playwriting award in Australia which guarantees a professional production of the winning entry.

   

  “Since its inception, Queensland Theatre Company has developed 18 plays as part of this award, employed more than 100 actors, writers and directors, and generated audiences of more than 12,000 to new Queensland work,” said the Premier.

   

  “Over the years the award format has changed however it continues to engage playwrights and audiences alike and I thank Queensland Theatre Company for its commitment to administering the award."

   

  “I am also pleased to announce that the Queensland Government will continue its support of the award and has committed to providing $255,000 in sponsorship for a 2012–13 Queensland Premier’s Drama Award."

   

• 22 Nov 2010

  Check out Merrigong on US site playbill.com

  www.playbill.com is New York's preeminent theatre website. They recently published an article about the Australian tour of Funk it up About Nothin', with a nice mention of Merrigong, IPAC and Wollongong! Read it here.

• 18 Nov 2010

  IPAC’s café area

  At the end of 2009 the tough decision was made that Aromas Cafe could no longer meet the increasing needs of patrons, nor comply with health and safety standards to our satisfaction. The cafe was closed down in order to redevelop the space to include a commercial kitchen and an improved dining area, and this project is currently the subject of a DA with Council. Gaining approval for this project has taken longer than we had anticipated, but we are doing our very best to speed this process along.

   

  Since the cafe has been closed we have set up a special offer for IPAC patrons with Centro restaurant:

   

  Patrons who present a valid ticket to a show at IPAC, either 2 hours before the show or one hour afterwards, are able to ‘buy one main or entrée and get the second free up to the value of $20 or less when ordering from the Table d'Hôte menu’. Click here to view the Table d'Hôte menu.
  
  Patrons must have at least one ticket between two people. The offer is subject to availability. Bookings must be made in advance with reference to the IPAC offer.
  
  Centro is located at 28 Stewart St, Wollongong. Tel: (02) 4227 1797. The restaurant is open for lunch Tues - Fri and for dinner Wed - Sat.
  
  www.centrorestaurant.com.au

• 16 Nov 2010

  Merrigong seeks Marketing Coordinator

  Marketing Co-ordinator (Full Time)
  
  We seek a full time Marketing Co-ordinator to be responsible for the day to day delivery of marketing and communication activities of the Centre and to provide administration support to the Marketing Manager. Applicants should have excellent marketing copy writing skills, excellent communication & administration skills, advanced computer skills, an ability to manage time effectively and work efficiently towards deadlines.
  
  For further information and a position description please email:
  Melanie Carolan

  mcarolan@merrigong.com.au
  

  Applications must address the selection criteria and be received by close of business Tuesday 30 November 2010.

• 16 Nov 2010

  Vale - Keith Phipps, OAM

  All of us at Merrigong Theatre Company were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing on Sunday night of Keith Phipps.

  Keith was the first chair of Illawarra Performing Arts Centre from 1987 – 1990, and again in 1991. His contribution to the cultural development of Wollongong cannot be overstated. As chair he oversaw the completion and opening of the centre and continued until his passing to be a great friend and supporter of IPAC and of the arts in Wollongong generally. He is remembered by many of our staff, board and volunteers for his generosity, warmth and commitment.

  Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

• 11 Nov 2010

  The Table of Knowledge in The Australian

  Click here to download the article which appeared in The Australian, Thursday 11 Nov.

• 08 Nov 2010

  A Brand New Season of Amazing Theatre

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  
  Merrigong Theatre Company has just announced its 2011 Season! Theatregoers are queuing at the box office to be among the first to book for international shows on tour, works by iconic Australian theatre-makers and Merrigong’s own in-house productions.
  
  Most notably, the number of main-season shows produced by Merrigong is on the rise, a great sign of success for the Wollongong company. Artistic Director / CEO Simon Hinton says:

  “It’s really exciting that we’re producing or co-producing three shows in 2011: Funk it up About Nothin’, The Table of Knowledge and The Dapto Chaser. The first, Funk it up About Nothin’, is a co-production with Chicago Shakespeare Theater of a new touring version of their hip hop version of Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing. It’s a major step for us to partner with such a highly acclaimed, Tony Award-winning company and we’re touring the show to another six venues including Sydney’s Carriageworks.”

   “We’ve also been able to give a Wollongong artist the opportunity to design the lighting for the production. Toby Knyvett will travel to Chicago in January to create the lighting design for the show.” Hinton said.

  The Table of Knowledge and The Dapto Chaser are local stories:

   “The Table of Knowledge is a co-production with Sydney-based company version 1.0 and it’s a frank and even moving exploration of the recent ICAC investigation into allegations of corruption involving local developers, Councillors and former staff of Wollongong City Council. The show will give us as a community a real chance for some reflection on a very big local issue.”

  “The Dapto Chaser is a work we’ve commissioned from Mary Rachel Brown, one of the real emerging talents of Australian playwriting. We’ve asked Mary to write a full-length piece developed from a shorter one she wrote for us last year. It’s a local story, rich with characters, evoking a real sense of place, centred around the culture of the dog racing track.”

  As well as Chicago Shakespeare’s Funk it up About Nothin’, Merrigong will also be presenting other international shows on tour in 2011.
  
  “Chronicles of Long Kesh from Northern Ireland had huge success at the Edinburgh Festival. It’s an exposé of the life of political prisoners in Northern Ireland and is raw, physical, funny and filled with songs” he said. “It’s also an exclusive season to Wollongong, as it’s only going to appear at Ten Days on The Island arts festival in Tasmania, and here. We’re also bringing a slice of New York here with the extraordinary contemporary cabaret artist Taylor Mac, which promises to be something never before seen in Wollongong! He defies categorisation.”
  

  And of course, Merrigong will also present some of Australia’s finest theatre companies and actors.

  “It’s wonderful to be welcoming back John Bell to our stage after an absence of many years. He’s working on a very exciting project with Michael Gow, who is adapting the great classic, Dr Faustus.” said Hinton. “Sydney Theatre Company will also be back in Wollongong, this time with Jacqueline McKenzie, who’s returning from making movies in Hollywood especially to appear in their production of In The Next Room, or the vibrator play. And we’re thrilled that we’ll have the wonderful Namatjira here, which has received standing ovations night after night at its recent Belvoir St theatre season.”

  Merrigong’s reputation as a vibrant Australian theatre company continues to grow. In September, they were the recipients of Best Presenter 2010 at the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association's (APACA) Drover Awards for Touring Excellence.

  “All of this activity - being able to develop and commission new work, and developing artists locally is so important, not just for the performing arts industry in the Illawarra but also for the Australian performing arts industry as a whole. Merrigong is uniquely positioned to do that work, being in a regional centre away from the’ push and shove’ of a capital city. We’re very lucky to have such a fantastic, engaged, active audience, talented local artists and a city with so many great tales to tell. We love Wollongong, warts and all, and don’t want to shy away from the great challenge of reflecting the beauty of our town, as well as its darker side – to ‘hold up the mirror’, as Shakespeare says.” said Hinton.

  Join Merrigong for a season of great theatre, right on your doorstep. Purchase your Season Ticket here or call the box office on 4224 5999.

• 18 Oct 2010

  Caleb Lewis - Winner of the 2010 Richard Burton Award for New Plays

  Sally Burton, Executive Producer of Onward Production, announced the winners of the 2010 Richard Burton Award for New Plays at Black Swan’s 2011 season launch on Wednesday 13 October. The first prize was awarded to Caleb Lewis for his play Clinchfield and the second prize was awarded to Hellie Turner for her play The Time of Texas Wall.
  
  As the winner of the Richard Burton Award for New Plays, Caleb Lewis receives a prize of $20,000, with Hellie Turner receiving a second prize of $10,000.
  
  Sally Burton said, “I am extremely pleased to be able to announce Caleb Lewis as the winner and Hellie Turner as the runner-up of this inaugural Richard Burton Award for New Plays. Amongst all submissions, their work truly stood out and captivated the judging panel members’ imagination. I hope they are the first in a long line of deserving winners of the Richard Burton Award for New Plays.”
  
  Black Swan Theatre Company Artistic Director Kate Cherry commented, “Caleb and Hellie both surprised and delighted us with unusual storylines, memorable characters (including an elephant called Mary and a goat), touching twists and their depth of language and imagination. Reading their plays was both a privilege and a pleasure, and I congratulate them wholeheartedly on being awarded the first and second prize of the Richard Burton Award for New Plays respectively.”
  
  Caleb Lewis studied playwriting at Flinders University, later being mentored by Nick Enright. His plays include Songs for the Deaf, Nailed, Dogfall and Death in Bowengabbie, which is currently in production with Merrigong Theatre Company and will be staged 12 - 23 November 2010. His play The Sea Bride won the 2006 Inscription Emerging Playwright Award; in 2008 he was awarded an AWGIE for Otzi – the Story of the Iceman. His play Men, Love and the Monkeyboy was shortlisted for the Griffin Award and is the winner of the 2008 Mitch Matthews Award. His winning entry for the Richard Burton Award for New Plays, Clinchfield, based on the hanging of an elephant in small town Tennessee, received a workshop in Adelaide last year. He recently returned from developing a script on Palm Island with the Australian Theatre for Young People and is now working with students from refugee backgrounds in Sydney’s west. Current projects include a play about robots, a play about sock puppets and adapting a novel, Rust and Bone, for the Adelaide Festival Centre.
  
  Hellie Turner is an established West Australian actor, director and playwright with numerous mainhouse, independent, community and youth production credits to her name. Her work has been seen by audiences in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Her plays include Road Train, The Gun, Fair Dinkum, Luv Struk and Bone Dry. She is a two-time winner of the WA Premier’s Book Award (Scripts) – in 2002 for Bench and in 2006 for Sardines. Hellie also was the inaugural winner of the 2006 Maj Monologues competition for Billy Windlock. Hellie is the resident playwright and Artistic Director for the professional WA theatre ensemble 'kompany M' and is currently a nominee for the Society of Women Writers’ 2010 Alice Award.
  
  The Richard Burton Award for New Plays was established to celebrate the illustrious career of Richard Burton, one of the great stars of the silver screen, and to encourage great storytellers from all over Australia to develop new work. The competition is open to full length, unproduced plays which have been written in the 12 months leading up to the closing date of the Award.
  
  Black Swan State Theatre Company will stage a reading of the winning work, and Sally Burton’s company Onward Production and Black Swan State Theatre Company will have the first exclusive rights to produce the play for 12 months from the Award being announced.
  
  Details about the 2011 Richard Burton Award for New Plays will be available from Black Swan’s website in late November 2010 at www.bsstc.com.au/playwriting/the-richard-burton-award-for-new-plays.

• 05 Oct 2010

  Merrigong on Twitter

  We're now on Twitter! Follow us on http://twitter.com/Merrigong

• 05 Oct 2010

  New Transaction Fee from Tues 5 Oct

  A new fee of $4.50 will apply to all phone and internet transactions from 9am on Tuesday 5 October, replacing previous phone and postage fees. This means that the fee is incurred once per transaction, regardless of how many tickets are booked at the one time. Bookings over the counter at IPAC's box office are free of charge.

• 16 Sep 2010

  IPAC Awarded Best Presenter 2010

  It's always nice to be recognised by your peers for having done a good job, so everyone at Merrigong Theatre Company was excited when on Tuesday night we were named Best Presenter 2010 at the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association's (APACA) Drover Awards for Touring Excellence.
  
  This award is voted by a panel of performing arts companies who tour their productions to venues around the country. In presenting the award to Merrigong, the panel said: "The Illawarra Performing Arts Centre impressed the judges with its consistent and outstanding achievement in all areas of its operation - from diverse and interesting programming, to enthusiastic and informed staff, highly skilled and engaged technical staff, as well as a sensitivity to nurturing new artists. The panel also noted that the staff is extremely welcoming to artists, and active in building conversations between visiting artists and audiences."
  
  Wow, that's really nice!
  
  On behalf of the whole team here at Merrigong, I want to thank you - our audience, artists and supporters for the huge part you play in making our work a success. Without you, we couldn't make it happen.
  
  Thanks,
  
  Simon Hinton
  Artistic Director / CEO
  Merrigong Theatre Company
  
  

• 07 Sep 2010

  St Francis Xavier's Adventure to the Theatre!

  Year 2 students from St Francis Xavier's Primary School in Wollongong visited IPAC today. They saw Patch Theatre Company's Special Delivery then took part in a drama workshop with Fiona Gabb-Finley, who runs the Drama Studio. They thoroughly enjoyed the performance and post-show Q&A with the cast and crew, who we discovered were able to perform so many magical feats because they are in fact, magical! The students also had a great time with Fiona, who had them working as shopkeepers in the jungles of Africa, figuring out what to do after a plane crash and hunting for a rare butterfly species. Good fun!

   

  

   

  

• 06 Sep 2010

  Cast of Death in Bowengabbie Announced

  Death in Bowengabbie, by Sydney-based playwright Caleb Lewis is set to open at IPAC on Saturday 13 November and will star Kirk Page, Octavia Barron-Martin, Robert Jago and Rose Ertler.

   

  Death in Bowengabbie Director, Anne-Louise Rentell said of the cast: “After a long search we’ve found three of the best actors plus the extraordinary Rose Ertler. I’m very excited to have such a talented cast on board and to see the production start to take shape.”

   

  Kirk Page will spin the tale in his role as ‘Storyteller’, and many other colourful characters. Kirk is one of the most versatile performers in the country, with a long list of credits as an actor, dancer, movement director and aerial physical theatre performer. Some of his credits as a dancer include Ochres for Bangarra Dance Theatre and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the Australian Opera. Kirk has also had extensive performing experience as a physical theatre performer with Legs on The Wall. Most recently Kirk played the role of ‘Jimmy’ in the Australian premiere production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Kirk said of being cast in the play: “I’m really looking forward to being part of this brand new Australian story. It’s a fantastic challenge as an actor and an exciting opportunity for me to have a go at a solid hour of performance.”

   

  Playing the sweet-as-plum role of ‘Abby Woodcock’ is Octavia Barron-Martin. Octavia appeared in the Australian feature films Looking For Alibrandi and The Honourable Wally Norman. Some of her theatre credits include Vincent in Brixton (Ensemble Theatre), Sydney Theatre Company’s production of David Williamson’s Influence and the Australian premiere of Losing Louis (Ensemble Theatre). Octavia’s most recent performance on the IPAC stage was in 2009, in The 39 Steps. For television, she has appeared on All Saints, Out Of The Blue, The Alice, Through My Eyes, Staying Single, Comedy Inc. and as the ill-fated Mrs Chandler in the ABC/Film Australia docu-drama Who Killed Dr. Bogle and Mrs. Chandler?. Octavia was thrilled to find out her audition was successful: “I can’t believe I get to be a pirate! For ten years I’ve been hoping to play a pirate! This is going to be such a fun, silly, touching piece and there’s so much for the four of us to do. Merrigong is like family so it’s really fun to be here – I get to hang out and create all at the same time. Hello dream job!”

   

  Starring in the role of our uncertain hero ‘Oscar’ is Robert Jago. Robert graduated from NIDA in 2008. Some of his theatre credits to date include Richard III (Siren Theatre Co), The Merchant Of Venice (Ride On/B Sharp) and most recently, Hitler’s Daughter (Monkey Baa), which he will tour to the US with next year. Robert has also worked in theatre and education with Shakespeare on Trial for Canute Productions, and was part of the original team who created Connie Chang's Cabaret Road Show (MAKEbeLIVE Productions). His film credits include Australia and Wolverine and television credits include City Homicide, All Saints, Scorched and Home and Away. Robert commented on the production: “I’m really looking forward to working on this exciting new Australian play, and this will be the first time I’ve performed in Wollongong. I’m excited to see how it’s going to evolve from a one-man show into a four-hander, and to see how all the elements will come together into an ensemble piece.”

   

  Rose Ertler is Australia's one and only 'electric ukulele lady' and has quite a cult following around Australia. She recently completed her largest Australian tour yet, "In Her Winter Kitchen". Rose, who calls both Wombarra and Melbourne home, will also be telling the story of Death in Bowengabbie with her ukulele, as much as Kirk Page will be telling the story with words. She has worked with Urban Theatre Projects, Stalker, erth, Frumpus, Antagon Aktion Theater (Germany) and Branch Nebula (Belgium/Australia) and has been performing her contemporary ukulele (and more recently banjo) music for the last ten years. She has released four solo albums, has toured to Europe twice and has performed at the New York Uke Festival (2008) and the New Zealand Ukulele Festival (2009). More recently she compiled a cookbook called "What Do Ukulele Players Eat?" - a collection of recipes submitted by ukulele players from around the world. Rose said: “I'm really looking forward to working on the show with its clever and funny script. I've been performing in lots of country towns in the last couple of years, all that have similarities to Bowengabbie in the story. I love the 'CWA-ish', country town aesthetic of the play and look forward to adding my clunky sound effects and musical splashes.”

   

  Death In Bowengabbie is produced by Merrigong Theatre Company, who last year produced 4 Plays About Wollongong, the first project the company has developed all the way from commissioning through to production. Since their first full-scale production in 2006 (Van Badham's Camarilla), Merrigong has produced a major work every year: Athol Fugard's Valley Song in 2007 and Thieves Like Us, a world premiere from Australian playwright Marcel Dorney in 2008. Anne-Louise Rentell is looking forward to the challenge of directing Merrigong’s latest production: “Following the success of last year's production 4 Plays About Wollongong, I'm so excited to be directing a show which already has a great following. The major challenge is to turn the original one-man show into a four-hander with a musician, whilst keeping the integrity of the much-loved original story.”

   

  With the cast announced, rehearsals are set to commence on the 18th October. Tickets are on sale now, with some performances already sold out. Two performances have been added due to the demand.

   

   

  Here's a behind-the-scenes shot of the first photo shoot we had with the cast:

   

  

• 01 Sep 2010

  Theatre Development Program Success Stories

  We're delighted to see that several shows featuring in the Sydney Fringe Festival are ones that have been supported and developed through our Theatre Development Program. There's Van Park the musical, Dansatori's Pistol Whipped and Heidi Hillier's Lost & Found: The Sugar Candy Show. It's wonderful to see works that we've supported moving onwards and upwards in the world.
  
  We're also excited to see that Tia Wilson, who has performed at several Vault Cabarets and Treasures from the Vault will be performing with her band - Tia Juana and her Depths of Despair and our Artistic Associate, Anne-Louise Rentell will star in her own show, The Governess in Lessons Learnt. Storyteller Lillian Pang, who will be sharing tales with kids at the South Coast Children's Festival, also has a show in the Fringe Festival, Cric Crac Crone.
  
  Visit the Sydney Fringe Festival website to check out all these fantastic shows and download a program. All the performers would love to see some familiar Wollongong faces in the audience!

• 23 Aug 2010

  Creativity Conference - Confirmed Line-Up!

  

• 06 Aug 2010

  Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls: Festival Packages are NOW ON SALE!

  www.southcoastchildrensfestival.com.au

   

  

• 22 Jul 2010

  Bring us your Aussie inflatables!

  Merrigong Theatre Company needs a hand in decorating IPAC’s foyers for the upcoming comedy AUSTRALIA! The Show! Bring your blow-up to IPAC’s box office before Tuesday 10 August to help set the scene for our silliest show of the year.

   

  Please note – Merrigong will ensure that your items are well secured to the ceiling/walls or weighed down on the floor. Items can be returned to you via the box office Tuesday 24 August. However we are not able to take responsibility for any punctures or stolen items, so don’t bring your most prized possession!

   

  Here's one we prepared earlier :-)

  

• 24 Jun 2010

  South Coast Children's Festival 2010

  

  Merrigong Theatre Company and Illawarra Children’s Services are delighted to announce the launch of a major new annual event for the NSW South Coast: The South Coast Children’s Festival.

   

  With the motto ‘Inspiring Children’s Creativity’, the festival will provide the best of children’s theatre, performance and creative arts, encouraging participation and promoting the benefits of creative expression in children’s learning.

   

  Merrigong’s Artistic Director / CEO, Simon Hinton, says “we’ve looked for some time at how we could complement our program of school holiday shows with a major event focussed on children and are really excited that with a partner like Illawarra Children’s Services we are now able to make it happen.”

   

  With the Illawarra Children’s Services biennial Creativity Conference kicking off proceedings on 30 September, IPAC’s theatres and the adjacent Civic Plaza will come alive during 1 - 3 October with three jam-packed days of workshops, art, music, roving artists, and professional theatre shows for families with children aged 0 - 12 years.

   

  The detailed program is still top secret, but Merrigong is excited to reveal the three theatre shows on stage: Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo, an unrivalled, highly interactive dinosaur puppetry show; Imaginary Theatre’s Tashi returning with two brand new stories Tashi and the Big Stinker and Tashi: The Swan and the Dragon and the ever-popular Monkey Baa Theatre For Young People bringing us their highly acclaimed musical adaptation of the classic children’s book Fox.

   

  Beyond providing Illawarra families with an inspiring program of activities and entertainment, the Festival also secures Wollongong’s place on the map for family trips and holidays from neighbouring regions.

   

  Illawarra Children’s Services General Manager Jennine Primmer says “to combine our conference on creative education with a festival program of this calibre is a dream come true for us. We are so excited to partner with Merrigong Theatre Company to produce this innovative festival for every child and family in our community and hopefully beyond.”
  
  Check Merrigong's website or www.ics.org.au regularly for updates, or find more on Facebook.

• 15 Jun 2010

  Merrigong Theatre Company Productions update

  On the 18th, 21st and 22nd June, director Anne-Louise Rentell will work with the Death In Bowengabbie writer Caleb Lewis and three actors (Jo Turner, Octavia Barron-Martin and Bryce Youngman) to workshop what is currently a one man show, into a play for three people, prior to rehearsals starting in mid October...looking forward to getting our teeth into it!

  And in July/August version 1.0 will undergo the second stage of development on The Table of Knowledge, a new performance work. A five week development period will commence at the University of Sydney (hosted by the Department of Performance Studies) and culminate in two weeks on site here at IPAC, before a public showing as part of Ruff! New Works in Progress on Sat 7th August. We’re looking forward to having the version 1.0 team in the building again!

• 10 Jun 2010

  Second Jimeoin show now on sale due to popular demand.

  Jimeoin will now be doing a second performance of his new comedy show, Something Smells Funny, on Friday 25th June at 9:30pm. Click here for more info or to book tickets.

• 26 May 2010

  Merrigong's 2009 Annual Report is now available to download

  Merrigong's 2009 Annual Report has now been released. Please click here to download the PDF version.

• 24 May 2010

  Centro dining offer extended

  The Centro Ristorante é Bar dining offer for our patrons has been very successful, so we have decided to extend it until the end of the year.  To see the offer, please click here.

  Centro is located at 28 Stewart St, Wollongong. Tel: (02) 4227 1797.

  The restaurant is open for lunch Tues - Fri and for dinner Wed - Sat.
  
  www.centrorestaurant.com.au

• 07 May 2010

  2010 Australian Dance Awards nominee shortlist announced

  The shortlisted nominees for the 2010 Australian Dance Awards were announced yesterday, with Bangarra Dance Company receiving multiple nominations. The nominations were for ‘Outstanding Performance by a Company’ for Fire – A Retrospective, and ‘Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer’ (Daniel Riley McKinley), with Artistic Director Stephen Page also being shortlisted individually for Services to Dance. Daniel Riley McKinley is one half of the double bill in Of Earth and Sky, with Frances Rings, coming to IPAC 16 - 18 September.

  Visit Arts Hub to read more about the 2010 Australian Dance Awards nominations.

• 03 May 2010

  Just announced: the full Roadshow line-up for Wollongong!

  The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow roll call for Wollongong includes Justin Hamilton of Good News Week infamy, musical duo Smart Casual and the utterly delightful Celia Pacquola. And the news we’ve all been eagerly awaiting - the final acts just announced for the Wollongong bill! They are Miles Jupp, who joins us all the way from the UK, and rising comedy star, Joel Creasey. Miles Jupp is an actor, comedian and writer who has appeared in countless British sit-coms and has been performing stand-up on the Scottish circuit since 2000. Joel Creasey has been performing stand-up for two years and was asked to support Fiona O’Loughlin on her next tour. He’s also a Melbourne International Comedy Festival Best Newcomer nominee.
  
  MILES JUPP

   

  

  Miles Jupp is a bit of a polymath, with a sizable CV of television and radio appearances as a stand up, an actor and part of sketch team The Lost and Lonely Rebels. Some of you may know him as Archie the Inventor from the BBC children’s series Balamory. His stand up is far from suitable for under-fives though, as he swears and rants at all that cross his rambling path.

  Launching his stand up career by winning 2001’s So You Think You’re Funny competition on Channel 4, he went on to be nominated for a Perrier Award just two years later for his show Gentlemen Prefer Brogues. His Comedy Festival offering, Telling It like It Might Be is transferred directly from his acclaimed run at 2009’s Edinburgh Fringe. A troubled mixture of indignity and politeness, (when he gets going picture Colin Firth with steam coming out of his ears), Jupp has carved a niche for himself that he can work to full effect. You have to love a guy who refers to The Chippendales as “those buff American dance chaps". His delightful wordsmithery and mellifluous tones are difficult to tire of.

  "There is not a wasted word or an uncrafted moment in this hour". **** - The Scotsman August 2009

  "Jupp is intelligent, charismatic and one of the most accomplished raconteurs" - TimeOUT UK
  
  JOEL CREASEY
  
   
  _{(image courtesy of The West Australian)}
  
  

  At only 19, Joel Creasey is one of Australia's youngest working comedians. He has been performing stand-up for two years. Fiona O'Loughlin enjoyed Creasey’s show Slumber Party so much that she asked him to be her support act on her next tour. "She came to my show one night and she has a great laugh, which I could hear from the stage," Creasey said. "I used to watch her on the Comedy Gala when I was little, so having her watching me in my little 70-seat venue was amazing."
  
  He said his act was inspired by the idea of what happens at slumber parties. "They all have good intentions to be a wholesome night of fun but when the parents go to bed, it's just gossiping and backstabbing — and I’m very good at those things," he said. Creasey also tells stories about his brush with celebrities including Condoleezza Rice, Judi Dench, Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga. "I met (Lady Gaga) before she was huge, when she was normal – and by normal I mean before she was putting crustaceans in her hair," he said. "I met her back stage and she was sort of dressed in a giant red condom which I thought was great."
  
  MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL BEST NEWCOMER NOMINEE 2010
  
  “I was blown away, I could swim in a vat of Joel with my mouth wide open!” - Fiona O'Loughlin
  "Utterly brilliant" - Entertainment Report, 3AW
  "Rising Star" - Today Tonight
  "The first performer of the night was Joel Creasey, whose brand of self-depreciating humour and knack for story telling and crowd interaction marked him as a face of the future."  - 3rd Degree
  "The wonderful 19-year-old Joel Creasey, who in only a short time has gained a legion of loyal local fans in love with his edgy and bitching attitude." - The West Australian
  
  Don't miss the Roadshow when it comes to Wollongong, 27 - 30 May.

• 07 Apr 2010

  Drama Studio student up for a Logie Award

  Anastasia Feneri started drama lessons at IPAC when she was seven years old, and has just been nominated for a Logie Award for her role in the ABC children's drama My Place. Emma Shaw of The Illawarra Mercury published an article about Anastasia's Logie Award nomination. Click here to read it.
  
  Congratulations to Fiona Gabb-Finley, who runs the Drama Studio, and to Anastasia on their achievements.
  
  If you are interested in finding out more information on Drama Classes at IPAC, please click here.

• 29 Mar 2010

  James Galea on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

  James Galea, who is headed to IPAC 3 - 7 August with his show Lying Cheating Bastard, made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show this week. He performed several card tricks that were simply amazing. Check out the video on The Ellen DeGeneres Show website.

• 25 Mar 2010

  A Hive of Creativity

  Laura Caesar and Malcolm Whittaker have been in the Bob Peet Studio the past two weeks working on the first stage development of their durational piece Star****ers. Version 1.0  are in the bunker that is the Gordon Theatre this week getting their heads around content for a new work about Wollongong.

   

  Shows in the building this week include Toy Symphony and the Australian Chamber Orchestra Soloists, making us packed to the rafters with people, instruments and bustling activity. It's all very exciting stuff!

• 10 Mar 2010

  First 3 acts announced for Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow

  Melbourne International Comedy Festival have just announced the first three acts for the Wollongong leg of the Roadshow - and haven't we scored some comedy gems! You'll be laughing yourself silly when these acts hit the stage. They are:
  
  Justin Hamilton
  As seen on Good News Week.
  
  The man has a plan. Well, the idiot man-child has a plan. Three years until he turns 40. Three years to develop some real skills so he can get out of comedy and do something important with his life. Like feed the poor or inventing a hat that keeps the sun off while cooking dim sims. It all starts here and this s&!# is about to get real!
  
  WINNER Festival Directors' Award
  WINNER Piece of Wood Award
  
  Justin returns to his roots in this show. Do yourself a favour and see stand-up the way it's supposed to be done.
  
  "You should not miss this performance. *****" - Adelaide Advertiser
  "Brilliant again. ****1/2" - Adelaide Advertiser
  "Intelligent, original and profoundly funny." - Sunday Age
  "A rare treat. *****" - Adelaide Advertiser
  
  http://www.justinhamilton.com.au
  
  Smart Casual
  Stars of the 2009 Comedy Zone and 2008 Raw Comedy National finalist, Smart Casual is Roger David (on guitar) and Fletcher Jones (on beard), arguably Australia's smartest, most casual musical duo.
  
  The dudes bring their s&!#-hot brand of low-fi-com-rock in their show about their life story to date - two half-brothers living together as a musical comedy duo.
  
  In 2009, they featured in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's hand-picked selection of hot new talent, The Comedy Zone, before going on to tour internationally on the Festival Roadshow. By international, they mean Singapore.
  
  Crowd favourites at The Sydney Comedy Store throughout 2009, they also wowed audiences at the 2009 Brisbane 'In Stitches' Festival. They also 'wowed' each other, by agreeing to turn 'wow' into a verb for this blurb.
  
  "Exceptionally clever and well executed...destined for big things." - Buzzcuts
  
  Celia Pacquola
  Last year she made a splash in Melbourne and Edinburgh, this year she's gunna fly. Following her multi-award winning debut show Am I Strange? (WINNER Best Comedy 2008 Melbourne Fringe Festival, WINNER Age Critics Award for Best Australian Act 2009 Melbourne International Comedy Festival) Celia Pacquola brings us some of her thrilling new stand-up.
  
  "Jaw achingly funny. ****" - The Age
  "Emotionally candid and frequently insightful, but with a warm, winning playfulness. ****" - The Scotsman 
  "The real virtue of Pacquola's show is its emotional honesty...But is it funny? Well, yes.****" - The Guardian
  "Extremely funny...Utterly delightful. ****" - Time Out London

  Click here or phone the box office on (02) 4224 5999 to book for the Roadshow, at IPAC 27 - 30 May.

• 09 Mar 2010

  Looking for Local Artists

  Currently the walls in the foyer at IPAC are bare! Any artists out there with a link to the performing arts who are interested in the opportunity to hang their work for 3 – 6 months this year, please contact Artistic Associate Anne-Louise Rentell on ARentell@merrigong.com.au or (02) 4224 5910.

• 05 Mar 2010

  TaikOz on ABC's Arts Nation

  ABC TV's 'Art Nation' will be screening a segment on Australia’s leading taiko drumming group, TaikOz. Watch it on ABC1, Sunday March 7th at 5.30pm, or on ABC2 at 7pm. It should give some fascinating insights into the group and their latest production, Shifting Sand. TaikOz will be bringing this production to IPAC on 9 & 10 April.

• 01 Mar 2010

  Frances Rings in the Illawarra Mercury

  Wombarra-based choreographer Frances Rings shares a double bill with Daniel Riley McKinley in Bangarra's Of Earth and Sky, coming to IPAC 16 - 18 September 2010. Click here to read the feature article, written by Jodie Duffy for the Illawarra Mercury Weekender, 27 February 2010.

• 24 Feb 2010

  Congratulations to the Raw Comedy Wollongong heat winner

  The 2010 Raw Comedy Wollongong Heat was performed to the largest audience yet on Tuesday 23 Feb. With Tommy Dean as MC and almost 20 contestants, the crowd roared with laughter and showed great support for upcoming local talent. Amazed by the calibre of comedians, the judges chose not two but three runners up this year!
  
  Winner: Hayley Neal
  Runners up: Adam Armitt, Hamish Sinclair and Ben French

  Congratulations to all the contestants for all the spectacular performances!

• 22 Feb 2010

  Kitty Flanagan - another performance added!

  Due to popular demand, Kitty Flanagan now has a second show happening at IPAC on Saturday 13th March at 7.45pm. Tickets and show information are available by visiting or phoning the box office on (02) 4224 5999 or by clicking here.

• 11 Feb 2010

  Tommy Dean will MC the Wollongong heat of Raw Comedy

  An American born and bred, Tommy Dean has the unique edge of being an American who understands Australia, its audiences and above all what makes us laugh. He has proved to be incredibly popular with audiences across the nation and is firmly established as one of Australia's most sought after comic performers and writers.
  
  In much demand on the live circuit, Tommy is a regular headline act in comedy venues around Australia and has performed in many of the leading comedy clubs around the world. He's appeared on Spicks and Specks, Rove Live, The Glasshouse and Good News Week and has written for shows such as O'Loghlin on Saturday Night, BackBerner and The Fat.
  
  We're very excited that Tommy will be joining us on 23 February to MC the Wollongong heat of Australia's biggest and most prestigious open-mic comedy competition, Raw Comedy.
  
  Check out this YouTube video of Tommy performing at the Cracker Comedy Festival in 2007.

• 04 Feb 2010

  Great discounts on pre- and post-show dining.

  ... until June, Merrigong and Centro will trial the following offer:

   

  Patrons who present a valid ticket to a show at IPAC, either 2 hours before the show or one hour afterwards, are able to ‘buy one main or entrée and get the second free up to the value of $20 or less’.

   

  Please present at least one ticket between two people. The offer is subject to availability. Centro is located at 28 Stewart St, Wollongong. For bookings, please phone (02) 4227 1797.
  
  www.centrorestaurant.com.au

• 19 Jan 2010

  Rick Miller Artist Talk

  

• 18 Jan 2010

  On sale now: single tickets to all Merrigong shows.

  We're very excited to announce that single tickets to all Merrigong Season shows are now on sale! Our 2010 season is one of the best yet with great theatre and dance, gripping drama and some outstanding international treats!
  
  Our first theatre season show of the year is fast approaching, so book now before the wildly popular MacHomer is sold out!
  
  Don't forget it's not too late to  take advantage of great savings by becoming a Merrigong Season Ticket Holder. Pick up a booking form from the box office or download it here.

• 14 Jan 2010

  Merrigong-produced show is a great success in Sydney!

  

   

  Here’s what the media said:

   "ASTONISHING!..  Miller is able to flip from one character to another without missing a beat, at breakneck speed... MacHomer is great, but Miller is the real king here."

  - The Daily Telegraph, Sydney

   

  “(MacHomer) provides brilliant solo performer Rick Miller with an opportunity to show off his extraordinary mimicry skills”

  - The Australian

   

  "Astonishingly accomplished and cannily cast... Miller is adept at nailing the voices, and extraordinarily fast at switching between them."

  - Sydney Morning Herald

   

  “HILARIOUS!... Could one man really retell Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth in 75 minutes — using the voices of characters from The Simpsons?  As Ned Flanders might say: abso-tively!”

  - Oz Baby Boomers, Sydney

   

  Merrigong Theatre Company’s Artistic Director / CEO, Simon Hinton, is delighted by Sydney’s response to Rick Miller’s MacHomer: ‘We’re so pleased that the show is so popular with Sydney audiences and have no doubt that the performances in Brisbane, Wollongong and Bathurst will do very well too. Rick’s ability to switch between dozens of voices and characters is astounding, and incredibly entertaining’.

   

  This hybrid of Macbeth tragedy and Simpsons comedy has been wildly popular throughout the world, seen by an estimated half million people in more than 150 countries. With Homer in the lead and Marge as Lady MacHomer, Miller recreates the voices of more than 50 characters from the iconic TV series for a unique high-low cultural fusion.

   

  What began as a fringe festival mash-up of two dysfunctional families in 1995 has now evolved into a multimedia spectacular, full of sound and fury! Join the half a million Simpsons/Shakespeare fans on 4 continents who have made MacHomer one of the world's biggest little hits. 

  Merrigong builds on its reputation for bringing to Australia some of the world's great theatre companies.
  
  MacHomer is the second international show toured in Australia by Merrigong. Last year Kahlil Ashanti’s comedy hit Basic Training was brought over from the United States for a 14-venue national tour. Plans for a tour of another great show in 2011 are currently in the pipeline.

  
  For tickets to MacHomer at IPAC, call the box office on 4224 5999 or click here.

• 24 Dec 2009

  Aromas @ IPAC - a fond farewell.

  Patrons please note, Aromas @ IPAC ceases trading on Thursday 24 December 2009.
  
  Refurbishments will be carried out early in 2010 for a new café/restaurant to open later in the year.
  
  A huge thank you to Sally and her staff for all their hard work and fantastic contribution to IPAC over the years.
  
  Please visit the Aromas Café page to read Sal's farewell message to her customers.

• 17 Dec 2009

  Back By Popular Demand - Menopause the Musical!

  This uplifting 90-minute production includes parodies from the ‘60s and ‘70s and ‘80s. It culminates with a salute to women who are experiencing The Change.

  
  Set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale. The all-female cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer 'The Silent Passage'! It is a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal!
  
  Menopause The Musical has entertained audiences across the country in more than 250 US cities as well as internationally in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea and United Kingdom. Women of all ages and stages find their spirits lifted by the show’s light-hearted look at menopause. It is estimated that nearly 11 million women in 14 countries have attended a performance since the show’s opening in Florida in 2001.
  
  Menopause The Musical encourages a healthy dialogue about issues of aging and women’s health and provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness with female audiences.

   

  Perhaps you or someone you know would love a girls night out with plenty of laughs! Get your tickets here or call the box office on (02) 4224 5999. Stay for drinks after the show - the bar will be open! Group bookers also receive a free glass of bubbly each.

   

  

• 15 Dec 2009

  Season's Greetings

  

• 14 Dec 2009

  Theatre Development Program 2010

  In 2010 Merrigong will be offering a limited number of Artist in Residence opportunities for independent artists and groups to have access to space and some technical support for the development of new work – the process of applying is outlined below. If you are a playwright, please also contact us as per the application process outlined below.

   

  Stage 1: An informal conversation with Artistic Associate, Anne-Louise Rentell – this enables a discussion about your project and its needs.

  Stage 2: Project submission, details of which will be provided to applicants after Stage 1 (it will be an easy submission to complete).

  Stage 3: Consideration by the Merrigong Artistic Team and notification of outcome to the artist.

   

  All applicants will be informed of notification dates on submission. If you have any questions about the above, please do not hesitate to contact Anne-Louise to discuss them further on 4224 5910 or arentell@merrigong.com.au.

• 16 Nov 2009

  Treasure Hunting

  For the fifth Treasures from the Vault, we’re serving up High Tea with a delectable array of evening delights:

   

  Drew Fairley has been a regular Vault Cabaret MC since 2004. He has also been commissioned by Merrigong with co-writer Kate Smith and Phil Scott to write The Itch, a new piece of musical theatre for a future Merrigong Season.

   

  Jack Druce is a Class Clowns and Raw Comedy Wollongong winner and was the Melbourne Comedy Festival Raw Recruit winner in 2007.

   

  Ben French was the Raw Comedy Wollongong winner 2009 and a Class Clowns runner up in 2005.

   

  Dansatori is a new independent professional dance company based in Helensburgh.

   

  Sugar Candy is the creation of Heidi Hillier, one of Wollongong’s favourite cabaret/burlesque performers. Heidi recently created her own solo show, Lost and Found – the Sugar Candy Show, which was also supported through the Merrigong Theatre Development Program.

   

  Circus Wow runs regular circus classes for women out of the Fairy Meadow warehouse shared with Circus Monoxide.

   

  Tia Wilson is multi–talented! A comedienne, musical talent, local high school teacher and a former member of Cheeky Tzatziki.

   

  Nick Rheinberger is an ABC local radio DJ and muso. His solo show, developed through the Merrigong Theatre Development Program, will be seen in at The Vault in Port Kembla in 2010.

   

  Georgia Frew is a 13 year old singing sensation from the Southern Highlands.

   

  This annual celebration of the infamous Vault Cabarets has something for everyone! Get your tickets here.

   

• 13 Nov 2009

  Welcome to Merrigong's Season 2010!

  Following a successful year in 2009, Merrigong is delighted to reveal what’s in store for Season 2010. As well as a year jam-packed with great theatre and dance companies, hilarious comedies and gripping drama, Merrigong has made some exciting new additions such as the new ‘Flexi’ 10 Pack Theatre Pass, an 11 show Theatre Season, a more flexible exchange policy than ever before, a revamped Merrigong Mix and a new range of rewards for returning Season Ticket Holders. We've also given the website a makeover! We hope you enjoy browsing the site and encourage you to let us know what you think on Facebook. While you're there, check out the photos of the Launch. It was a fantastic evening, with plenty of familiar faces to be seen and quite a few new ones too!

  If you haven't already signed up to our e-news and Facebook group, take a moment to join up so we can keep you up to date on all events, news and special offers.

• 08 Nov 2009

  Merrigong's production of 4 Plays About Wollongong has opened successfully

  Merrigong's very own production of 4 Plays About Wollongong opened to a full house Saturday night. The Merrigong team was proud and relieved that the play was very well received by the local audience. Director Anne Louise Rentell says 'it's been a very big project for us and there have been some great challenges, so it's incredibly reassuring to see the positive audience response. I think there's a sense of pride and belonging when a work reflects the world in which people live'.

  4 Plays About Wollongong runs at IPAC until Wed 18 Nov.

  

  Image: Terry Serio, Adam Booth and Clare Bowen

• 06 Nov 2009

  Making Theatre More Accessible

  Merrigong will open up a world of theatre to more people that ever before in 2010. People with a profound disability, who require attendant care support will be able to present their Companion Card to Merrigong’s box office when purchasing a ticket to any show to receive a second ticket for their companion at no charge.

  The benefits of being a Companion Card holder have been life-changing according to many who have them. They include enjoying improved social networks and increased feelings of social inclusion, confidence and dignity.

  Merrigong has also endeavoured to make theatre-going accessible to everyone, from wheelchair access and bathroom facilities, headphones for patrons with hearing impairment and a captioning system on two full colour plasma screens.

  The Gordon Theatre has a hearing loop, allowing those with hearing aids to hear more clearly, and headphones are also available. For more information on how to obtain a Companion Card, visit www.companioncard.org.au or phone 1800 893 044.

   

• 20 Oct 2009

  4 Plays About Wollongong Development Update

  The first play reading of 4 Plays About Wollongong proved to be a fascinating insight into the development process. The Illawarra Mercury and several Merrigong Whole Shebang subscribers listened as the four actors read through the play for the first time. Two of the playwrights, Simon Luckhurst and Mary Rachel Brown, were also in attendance. Director Anne-Louise Rentell is currently locked away in rehearsal with the cast, and says they're "...rocking along, with the cast getting to grips with up to 6 characters each across the four plays. Hard work but a lot of fun!"
  _{Director Anne-Louise Rentell chatting to attendees of the first play reading:}
  
  

  

• 13 Oct 2009

  Congratulations to the Tashi Colouring-In Competition Winners!

  With such a wealth of fantastic entries it certainly was no easy decision to pick the two winners of the Tashi colouring in competition! First prize of a $50 Angus & Robertson gift voucher went to Holly Ann, age 10. Second prize of a $30 Angus & Robertson gift voucher went to Emma, age 7.

  Congratulations to the winners and a big thank you to everyone who sent in an entry.

• 02 Oct 2009

  4 Plays About Wollongong Cast Announcement

  Exciting news on our production for this year, 4 Plays About Wollongong - the four cast members have just been confirmed! They are as follows:

  CLARE BOWEN - a University of Wollongong Faculty of Creative Arts graduate (2007), Clare is a star on the rise. Most recently seen in David Field’s film The Combination, in 2010 she will also appear in the Sydney Theatre Company production of Spring Awakening.

   

  TERRY SERIO – Terry was most recently seen, and was unforgettable in the smash hit production of Keating! playing both Bob Hawke and John Howard. With an extensive career in film, television and theatre, Terry is also well known for playing Johnny O’Keefe in the TV mini-series Shout!

   

  ADAM BOOTH – Adam is a NIDA acting graduate and since graduation in 2006 has worked as both actor and producer on independent theatre productions in Sydney, including the recent production of Under Ice and Stoning Mary both part of Griffin Independent, Ladybird for BSharp and as producer on Killer Joe also for BSharp.

   

  LIZ BURCH – Liz is probably best known for playing Dr Chris Randall in The Flying Doctors but she has appeared in theatre and numerous TV shows over the years, most notably Blue Water High, CrashBurn, Wildside, Water Rats and Home and Away.

   

  Watch this space for further updates on the development process.

   

• 25 Sep 2009

  Merrigong's Phone Numbers Have Changed

  Merrigong Theatre Company has switched over to a new phone system that has meant changing all our telephone numbers. New phone numbers for box office, administration and staff can be found on our Contacts page www.merrigong.com.au/contact.

• 18 Sep 2009

  The Arrebato Ensemble ticket offer – a 33% saving!

  ‘Arrebato’ is a Spanish word meaning ‘a sudden and intensive burst of emotion, a feeling of fury or ecstasy’. It is apt in describing the ensemble’s original music composed by flamenco guitarist Greg Alfonzetti & cellist Damien de Boos-Smith.  

  At times ferocious and at others quietly stirring, the Arrebato Ensemble explores passionate musical territory, bringing to life a vibrant mix of instruments, backgrounds and cultures.
  
  Together with band member’s - Dave Ellis, Stuart Henderson and Andrew Poniris – and guest vocalists and dancers – Alfonzetti and de Boos-Smith have created a passionately moving style of music with an intensely international flavour with contemporary flamenco as the compositional and rhythmic driving force while also encompassing jazz, world and chamber music’s.
  
  Following packed houses in the Apollo Bay & Camden Haven Festivals & a sold out season at the Sydney Opera House Arrebato Ensemble play Wollongong for ONE NIGHT ONLY - Friday 25th September 2009, 8.15pm.

  All tickets are now at the concession price of only $25 - that's a 33% saving! To take advantage of this fantastic offer, simply visit or phone the box office on 4226 3366 or purchase tickets online http://merrigong.com.au/shows/arrebato-ensemble.html. 

• 17 Sep 2009

  Art on the Walls @ Aromas Café

  ‘Art on the Walls’ was established by Merrigong Theatre Company in 2006 to showcase local visual artists who are inspired by performance or conversely whose work inspires performance. Artistic works are hung on the walls of Aromas Café at IPAC. Currently on display is a new exhibition featuring works by Irina Bruckner. Irina often listens to music when she paints and says her work is inspired by what she hears.

   

  Irina’s artworks are figurative and make use of symbolic elements derived from dreams, folk tales, past experiences, history and art. Her latest works incorporate metaphors, often of her roots; of what she has left behind and where she is headed off to. These are often in the form of folk tales and mythology, which infiltrate her paintings with images from everyday life and historical events occurring in literature, conversations, news, art works or music.

   

  Irina’s story is a fascinating one. She was born in the former Soviet Union, which is commonly called Russia, but to be exact, her birthplace lies somewhere in the steppes of Kazakhstan, in a military camp, where her father used to work in the late 60’s and early 70’s constructing nuclear shelters during the Soviet vs. China crisis. They lived near a nuclear testing field, surrounded by the eternal steppes that were also inhabited by the local population of Kazakhstani sheep and horse herders. Irina initially studied Art at #1 Art School, Almaty and then continued her studies in Abaj Atyndagy Almaty Memlekettik Universiteti, Kazakhstan. She has lived in Australia for 12 years.

   

  Merrigong continues to showcase the work of local visual artists on Aroma’s walls for two very simple reasons: there is a huge pool of talented visual artists in the community who interact with and find inspiration in the performing arts and local performing artists; and the work looks fantastic on the walls in the café. Merrigong is very pleased to be able to provide wall space for Illawarra artists at no cost and for no commission. To date, they have exhibited the work of Alannah Driese, Peter Solway, Anna Glynn, Lorraine Brown and the Coomaditchie artists, Kathryn Orton, David Kemmery and now Irina Bruckner. 

• 04 Sep 2009

  Dance Masterclass with Frances Rings #2

  Acclaimed choreographer and dancer, Frances Rings ran a masterclass in indigenous contemporary dance and movement for intermediate and advanced level dancers in August – the first in a series at IPAC. The second one is scheduled to run on WEDNESDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER, 11am – 1pm. This is a great opportunity for emerging young dancers to work with one of the country’s most respected choreographers and dancers.

   

  *Eligibility: you must be 14 years and over and you must have intermediate to advanced level training in contemporary dance or ballet.

  *Fee: $15 (to be paid once accepted into the masterclass)

  *To apply: Send a letter/email outlining your experience and why you would like to attend this masterclass to:

   

  Anne-Louise Rentell, Artistic Associate, Merrigong Theatre Co, PO Box 786 Wollongong NSW 2520 OR arentell@merrigong.com.au.

  For more information call: (02) 4226 3699 ext 110

   

  ABOUT FRANCES RINGS: Frances is a descendant of the Kokatha Tribe and German ancestry. For Bangarra Dance Theatre Frances choreographed Rations, Unaipon, X300 and co-choreographed Bush. In 2006 she choreographed Debris for West Australian Ballet and in 2007 Belonging as part of a double bill with Narelle Benjamin for the 08 Sydney Festival. In 2009 Frances travelled to the Banff Centre in Canada to participate in the International Indigenous Choreographers Residency and Summit. Later in the year Frances will choreograph a double bill for Tasdance with Anton called Identity. Frances has danced in works by many of Australia’s leading choreographers and companies including; Bangarra, Legs on the Wall, Meryl Tankard and Leigh Warren. Her awards include Best New Australian Work (Helpmann), Female Dancer of the Year (Deadly), and Outstanding achievement in Choreography (Ausdance).

• 01 Sep 2009

  Theatre Development Program 2009 - Next deadline Friday 11 September

  In 2009 Merrigong will be offering a limited number of Artist in Residence opportunities for independent artists and groups to have access to space and some technical support for the development of new work – the process of applying is outlined below. If you are a playwright, please also contact us as per the application process outlined below.

   

  The process of applying to the Program has changed:

   

  Stage 1: An informal conversation with Producer and Theatre Development Manager, Anne-Louise Rentell – this enables a discussion about your project and its needs. Anne-Louise’s contact details are at the bottom of this news item;

  Stage 2: Project submission, details of which will be provided to applicants after Stage 1 (it will be an easy submission to complete)

  Stage 3: Consideration by the Merrigong Artistic Team and notification of outcome to the artist.

   

  Applications will be considered by the Merrigong Artistic Team in September. All applicants will be informed of notification dates on submission. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact Anne-Louise Rentell on 42263699 ext. 110 or arentell@merrigong.com.au to discuss them further.

• 16 Jul 2009

  See Merrigong's videos on You Tube

  Catch all of Merrigong's cast interviews, audience reviews and TV ads on our You Tube channel. Simply click here and enjoy! And if you'd like to stay up to date with all the news as well as chat directly to other Merrigong patrons, staff and cast members, become a fan of Merrigong's Facebook page.

• 18 Jun 2009

  Your questions answered by cast members

  As well as bringing great theatre to your doorstep, Merrigong endeavours to open dialogues amongst patrons, staff and cast. You will already be aware of our 'Meet the Artists' nights and our Facebook page. Now you have a chance to send us questions for cast and creative members of upcoming Merrigong shows and we'll get them answered on our website. Send your questions to info@merrigong.com.au and keep your eyes on our site!

• 02 Jun 2009

  Kahlil Ashanti is in the building!

  We're delighted to welcome Kahlil Ashanti to Merrigong. It's been two years since Artistic Director / CEO Simon Hinton first sat down with Kahlil in Edinburgh to discuss the possibility of bringing his acclaimed hit comedy Basic Training  to Australia for a national tour. This week these discussions and a lot of hard work finally come to fruition as Basic Training opens its 14-venue tour in Wollongong. In 2009, Merrigong commenced its fourth year as a producing company and its second with a show on tour. This is however our first tour on a national scale!

• 18 May 2009

  The Vault Cabaret - Photos Now on Facebook

  What a night it was! Check out the photos of May's Vault Cabaret's shenanigans on Merrigong's Facebook page.

• 13 May 2009

  Project X - free preview in Crown St Mall this Thursday!

  Head to the Crown St Mall stage this Thursday 14 May at 7pm to catch the Project X performers doing a very special FREE preview of their show! Dancing, beatboxing, funk, hip hop, acrobatics – these guys will amaze you with their energetic, inspirational and innovative creation of sounds.

• 08 May 2009

  Mother's Day Gift Vouchers

  Surprise a loved one with a gift voucher to shows at IPAC. By clicking here, you can purchase gift vouchers to the value of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. These can be used to purchase tickets to any show or season package for up to twelve months.

• 17 Apr 2009

  Metamorphosis Cast / Audience Video

  Metamorphosis opened to rapturous applause on Wednesday 15 April. Click on the following link to see a video of cast  and audience interviews: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CGXohETv7I.

• 30 Mar 2009

  Gordon Theatre re-opening April 1st.

  The Gordon Theatre refurbishment has been three months of challenging, hard work and the result is fantastic! The new look will be unveiled with a small ceremony on Wednesday April 1st at 8pm to guests coming along to see Fiona Scott Norman's The Needle and the Damage Done. Visitors to IPAC can now enjoy new seating and carpets in the Gordon Theatre, fresh paint and carpets in the foyer, improved disabled access, a hearing loop for the hearing impaired and upgrades to the bathrooms and disabled toilets.

  
  
    

• 12 Mar 2009

  Get involved as a marketing volunteer!

  Merrigong Theatre Company runs a marketing volunteer program utilising people from the local community to assist in various duties, such as mailouts, database maintenance, identifying marketing opportunities and writing direct mail. If you have an interest in theatre and enjoy interaction with a variety of people, this is a great opportunity to develop your skills and gain workplace experience at the same time as contributing to an exciting, vibrant company. If you'd like to take part, please contact the Education and Promotions Co-ordinator, Jennifer O'Sullivan on 4226 3699 ext.103 or email josullivan@merrigong.com.au.

• 26 Feb 2009

  Snugglepot and Cuddlepie at IPAC and Botanic Gardens

  We're very pleased that Wollongong's Botanic Gardens have agreed to run special Snugglepot and Cuddlepie treasure hunts and guided tours during the April school holidays. Now you can watch the show live on stage at IPAC (21 - 22 April) and enjoy adventures amongst the real life flora and fauna up the road! Details will soon be available on the Botanic Gardens website.

• 26 Feb 2009

  Drew Forsythe joins cast of The 39 Steps

  The Wharf Revue's Drew Forsythe recently joined the cast of The 39 Steps and has since wowed audiences in Melbourne, Frankston and Newcastle. We look forward to having Drew back on stage at IPAC!

• 08 Jan 2009

  Bruce Gordon Theatre Refurbishment

  The Bruce Gordon Theatre is currently undergoing renovations, requiring the closure of Aromas Cafe until 27th January. The disabled toilet facilities are also undergoing an upgrade and are currently inaccessible. The Box Office is continuing business as normal. If you require the use of affected facilities, Box Office staff will be happy to assist you with accessing alternative arrangements. We apologise for any inconvenience you may experience and look forward to welcoming you to our newly refurbished theatre on 1st April 2009.