Summer is just around the corner and audiences are going to want to slip, slop, slap their way down to Wyong for Summer@ The Art House.
The beating heart of arts and culture on the Coast, The Art House is gearing up to deliver a huge summer of music, drama, comedy and experiences, with Wave One of the program officially on sale!
Kicking things off with some holiday fun for the littlest patrons, The Owl’s Apprentice is a lively and interactive show combining shadow puppetry and physical comedy. Audiences will join Poot Poot the owl on his journey to become wise and will also get the chance to create and develop their own puppet and show in a Shadow Puppetry Workshop.
Comedians Dave O’Neil and Brad Oakes will have audiences salivating for more in Overweight Lightweight. Two of the biggest names in Aussie comedy, O’Neil and Oakes will come together to deliver a night of big laughs and in a rare treat, interested Coasties will also have the chance to sit down with Oakes when he hosts his comedy masterclass – The Art of The Laugh. This is an unprecedented chance for aspiring comics and writers to gain invaluable insight from Oakes, who’s mentored the likes of Tommy Little, Corrine Grant and Claire Hooper.
Crowd favourite duo The Listiesreturn with Make Some Noise in their signature brand of silly songs, high energy sketches and crazy clowning. The 6PM show includes a pyjama party, so kids (and parents!) are encouraged to come dressed in their coziest, comfiest and coolest PJs to add to the fun.
Be transported to Sydney’s 1930s jazz scene with Send for Nellie, the inspiring story of Australian entertainment legend Nellie Small. A dashing figure in top hat and tails, Small was a West-Indian Australian born singer and cross-dressing cabaret artist who dazzled Sydney for nigh on 40 years. A non-conformist, Small was a barrier-breaking talent who challenged the status quo before it was cool. Co-commissioned with Send for Productions, this work is The Art House’s first direct transfer from Sydney Festival – honoring the venue’s commitment to bringing diverse, exciting and unique arts opportunities to the Central Coast’s doorstep.
Also making his Art House debut is David Campbell. One of the most successful entertainers to come out of Oz the much-loved stage, screen and radio star will inject some swing into the Summer@ program when he performs his new show Good Lovin’ & More. Celebrating the soulful sounds of the 60s, Campbell and his 7-piece band will dial the charm up to eleven.
Free Summer in The Courtyard activities will also return as part of the festivities and with Wave Two’s announcement just around the corner, there’s truly something for everybody at The Art House this January!