A 21ST BIRTHDAY is in the wings and from sneak peeks it's going to be a celebration that will keep the fun fizzing all year long - literally.
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More than 300 people on Wednesday were treated to a special preview of the 2016 subscription series program for Launceston's Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre, and the response was a heartfelt "yes, bring it on".
Launched by Theatre North general manager Greg Leong, the program sees a big return to drama, a dipping of the Akubra to country music and a return of the extraordinary daredevil acts of Circus Oz, one of the country's best touring companies.
Striking a country chord with Wednesday night's audience was award-winning singer Courtney Conway, who flew in from Perth especially to perform an excerpt from from the Broadway tribute show Always ... Patsy Cline, which will hit the stage in October.
Leong said Theatre North was particularly proud of a strong participation of Tasmanian talent within the diverse program.
Among familiar faces will be the tattooed tenor Matthew Garwood suiting up for the annual Glover Concert, award-winning busker Matthew Dames trying his luck in the inaugural RAW Young Talent on Stage busking competition that will coincide with Festivale, Big hART's Scott Rankin directing an actor of his choice reading from his play, Ophelia, and Terrapin Puppet Theatre reprising their family favourite eco-adventure Egg in July.
"The program is exciting in every way," Leong said.
"We urge subscribers and lovers of theatre of all kinds to book their seats because we believe this is one of the most exciting programs - with 21 productions it is certainly the biggest - Theatre North has ever staged."
Wednesday night was a double treat for guests as it was one of the last events that will be held in the Princess Theatre before it closes for about four months for a floor and seat refurbishment.
"There's so much to celebrate when the Princess reopens in April," Leong said.
"But in reality the fun will start well and truly before that with fantastic events happening at the Earl Arts Centre too."
Subscription series brochures are available from the Princess Theatre box office or visit www.theatrenorth.com.au
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
One Day Redux - Australian Moments: Mudlark Theatre’s One-Day Project celebrates its 13th year, offering playwrights, directors, actors, producers and technicians the chance to write, rehearse, produce and perform up to 10 new one-act plays in 24 hours. Earl Arts Centre, Thursday, March 10, to Saturday, March 12.
They Saw A Thylacine: With the warmth of a campfire story, two feisty funny women – Sarah Hamilton and Justine Campbell – conjure the ghost of the last Tassie tiger, shining a light on extinction and human survival. Princess Theatre, Monday, April 4.
Country Song: A fictionalised story inspired by the life of Jimmy Little as to the healing power of music. Devised by The Queensland Theatre Company and Queensland Performing Arts Centre, this toe-tapping show features music from Joanny Cash and Marty Robbins to Little’s own smash hit Royal Telephone. At the Princess Theatre, Wednesday, April 27.
Wuthering Heights: A ‘‘stellar cast and breathtaking set design’’ is promised in this adaptation of Emily Bronte’s gothic masterpiece by Queensland’s acclaimed shake & stir theatre company. At the Princess Theatre. Tuesday, May 10.
21 Living Icons: An exhibition to recognise the artistic talent and contribution of 21 people within the Northern Tasmanian arts scene as nominated by the community and selected by a panel of judges. The exhibition will run for three months from August 3 in the Stairwell Gallery at the Princess Theatre, resuming March 2017 as part of the Ten Days on the Island Arts Festival at the Earl Arts Centre.
