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Sydney Lyric Transforms Into Wonderland For The Exclusive Season Of Cirque Alice

14/08/2026 Breaking News

”Breathtaking. Captivating. Spectacular. A wondrous evening filled to overflowing with incredible memories that will last a lifetime!” – Arts Review

Venture down the rabbit hole for the exclusive 2026 Sydney season of Cirque Alice, an epic new show from the creators of Cirque Du Soleil’s Mad Apple and the international smash hits The Illusionists, Le Noir, Circus 1903 and Now You See Me Live, that will transform Sydney Lyric Theatre from 25 September to 11 October. Tickets are on sale from 10am today at ticketmaster.com.au

Produced by Tim Lawson and Simon Painter, Cirque Alice reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic adventure and bring to life everyone’s favourite characters with extraordinary acts from some of the greatest performers around the globe.

Lawson and Painter have created a unique circus show that celebrates one of the most recognisable fantasy worlds of all time, with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland a ‘curiouser and curiouser’ source of inspiration for all ages.

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Creative Producer Simon Painter said he was incredibly excited to bring Cirque Alice to Sydney. “The tales of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland provide the perfect backdrop to create a magical narrative about a cirque show. Filled with some of the most eccentric and larger-than-life characters and creations, the original stories have provided such amazing inspiration for this groundbreaking new production,” Painter said.

Producer Tim Lawson added, “This is the perfect show for everyone – whether you’re on a date night or you want to bring the whole family along – do not miss this performance of jaw dropping acts set around one of the world’s most magical stories.”

Cirque Alice will entice audiences down the rabbit hole, with an awe-inspiring set and an enthralling soundtrack featuring newly arranged contemporary renditions of some of the world’s favourite classical hits. The show will feature a line-up of the greatest acrobatic performers from around the globe, mesmerising aerialists, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry and dancers, special musical guest, comedic artists and more.

Immerse yourself and get lost in Cirque Alice, a captivating two-hour show for all ages. cirquealice.com

CIRQUE ALICE
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: 25 September – 11 October
Performance Times: Wed – Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm, Matinees Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 1pm
Prices: From $69 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 795 267

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Iota Joins Cast Of Leonard Cohen Anniversary Spectacular – Melbourne 26/9 | Perth 10/10

13/08/2026 Breaking News

Leonard Cohen Lives On!

It’s 10 years since the iconic poet-composer-musician Leonard Cohen left this world, but his work looms as large as ever. Marking the anniversary, Australia’s triple ARIA Award-winning Monsieur Camembert brings their spectacular and acclaimed production COHEN NOIR to Melbourne and Perth, honouring one of the world’s greatest songwriters through a richly textured evening of music, poetry and storytelling.

Joining an all-star cast of singers and musicians for both performances is multi award winning performer, IOTA. He is flanked by Diana Rouvas, Lyn Bowtell, Susie Bishop, Timothy James Bowen (Melbourne), Berlin-based Australian violin virtuoso Daniel Weltlinger and the remarkable Bukhu, whose haunting Mongolian throat singing and horse-hair fiddle add another unforgettable voice to this rich musical landscape.

Plus the formidable choral backing of a superb community choir in each city: Glee West in Melbourne and Swan Harmony Singers in Perth.

Some songs become part of who we are. They accompany us through life’s different seasons, revealing new meanings as we change. Leonard Cohen’s songs are among those rare companions, filled with beauty, longing, tenderness and extraordinary insight into what it means to be human. Created and performed by Australia’s triple ARIA Award-winning Monsieur Camembert, COHEN NOIR is a rare invitation into that remarkable world.

Over the past 20 years, COHEN NOIR has evolved into one of Australia’s most acclaimed live music experiences, earning standing ovations and sold-out performances at the Sydney Opera House, State Theatre, City Recital Hall and the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Audiences return not simply to hear these timeless songs again, but to discover something new within them.

Tickets and information: www.cohen-noir.com

“Cohen Noir is brilliant… a confronting, mortifying, exultant celebration of the business of being human.” – John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald

An exceptional ensemble of musicians and guest artists explores Cohen’s songs, poetry and prose with imagination, sensitivity and masterful musicianship. Drawing on jazz, tango, Latin, folk, klezmer and cinematic orchestration, the music reveals new colours and perspectives while remaining faithful to the emotional heart of the songs.

Cohen’s own recorded voice, poetry and humour weave gently through the performance, drawing audiences into the world behind the songs and revealing the wisdom, humanity and quiet grace that resonate so deeply.

“Spirited, musically assured, eclectic and downright fun.” – Doug Spencer, ABC Radio National

More than a tribute concert, COHEN NOIR invites audiences to encounter Leonard Cohen’s work anew, discovering fresh colours, deeper meanings and the timeless humanity that continues to resonate a decade after his passing.

“Monsieur Camembert does justice to the emotional, lyrical and melodic intent of the songs while adding a new dimension.” – Tony Hillier, The Weekend Australian

Tickets and information: www.cohen-noir.com

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Burn The Floor Partners With Nextsense For Charity Gala At Coliseum Theatre

11/08/2026 Breaking News

International dance phenomenon Burn The Floor has announced a new charity partnership with NextSense, with a special Charity Gala performance of its spectacular new production LUMINOUS to be held at Coliseum Theatre on Saturday 26 September 2026.

Hosted by beloved television personalities and dancers Tristan MacManus and Kym Johnson, the exclusive gala performance will see $10 from every ticket sold donated to NextSense, supporting children, adults and families impacted by hearing and vision loss. Tickets are available now from www.burnthefloor.com

The partnership brings together two organisations united by a shared belief in the power of human connection, inclusion and the transformative impact of the arts.

Burn The Floor: LUMINOUS is the company’s exhilarating new production, celebrating the artistry, athleticism and passion of dance. Featuring an international cast of world-class dancers, spectacular live music and breathtaking choreography by acclaimed director Jason Gilkison, LUMINOUS blends the elegance of Ballroom and Latin dance with contemporary theatrical storytelling in a production that is bold, exhilarating and emotionally charged.

Igor Gutan, Erika Attisano, Talia Fowler, Tristan McManus, Rome Champion, BurnTheFloor_Colosseum_DavidHooley_HighRES.jpg

Having captivated audiences in more than 180 cities across 30 countries, Burn The Floor continues to redefine ballroom dance for a new generation through its signature fusion of precision, passion and world-class entertainment.

The Charity Gala offers audiences the opportunity to experience this internationally acclaimed production while making a meaningful contribution to one of Australia’s leading organisations supporting people with hearing and vision loss.

For more than 160 years, NextSense has empowered people with hearing and vision loss through specialist education, therapy, research and clinical services. As Australia’s largest provider of cochlear implant services, the organisation continues to transform lives through innovation, advocacy and support.

Harley Medcalf, Producer of Burn The Floor, said: “For more than 25 years, Burn The Floor has celebrated the power of dance to connect people across cultures, languages and generations. Partnering with NextSense for this Charity Gala is a natural extension of those values. We’re incredibly proud that this special performance will not only entertain audiences, but also help raise awareness and support the extraordinary work NextSense does every day.”

Trish Charan, General Manager of the Coliseum Theatre said “Coliseum Theatre is proud to support this special Charity Gala performance of Burn The Floor in aid of NextSense. We’re delighted to work with Harley and Burn The Floor to help raise awareness of the invaluable work NextSense does within the community. Bringing audiences together for world-class entertainment while supporting a meaningful cause reflects the power of live performance to create a lasting impact both on and off the stage.”

The Burn The Floor Charity Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening where extraordinary performance meets meaningful philanthropy, demonstrating how the performing arts can inspire audiences while making a lasting difference within the community.

EVENT DETAILS
Venue: Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill
Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Performance Time: 7.30pm
Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply) with $10 from every ticket sold will be donated to NextSense
Bookings: www.burnthefloor.com , or email contactus@coliseumtheatre.com.au or phone 02 9625 5500

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Kim Hardwick Directs Dixon And Daughters By Deborah Bruce At The Old Fitz Theatre

11/08/2026 Breaking News

Tiny Dog Productions presents Dixon and Daughters by Deborah Bruce

“…if this house could speak.” An Australian premiere, Dixon and Daughters by Deborah Bruce comes from an acclaimed run at the National Theatre, co-produced with Clean Break Theatre in 2023. With a tight 90-minute run time and an all-female cast, Dixon and Daughters is a raw, compelling exploration of trauma, survival, and the bonds that tie family and in particular women together. When Mary returns home after serving time in prison, she wants to forget the past – intent on rebuilding her life, she walks into a household filled with hostility where her daughters are grappling with their past. Over a weekend, tensions simmer and truths emerge, exposing a history that has shaped their lives. Each woman must confront their past and what they’ve done to survive.

Balancing heartbreak with moments of surprising humour, this is a story about the courage it takes to confront pain, the complexity of forgiveness, and the possibility of breaking generational cycles. Fierce, moving and unflinchingly honest, Dixon and Daughters is a tribute to the strength of women and the painful path of healing.

Following Tiny Dog Productions’ 5-star co-production of The Children’s Hour at the Old Fitz Theatre in 2025 and their 4.5-star season of Monster by Duncan Macmillan at KXT on Broadway, we are pleased to be bringing this important story to the Old Fitz stage in September.

Cast: Vanessa Downing, Linda Nicholls-Gidley, Romney Hamilton, Sarah Jane Starr, Danette Potgieter, Rylea Eilis

Director: Kim Hardwick

Season and Performance Information:
Venue: The Old Fitz Theatre – 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia
Season: 18 September – 3 October 2026
Performance Times: Tuesday – Saturday 7pm | Saturday Matinee 2pm | Sunday 5pm
Previews: Friday 18 September & Saturday 19 September 2026
Opening Night: Sunday 20 September 2026
Closing Night: Saturday 3 October 2026
Tickets: https://purchase.oldfitztheatre.com.au
Price: $34.50 – $86
Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes
Content Warnings: References to violence against women and girls including child sexual abuse and domestic violence, and depictions of alcohol abuse.

Creative Team highlights: Playwright Deborah Bruce; Assistant Director Jenni Russell; Producers Romney Hamilton & Celine Widjaya; Set & Props Designer Mia MacCormick; Lighting Designer Topaz Marlay-Cole; Composer & Sound Designer Nicky Pardesi; Costume & Props Designer Amelie Brown; Stage Manager Bianca Dreis; Dialect Coach Linda Nicholls-Gidley; Social Content Creator Chloe Callow; Photographer Campbell Parsons.

This production is generously supported by Darlo Drama and donors of our Australian Cultural Fund.

Tiny Dog Productions acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

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