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THEATRE FOR KIDS! Worried about filling the long days ahead with interesting activities? Well the Byron Theatre has some great solutions with an all-ages program that is certain to have something for everyone. Thomas the Break Engine is full of acrobatics and clowning around, telling the story of a train conductor Thomas, who strives to power his train with clean energy. A circus workshop also included. That’s Tuesday 2 till Saturday 6 January at 11.30am. For 2-plus. Kidzklub sessions are back all through January with creative art and craft activities for kids ages 4.5–12 years. Kids can play freely and creatively with our fabulous equipment and materials or join in with the structured art session facilitated by our qualified staff. Weekdays in January, 1.30–4pm $24/child Varietyville takes variety to a whole new level. Bite-sized morsels of masterful magic, chaotic clowning, musical mayhem and much, much more! Fun for the whole family. Playing Saturday 6 January, 7.30pm Monday 15 Jan sees Gabriel Otu perform a hands-on cultural workshop, taking kids on a journey of African fun, where everybody has the opportunity to play music, sing, and ask questions. There is also the Bright Lights Holiday Workshop offering adults and children of all ages a show of singing, musical theatre, dance and drama. The final show is performed at Byron Theatre. Don’t miss this amazing holiday fun! Show Tickets: Single $5 | Family $20 And 24 January, Johnny the Jester, one of Australia’s leading entertainers and children’s magicians, brings his Wild & Crazy Children’s Magic Show to the Community Centre. All tickets $15. Check the Centre’s website for show details and tickets – byroncentre.com.au.
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What better way to communicate the plight of our coral reef than with dance, theatre, and some bloody spectacular costumes! ReefUP! dance and theatre extravaganza will be acclaimed choreographer Liz Lea’s third joint venture in collaborative scientific and arts research after the success of FlyingFacts (a theatrical exploration of the history and science of flight) and Star Struck (a dance-based response to astronomy and the science of the Big Bang). Key scientists from Project Manta, featured on David Attenborough’s documentary about the Great Barrier Reef, provided research data for ReefUP! Using dance, theatre, some amazing costumes and the latest scientific research Reef UP! shares the story of what is happening to our coral reefs and what we can do to help. Audiences learn how all life on the reef is interrelated. If a single organism or species is affected or declines in number it can have a huge ripple effect both down and up the Great Barrier Reef’s food chain. Meet a sea-full of loveable characters (and villains): Manta and Ray, Slinky the Shark, Hollywood the Minkie Whale and a devious Crown of Thorns starfish called Priscilla. To a soundtrack of popular songs, Reef UP! highlights the beauty and precarious nature of the reef ecosystems across the globe, and helps the audience explore the simple things that they can do to help preserve these breathtaking environments. Developed with support from Queensland Music Festival, Canberra Theatre Centre and QL2 Dance, Canberra, and an impressive array of leading scientific collaborators. Reef UP! All-ages live show will be at the Brunswick Picture House on 3 and 4 Jan 2018, 11am and 2pm (four shows). Adult $20 / $18 | Child $15 | Family of 4 (ages 3–15) $70. Tickets at brunswickpicturehouse.com
DRUMMING UP MONKEY BUSINESS Australia’s favourite little-kids’ show is returning to Byron Bay! They will be cruising back down the east coast following their performances at Woodford Folk Festival and will be stopping into Byron on Thursday 4 January. The Amazing Drumming Monkeys have been wowing audiences around Australia and overseas for the past 14 years. This year’s highlights include the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix and the beautiful Huangpu Theatre in Shanghai China. The Monkeys combine a unique blend of puppetry, live music, comedy, and heartwarming themes to deliver a fun-filled interactive show for the whole family. This is an adorable little variety show aimed at 1–8-year-olds, and is also great entertainment for all ages. The two monkey puppets (Bongo and Congo) play African drums, lead audiences in songs and dances, and have all sorts of fun along the way. The Monkey show also features beautiful messages, such as caring for the planet, and getting along with one another. Byron Scout Hall at 10.30am. 40 mins. $10 pp or $35 for a family of four.
MAKING A SPLASH Tickets are on sale for the Ballina Players Theatre Company’s latest production The Little Mermaid. Starring Jade Rushwood as Ariel, the beautiful but rebellious mermaid who is fascinated by the world and lives of people on dry land, and longs to someday join them, especially when she meets her prince, played by Liam Gatt. This popular Disney classic is not just for children and will delight audiences of all ages. The Little Mermaid runs at Ballina Players over 12–21 January. Details and booking information at www.ballinaplayers.com.au or via Facebook. Tickets can also be purchased from Just Funkin Music in River St, Ballina.
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The Byron Shire Echo December 20, 2017 79