ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ON THE COAST BROOKE DOHERTY TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON THIS AUTUMN.

Monty Python’s ‘SPAMALOT’ Look on the bright side: if you have a penchant for all things Camelot, love singing along to iconic Python songs and have a wry sense of humour that appreciates the farcical side, you’ll be in for a fun night of entertainment! This production sold-out its season at the Hayes Theatre Co. in Sydney last year, so book early.

The Art House, 19–21 Margaret Street, Wyong 26-28 March. Adults $72, conc. $65, members $60, on-stage $55, under 30s $48. Bookings thearthousewyong.com.au

Grace Under Pressure This interesting piece of verbatim theatre explores the interior worlds of doctors and nurses battling the pressures of our dysfunctional healthcare system. If you’ve ever wondered what curve-balls they’ve faced, the highs and lows of their job and the dichotomy between their professional and private views, this will reveal all in its wit and pathos.

The Art House, 19–21 Margaret Street, Wyong Tuesday 31 March, Wednesday 1 April. Adults $35, conc. $30, members and under 30s $25. Bookings thearthousewyong.com.au

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

© BRETT BOARDMAN

The Gospel According To Paul He’s back! Jonathan Biggins reprises his role as the Bankstown Boy made good, Paul Keating. His uncanny impersonation of Keating, pontifications on rival politicians like the late Bob Hawke and views on the way Canberra is run will leave you writhing in your seat with amusement. Prepare yourself for a very naughty treat.

Laycock Street Community Theatre, 5 Laycock Street, North Gosford Tuesday 19 May, 7pm. Tickets $45. Bookings centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/theatres

Backbone Gravity & Other Myths is an internationally recognised Australian circus company that is kicking goals. This, their third production, scrutinises the concept of ‘strength’ from the physical and individual to the emotional and collective. It’s a bold and fascinating work that challenges your perceptions.

The Art House, 19–21 Margaret Street, Wyong 21-22 April. Adults $39, conc. $35, members $30, under 30s $22. Bookings thearthousewyong.com.au

AURORA BY CIRCUS OZ

Aurora by Circus Oz Featuring spectacular acrobatics and physical comedy, Aurora explores the antics and issues of Arctic creatures in their diminishing environment. Inspiring, funny and delightful, the show features a live band and is sure to have your family energised by the experience.

The Art House, 19–21 Margaret Street, Wyong 4-5 April. Adults $49, conc. $42, members $40, under 30s $35. Bookings thearthousewyong.com.au

BACKBONE

River, Mountain, Sky Maria Grenfell’s orchestral piece headlines this concert that spans the majesty of New Zealand’s peaks to the crisp terrain of Scandinavia. Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony and Violin Concerto will showcase the virtuosic talents of upcoming star, Harry Ward, who has won a slew of prestigious awards and originally hails from the Central Coast. Harry will be performing on a 1780 Pietro Antonio Landolfi violin which, alone, given the sweetness of sound, is well worth the ticket price.

Central Coast Grammar School Performing Arts Centre, Arundel Road, Erina Heights. Sunday 5 April, 2.30pm. Adults $45, conc. $40, children $20. Bookings at CCGS box office: 4365 8497.

The Priest, the Intellect, the Eccentric and the Pirate In this ambitious musical offering, the Phoenix Collective’s Baroque trio will perform works from Vivaldi, JS Bach, Biber and Pandolfi. Of note is their use of a replica 1710 French double manual harpsichord and a period 1750 Tyrolean violin with gut strings and baroque bow to create an historically authentic experience for the audience. With little vibrato and a masterful tweaking of sound to create vibrant tone colours and effects for

DAN RUSSELL, PHOENIX COLLECTIVE

Biber’s opus, the pressure is on the musicians to deliver precision timing and pitch. They never shy away from a challenge!

Greenway Chapel, 460 Avoca Drive, Green Point. Sunday 31 May, 2.30pm. Adults $35, conc. $28, under 17s $15, family $86. Bookings at pcmusic.net Phone: 0402 544 016. phoenixcollective.com.au/ symphonycentralcoast.com.au

Opera in the Arboretum Julie Lea Goodwin, Daniel Sumegi, Jacqueline Dark and John Longmuir headline the 15th annual opera performance at Pearl Beach. Supported by the CC Conservatorium’s acclaimed conductor, Patrick Brennan, and backed by the talented Francis Greep and Sebastien Hibbard on piano and cello, it will be a memorable night.

Crommelin Native Arboretum, Pearl Beach. Saturday 28 March, 3–5 pm. Adults: $70, seniors $67, secondary students $36. Bookings trybooking.com/567088

presents

PAUL WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY JONATHAN BIGGINS

One of Australia’s favourite performers, Jonathan Biggins, is Paul Keating – visionary, reformer and rabble-rouser. Full of insight, intelligence and wit, The Gospel According to Paul is the smash hit comedy about a critical time in Australian history and the man that shaped it. TUESDAY 19 MAY, 7pm TICKETS ALL $45

THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE

© GAVIN AHEARN

Olivia Newton-John: the Ultimate Tribute Who doesn’t love the music of Olivia Newton-John? Donna Watson-Boyd and her band recreate the hits that have made Our Livy a legend in this high-energy show. You be astonished at the vocal and physical similarities.

Laycock Street Community Theatre, 5 Laycock Street, North Gosford Wednesday 8 April, 11 am. Tickets $20. Bookings centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/theatres

Coastal Sanctuaries – Robyn Pedley This solo exhibition by talented local artist, Robyn Pedley, explores those areas around us that so often go unnoticed for their unpretentious and gentle charm. Pedley’s compositions often have an impressionistic feel and uncanny harmony of soft, complimentary colour that exudes tranquillity. You’ll be drawn into a refreshing, even blissful experience.

Gosford Regional Gallery, Webb Street, East Gosford. 8 April–13 May. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/ council/coastal-sanctuaries-robyn-pedley

ROBYN PEDLEY: HAVAN GARDEN