East Gippslanders are in for a spectacular 2025 with the Forge Theatre securing major Creative Victoria touring performances.
The Victorian Government-funded Touring Victoria program through Creative Victoria announced six recipients of touring funding in 2024 to perform shows across the state, with three coming to East Gippsland for five shows.
Gunditjmara/Kokathasinger-songwriter David Arden will tour MEERTA – Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden, a story about Aboriginal Identity, resilience and celebration to 10 regional Victoria destinations, including Bairnsdale on Friday, June 13 at 7.30pm.
Nicholas Clark Management will tour three new Australian works: IMAGINE LIVE, based on Alison Lester’s book (Wednesday, May 21, 6pm); In Common by One Fell Swoop Circus (Sarsfield, January 21; Omeo, January 23; and Mallacoota, January 25 – 4pm and 7.30pm shows at all locations); and Velveteen Rabbit from Born in a Taxi (September school holidays).
Finucane & Smith will tour the whole-of-community knees-up show The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez.
Spanning writing to opera to burlesque, the community focused performance will draw entire towns into the celebration at The Forge on Friday, September 5 at 7.30pm.
Mayor John White said it was a real coup to have these high-quality shows coming to East Gippsland.
“We are thrilled to be able to host such a diverse range of performances and it says a lot about our growing arts community,” Cr White said.
“We encourage everyone to be part of the celebration and to book your tickets when available through the Forge.”
Meanwhile, the Forge has a bumper program scheduled to get 2025 underway with a variety of shows at not only The Forge in Bairnsdale, but Swifts Creek, Mallacoota, Sarsfield, Nowa Nowa, Bruthen, Lakes Entrance and Omeo.
“The program includes children’s comedy, acrobatics, comedy and music and more – and that’s just in the next six weeks,” Cr White said.
FRITZ – a whimsical and enchanting clown show: various locations, January 13-17
The Listies: Make Some Noise (Australia’s favourite kids’ comedians): various locations, January 15-20.
In Common by One Fell Swoop Circus: various locations, January 21-25
Homebrewed – an afternoon flight of local theatre: The Forge, February 1
The U2 Show Achtung Baby ‘Desire Tour’ U2 Greatest Hits: The Forge, February 8
Love Songs and Dedications – ’80s love ballads: The Forge, February 14
TOUCH – a collaboration between two forms of dance, ballet and the Indian classical art form Bharathanatyam, with a special option to add a Chai High Tea by local small business Himalayan Bliss: The Forge, February 23
