Ipswich City Council

2011 Performances

  Australian Army Band Brisbane

 Tuesday 22 November 11.00am

Known as one of the finest military bands in Australia, the Australian Army Band Brisbane provides music for regal, vice-regal, state and ceremonial occasions, performs at festivals, gives concerts and presents precision marching displays, as well as fulfilling its military role.  

Every year the band provides music for many varied community groups and receives acclaim from audiences wherever it performs.

The Australian Army Band Brisbane is a great asset to the State of Queensland and provides an extremely professional "public face" for the Australian Army.

Spotlight on Beccy Cole

                                                    Thursday 10 November 7.30pm

Beccy is best known for her award-winning songs but is also an accomplished comedienne who has audiences roaring with laughter at her wicked brand of humour. Her memorable, heart-felt songs have earned Beccy seven Golden Guitars, two Entertainer of the Year awards, three Gold records and many other song-writing accolades.

During her career Beccy has toured with many of the greats of international music.

It's easy to see why such a multi-talented performer remains at the forefront of Australian Country Music.

Beccy Cole with be performing with support act Lyn Bowtell. Lyn Bowtell is an accomplished singer/songwriter, two-time Golden Guitar winner with trio 'Bella' (2004 & 2005), Toyota Star Maker winner (1997), APRA Awards finalist and graduate of the inaugural Country Music College (1997).

Isla Grant - Happy Anniversary Tour

 Saturday 29 October 8.00pm

Scottish born singer-songwriter Isla Grant returns to Australia with a fresh look and some brand new songs as well as all her old favourites.  The popular singer will be touring with her equally as talented husband Al Grant and his band. Her beautiful voice together with an ability to write sensitive songs that cross over from country/folk to easy listening, have not only established her as a major recording artist but also a popular live entertainer. Don't miss this opportunity to see live in concert one of Scotland's most treasured and loved performers - Isla Grant.

'In Dreams' The Roy Orbison Story

Thursday 27 October 8.00pm

Now for the very first time Australian audiences can experience the magic of Orbisons music from his early Rockabilly roots at Sun records in the fifties through the sixties, seventies and into the Travelling Wilburys era in the eighties.

Bringing a new twist to the performances is ‘wordsmith' Noel Sheridan who segues between the musical content with an interesting narrative of information and history of the Roy Orbison story.

Supported by his 5pce band and special guest Artist Marcel Riesco brings a true ‘Live on Stage' performance that is sure to have the audience ‘Crying' out for more.

Oh What a Night! A musical tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

  Saturday 22 October 7.30pm

Direct from Las Vegas - OH WHAT A NIGHT! is an exciting musical revue written and directed by independent Motown producer George Solomon, and award-winning producer/director Michael Chapman. Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, Working My Way Back To You, Let's Hang On, and Who Loves You, are just some of the many hits you will enjoy from the songbook of those dynamic boys from Jersey, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Echoes of Edinburgh featuring Queensland Police Pipes and Drums

  Thursday 20 October 11.00am 

Australia's favourite Scot, entertainer Billy Raymond, compares 90 minutes of family fun, music and dance featuring the highly acclaimed Queensland Police Pipes and Drums Band and the lovely and talented Scotia Highland Dancers.

The pipe band is among the finest exponents of piping and drumming and has appeared at the legendary Edinburgh Military Tattoo and as guests of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle. Renowned recording artist and comedian Billy Raymond provides his family style humour and well-known songs from Scotland that feature on his 14 popular albums.

Oklahoma! - Ipswich Orpheus Chorale

  Saturday 7.30pm &
      Sunday 16 October 1.30pm

This popular musical - the first by the famous duo Rogers and Hammerstein - tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams.

It's songs and dances evoke the simple pleasures of rural life in the Territory of Oklahoma in 1906. Tap your feet and hum along to great songs like Oh What a Beautiful Mornin', The Surrey With the Fringe On Top, The Farmer and the Cowman, People Will Say We're in Love,  I Can't Say Know, and the self-titled Oklahoma.           

Charmaine Wilson - Spirit Whisperers

Tuesday 4 October 7.30pm

The Winner of Channel Seven's Hit Series The One and Australian Psychic of the Year, Charmaine Wilson will give her audiences a chance to connect with those who have passed over in order to give messages of peace and love to the living.

After travelling extensively to share her talent, completing a sell-out tour of Australian capital cities, Charmaine is thrilled to return to Ipswich.

Australian Army Band Brisbane 

  Tuesday 27 September 11.00am

Known as one of the finest military bands in Australia, the Australian Army Band Brisbane provides music for regal, vice-regal, state and ceremonial occasions, performs at festivals, gives concerts and presents precision marching displays, as well as fulfilling its military role.  

Every year the band provides music for many varied community groups and receives acclaim from audiences wherever it performs.

The Australian Army Band Brisbane is a great asset to the State of Queensland and provides an extremely professional "public face" for the Australian Army.

Purity - Great Love - Innumerable Meanings

 Saturday 24 September 7.00pm

The sign language and drama performance themed [Purity ∙ Great Love ∙ Innumerable Meanings] is a musical theatre adaptation of - The Doctrine of Tzu Chi's Dharma Path.

Over the past 45 years, Tzu Chi volunteers have abided by the essence of The Sutra of Innumerable Meanings. Practicing self-cultivation to purify the inner mind and devoting to the furtherance of the major Tzu Chi missions (Charity, Medicine, Education and Humanity) globally.

  Shorter and Sweeter

 Wednesday 21 September 7.30pm 

Six of Australia's hottest dancers, hailing from the likes of So You Think You Can Dance, FAME and Sydney Dance Company, will perform everything from parkour, break dance, adagio and hip hop to ballet, African, musical theatre and tap.

Oliver! - Ipswich Musical Theatre Company

  Saturday 17 September 7.30pm
      Sunday 18 September 1.30pm
      Tuesday 20 September 10.00am

"Please sir, I want some more." Ipswich Musical Theatre Company is proud to present Oliver! - the musical that will melt your heart.

This multi awarding-winning musical premiered in London before travelling to Broadway, and then some years later, again enjoyed highly successful revival seasons in both places, as well as numerous national tours. Oliver! is based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, about an orphan who runs away from an orphanage and teams up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor.

The child lead role is rotational and will be:
Kaiden Grennan (Schools & Sunday Matinee performances)
Thomas Haag (Saturday Night & Tuesday Morning performances)

 A Festival of Russian Ballet

 Wednesday 7 September 7.30pm 
 

Returning to Australia in 2011....Imperial Russian Ballet Company's "Festival of Russian Ballet". The Festival of Russian Ballet features a diverse and stunning programme in three awe-inspiring acts.  

Act One - Don Quixote, Act Two - Bolero, Act Three - Highlights from the world's great ballets. 

Herman's Hermits

 Wednesday 31 August 7.30pm

The Mid-60's music scene was dominated by British Acts; three of which became household names - The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and..... Herman's Hermits, who are one of the most successful groups throughout the world.

From the Sixties, through the Seventies, Eighties, Nineties and into the 21st Century,  Herman's Hermits are still ‘Into Something Good'. 

Altiyan Childs Live & No Lies Tour

  Saturday 27 August 8.00pm

The people's choice and unlikely dark horse to take the inaugural X Factor title of 2010, Altiyan Childs followed his iconic win with a hugely successful sold out Australian east coast tour, as well as having been invited to perform to over 200,000 people at a 2010 Christmas event in Auckland, New Zealand.

His self titled debut album outsold every other Australian release and became the biggest selling Australian album in less than a month, eventually reaching double platinum status. It wrestled in the top ten arena with international musical giants such as Bon Jovi, Pink, Michael Jackson, and his good friend Ronan Keating, while the single "Somewhere In The World" topped the charts both here and in N.Z, certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association and still enjoying high radio demand today.

Send in the Clowns - Ipswich Seniors Concert Group

   Tuesday 23 August 10.00am & 1.30pm

Two choirs arrive in a large regional hall to perform at a benefit concert. Despite plans to keep them separate they not only arrive together but have to share the only male/female dressing room. Among glimpses of loves old and new, are there signs that some rivalries could be fading?

10.00am show is for special needs group bookings only. Bookings can only be made by ringing the Box Office on 3810 6100.

1.30pm show is a public performance.

Get Back! The Lennon & McCartney Songbook

 Saturday 20 August 7.30pm

No song writing partnership has produced a richer and more diverse output of songs than that of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Three of Australia's top cabaret performers join forces to take you on a Magical Mystery Tour through a collection of Lennon and McCartney's work - some of the finest pop songs ever written.

This multi-award winning cabaret trio serve it up it with their trademark offbeat humour and a healthy dose of the hottest three-part harmonies on the planet!

Nick Jr.'s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys

 Wednesday 17 August 10.30am and 1.00pm

Dora the Explorer is back by popular demand after last years smash hit tour and embarking on a LIVE musical adventure in NICK JR.'s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys. Join Dora, Boots the monkey, Diego and their friends as they embark on an exciting journey through the number pyramid, the mixed-up jungle and more. Along the way the audience will use their map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully get Dora and friends to the City of Lost Toys. 

Waltzing Our Matilda

  Thursday 11 August 7.30pm

A theatrical journey through the wonderful music and history of Queensland as told by legendary Australian poet Banjo Paterson. While Banjo Paterson tries to write what will someday be his most performed and recognised work (Waltzing Matilda), he reflects on the history and characters of our sunburnt country.

Be entertained with Jason Barry-Smith as Banjo Paterson, Emily Burke as soprano Dame Nellie Melba, Zoe Taylor as Gladys Moncrieff, Guy Booth as distinguished bass-baritone Peter Dawson and David Kidd as renowned Queensland tenor Donald Smith.

My Grandma lived in Gooligulch

 Wednesday 3 August 6.00pm

My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch is a rollicking musical tale of city kid Kate who has to spend the summer holidays with her eccentric Grandma in outback Gooligulch.

Kate is sure it will be the worst holiday of her life - but when she finds the animals in Gooligulch can talk, her eyes are opened to a whole new world.

Often I find that I am Naked

Friday, 29 July 2011 - 7.30pm

Dating in the 21st century is complicated. With so many possible avenues to meet Mr Right, how many disastrous speed dates, mobile games and online fabrications must the modern woman endure?

Sex and the City meets Bridget Jones' Diary in this madcap cabaret that takes a hilariously honest look at the ups and downs of single life. Often I Find That I Am Naked is an outrageous comedy with pop songs for anyone who has ever dreamt of perfect love but woken up hung over and naked in a stranger's bed ... or bathtub.

  Breast Wishes

  Friday 22 July 2011 - 7.30pm

      Saturday 23 July 2011 - 1.00pm and 7.30pm 

Breast Wishes is an uplifting new Australian musical about life, love, family and silicone.

Meet four women: sisters, Lyn & Carol; mum, Helen and cousin Sal; add a fumbling boyfriend, a well meaning husband and a bra-fitter who's seen it all and you will be taken on a witty and heart warming journey through laughter to triumph.

With a brilliant cast and show stopping numbers, Breast Wishes is a sophisticated and hilarious glimpse of cleavage and beyond which promises to make your heart sing!

It really is a celebration of breasts...and those who support them.

Krakouer!

Saturday, 16 July 2011 - 7.30pm

Footy. An unforgiving legal system. The Krakouer brothers.

Country Arts WA and Deckchair Theatre present Krakouer! by Reg Cribb in collaboration with Sean Gorman, author of Brother Boys.

Mount Barker's most famous sons, Jim and Phil Krakouer took the Australian football world by storm in the early 1980's. Their unique and anarchic brand of football, dubbed "black magic", captured the imagination of the nation.

The Australian Government is proud to be associated with this tour through the national performing arts touring program, Playing Australia, which gives Australians across the country the opportunity to see some of our best performing arts.

Tour coordination by Country Arts WA.

Rainbow's End

  Tuesday, 12 July 2011 - 7.30pm

Presented by Riverside Productions By Jane Harrison and Starring Christine Anu

Three generations of Koori women live on the edge of a country town in a shack on the banks of a flood prone river. Set against the Queen's visit in 1954 with music that evokes the period, this tender, funny play celebrates the fierce optimism of the women as they struggle for community acceptance in Menzies' era Australia. Rainbow's End is a ‘feel good' night of theatre. Written with gentle irony and humorous affection by Jane Harrison, author of ‘Stolen' and flawlessly directed by Craig Ilott. This tour has been made possible by the New South Wales Government through Arts NSW.

Cartoon Network's Ben 10 LIVE: Time Machine 

  Saturday 9 July 2011 - 10.00am and 12.30pm

Something BIG is coming to Ipswich! Cartoon Network's BEN 10 LIVE: Time Machine is coming to the Ipswich Civic Centre in the July School Holidays. Everyone's favourite boy-hero, Ben Tennyson, and his alien superheroes will come to life in BEN 10 LIVE: Time Machine, a new costume show filled with action, stunts and special effects. For the first time, Cartoon Network's three hit animated TV series' Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force and Ben 10 Ultimate Alien are all featured in one live theatre event for the whole family. Did somebody say 'Hero Time'?

 Fret Busters

Friday, 1 July 2011 - 7.30pm

Presented by Acoustic Guitar Collective

This exciting musical evening features international fingerstyle guitarist Richard Gilewitz (U.S.); guitarist singer-songwriter of enchanting musical stories Caroline Hammond and instrumental folk, roots and blues guitarist Tim O'Brien. Prepare for an intimate concert of delightful music performed, unplugged, up close and personal.

The Acoustic Guitar Collective is a collaboration of virtuoso guitarist and performers drawn from across South East Qld and beyond.

Lucky Starr & John McSweeney 

Saturday, 25 June 2011 - 1.00pm

"LUCKY STARR" star of Bandstand and 6 O'Clock Rock is a rock legend in the Australian Rock n Roll music industry. Also performing is Queensland's own Mr Country Music Entertainer of the Year John McSweeney.

It says something about the character of John McSweeney that, after being awarded "Queensland Country Entertainer of the Year" a record 10 times, he gave up nominating to give someone else a go!

Motherhood the Musical

Wednesday 15 June, 2011 - 7.30pm 
 

The good, the bad and the laundry.

It's the joyous journey and loving look at the blessings and perils of being a Mum. It's climbing the emotional mountain only to find that there's laundry at the top. It's about laughing and crying, craziness and calm, smiles and tears ... and all before breakfast.

Legends of Las Vegas - Issi Dye

Thursday, 9 June 2011 - 11.00am

Veteran performer Issi Dye will join with Queensland Award Winning cabaret artist Susie Jay to bring this wonderful show to the Ipswich Civic Centre.

The show pays tribute to the amazing superstar entertainers Dolly Parton, Liza Minelli, Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. Hear all their classic hit songs, including: 9 To 5, Islands In The Stream, Dreamlover, Things, Splish Splash, New York New York, Cabaret, Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend and many more.

Now We're Swingin'  - Tom Burlinson

  Saturday, 4 June 2011 - 7.30pm

Presenting Australian star of screen and stage Tom Burlinson in his latest musical production NOW WE'RE SWINGIN' - a sensational, swinging salute to the masters of the genre.

This dazzling, energetic, brand new show presents a montage of swing classics by Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, through to the songs made famous by supercool swingers of the current era - Harry Connick Jr, Michael Bublé and Robbie Williams.

PromSong

 Saturday, 21 May 2011 - 7.30pm

Have a great night out in the best tradition of British Prom Concerts. Ipswich City Orchestra and select guest artists are ready to really entertain you.  Be transported away with memorable music and have fun with the light classics. Clap and sing along when the conductor brings you on board. Whether you buy a seat or a stalls space to bring your cushion for the floor at the Proms, warm up your vocal chords as you will be singing and waving your flags!

String Me Along

 Friday, 20 May 2011 - 7.30pm

Presented by Acoustic Guitar Collective

An intimate concert of folk, roots, jazz and blues featuring the talents of multi-award winning Australian and International touring acoustic guitarist Michael Fix; fingerstyle guitarist Tim O'Brien and guitarist, singer-songwriter Amanda Gilmour who charms with the voice of an angel. 

 2011 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

 Tuesday, 10 May 2011 - 7.30pm

The comedians have left the building...for the ultimate comedy road trip. Now in its 13th big year the Roadshow shares the Melbourne International Comedy Festival vibe with punters outside the Melbourne area code. A cast of big local names, newcomers and overseas guests prove there's nowhere a comedian fears to tread.

Co - Opera: The Marriage of Figaro by WA Mozart

  Friday, 6 May 2011 - 7.30pm

This sparkling production of Mozart's classic comedy directed by the renowned Tessa Bremner, is a feast for the ears and eyes.  It features an instrumental ensemble sharing theatrical and musical honours with Co-Opera's finest singers all beautifully dressed in period wardrobe with a difference - faintly comic, yet utterly respectful to its performance tradition. 

Showcase Concert - Blackstone Ipswich Cambrian Concert

Sunday, 17 April 2011 - 2.30pm

The Showcase Concert will give you a taste of what the Blackstone Ipswich Cambrian Choirs have in store for 2011. Featuring last year's (2010) Queensland Eisteddfod Champions, the Blackstone Ipswich Cambrian Choir along with the Youth Choir, Junior Choir and Show Choir.

Greybeard, The Last Buccaneer  

 Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 1.30pm

Aaaarrh, me hearties, venture aboard the pirate ship of the gruesome Greybeard, the fearsome Amazon Annie, the scurvy scoundrels and the wicked wenches, and sing along with The Drunken Sailor, The Beer Barrel Polka, Moonlight Bay, Red Sails In The Sunset, Life on The Ocean Waves, or dance the hornpipe as the terrible tale of treachery brings tears to your eyes. Or laugh at the antics of Skull and Crossbones, Deadeye Dick and Pegleg - if you're game!

Performed by the talented Ipswich Senior's Concert Group.

The Class of '59 - Starring Lonnie Lee

 Friday, 1 April 2011 - 8.00pm

Get Ready Australia!  From the producers of the smash hit concert tour "Elvis Meets Buddy", comes "The Class Of '59"!! From the ORIGINAL class of '59, Australia's very own living legend Lonnie Lee brings this unique concept to the stage.  His own history is presented in the first set to introduce to you, the audience, just how rock began, and that it is alive and rockin' today!!  With the greatest rock and roll band ever assembled, 2011 gets ready to rock to the golden era of Rock ‘n' Roll as we know it today.

 Project X - The International Dance Sensation

 Saturday, 2 April 2011 - 7.30pm

It's hot! It's explosive! It's non-stop thrills! Hang on tight for a night of high-energy dance, sweaty bodies and thumping music. Project X is funk tap, hip hop, acrobatics, live music, percussion and beatboxing all rolled into one. Conceptualised by Andrew Fee, Creative Producer of acclaimed RAW Dance Company, the show has wowed audiences wherever it has gone.