Our guide to five must-see shows at The Q this winter
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Sometimes you need to go a little further afield to get your theatre fix – luckily a prestigious and premier theatre is just a hop, skip, and a short drive from Canberra’s CBD.
And if you haven’t been to the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre (better known as The Q) before, it’s about time that you ventured across the border.
Home to everything from stand-up comedy to cabaret, contemporary theatre to concerts, there’s something for literally everyone, perfect for dedicated culture vultures or casual theatre-goers in search of something new.
Not sure where to start? Here’s our guide to five must-see shows at The Q this July and August. They’re guaranteed to heat up your winter…
For when you need some laughter in your life: Overweight Lightweight
In need of a good chuckle? Australian comedian and actor Dave O’Neil is bringing his brand-new stand-up show to The Q for one night only, and we promise it’ll make you laugh until you cry.
Following his sold-out show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Dave will be taking to the stage for Overweight Lightweight – a joyful two hours filled with jokes, coarse language, and adult themes (so leave the kids at home). And while Dave might refer to himself as an industry lightweight, with over 30 years of experience it won’t take you long to see why he’s become one of Australia’s most-loved comedians.
Joined by special guest Brad Oakes (whom you might recognise from Hey Hey It’s Saturday and Comedy Company), buckle up. You’ll be in for a wild ride.
Saturday 13 July | Book here.
For when you need to feel the feels: Bombshells
The exhausted mother, the betrayed wife, the ambitious teen, the regretful bride, the resigned widow, and the aging star. Six women on the edge.
Diving into the complexity of the female experience and the highs and lows of living as a woman in society, Bombshells by award-winning Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith will be showing at The Q for a limited run. And in a world where womanhood is a tumultuous and complex experience, it will make you laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone.
Originally written in 2001 to lay bare the inner and outer lives of women and what it takes to navigate societal expectations, the play is known for its series of striking monologues that examine life (and everything that comes with it) from a female perspective. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Australian society, Bombshells delves into the lives of six women on the brink of explosion, each grappling with their unique challenges and desires.
You’ll have to see it for yourself – because this play is iconic for a reason.
Thursday 18 until Saturday 27 July | Book here.
For when you need a rom-com hit with a musical twist: The Sunshine Club
Romance. Singing. Dancing. What more could you ask for? The award-winning Australian musical The Sunshine Club will be swinging its way into The Q to get your toes tapping with its energy and joy.
Set in 1946, The Sunshine Club tells the story of Aboriginal soldier Frank Doyle who, when he returns home to Brisbane after serving in World War Two, discovers that while the world might have changed, some prejudices remain the same. But Frank knows how to fight for his country, and he wants to change things for the better.
But mostly he wants a safe place filled with music and laughter, and a place where he can dance with Rose, the beautiful girl next door. From there The Sunshine Club is born.
Written and directed by proud Noonuccal Nuugi man Wesley Enoch AM (an acclaimed creative force in Australian Theatre), this show is thought-provoking, vibrant, and – above all – joyful.
Wednesday 31 July until Thursday 1 August | Book here.
For when you want to dance the night away: Twist & Shout – A Salute to 50s and 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll
It’s one of the great eras in music history. So why not go back in time to the 50s and 60s this winter to dance the night away at a special international tribute concert celebrating all of the hot hits of these decades?
Paying tribute to some of the biggest music legends of all time – from Elvis to The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly to The Beatles – Twist & Shout stars the multi-award winning The Williams Brothers. Recapturing the magic of the hit songs, snap your fingers, sway your hips, and make the most of a fun afternoon.
Sunday 11 August | Book here.
For when you want to see a timeless operetta: The Merry Widow
Filled with enchanting tunes and sparkling dialogue, this is your chance to step into the dazzling world of Parisian high society.
Bringing Franz Lehár’s timeless masterpiece to life with opulent ballrooms and champagne-soaked soirees, The Merry Widow will be transforming The Q to tell the story of the charming and vivacious widow Hanna Glawari and the dashing playboy Count Danilo.
Without giving too much away, we can say there’s romance, laughter, and plenty of mischief involved, so make sure to book ahead to join the talented company from The National Opera to see this swoon-worthy tale.
Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August | Book here.
