By Ali Wastie, City CEO
For more than two decades the Potato Shed has brought a plethora of quirky, fun, cheeky and thought-provoking performances to the Bellarine Peninsula.
And the beloved venue’s program for the next few months is no different, with an intriguing line-up from now until the end of December.
The Shed gets spooky next weekend as Halloween creeps up on us.
The terror begins on 26 October with The Dolly Horror Show, an adults-only cabaret featuring the horrifically talented Dolly Diamond and Matthew Hadgraft.
Spookfest continues on 27 October – a scary Sunday featuring a monster program of family fun.
Enter the haunted house if you dare, book a ticket to scary stories, monster carnivals and circus acts, or dance in Doris the Witch’s Spooky Disco.
The frightening festivities continue in the foyer and outside with the Furry Menaces, a spooky jumping castle, treasure hunts, face painting, singing pumpkins, ghastly ghouls and more.
While you’re there, grab lunch at one of the food vans or bring a picnic to relax under the trees and enjoy live music by talented local artists.
The thrills carry on into November with Off the Clock Cabaret – a show combining vaudeville and humour with heart-stopping circus acts – suitable for audiences aged 18+.
Next, Songbirds Gorgi Coghlan and Anna-Lee Robertson sing the story of their lifelong friendship on 16 November.
Journalist, TV personality and former teacher Coghlan is best known for her work presenting on Today, National Nine News and The Project.
But she is also a trained professional singer and has appeared in numerous stage musicals and televised concerts, such as the long-running Queen musical We Will Rock You and Carols by Candlelight.
Her childhood friend, Robertson, is a classically trained soprano who has performed in stage shows across Australia, the UK and the US.
Together, the Songbirds tell the story of their 37-year friendship in a night of music and laughter.
Another musical duo hits shed on 29 November, with Aussie ’60s star Issi Dye and award-winning music singer Glenn Douglas paying tribute to Dean Martin and Neil Diamond.
Enjoy The King of Cool’s hits like Sway With Me, Volare and That’s Amore, then fast-forward to Neil Diamond’s chart-toppers including Red Red Wine, Cracklin Rosie and, of course, Sweet Caroline.
Then, on 4 December, come and celebrate the launch of next year’s program.
The launch offers a sneak peek into the 2025 season including featured performers and musical interludes. This popular event always books out – so get your tickets early.
In mid-December, the Bellarine’s best playwrights and performers get their 12 minutes of fame in 12 x 12 Short Plays, presented by resident theatre company Theatre 3triple2.
Each play is 12 minutes long or less, with some delving into the darker side of life and others promising to have you laughing in the aisles.
The audience will vote for their favourite play along with the judges, who will award the playwright of the most well-constructed work.
And, finally, the festive season on the Bellarine would not be complete without Christmas at The Shed.
Come along and enjoy sing-along carols, games, popcorn and family friendly films, with the jolly man in red sure to drop by for a visit and a few pics.
For dates, times and more information on what’s on at the Potato Shed, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed
