Australian playwrights, cabaret performers and comedians were at the Potato Shed on Wednesday night to launch its edgy new season.
Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood urged locals to get to the “popular and vibrant” Drysdale arts centre in 2018, following the launch.
“I encourage everybody to experience at least one of these great shows which will inspire, challenge and entertain,” he said.
Playwright Hannie Rayson joined cabaret group Finucane and Smith and comedian Michael Veitch in celebrating the new season at the Potato Shed.
Local and international performers, playwrights and musicians will feature in the season, which promoters said would “delight and intrigue”.
The community program includes environmental and seniors-focused events, and children’s entertainment, culminating in the 10th Annual Family Fun Day in late October.
The season begins with the Blues Boot Camp, with experienced industry professionals putting locals aged 12 to 25 through their musical paces.
Next, Canadian Nancy Ruth brings her musical passion to the Potato Shed with a voice that dances between jazz and flamenco.
Edgy dance acts Finucane and Smith and Howitt Moves bring their latest adult-themed cabaret shows to the shed in February.
In March, the search for Geelong’s next top comedians begins with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns program.
Geelong’s schoolyard jokesters can work alongside established comedians and program alumni like Josh Thomas, Joel Creasey, Tom Ballard, or YouTube sensation Neel Kolhatkar.
Later that month, The Zipper tells the zany story of heart bypass patients at the retirement village Emerald Waters.
In April Glorious! brings the true story of the world’s worst singer, Florence Foster Jenkins, to Geelong.
The musical comedy moves from Florence’s charity recitals and lavish balls in the 1940s, to her very odd recording sessions and her performance triumph at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
In the lead up to Geelong’s Mountain to Mouth festival, the Shed takes a look at the animals of the Bellarine in Bio Diversity in your Backyard.
The show examines the region’s unique plants and furry critters through sculpture, song, painting, photography and video.
The next day Anya Anastasia returns to Drysdale with an all-female band for her latest cabaret show Rogue Romantic.
Glenn Douglas and Issi Dye are next up with their rocking tribute to the great American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison.
Later that month Caliban, named after the Shakespearian character, begins where the bard’s play The Tempest left off.
With his island submerged by rising tides, Caliban fights to survive.
On 26 May Geelong’s best strut their stuff in the Bellarine Dance Fest, with dancers aged six to 18 showcasing their moves.
For more information on the season, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed.
