SATURDAY 27 JULY, 7.30PM

MC Entertainment presents Elvis & Buddy Rock and Roll Sensation

Get ready to shake, rattle and roll in a whirlwind of rock ‘n’ roll magic! 

A time when hips swayed, hearts raced and the music spoke to your soul! 

Join highly acclaimed entertainer Mark Caligiuri and The Sensational Memphis Beat Show Band as they bring to life the songs of Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. 
 
With one of the most energetic lineups of Melbourne’s most talented musicians and backing vocalists around - The Sensational Memphis Beat Show Band has been described as one of the most exciting and fun show bands in Melbourne! 
 
You will be taken on the ultimate Rock and Roll journey with this dynamic group of entertainers. Sing along to the songs from two of the most influential Rock and Roll performers of all time – from  “That’ll Be The Day”, “Peggy Sue”, “Rave On”, “That’s Alright Mama”, “Suspicious Minds” to “American Trilogy”.

Mark has been performing his Elvis and Buddy show for many years, taking his two-part action-packed show all around Australia  and exciting audiences everywhere! They will bring back the memories of a time when music was at its best! 

This ultimate tribute to two of the greatest entertainers of all time is one show you don’t want to miss!

Sneak Peek

Check out their show facebook page here: Facebook

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly. 

Tickets:
Early Bird Special $60 (10am, 24 April to 10am, 8 May)
Adult $69
Concession $64
Seniors $64
Groups 4+ $60 each

TUESDAY 6 AUGUST, 7.30PM 

Immerse yourself in one of the most unique productions touring the world. Celtic Illusion, the Irish dance and Grand Illusion sensation that has taken Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA by storm and will tour nationwide in 2024.

Even fans who have seen our previous shows won’t dare miss the 2024 tour that is set to raise the bar once again. This exhilarating production has broken barriers by fusing unparalleled art forms and is more spectacular than ever before.

A breathtaking array of experiences, fusing Irish Dance, Magic and influential flavours of Fosse, Michael Jackson, with a Broadway style. Celtic Illusion is a show like no other. 

The show features new spellbinding illusions and choreography, alongside a musical score that will either make you cry or send shivers down your spine.

Starring the multi-talented former lead dancer of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and Star Illusionist Anthony Street, with Georgia May, a marvel in both dance and Illusion. These impeccable performers lead a cast of champion dancers recruited from renowned productions across the world, such as Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, into a theatrical masterpiece that will have you mesmerised from the moment the curtain is raised. 

Celtic Illusion will surpass your expectations and leave you wanting more. 

Don’t hesitate, book now to know the hype of one of the largest and most unique Dance and Illusion shows in the world.

Celtic Illusion is not to be missed!

Sneak Peek

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly. 

Tickets: 
Adult $89.90
Concession $84.90
Child $79.90
Group 10+ $80
Family of 4+ $80 each

FRIDAY 9 AUGUST, 8PM

Accessible Arts and Crips & Creeps in association with Arts on Tour & HPAC present Are you Pulling My Leg?

Showcasing some of Australia’s funniest comedians with disability or chronic illness, this raucous accessible comedy event boasts a line-up of award-winning performers with entertaining and uncensored insights into disability and oh-so-much more!

With razor-sharp wit and undeniable charm, the Are You Pulling My Leg? line-up brings to the stage hilarious and uncensored insights into disability. From awkward encounters to side-splitting observations that cut to the quick, no subject is off-limits. Venturing much further than disability, their quick quips highlight the many facets of their lives, relationships, experiences and personalities.

Discover for yourself that disabled comedians are just as funny as non-disabled comedians! The biggest joke is that they don’t always get equal access to gigs, so support this show, have a laugh and help make a difference.

It’s that easy!

The comedians bringing you the laughs are:

Madeleine Stewart – MC and Performer
Disability advocate and award-winning comedian Madeleine Stewart charms audiences everywhere with a sweet demeanour, veiling razor-sharp wit. You may have seen Madeleine perform with Adam Hills, Rove McManus, or Reuben Kaye or caught her episode on Dylan Alcott’s Listen-Able podcast. Her viral sketch on Marriage Equality for ABC iview reached 2.7mil views on insta, showcased her ground-breaking exploration of disability and Centrelink.

Practicing what she preaches, Madeleine won the AMP Tomorrowmaker award for her production of inclusive, accessible comedy shows- specifically Crips & Creeps and her short film ‘Inspire Me’ has just won Best Documentary at the Australian Independent Film Festival (AIFF).

Fresh off the Comedy Festival circuit, Madeleine is currently touring her accessible lineup show ‘Are You Pulling My Leg?’ across Australia in 2024. Madeleine is a refreshing and exciting voice to the comedy scene…. and oohhh sooo inspiring.

Bec Charlwood – Headline Act
Bec Charlwood is a comedian, podcaster and writer. She has opened for big names such as Alan Carr, Wil Anderson, Joanne McNally, Jay Pharoah (SNL) and Josh Thomas. She's appeared on The Project and as a panelist on the most recent season of Spicks and Specks, which she was also a writer on. She is currently a host on Triple J and released her most recent special 'Bipolar Baby' on Youtube this year all about being diagnosed with Bipolar Type II and the parts of mental illness that you probably won't hear about on RUOk? day.

She's performed at the Sydney Opera House, Splendour In The Grass and The Enmore Theatre many times. And she's very proud you made it all the way to the end of her bio, it was really hard to write all this bragging in the third person.

Oliver Hunter – Support Act
Living with cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair, Oliver has a different view of the world around him (literally- he’s lower). Performing stand up comedy- although he’s never actually stood up- Oliver has been cracking jokes about disability for over 8 years. Entertaining crowds from all major cities in Australia to Dallas and L.A in the United States.

While not wearing his comedian hat. Oliver is a disability awareness consultant and advocate, keynote speaker and podcast host. Always aiming to breakdown barriers and improve the lives of all people living with a disability. In other words: “the guy you get when you can’t afford Dylan Alcott”.

Robyn Reynolds – Support Act
Robyn Reynolds (UK) is an award-nominated comedian and writer. Bubbly and loveable, in a few short years Robyn has become one of the freshest new voices in the Australian comedy scene. As heard on ABC Radio Sydney, and as seen on SBS Viceland’s The Swiping Game. Robyn has been nominated for Best Comedy at Sydney Fringe Festival, Newcastle Fringe Festival, and was recently awarded a Judge's Pick at the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Bea Barbara-Scurla – Support Act
Béatrice (Bea) Barbeau-Scurla is a writer, producer and comedian based in Melbourne. Her debut feature film, Suburban Wildlife won second runner-up audience award at the 2019 Sydney Film Festival and was long-listed for an AACTA Award. As a comedian, Béatrice has performed all over Sydney and Melbourne and has opened for fantastic acts such as Geraldine Hickey (The Gala) and Wil Anderson (Gruen Transfer). 

In 2016 Béatrice and Imogen McCluskey co-wrote the feature film, Suburban Wildlife which then successfully crowdfunded 4,000 AUD and went into production. The film has screened in California, Italy, London and Sydney and has garnered critical acclaim.

Béatrice has produced and written a number of short films. She was development producer for a comedic web series funded by Screen Australia Generate Development entitled CHEN PM 3010 created by and starring comedian and TV personality, Aaron Chen.

She has worked for production companies such as Princess Pictures, CJZ, Easy Tiger, BlinkTV, Roadshow Rough Diamond and Matchbox Pictures and was recently a contributing writer on ABC’s Question Everything with Wil Anderson. In 2023 she debuted her first ever one-woman comedy show “HOUSE” which was developed in conjunction with PACT’s Centre for Emerging Artists and the Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund, about the selling of her childhood home.

Warning:

Coarse language, sexual references, drug references, adult content and dangerously good-looking people.

This project is supported by Arts on Tour, the Australian Government, Creative Australia, NSW Government and Creative Victoria.

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly.

*This is an OVER 18's event

Image description: Photo of comedian Madeleine Stewart against a pink background. She is wearing black overalls and her long blonde hair is being comically blown upwards.

Photo credit – Monica Pronk

Accessibility Information:

This show is wheelchair accessible, live captioned and can be Auslan interpreted to help everyone get the punchlines. Auslan interpretation is available by selecting the 'Auslan' ticket option below. Please note that we require at least 72 hours’ notice for Auslan requests.

By selecting the 'Auslan' ticket option HPAC will know that an Auslan interpreter has been requested. If you have any questions please call the Box Office - 5573 0429, Email your question or pop in to the box office to ask us in-person. Our staff will also be able to advise where the best seats are.

This is a general admission event - on entering the auditorium you can choose where you'd like to sit.

Tickets:
Auslan (if you'd like an interpreter) $44.90
Adult $44.90
Senior $44.90
Concession $44.90
Groups of 6+ $39.90

THURSDAY 15 AUGUST, 6.15PM & FRIDAY 16 AUGUST, 10AM

Monkey Baa Theatre Company & HPAC present The Peasant Prince 

Based on the book by Li Cunxin, Illustrated by Anne Spudvilas.
Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry
Cast: Agnes Choi, Jonathan Lim, Gerwin Widjaja and Alan Zhu. 

Monkey Baa is thrilled to announce the return of its award-winning production The Peasant Prince in 2024. The children’s version of Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, The Peasant Prince is an extraordinary production of a remarkable story – of a peasant boy turned dance giant. It will inspire and enthral young audiences. 

 “You have your secret dreams. Follow them. Make them come true.” -From The Peasant Prince by Li Cunxin 

The Peasant Prince tells the remarkable true story of a 10-year-old peasant boy’s journey from impoverished rural China to the international dance scene. This is a story of courage, resilience and unwavering hope. 

Li, a 10-year old peasant boy is plucked from his village in rural China and sent to a ballet academy in the big city. He leaves everything and everyone he loves, including his family. Over years of gruelling training, this boy transforms from an impoverished peasant to a giant of the international dance scene. Li’s courage, resilience and unwavering hope for a better life for himself and his family makes The Peasant Prince a story to ignite our own aspirations to be the best person we can be. Audiences will be captivated by this very personal story, truly a 20th century fairy tale. 

Monkey Baa's extraordinary production won Best Production at The Glugs and The Sydney Theatre Awards and a Drover's Award for the Best Tour in 2016. 

REVIEWS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“It’s a vivid piece of storytelling that is skillful, theatrical and inspiring. It was a loving and honest adaptation of Li’s treasured memoir” - Stage Whispers

"The Peasant Prince is vital, exuberant, aspirational, and inspirational." - Australian Stage

"My son was entranced and my daughter was mesmerised. I was drawn in by the magical telling of a powerful story told so simply and so well." - Sydney Arts Guide

School booking enquiries for either of the two Friday performances can be made to HPAC Box Office - 5573 0429 or via email: Schools Booking Enquiry

Or to book your school students in now so you don't miss out, please follow this link to the booking form -

Book your school in here

This project is supported by the Australian Government, Creative Australia, NSW Government, Arts on Tour and Creative Victoria.

Warning: Please note that the production contains themes of racism and simulated violence.

Photos by Heidrun Lohr. Photos from 2016 national tour feature performers Jenevieve Chang, Jonathan Chan, John Gomez Goodway and Edric Hong.

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly. 

Tickets:
Adult $25
Student $15
Child $13
Schools $12 (Friday performance only)

WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST, 7.30PM

Lab Kelpie & HPAC present A Day at a Time in Rhyme 

A poem for every day. A story for every stage.

A Day At A Time in Rhyme is a one woman tour de force written and performed by industry veteran Jane Clifton, who headlined Lab Kelpie’s 2019 national tour of Spencer, and who is well known to regional audiences from her Prisoner days.

Using the four seasons as a framing device, A Day At A Time in Rhyme takes us into a year of Jane’s life as she peels back the layers to share her witty – and often poignant – observations on life, particularly from an older woman’s perspective, which we don’t often hear or see on stage.

In this revealing, riveting hour-long performance, nothing is off limits as Jane reflects on – amongst other things – love and death and family, incontinence and wine, war and sex and vegemite, footy, children, Christmas, Easter, and the best and worst of times.

Why not stay and join us for an interactive Q & A and to meet Jane after the show.

Jane will get inspiration from you to read out more of her poems and may even compose a poem on the night with your help.

She will also discuss with you the process around writing poetry and how to record some of the simple, everyday things in your life.

So don't miss out on some extra poems and more of Jane's reflections.

This performance is an intimate PACked Stage Gig at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre. Sit at a table on the stage and enjoy being up close to Jane as she enthrals us with a year of her life!

Notes:

This is not a BYO event. The café / bar will be open for refreshments. 

Want to book a table? Just contact the box office and we’ll reserve one for you – minimum booking of 6 persons.

This project is supported by Creative Victoria.

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly.

Tickets:
Adult $49.90
Senior $44.90
Concession $44.90
Student $39.90
Groups 6+ $39.90 each

SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER, 4PM 

Following sold-out shows and rave reviews on London’s West End, at Sydney Opera House and around the world, Australia’s hottest tap dance sensation, The Tap Pack is coming to Hamilton! 

Picking up where The Rat Pack left off, The Tap Pack conjures up a modern twist to the crooners and artists from the ‘50s through to the noughties! Featuring songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr to Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé and Beyoncé. 

The Tap Pack mix slick humour, high-energy entertainment, and world-class tap dance. A show of pure entertainment inspired by the legendary kings of swing, the Rat Pack, freshly created for the audience today. Cool classics with a fresh new twist. All your favourites including “The Lady Is a Tramp”, “Come Fly with Me”, “One For My Baby”, “Me And My Shadow” and much more. 

They sing. They dance. They joke. They bring a new, invigorating energy to a timeless style! 

The Tap Pack is an all-ages, family friendly production. 

REVIEWS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Exhilarating" – The Herald Sun 

"Knockout performances" – The Age 

"Sensational evening" – The Advertiser 

"Genuinely breath catching" – Timeout.com 

"Sheer brilliance" - London Theatre One 

Created by Jesse Rasmussen, Jordan Pollard, and Thomas J Egan. Co-created and directed by Nigel Turner Carroll. Produced by Kym Halpin in association with SK Entertainment. 

Sneak Peek

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly. 

Tickets: 
Premium $99.90 
A Reserve $79.90 

FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER, 11AM

Promac Productions & HPAC present The Lloyd Webber Evolution

Ian Stenlake and Michelle Fitzmaurice celebrate Andrew Lloyd Webber's hits and influences.

The life and hit songs of the greatest Broadway and London West End composer of the last 50 Years Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and also his greatest friends and influences.

This is a narrative concert performance with over 20 hit songs from the Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Tim Rice and many more.

Cats, Phantom, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Lion King and many more are highlighted in this sparkling new concert production.

Ian Stenlake is an Australian music theatre and television star, having most recently been the leading man in the national tour of Mamma Mia the ABBA Musical, for which his performance received a Helpman Award nomination. In 2024 Ian will premiere the role of Colonel Parker in the national tour of The ELVIS REVOLUTION. Many Patrons will also remember Ian from his 8 Seasons as the leading man in “Sea Patrol” for Channel 9.

Joining Ian will be award-winning music theatre singer actress Michelle Fitzmaurice. Michelle was a recipient of the Leslie Anderson award in her final year at WAPPA, where she studied and lived for five years.

Together and alone Ian and Michelle will take the audience through a cavalcade of hit songs not only from the pen of Andrew Lloyd Webber but also many of his musical influences and other composers he admired and drew inspiration from.

Join us for a cuppa and biscuit from 10.30am. Included in the ticket price.

School booking enquiries can be made to HPAC Box Office - 5573 0429 or via email: Schools Booking Enquiry

Or to book your school students in please follow this link to the booking form -

Book your school in here

This project is supported by Creative Victoria.

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly.

Tickets:
Adult $35
Senior $30
Concession $30
Group 4+ $27 each
Schools $10

SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, 2PM

HPAC presents Hamilton Symphony Orchestra

This year Hamilton Symphony Orchestra has invited the Warrnambool Symphony to join forces for a gala concert to celebrate 20 years of Hamilton Symphony Orchestra. And you are invited, too!

This concert will have all the features that have made these orchestra concerts so popular for so many years. Enjoy classical favourites alongside works which will be heard for the very first time at this concert, local and regional soloists, a choir or two, and probably a few surprises along the way as well.

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly.

Tickets:
Adult $30
Senior $25
Concession $25
Student $20
12 & Under $20

FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

Nicholas Clark Management & HPAC present Simply Brill

Get ready for a memorable night of rock!

The story begins in The Brill Building – a solitary building in the heart of downtown New York City. How did one single building redefine the musical landscape and become a ‘one stop shop’ hit factory in just a few short years? And how did previously unheard-of teenagers ‘steal’ rock n roll, creating a wave of hits that would be sung by all generations, right across the globe for years to come?

Theatrically presented, Simply Brill – with its dynamic blend of history, humor and heart – takes audiences on a thrilling ride from the humble beginnings of the music business in Tin Pan Alley, through to the dawn of the singer songwriter, via the game-changing explosion of rock ‘n’ roll.

‘Simply Brill’ dramatically retells the birth of iconic songwriters such as Bill Hayley & The Comets, Neil Sedaka, Bobby Darin, Carole King, Cynthia Weil, and Ellie Greenwich. These up and coming teenage songwriters gave voice to an entire generation with hits such as Rock Around The Clock, Splish Splash, Oh Carol, Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling, River Deep Mountain High, and Leader of the Pack and more – all sublimely recreated with the vocal brilliance of Amelia, Michaela and Michael and a live 5 piece band.

Join ‘Simply Brill’ for a rollicking homage to some of the most popular songs of the 20th century and the songwriters who made them happen.

This project is supported by Creative Victoria.

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly.

Tickets: 
Adult $49.90
Senior $44.90
Concession $44.90
Student $39.90
Groups 6+ $39.90 each

MONDAY 9 DECEMBER, 2.30PM

Promac Productions & HPAC present Rejoice & Be Merry – It's Christmas 24

Celebrate Christmas with this blend of classic carols, contemporary songs, and laughs. 

Join funnyman Christopher McKenna along with star Australian tenor Roy Best and the Promac Company!

This show will be packed with all your Christmas favourites with a wonderful mix of classic Christmas carols blended with some contemporary Christmas songs and loaded with great laughs along the way, to get everyone in the true Christmas Spirit.

“O Holy Night”, “White Christmas”, “The Holy City”, will be just some of the hit songs sung in this joyous production.

Join us for a cuppa and festive treat from 2pm. Included in the ticket price.

This project is supported by Creative Victoria.

Access & Inclusion: This is a COVIDsafe, accessible and inclusive event taking place on Gunditjmara Country. If you need assistance at the venue, please let us know when booking your ticket or contact us directly.

Tickets:
Adult $35
Senior $30
Concession $30
Groups 4+ $27 each