10 Must-See Events at Geelong Arts Centre: Your 2025 Entertainment Guide
Geelong Arts Centre has unveiled its most ambitious season yet, featuring world-class performances that rival Melbourne’s best venues. From spine-tingling horror to family-friendly spectacles, here are 10 events you absolutely cannot miss in 2025.
1. The Birds – Malthouse Theatre (June 11-14, 2025)
Prepare for “the most frightening night in the theatre you’re likely to have in your life!” This groundbreaking adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s classic gothic horror promises an immersive audio-theatre experience like no other.
What makes it special:
- Headphone-based performance – every whisper and swoop delivered directly to your ears
- Award-winning star Paula Arundell (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)
- Director Matthew Lutton – the mastermind behind “Picnic at Hanging Rock”
- Solo performance carrying an entire chilling narrative
Perfect for: Horror fans, audio experience enthusiasts, mature audiences (15+)
2. Duck Pond by Circa (September 12-13, 2025)
Swan Lake like you’ve never seen it! This “circus-inspired, light-hearted take on Swan Lake” transforms the classic ballet into a wacky, feather-filled spectacular that delights audiences of all ages.
What makes it special:
- Circus acrobatics meets classical ballet
- Yaron Lifschitz direction with the acclaimed Circa ensemble
- Family-friendly entertainment with sophisticated artistry
- Aerial feats and contemporary storytelling
Perfect for: Families, circus lovers, ballet enthusiasts seeking something different
3. Looking for Alibrandi (August 20-23, 2025)
The beloved Australian novel comes to life in this “culturally relevant story following Josie Alibrandi’s journey through class, identity, and family history, capturing the richness and complexity of 1990s Australia.”
What makes it special:
- Iconic Australian story adapted for the stage
- Coming-of-age themes that resonate across generations
- Cultural diversity and identity exploration
- Stephen Nicolazzo direction of Melina Marchetta’s groundbreaking novel
Perfect for: Australian literature fans, young adults, multicultural audiences
4. La Bohème – Opera Australia (July 11-12, 2025)
Experience “one of the best-loved operas of all time” as Puccini’s timeless masterpiece about love, art, and heartbreak among Parisian bohemians brings its full emotional power to Geelong.
What makes it special:
- World-class opera in a regional setting
- Puccini’s masterpiece – the inspiration for RENT and Moulin Rouge
- Opera Australia quality at accessible prices
- Timeless love story of art and passion
Perfect for: Opera lovers, romantic drama enthusiasts, cultural sophisticates
5. Romeo and Juliet – Bell Shakespeare (November 8-9, 2025)
Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love and tragedy receives a “raw and magnetic” treatment, with Madeleine Li as Juliet in this poignant production that reinvigorates the classic for contemporary audiences.
What makes it special:
- Bell Shakespeare excellence – Australia’s premier Shakespeare company
- Peter Evans direction bringing fresh perspective to the classic
- Madeleine Li as a captivating Juliet
- Contemporary relevance of eternal themes
Perfect for: Shakespeare lovers, theatre traditionalists, literature enthusiasts
6. The Light Inside – Bangarra Dance Theatre (October 10-11, 2025)
A groundbreaking cross-cultural collaboration featuring leading Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson, honoring Indigenous stories from both Australia and New Zealand in Bangarra’s first mainstage cross-cultural collaboration.
What makes it special:
- First Nations collaboration between Australian and Māori artists
- Bangarra’s award-winning ensemble in powerful storytelling
- Cultural celebration of Oceania’s First Peoples
- Contemporary Indigenous dance at its finest
Perfect for: Dance enthusiasts, cultural celebration seekers, Indigenous art supporters
7. The Dictionary of Lost Words – Sydney Theatre Company (March 27-29, 2025)
Kicking off the 2025 season, this “heart-stirring tale transports audiences to 1901, where a young girl named Esme learns the enduring power of words and their effect on her life” in Sydney Theatre Company’s adaptation of Pip Williams’ beloved novel.
What makes it special:
- Sydney Theatre Company production – Australia’s premier theatre company
- Beloved Australian novel brought to life
- Historical setting with contemporary relevance
- Celebration of language and women’s voices
Perfect for: Book lovers, history enthusiasts, feminist theatre supporters
8. Kate Ceberano – Australian Made Tour 2025
Join one of Australia’s most enduring voices as Kate Ceberano, “flanked by two powerhouse musicians, Harts and Kathleen Halloran,” takes you on a journey through Australian music history spanning decades of iconic hits.
What makes it special:
- Australian music celebration featuring Kate’s hits like “Brave” and “Bedroom Eyes”
- Tribute to legends including INXS, Divinyls, Paul Kelly, and more
- Powerhouse musicians Harts and Kathleen Halloran
- VIP packages with best seats in the house
Perfect for: Australian music fans, nostalgia seekers, live music enthusiasts
9. Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – Magic and Moonlight Tour 2025
The “Saturday Night Live of singers” returns with their time-traveling musical magic, transforming contemporary pop hits into vintage jazz masterpieces. With two billion YouTube views and a decade of touring, PMJ offers intergenerational appeal.
What makes it special:
- Vintage reimagining of modern pop songs
- Exceptional musicianship and vocal talent
- Cross-generational appeal – something for everyone
- Interactive experience (dress vintage for the full effect!)
Perfect for: Jazz enthusiasts, vintage lovers, music innovation fans
10. Comedy Festival Roadshow – Melbourne International Comedy Festival
“Bringing together the brightest stars from the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival,” this roadshow delivers top-tier humor featuring comedy legends and fresh faces in one unmissable night of laughter.
What makes it special:
- Festival highlights in one spectacular show
- Mix of established and emerging comedy talent
- RAW Comedy winners and festival favorites
- Nation-wide happiness delivered straight to Geelong
Perfect for: Comedy lovers, laughter seekers, festival enthusiasts
Why Geelong Arts Centre is Your Entertainment Destination
As CEO Rhys Holden explains, “Stories shape our view of the world, our culture, and our community. This season brings powerful stories, made by Australia’s best artists and arts companies, right here to Geelong.”
Since its $180 million transformation, Geelong Arts Centre has:
- Welcomed over 256,000 visitors annually
- Won Performing Arts Centre of the Year by APAX
- Earned Silver Cultural Victorian Tourism Award
- Supported 848 artists through Creative Engine initiatives
Four Curated Seasons for Every Taste
Beyond the main season, Geelong Arts Centre offers:
1. Family Magic 2025
Seven heartfelt performances designed to spark a lifelong love of the arts for children and families.
2. Delightful Days and Matinées 2025
Afternoon performances featuring Australia’s best-loved performers, complete with complimentary tea, coffee, and morning tea.
3. REWIRE 2025
Five vibrant new voices that thrill, inspire, and push the limits of imagination for audiences who love bold, unconventional theatre.
4. Creative Learning Programs
Educational experiences that unlock creativity and inspire students across all age groups.
Planning Your Visit
Location: 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Box Office: 1300 251 200
Website: geelongartscentre.org.au
From Melbourne: Just 1 hour by car or V/Line train
Special Offers
- $30 tickets for under-30s on select shows
- Mob Tix discounts for First Nations peoples
- Gold Membership packages with exclusive benefits
- Tutti Restaurant dinner and show packages
Book Your Cultural Adventure Today
With productions ranging from spine-tingling horror to circus spectaculars, world-class opera to cutting-edge contemporary theatre, Geelong Arts Centre’s 2025 season offers something extraordinary for every taste. As Head of Programming Penny McCabe notes, “This season marks our most exciting and ambitious program to date.”
Don’t miss out – these world-class performances at regional prices sell quickly. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au or call 1300 251 200 to secure your seats for an unforgettable year of entertainment just one hour from Melbourne.
Experience the magic where creativity meets community at Australia’s largest dedicated regional performing arts venue.
*Images sourced from Geelong Arts Centre official website and Unsplash for illustration purposes.
