The Original Guide to What’s On in Perth & Western Australia

Enjoy these wonderful musicians perform whilst enjoying a simple, delicious meal with home-made Irish soda bread included in the ticket price.

Bar open. No Byo. 5:30pm is $55 for 2 course meal; 7:30pm is $65 for 3 course meal.

The Swan Valley Wine Show Twilight Showcase will kick off from 5pm in the beautiful Estate Room at Sandalford Wines and will include an official exhibitor’s tasting and trophy presentations for all of our category winners.

You will have the opportunity to taste some of the award-winning entries from this year's Swan Valley Wine Show.

Tickets will be limited in line with government restrictions around social distancing. Ticket sales will be available to members first, then if capacity allows available to the general public in mid-September, priced at $60 + GST per person.

Known for his paintings of clouds and Australian landscapes, Min-Woo Bang is bringing his most recent collections to Perth. 

On the exhibition, Min-Woo said,

“My painting explores romantic landscape painting and the deeper emotional response and engagement through mysterious and shifting Australian landscape. I am interested in capturing nature’s transitional moods in breathtaking Australian landscapes, engaging my senses with the emotional and aesthetic qualities of the land and sky that echo human moods. A dramatic interplay between light and dark directing the focus to gigantic moving clouds or gusts of wind as sky and land create worldly energies.”

Presented by Life on Hold Productions and directed by Sarah Christiner, Not About Nightingales is based on the true story of a prison scandal that shocked the US in the mid-1930s.

Inmates went on a hunger strike due to poor conditions and were locked in steam-heated cells as punishment.

The focus is on the politics of prison life, told through a love story, compelling dialogue, power-corrupted officials and the human condition.

Playwright Williams is most famous for A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Glass Menagerie, among his more than 100 plays.

Originally written in 1938, the first performance of Not About Nightingales wasn’t until 1998 in London after actress Vanessa Redgrave tracked it down.

It moved to Broadway a year later and picked up six Tony Awards, including best play.

“The play is episodic and bounces between locations in the prison with each scene announced as if it was a newspaper article,” Christiner said.

“It’s not a happy story but I believe it ends with hope – it’s open to interpretation what happens to the characters at the end.

“Conclusions are not certain and that’s something I really enjoy about the text.”

The main challenges, according to Christiner, are some of the surreal scenes in the show.

“They’re not like anything I’ve worked with before and I particularly wanted to do them justice,” she said.

“This has involved some musical direction and choreography to draw the audience into the prison space and life, actively bringing them in what’s going on.

“Not About Nightingales was Tennessee Williams’ first full-length play and it doesn’t have the mature editing of his more well-known later works.

“Working with the script to create a production that wasn’t too long, but also didn’t omit anything quintessentially Williams or relevant to the main storyline, was a challenge.”

Involved in theatre since 2003, Christiner has performed in a plethora of productions and has also done extensive tech work and stage-managing, recently extending her love of the performing arts to directing and setting up Life on Hold Productions.

In 2018, her company debuted with a production of A Clockwork Orange, followed by Animal Farm and The Other Side last year.

“I was stuck for inspiration on what show to produce in 2020 so I went to the State Library and randomly selected several plays to read,” Christiner said.

“Tennessee Williams is one of my favourite playwrights and I hadn’t heard of Not About Nightingales before.

“It had the classic Williams lyricism and interplay of realistic action with surrealist scenes but it was so much more visceral and violent than usual.

“The idea of trying to bring this prison experience, based on real events, to life excited me and offered new creative opportunities.”

Tennessee Williams’ Not About Nightingales plays at 7.30pm September 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 26. Tickets are $25, $20 concession – book at www.TAZTix.com.au or call TAZTix on 9255 3336.

The Last Drop Canning Vale is at 507 Nicholson Road.

One of WA’s most popular arts events, Margaret River Region Open Studios, will return in September after being forced to postpone due to COVID-19.

103 artists from around the region will be opening their studio doors to welcome in art lovers and share their passion.

The event, now in its seventh year, features painters, sculptors, illustrators, jewellers, printmakers, glassblowers, ceramicists, potters, photographers, furniture makers, woodworkers, textile artists, metalworkers, mixed media artists and upcyclers who share a love of this beautiful part of the world.

Roadtrip from Perth and make a holiday of it, going off the beaten path to visit studios of artists you know and love, and some new talent who might just be the next big thing! Renown artists participating include Leon Pericles, Rachel Coad, Lauren Wilhelm, Ian Mutch, Patricia Negus, Mary-Lynne Stratton and Christian Fletcher.

Originally born in Mt Lawley, The Bird in Northbridge invites you to a cosy night filled with music and candlelight. With a selection of great drinks and shaker fires, this is a great way to kick the mid-week blues. 

The tenth annual Perth Poetry Festival features four days of workshops, readings, talks, slams and poetry contests that bring together different poetic expressions, languages and traditions.

Local, national, and international poets are offered professional development opportunities to challenge their craft through networking and workshops, while a diverse range of events offer poetry enthusiasts a scene to explore.

Guest poets include Tony Curtis (Ireland), Judith Beveridge (NSW), Jeltje Fanoy (Vic) and local poets John Kinsella, Liana Joy Christensen, Renee Pettitt-Schipp, Neil J (Brillo) Pattinson and Christine Della Vedova.

Full program available at wapoets.net.au

SINISTER undercurrents and gothic themes flow throughout Harbour Theatre’s latest show, as part of a dark coming-of-age story.

Based on the Swedish novel and film by John Ajvide Lindqvist and adapted for stage by Jack Thorne, Let The Right One In focuses on the bullied teenage boy Oskar who finds a friend in Eli, after she moves in next door.

Both are from dysfunctional families and support each other during a frightening time in Oskar’s life, as a spate of disturbing killings rock the neighbourhood.

But Eli has a hidden secret – she doesn’t go to school and never leaves her flat during the day.

Let The Right One In was published in 2004 and adapted into a film in 2008, followed by an English language adaptation in 2010 under the title Let Me In.

“The story proves that as long as you have someone to support you, you can survive anything,” director Jo Sterkenburg said.

“There are several underlying themes that many people will identify with and enjoy exploring.”

Sterkenburg said she saw the film several years ago and was captivated by its dark undertones and relatable story.

“After reading the book, I looked for the screenplay and, to my delight, discovered it was available to be performed,” she said.

“I have always been attracted to dark, gothic themes and have wanted to do something like this at Harbour Theatre for many years.

“I wanted a challenge, instead of the usual sort of play with a square set and lots of furniture.

“Let The Right One In is an opportunity for the audience to imagine the horror through atmosphere, sound and lighting effects and, of course, good acting.”

First becoming involved in theatre more than 40 years ago in Quairading, Sterkenburg joined Harbour Theatre in 1981 and has been involved as an actor, director, stage manager, lighting and sound operator and make-up artist in a plethora of productions.

She has also performed at Melville Theatre and has numerous best actor and supporting actor awards to her credit.

Most recently, Sterkenburg directed the bittersweet comedy Sex Cells and the short drama Early Frost.

Her latest show hasn’t been without its challenges, including COVID-19.

“We were two weeks into rehearsal and then everything went into lockdown,” Sterkenburg said.

“But my cast and crew have been amazing, still wanting to be involved months later, and are coming along to rehearsals with enthusiasm.”

Let The Right One In plays at 7.30pm September 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 30, October 2 and 3 with 2pm matinees September 20, 27 avnd October 4. Tickets are $25.50, $23.50 concession and $20.50 students – book at www.TAZTix.com.au or call TAZTix on 9255 3336.

Note: the play contains strong language and supernatural themes and is not suitable for children under 14.

Harbour Theatre is located at 16 Lochee Street, Mosman Park.

SUSPENSE, mystery and murder come together at Stirling Theatre in The Small Hours, a thriller with international intrigue.

Written by Francis Durbridge and directed by Janet Brandwood, the play follows Sussex hotel owner Carl Houston who saves a passenger when their plane is hijacked after leaving Australia.

Houston nearly dies as he tries to learn why his travel bag is of interest to the police while also attempting to find out what a toy koala, his devious chef and the hijacking have in common.

Playwright Durbridge is an English author, best known for creating the character Paul Temple.

Janet has chosen to update the play from its 1980s setting to the present day.

“What directly inspired me was finding a copy of the script when I was in the theatre office,” she said.

“I previously directed Durbridge’s A Touch of Danger in 2011 and was familiar with his style. 

“My husband Tom also directed two of his plays at the old Stirling Theatre in Cedric Street. 

“I am a big fan of crime stories and have Agatha Christie’s entire collection of books, her biography and many of her plays – I have directed six of them.”

The main challenge with The Small Hours, according to Janet, is the set.

“The first scene is aboard an aircraft and we’ve been lucky enough to find two genuine airline seats,” she said.

“They’re on a small thrust stage, right in front of the proscenium, with the remaining scenes in the living room of a hotel.”

The Small Hours plays at 8pm September 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, October 1, 2 and 3 with 2pm matinees September 20 and 27. Tickets are $22, $20 concession – book through Morris News on 9446 9120 or at www.trybooking.com/BHPJF.

Stirling Theatre is on Morris Place, Innaloo.

GET ready to laugh, sigh and cry a little as four retired opera singers take you into the bittersweet world of facing up to age and mortality.

Written by Ronald Harwood and directed by Gwen Browning at Limelight Theatre, Quartet is set in an aged care home with Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred ready to celebrate Verdi’s birthday with an annual concert.

Reggie’s ex-wife Jean arrives and upsets the balance, continuing to act like a diva and refusing to sing – but the show must go on.

In 2012, a film adaptation was directed by Dustin Hoffman and starred Billy Connolly, Maggie Smith, Pauline Collins and Tom Courtenay.

“I loved the film,” Browning said. “For those of us in their 60s and above, the situation and state the characters are in is all too familiar. 

“I felt the play would appeal to our more mature patrons while also providing a good laugh for everyone.”

Involved with Limelight Theatre since 1983, Browning has performed – as she puts it – in “too many productions to remember”.

She was named best actress at Limelight Theatre in 1992, 1996, 2004 and 2006, also scoring the accolade at the 1995 State Drama Festival.

Browning has directed the plays Hotel Sorrento, Whose Life Is It Anyway?, Life x 3 and Talking Heads, winner of best production in 2012.

The main challenge with Quartet, she says, is working with a cast of only four.

“It goes without saying that a group of strong actors is essential,” Browning said.

“The actors must also be able to bounce off each other and work well as an ensemble.”

Quartet plays at 8pm September 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, October 1, 2 and 3 with a 2pm matinee September 26. Tickets are $21, $18 concession – email [email protected] or call 0499 954 016 between 9am and 12pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday (or leave a clear message).

Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.

The Zucchini Brothers play Latin, Tango, Bossa Nova, European classics and an array of popular hearty vocals. They are at their best moving around tables, playing lovers requests and raucous tarentellas, bull fighting boleros and Russian folk songs!

Roving performances
• Thursday 24 September 4:00pm, Regal Theatre sidewalk & 5:30pm, Forrest Walk
• Saturday 3 October 2:00pm, Regal Theatre sidewalk, 3:30pm, Forrest Walk

Bistro Felix Wine Bar is a smart wine bar and restaurant with a focus on Modern European dining. The menu is a contemporary take on classic French dishes designed by head chef Amane Mori, winner of the 2019 Western Australian Restaurant and Catering: Chef of the Year Award. If a drink is all you desire, you are welcome to take a seat at their bar or on Subiaco’s favourite deck, order a nibble from our snacks menu and select from their extensive cocktail, beer and wine list.

• Bistro Felix Wine Bar
• September 24, 2020, 4:30pm to 6:30pm
• October 1, 2020 4:30pm to 6:30pm

FREE
Contact venue to make a booking.

This pop-up open-air mini golf experience is inspired by some of Pixar’s most adored films and is set to take guests to infinity…and beyond!

Putt your way around 9 or 18 holes including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Inside Out, Wall-E, The Good Dinosaur and more.

This year, not only has Pixar Putt had a redesign, but it will also see the debut of some brand-new holes featuring the latest Pixar hit Onward, as well as Toy Story 4, Ratatouille and Coco, across the entire 18-hole course.

By its very nature, Pixar Putt is one of the most physically distanced events you could find anywhere! The safety of patrons is top priority and Pixar Putt will operate with a commitment to a COVIDSafe environment under a full COVIDSafe Plan.

BREC showcases local talent with musical theatre production, Cascades, Saturday 26^th September at 7.30pm.

Written by Harvey local Don Marshall, directed by his daughter and choreographed by granddaughter, Cascades The Musical is a true celebration of grassroots performing arts.

With a cast of 24 local children, five adults and backed by the Harvey Community Choir, this production tells the story of seven convict women who were incarcerated at Cascades Female Factory, a former convict workhouse in Tasmania. 

This is the last show in BRECs Reboot series - pay what you can for tickets - prices start at just $5, on sale now from BREC website.

The 5 day Spring Farm Fair will be a farm wonderland for families and young children, to interact with farm animals, learn more about agriculture and farming in WA, and enjoy some great food. 

Highlights will include the Animal Nursery, presented in a new space that will provide a unique up-close animal experience. Animals will include chickens, goats, ducks, rabbits and many of the farm favourites.

This 5-day Spring Farm Fair will be exactly what parents and families need to kick off their school holidays and with session numbers restricted to 5,000 per session, people wanting to attend will need to be quick to snap up their tickets online

Juniper are going to fire up the pizza oven over the Queens B'day weekend on Saturday September 26th and Sunday 27th from 11am – 4pm  (weather permitting). They'll be using the choicest ingredients, opening some special magnums and featuring the deft touch of Tom Hill who'll be shaking the pizza paddle. Hungry patrons will find the event in the picturesque gardens in front of Juniper's cellar door. Bookings are recommended either via phone: 08 9755 9000 ext 2, or email: [email protected]

Enjoy one hour of unlimited rides on the thrilling Dream Swinger or the Runaway Train Rollercoaster, through to the gentler Cup & Saucer or Taxi Jets ride which are ideal for the little ones.

Rides Include:
- Dream Swinger
- Runaway Train Rollercoaster
- Fiesta Balloon
- Storm
- Taxi Jets
- Cup & Saucer
- Camelot Castle
- Merry Go Round
- Mini Ferris Wheel

Price: $10 per person. Under 2 years old FREE
Times: 1 hour sessions start from 9:00am to 5:30pm daily
Location: Elizabeth Quay, Perth

THE FILMS

Toy Story

Led by Woody, Andy's toys live happily in his room until Andy's birthday brings Buzz Lightyear onto the scene. Afraid of losing his place in Andy's heart, Woody plots against Buzz. But when circumstances separate Buzz and Woody from their owner, the duo eventually learns to put aside their differences.

Director: John Lasseter

Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris

Genre: Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy

Rated: PG

Consumer Advice: The content is very mild in impact

Run Time: 1h 21m

Year of Release: 1995

Finding Nemo

Nemo, an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist's office aquarium. It's up to his worrisome father Marlin and a friendly but forgetful fish Dory to bring Nemo home -- meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way.

Director: Andrew Stanton

Cast: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Stephen Root, Austin Pendleton

Genre: Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family

Rated: G

Consumer Advice: Some scenes may frighten young children

Run Time: 1h 40m

Year of Release: 2003

On the first live outing since last year's highs, where The Awakenings Ensemble featured on Jazz In July (Singapore), the Melbourne International Jazz Festival & Vivid Sydney, Michael Pignéguy makes a welcome return with a fresh new line up, full of highly skilled local musicians accompanied by the live debut of a new vocalist in Sophie Foster. The Awakenings Ensemble’s constantly changing structure, offers a unique experience every time and this x 8 piece line up will further enhance that by performing tracks from the soon to be released new album. Shows of this calibre are a must see for those who appreciate fine musicianship that is recognised on the world stage and you know you will always get that from the Awakenings Ensemble

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be part of one of the events of the music calendar in 2020. @therechabitehall Saturday, September 26th 7.00PM!

The feathers are set to fly in Australia’s largest Burlesque competition – with performers from all around the country competing for the title of Miss Burlesque Australia 2020!

On Saturday 6th of June, the West Australian State Finalists will throw their sparkles into the ring and give it their all for the chance to win the title of Miss Burlesque WA 2020 and represent the state at the Grand Finals in Melbourne in August.

The biggest Street Food Curry Festival to hit Perth City launching on 26th September 2020 at 4pm-9pm.

Aus Street Food will be celebrating the world’s best curries. Created out of love for food, culture and community, the festival celebrates all things curry in Perth.

The aim of Curry Nights is to showcase the best variety of flavours through these amazing dishes, every country has their own take, so why not join us to sample the worlds curry flavours, learn about the family history of the vendors recipes and taste the wonderful worldly flavours. Spicy, not so spicy, vegan and meat based curries will all be freshly cooked in front of your eyes in this one night extravaganza under the city stars.

This is a  FREE community event with live music, games, entertainment and a pop-up bar. Grab your buddies and come join in the fun and food.

Sign up to our newsletter for further information on all our up coming events via our website. Click subscribe and register.

In our new feature exhibition, Earth Matters, explore the changes happening on our planet and unearth solutions for a more sustainable future. Explore other shows at Scitech such as Lightbulb Moments, Habitat Earth, Beyond Earth, Why Can't I Fly and more. Kids will learn about sustainability, electricity waste, the wonders of science and immersive colour experiences. Visit their website to learn more.

Margaret River's most anticipated wine sale. Award-winning current & back vintages, limited release and large format wines at exceptional prices.