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

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.

The 2020 Kings Park Festival will celebrate 'Perth’s Green Heart' this September with the world’s biggest and most beautiful display of Western Australian wildflowers. Enjoy dozens of free and fabulous events for nature lovers, garden gurus and those with an interest in conservation and the beautiful Western Australian environment. 

The Festival will run from 1 – 30 September, with more than 25,000 plants and hundreds of wildflower varieties bursting into bloom, heralding the start of spring in the South West of WA.

With ‘Instagrammable’ spots around every corner, there will be plenty of opportunities to get back to nature with guided walks, an outdoor photography display and outdoor wellness classes, as well as 17 hectares of the beautiful Western Australian Botanic Garden to explore. 

Enjoy a guided walk through the WA Botanic Garden, Kings Park Bushland or Bold Park with their expert volunteers and staff, or get your native gardening tips at a 'Dig it With Coffee' session run weekly during September. For a deeper look at the WA environment, why don’t you tune into their informative science webinars hosted by the passionate environmental scientists and conservationists.

If you fancy something a bit more active – Join the GoGo Active Tours on a wildflower bike tour and the crew at The Hike Collective for a ‘High Tea and Guided Hike’ through some of Kings Park’s wildflower hotspots.

After all the sightseeing, you will be able to relax in the spring sunshine and enjoy acoustic music in several of the parkland precincts on select weekends.  

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Join the gumnut babies, as they set off on their quest to see some humans!

On the way, meet their friends Mr. Lizard and Mr. Frog and watch them battle it out with the cunning Mrs. Snake and her wicked sidekicks, the Banksia men.

Featuring many of your favourite characters from May Gibb's well-loved children books - including lovely Ragged Blossom, gluttonous Mrs. Kookaburra and flirty Mrs. Fantail - this ballet is the perfect way for children to discover (and adults to re-live) the magic of this iconic Australian story, inspired by the plants and creatures of the Western Australian bush.

No booking required - General Admission seating. 

Presented by AWESOME Arts Festival for Bright Young Things in collaboration with Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and Perth Symphony Orchestra.

Join us for couple of hours fun making your own hair accessories and learn some sewing skills. During this workshop we will make 1 scrunchie and 1 headband each. DIY scrunchies and headbands is such a good idea for that special handmade gift! Variety of different fabrics all provided; you don’t need to bring anything. It will be so much fun designing your own hair pieces, mixing, and matching different fabrics!

DIY SCRUNCHIES AND HEADBAND WORKSHOP INCLUDES ALL MATERIALS FOR YOU TO USE!

Sewing machines and all tools to use are also provided. 1.5 – 2 hours Workshop in small group (max 4 participants). Booking is essential.

To those who know him, he is Wolfgang, the dart-playing ratbag. To those who are watching and listening, he is the wigged genius Mozart. Come and discover his irrepressible spirit and vibrant compositions through physical comedy and mischievous antics.

Designed to amaze people from the age of three and upwards, Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus reinvents the composer’s magical music in a skilful and illuminating show featuring Circa’s dexterous daredevil artists and a live accordionist. Watch as the notes are physically lifted off the page as performers bring the renowned compositions to life amidst a storm of powder, tumbles and crashes, all under the eccentric swirl of the conductor’s baton.

Learn to throw clay these school holidays with local artist Lee Woodcock. Lee will show you how to make cups, bowls and planter pots on a spinning pottery wheel. Works will be fired and ready to pick up 3 weeks after class. Spots are limited, so book now! This workshop is suitable for children ages 7-12.

Presented by AWESOME Festival and Australian Baroque. 

Told in rich verse and accompanied by the live performance of classical music masterpieces, this epic tale charts the adventures of an unlikely pair of feathered friends from humble perch to worldly wonders and back again.

With enemies to thwart and unlikely friends to meet upon the way, the Pigeon and the Albatross together discover a world of beauty and diversity, all while learning that saving graces lie close to home.

SUPER SAFARI ADVENTURES AWAIT THIS OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT COCKBURN GATEWAY

It is all about the Super Safari for children during the up-coming October school holidays at Cockburn Gateway. A very cool Augmented Reality centre trail, featuring Leo the Lion and a super fun Safari Challenge Zone awaits our young adventurers.

By downloading the Super Safari Treasure Quest App and scanning markers throughout the centre, children have the chance to collect all of Leo the Lion’s treasure and win great prizes. Once scanned, one of those markers allows the children to meet Leo and have their photo taken with him, as he comes to life as an augmented character.

The Safari Challenge Zone located outside BigW is an immersive zone featuring obstacles to tackle and fun activities for children to take part in. Activities include a tyre challenge, balance beam, safari hop-scotch, safari jump challenge and what would a jungle be without monkey bars!

Bookings for the Safari Challenge Zone are essential as space is limited to ensure physical distancing is adhered to. Bookings can be made at cockburngateway.com.au

Super Safari Treasure Quest AR centre trail – Tuesday 29 September – Sunday 11 October

Safari Challenge Zone – Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 10 October, 11am to 3pm daily.

Presented by AWESOME Festival in association with PICA, this show is designed for families and children (6+).

The story of a clown learning what it means to love. Valentine is a clown who loves her Grandpa, but his heart is running out of time. Valentine is determined to be strong, but in doing so she loses her heart. With a big empty world ahead of her, come and help Valentine on the journey to search for her heart. Like a story book that comes to life before your eyes, Valentine combines shadow puppetry, animation and physical theatre.

Adult/ Child $17.50, Family +4 $62.00, Group +8 $14.50 each

There are new skills to be learned and loads of fun to be had in the kitchen, resulting in our junior chefs preparing and cooking their own scrumptious lunch each day.

Kids must sign up in advance for the delicious Pizza Party or yummy Nacho Nibbles cooking sessions. Registrations are required to ensure all activities are conducted in a hygiene safe zone and in line with government restrictions. All the ‘chefs’ will be provided with individual food portions and sanitation stations.

If you prefer an at home activity during the school holidays go to belmontforum.com.au for a downloaded food word sleuth and cooking at home recipes.

For more details go to the Belmont Forum website or Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/BelmontForum

https://www.belmontforum.com.au/

PIZZA PARTY - Tuesday 29^th September – 2^nd October 10am-1pm

NACHO NIBBLES – Monday 5^th October – Friday 9^th October 10am -1pm

Whoosh! is a new interactive multi-sensory adventure that puts children with disabilities in the Captain’s Chair! Created by pioneering theatre makers Sensorium Theatre and presented as part of the AWESOME Festival 2020, this unique performance is suitable for children 6+ with a broad range of access needs, including those with multiple and complex needs and those on the autism spectrum.

Calling all budding astronauts! Become a pilot, engineer or navigator as we whoosh across the galaxy for an interstellar adventure for the whole family. Join the crew to explore outer space, taste space food, experience hyperspace and travel all the way to the mysterious Planet X. We'll have to work as a team to repair the ship and return to Earth.

Spring into Circus these holidays! There's something for all ages at the Freo Big Top.

• Encourage your kids to Flip and Fly (5-7yrs)
• Have a Big Top Circus Holiday (8-12yrs)
• Climb high and challenge gravity in Boys Circus (8yrs+) 
• Roll into spring in Intro to Circus Acrobatics (10yrs+)
• seek the skyline in Intro to Aerials (10yrs+)
• and explore the history of ancient Chinese warriors in Chinese Pole Tricks (12yrs+)

 For more info including pricing and availability visit The CircusWA Website or email us.

Hosted by the fabulous Tobias, this week's theme is 'Everything 80's'! Music, Fashion, Movies, Pop Culture etc etc etc etc!

Come as a pair, come as a trio, come with three other mates or fly on in solo if you think you can outsmart the crowd. Our exuberant quizmaster will be throwing curveballs all night long to test your knowledge! Have you got what it takes to take home the grand prize?
Book now to secure your team's spot. Doors open at 6:30 and the quiz kicks off at 7pm!

Multi-award winning Andrew Winton, brings his bluesified mix of originals and well-known gems to Juanita’s.

From years of playing national festival circuits, playing in the US and collecting many awards along the way, Andrew keeps stretching the boundaries of blues and folk while giving audiences a relaxed good time.

Catch Nika Mo and Jacob Wylde perform enchanting, melancholic folk music, whilst you enjoy local Australian brews and an array of delicious nibbles at Subiaco's BARK bar on the 30th of September. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, their heritage listed Art Deco auditorium has been lying neglected for months. With restrictions in WA starting to ease, they figured they should activate this world class performance venue for the community! Perth has some exceptional talent that has been cooped up in bedrooms and backyards across the country side. They want to see those skills that have been honed in isolation over the past few months!

WED 9th September - MUSIC – Give us some tunes! Musicians, covers, originals, bands, solos, duos, instrumentalists. 

WED 16th September - WORDS – Storytellers, stories, jokes, stand up comedy, poetry, slam, prose, monologues, hip hop.

WED 23rd September – PERFORM – Performers, flow artists, dancers, skits and actors. Movement and performance based arts and party tricks. Anything and everything from dancing, juggling, poi, fire twirling, circus, improv, skits and mini performances! 

WED 30th September - MUSIC –  Musicians: bands, covers, originals, solos, duos, instrumentalists. 

This is an inclusive event, please bring an open attitude and warm vibes ready to embrace and support all of the gifts the community has to offer!

Their licensed Attic Bar will be serving up some tasty beverages so you can sit back and enjoy something we all craved over COVID – live performance! This is a free community event presented by SubiAction and supported by the City of Subiaco. Doors open at 6:30pm, performances from 7pm.