SELECT 2026, the theatre program for The Glasshouse, launched its season on Thursday, 29 January to a full house.
MC and comedian Bob Downe, resplendent in a gold glitter tracksuit, welcomed and warmed-up the 400-strong crowd, setting the tone for a warm and engaging night.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts said The Glasshouse is now in its sixteenth year.
“[The Glasshouse] has cemented itself as a key element to providing amazing cultural and entertainment experiences not only for residents but for the many thousands of visitors who travel through our great regional city.
“The Glasshouse is now fully owned by our community.
“It is a jewel in the crown of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region and such a unique cultural space.”
Rebecca Washington, Events Services Coordinator and Curator of the SELECT Theatre Program, and Pam Miln, Venue Manager, walked the audience through the program show by show.
Ms Washington said, “The program has been curated to ensure it caters for diverse audiences and tastes, from comedy and satire to Shakespearean drama, children’s entertainment and dance.
“One of the highlights this year is Opera Australia’s Children’s Chorus where talented local children will have the unique opportunity to audition and perform on stage with some of the best opera singers in the country.”
Opera Australia’s Children’s Chorus will be guided under the tutelage of local Chorus Master, Annalie McRae.
With 18 productions and festivals featured, organisers say there is something for everyone in the 2026 program, from theatre aficionados to children experiencing their first moments in a theatre.
Theatrical highlights include Circa’s “Duck Pond”; Bell Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”; “The Gospel According to Paul”, with Jonathan Biggins as Paul Keating; and “Bombshells”, with post-show questions and answers.
The program also includes a number of children’s shows, including a special musical adaptation of Tim Winton’s popular book “The Bugalugs Bum Thief”.
Audiences will be treated to world-class music with Puccini’s “La Bohème” on film from The Met Opera; performances by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Haydn Ensemble; and Opera Australia’s “Don Giovanni”.
More details about shows and tickets can be found on The Glasshouse website at www.glasshouse.org.au.
By Pauline CAIN
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
