Geelong Arts Centre is thrilled to unveil its 2025 season, a collection of incredible stories and performances that will transform Geelong’s theatres into portals to other worlds.
From celebrated classics to innovative new works, this season reflects the best of the performing arts across Australia and beyond, bringing the community together to share in stories that explore the human spirit, challenge our perspectives, and illuminate our shared humanity.
Speaking to Geelong Art Centre’s commitment to offering world-class performance to local audiences, CEO, Rhys Holden, said, "Stories shape our view of the world, our culture, and our community. Sitting in a theatre with friends and strangers witnessing one of the oldest and most compelling forms of storytelling is an extremely profound experience. This season brings powerful stories, made by Australia’s best artists and arts companies, right here to Geelong. I look forward to welcoming you into our theatres for what promises to be another extraordinary year of remarkable stories and extraordinary art."
“At Geelong Arts Centre, our mission is to bring the finest national and international companies to Geelong, and the 2025 season marks our most exciting and ambitious program to date.’’” said Geelong Arts Centre Head of Programming, Penny McCabe.
SEASON 2025
The 2025 season begins with Sydney Theatre Company’s The Dictionary of Lost Words (March 27-29), adapted from Pip Williams' beloved novel. This heart-stirring tale transports audiences to 1901, where a young girl named Esme who learns the enduring power of words and their effect on her life.
Sydney Dance Company’s momenta (May 14-15) will immerse audiences in a symphony of movement and connection in a visually and emotionally captivating piece delves into the poetry of human bonds.
Belvoir’s Scenes from the Climate Era (May 29-31) brings to life a series of poignant, humorous, and insightful vignettes about our many possible futures. This thought and conversation-provoking play explores the many choices that lie ahead, taking us on a beautiful, challenging and insightful story-telling journey.
Director Matthew Lutton delivers an immersive audio-theatre experience with Malthouse’s The Birds (June 11-14). Adapted from Daphne du Maurier’s classic gothic-horror story, staged in collaboration with Malthouse Theatre.
Opera Australia returns to Geelong Arts Centre with one of the best-loved operas of all time, La Bohème (July 11-12). Puccini’s timeless opera about love, art, and heartbreak among bohemians in Paris will bring its full emotional power and beauty to the stage.
In an adaptation of Melina Marchetta’s groundbreaking Australian novel, Looking for Alibrandi (August 20-23), is a culturally relevant story following Josie Alibrandi’s journey through class, identity, and family history, capturing the richness and complexity of 1990s Australia.
Dazzling with its circus-inspired, light-hearted take on Swan Lake, Duck Pond (September 12-13) invites audiences of all ages to revel in a playful and contemporary retelling of a classic ballet full of aerial feats, acrobatics, and feathers.
Bangarra Dance Theatre brings The Light Inside (October 10-11) to the Geelong Arts Centre stage. This is Bangarra’s first mainstage cross-cultural collaboration, with leading Māori choreographer and Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson joining beloved Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown. Together they guide Bangarra’s award-winning ensemble in stories that honour their mother countries and the spirit that calls them home.
Bell Shakespeare’s raw and magnetic Romeo and Juliet (November 8-9), directed by Peter Evans reinvigorates Shakespeare’s iconic tale of love and tragedy. With Madeleine Li as Juliet, this poignant production will leave audiences mesmerized by the timeless beauty of one of the greatest love stories ever told.
For more information on the 2025 season and to book tickets, visit geelongartscentre.or.au/whats-on/season-2025.
Geelong Arts Centre is also launching today it’s three other curated seasons featuring Family Magic 2025, sparking a lifelong love of the arts for children and families with seven heartfelt performances – there’s something for all ages. Delightful Days and Matiness 2025, some of Australia’s best loved performers right here in Geelong to create delightful daytime experiences. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and morning tea before the show – the perfect prelude to a morning of socialising and entertainment. Then step into the heart of innovation and creative curiosity with REWIRE 2025, where five vibrant new voices thrill, inspire and push the limits of imagination. REWIRE invites you to explore the bold, the daring, and the unconventional.
Geelong Arts Centre’s SEASON 2025 is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University, and Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
MEMBERSHIPS
By purchasing a Classic or Flexi package, you’ll automatically become a Gold Member of Geelong Arts Centre, unlocking exclusive benefits and experiences!
Save up to 25% off tickets by becoming a Gold Member and enhance your entertainment experience with discounts at Geelong Arts Centre bars and Tutti cafe as well as unlocking VIP experiences.
Learn more at geelongartscentre.org.au/memberships/
Memberships, individual tickets and packages will be available to the general public from 7:30pm, Wednesday 27 November, 2024 at geelongartscentre.org.au
Bookings can be made via the website, or by phoning the Box Office on 1300 251 200 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.