The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre hosted its 2024 Season Launch on Wednesday, 6 December, giving punters a sneak peek at next year’s lineup of performers. 

The night started off with a “Welcome to Country” speech by Aboriginal elder for the Shoalhaven Aunty Ruth Simms, touching on the beautiful landscape of the region, reminding us that it is up to us to keep it looking beautiful. 

Hosted by Abby Hopkins from Nowra’s Power FM, and Karen Patterson, Manager of the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, the night was full of anticipation as the hosts announced the upcoming shows. 

“We’ve searched the Nation and Beyond for stories, dance, drama, physical theatre and music that is in tune with our audience and will ensure you feel the power of connection.” Karen said.

Here’s a list and a short summary of what's to come from The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre:

“Lost in Shanghai” - Written by Jane Hutcheon, Co-Directed by William Yang and Tasmin Hossain

Tuesday, 27 February 2024, at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

“The Story that’s Haunted me and that I keep coming back to is much closer to home” - Jane Hutcheon

Jane's story of her Mother Beatric’s turbulent childhood in pre-communist Shanghai has always stayed in the back of her mind, despite her adventurous journalism career keeping her busy. 

After visiting Shanghai in 2018, Jane began to search for the truth about her mother being a journalist at the South China Morning Post in the 1950’s.

Jane Hutcheon, and Abby Hopkins -Tracey Leigh Images

“Yuldea”- From the storytellers Bangarra Dance Theatre. 

Wednesday, 6 March at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

“At Yuldea, the stars reveal a divine Songline, stretching between earth and sky.”

This story of the Aṉangu people of the Great Victorian Desert highlights the intersection between their traditional lifestyle and the growing industrial aspirations of a developing nation. In 1917, a significant moment between the two halves of the Transcontinental Railway met at the precious water soak on the edge of the Nullab unfolded as the Transcontinental Railway's sections converged at a crucial water source on the outskirts of the Nullabor.

Yukdea features original music by Leon Rodgers and guest composers of the multi-award-winning electronic pop duo Electric Feild.

“27 Club”- presented by Amplified House 

Friday, May 10 2024, at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

“The rock, grunge and soul supergroup that will get you praying to the rock gods for more” 

This captivating live rockumentary showcases music and narratives from iconic figures such as Joplin, Winehouse, Cobain, Morrison, and Hendrix, each the voice of their generation. 

“Bulla Midhong -1 and 2 is 3” Album Launch and Concert

Created in partnership with communities in Eden, Wallaga Lake and Nowra.

Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre 28 June 2024

Bulla Midhong - 1 and 2 is 3 - Celebrates its deep connection to place and continues a lineage of story-telling across Yuin Country. Live performances by contributors from each community will be accompanied by immersive audiovisual storytelling. 

Sivan Agam, Kiara Edwards and Mick Robinson perform 'Mothers Calling' from Bulla Midhong - 1 and 2 is 3.-Tracey Leigh Images

“The Lark Ascending”- Directed by Helena Rathbone, presented by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. 

May 15 & 16, 2024, at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

“A concert that will set your hearts soaring with music full of beauty and spirit” 

Ralph Vaughan Williams creates a radiant portrait of a lark in flight, trailing a silver chain of sound as it rises. 

This performance spans five centuries, from Henry Purcell’s ‘Fantasia Upon One Note’ to Max Richer’s cinematic ‘On the Nature of Daylight’.

“Dear Diary”- Written and performed by Kay Proudlove. 

June 19 2024, The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

“She’s whip-smart, hilarious and with the voice of an angel, but seeing Kay turn her own life into a theatre show, I saw the depth she has as a writer and performer.” Lindsay McDougall, ABC Illawarra. 

After winning the hearts and minds of audiences in her 2022 debut, phenomenal South Coast local singer and songwriter Kay Proudlove brings her one-woman show “Dear Diary” to Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre as part of her Australia-wide tour. 

Kay’s performance of “I Love You Elijah Wood” from the depth of her 15-year-old diary had everyone in hysterics. This performance is nostalgic, empowering and painful, with plenty of wry humour as Kay explores her teenage years. 

Kay Proudlove performs a song from Dear Diary-Tracey Leigh Images

“Our Place” - by Sharon and Slava Grigoryan

Saturday, August 24 at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

Two of Australia’s finest classical musicians performing works for cello and guitar.

Slava Grigoryan is an acknowledged guitar master on the world stage. Sharon Grigoryan has forged a well-known career throughout Australia, performing with all major symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles. 

Their performances are deeply emotional, passionate and sensitive. 

“The Visitors” By Jane Harrison. Directed by Wesley Enoch. A Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company production. 

Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on 20 August 2024

“Visors leave…Right?”

“The Visitors”, is directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated directors, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch. The story starts on a sweltering summer day in January of 1788, as seven clans gather on the Harbour of Botany Bay. Decisions are waiting to be made. 

“Augustin Hadelich and The Sydney Symphony Orchestra” 

Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on 18 August 2024 

“A Violin masterclass of glowing warmth and complex depth”

Grammy award winner and internationally renowned violinist Augustin Hadelich, one of the most sought-after musicians, is coming to The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre to showcase his incredible performance. See Augustin Hadelich's expressive, and moving showcase. The Shoalhaven is one of only a handful of audiences who will get the pleasure of experiencing Augustin Hadelich.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream - By William Shakespeare, directed by Peter Evans.

“Lord, what fool these mortals be!” Puck, Act 3 Scene 2

Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre 20 June 2024

Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is reawakened in this production, exploding with magic and mayhem.

Destined to be together, Hermia and Lysander meet in a beautiful moonlit forest with plans to elope, but of course, love isn’t always easy as they navigate a love triangle. The three worlds collide in an explosion of comic confusion. 

Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans tells the audience about A Midsummer Night's Dream

“Momenta”- Presented by Sydney Dance Company. Choreography by Rafael Bonachela

“A World where raw expression meets refined technique.”

Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre 3 July

Sydney Dance Company brings its newest work to the Shoalhaven, Momenta is a journey into the poetry and physics of human connection. 

From skillfully trained dancers of The Sydney Dance Company, to the carefully choreographed acts by Rafael Bonachela, this performance is an invitation to rejoice. 

Finally, something for the whole family to enjoy. For kids, teens and families, The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre has the following shows for their upcoming 2024 season. 

“The Peasant Prince”- Based on the book by Li Cunxin. Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry. 

Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on September 6 2024

“You have your secret dreams. Follow them. Make them come true.”

Making a return to the stage, The Peasant Prince is an exceptional production and a remarkable story of a young boy turned Dancer. The story is of 10-year-old Li, plucked from his village in rural China and sent to a ballet academy in the city.

Emma Khamis (Monkey Baa Theatre Co) talks about The Peasant Prince-Tracey Leigh Images

“The Listies: Make some Noise” - Written and performed by children's group The Listies

Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on 24 July 

“Nobody else does kids comedy this brilliantly; what’s more astonishing is that adults have just as much fun.” The Age

Make Some Noise is a hilarious comedy for the whole family, with an age range of 4-400 years old. 

For over a decade, the award-winning Lisites have toured the world, bringing side-splitting laughter to all. 

For teens, tweens and young adults:

“SLAP. BANG. KISS.” - Written by Danh Giovani, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company. 

Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre 14 September

“... the work races along in a gripping, always entertaining hour.” - Time Out. 

SLAP. BANG. KISS. tracks three young people's stories, following a series of events none of them could be prepared for. Transforming them into global symbols of revolution. The show is guaranteed to engage young audiences and those eager to understand innovative theatre.

With more to come, the lineup at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is overflowing with choice. With something for everyone. 

To find out more information or to become a member of The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre for 2024, you can check out their website here.