From live music and theatre to musical comedy, community events and festive favourites, Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) has plenty on offer to round out the year.
The legendary, biggest-selling American artists of the past 50 years are celebrated in The All-New Great American Songbook. The show on Saturday 21 November features Craig Martin and his band performing timeless hits from some of music’s most iconic names, including The Eagles, Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen and Tina Turner. This celebration of unforgettable songs honours the artists who shaped modern music and created the anthems that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Music continues with the Redland City Bands Mega Concert on Sunday 22 November. Bringing together talented musicians from across the Redland City Bands organisation, this annual showcase celebrates the power of community music-making with a lively program of concert band favourites, popular classics and audience-pleasing performances. Featuring musicians of all ages and abilities, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth of local musical talent on one stage.
Kicking off RPAC’s festive season program, Christmas in the Grandparents Club on Thursday 26 November is a hilarious new musical comedy celebrating the joy, heart and mayhem of a family Christmas. The gang is juggling all the chaos that comes with the lead-up to The Big Day: impossible gift wish lists, complicated dietary requirements, synchronised family arrivals, keeping Christmas diplomacy intact and enough last-minute drama to test even the most organised grandparent. The show stars Gold and Silver Logie winner Lynne McGranger, Wayne Scott Kermond, Andrew James and Leigh Archer.
Theatre Redlands presents Play Reading: An Evening of Talking Heads on Friday 27 November. Featuring rehearsed readings from Alan Bennett’s acclaimed Talking Heads series, the performance blends humour, insight and poignancy as it explores the lives behind everyday facades. Popular local actor Jean Spencer is joined by visiting Tasmanian actor Brad Ashwood.
Guitarist Aaron Hopper and vocalist Kacey Patrick, aka stringmansassy, are back after a decade away from the spotlight. Aaron and Kacey transcend the traditions of jazz and folk, crafting music often described as spellbinding, enthralling and deeply expressive. Their four independent releases, Persuasion (2000), Beautiful Day (2003), Dragonfly (2004) and The Live Experience 2000–2008 (2008), earned national acclaim, with Dragonfly reaching No. 1 on the AIR Jazz Charts and Beautiful Day receiving widespread ABC airplay. They perform in the RPAC Studio on Thursday 3 December.
As the year draws to a close, RPAC’s festive season program continues with a range of Christmas-themed events, concerts and community celebrations for all ages.
The Mater Private Hospital Redland Auxiliary Christmas Market on Saturday 5 December features a variety of market stalls, handmade gifts, festive treats and unique Christmas shopping opportunities. This annual market is the perfect place to find something special while supporting the valuable work of the Mater Private Hospital Redland Auxiliary. With free entry and a welcoming community atmosphere, it’s a great way to get into the festive spirit and tick off some Christmas shopping.
Music takes centre stage on Saturday 12 December when Redland City Choir presents GLORIA! A Redlands Christmas Celebration. Under the direction of David Webster, this uplifting concert brings together the timeless beauty of Vivaldi’s Gloria, beloved Christmas carols and contemporary festive favourites. Spanning more than 300 years of music, the program explores themes of peace, joy, community and the spirit of Christmas.
Keeping the Christmas spirit alive, Brisbane Excelsior’s Big Brassy Christmas returns to RPAC on Wednesday 16 December by popular demand. Renowned for delivering a fresh and exciting program of festive favourites each year, the celebrated brass ensemble will this year feature a theatrical retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved A Christmas Carol. Combining traditional Christmas music with contemporary seasonal classics, this uplifting concert promises all the energy, warmth and festive cheer audiences have come to love.
Bringing RPAC’s festive season to a sparkling close is Christmas Actually on Saturday 19 December. This is the ultimate silly-season starter, bursting with nativity lobsters, cinnamon sticks and endless fun. Relive the magical musical moments from the film Love Actually, including songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and The Beatles, brought to life by a rockstar band of Australian musicians and vocalists, including cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM.
For information on all performances, including how to book tickets, visit rpac.com.au
