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After a breakout year, award-winning comedian Gillian Cosgriff was in Warrnambool for a special performance on Thursday night as the Lighthouse Theatre unveiled its 2024 season.
Cosgriff’s show, Actually, Good was named the Most Outstanding Show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2023, and audiences and critics have heaped praise on her delightful combination of music and stand-up comedy.
Lighthouse Theatre Manager Xavier Dannock said that it’s the blending of genres and styles that also makes for an exciting year of theatre performances.
“We were so pleased to be able to have Gillian in Warrnambool to help launch our 2024 season with her performance of Actually, Good,” he said.
“She has really made a name for herself in the comedy world following her hilarious show last year, but she is also in incredibly talented singer, writer, actor, musician and composer.
“As well as being multi-talented, there’s a real sense of heart in everything she does, so we thought she was the perfect person to encapsulate the spirit of what we want the Lighthouse Theatre to be in 2024.
“From 2024, what was previously our Theatre Season will be known as Lighthouse Theatre Presents, and this tweak better reflects the wide range of high-quality shows from across Australia that we secure for Warrnambool not just in traditional theatre but also in comedy, dance, music and more.
“Gillian was also the perfect choice to help us launch our 2024 shows as we have an array of incredible female talent coming to the Lighthouse Theatre in 2024.
“We can’t wait to welcome ARIA-nominated and award-winning Indigenous singer and songwriter Emma Donovan in April, as well as Ella Hooper of Killing Heidi fame who’s forthcoming solo album is influenced heavily by her time growing up in regional Victoria, and later in the year local cabaret performer Anna-Lee Robertson takes centre stage.
“We’re also really excited about our family shows this year.
“Families will be delighted by the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s How to Catch a Star, which will leave audiences of all ages filled with hope and optimism. They will also love The Gruffalo, which will take our littlest audience members on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in a magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. An essential for families is Tempo, a Flying Fruit Fly Circus production, which features an extraordinary ensemble of young performers who not only possess dazzling circus skills but also play instruments.
“Perennial favourites such as the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow, Bell Shakespeare, Opera Australia and Inventi Ensemble with all return in 2024 with new productions.
“Next year will also see continued accessibility services for our patrons, with three performances accompanied by live Auslan interpretation. These will be the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, The Gruffalo and NEWK: The John Newcombe Story.”
Mr Dannock encouraged everyone to consider becoming a Lighthouse Theatre Member for discounted tickets and other perks.
“The Lighthouse Theatre Annual Membership program is a great way to get even more out of your experience at the Theatre,” he said.
“As well as discounted tickets to all Lighthouse Theatre Presents shows, there are regular meet-and-greets with performers, food and drink discounts and the priority booking period means you always have a chance to get the best seats in the house.
“Memberships have a special early bird price of just $20, so a Lighthouse Theatre membership makes the perfect Christmas gift too.”
To find out more about upcoming shows or becoming a member, visit www.lighthousetheatre.com.au/membership
2024 Lighthouse Theatre Presents shows:
February 7: I Love Paris…
February 23, 24 and 25: NEWK: The John Newcombe Story – Damian Callinan
March 1: 1001 Nights – Inventi Ensemble
March 7: Lost in Shanghai
March 19 and 20: Tempo – Flying Fruit Fly Circus
March 27: The Lloyd Webber Evolution
April 12: Emma Donovan
May 18: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Bell Shakespeare
May 22: Ella Hooper
May 24: Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
May 27: How to Catch a Star – Australian Chamber Orchestra
July 20: La Boheme – Opera Australia
August 1: The Peasant Prince – Monkey Baa Theatre Company
August 5: ARC – Erth Visual
August 24: After Birth - a Cabaret – Anna-Lee Robertson
August 30: Two Grands Four Hands
September 3: Past the Shallows
September 21: Promises Promises the Music of Burt Bacharavch and Hal David
October 12: How Sweet it is – Frankie J Holden and Michelle Pettigrove
November 18: The Gruffalo
December 4: ‘Tis the Season