Mayor's message

From first-class musical acts to free school holiday film screenings there is once again a jam-packed calendar of events and performances coming up at the Moncrieff over the next three months.

The Moncrieff is a unique and community-owned facility named in honour of the life and achievements of iconic Bundaberg songstress Gladys Moncrieff. Come in and watch a show and be greeted by our fantastic staff who are doing a great job to bring quality entertainment to the region.

Council works hard to create a program which meets the needs of our community and delivers exceptional experiences while supporting local events and productions. There’s certainly something for everyone to enjoy at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.

Mayor Jack Dempsey
Bundaberg Regional Council

Dear arts and entertainment lover,

Welcome to our new program which features everything happening at the Moncrieff from July to September 2023. In July the Bundaberg and District NAIDOC Committee will present the 2023 NAIDOC Week Awards, which will also include a free screening of the film Homeland Story, and a month-long foyer exhibition of artwork created by local Elders.

We are excited to bring audiences the Australian Chamber Orchestra Collective, who will work with members of the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra; and the Australian hit musical The Sunshine Club, starring a superb cast of performers.

We welcome back the international sounds of the Soweto Gospel Choir, direct from Africa, plus some truly laugh out loud comedy from Ross Noble and Luke Kidgell. Our free community film program includes the school holiday screenings of Clifford and DC League of Pets. Plus we have a great line-up of live music with artists such as Busby Marou, Damien Leith and Darren Coggan.

Our foyer exhibition during August and September will highlight the work of local artist Cavin Staff.

There is so much to see over the next three months, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Moncrieff.

Paul Dellit OAM
Manager, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre

Foyer Exhibition:
NAIDOC
Art Exhibition 2023

DURING JULY
When: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm and one hour prior to public performances

To acknowledge and celebrate For our Elders NAIDOC Week 2023, and following on from the success of previous NAIDOC Week exhibitions, Gidji Art is partnering with the Bundaberg & District NAIDOC Committee to present an exhibition of First Nations artists here at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.

This curated exhibition has a strong focus on our elders and includes artwork painted by various elders from within our community.

Some of the artworks on show will also be available for sale.

NAIDOC
Week Awards 2023

TUESDAY 4 JULY
Tickets: Free, bookings essential
Time: Exhibition launch 6 pm | Awards 7 pm
Event Information: 90 minutes

NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture. In 2023 NAIDOC Week will be held from 2 - 9 July.

The theme for NAIDOC week this year is ‘For Our Elders’. Elders have and continue to play an important role and hold a prominent place in the communities and families of First Nations Peoples.

The Bundaberg & District NAIDOC Committee facilitate family friendly events from the first to the second Sunday of July each year, these events are open to all community members. It is about the desire to share Aboriginal culture with a multi-cultural society.

To learn more about NAIDOC Week here.

Clifford the
Big Red Dog

WEDNESDAY 5 JULY
Tickets: Free, bookings essential
Time: 10.30 am
Event Information: 96 minutes

When middle-schooler Emily Elizabeth’s (Darby Camp) fun but impulsive uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) takes her to visit a magical animal rescuer (John Cleese), she meets a tiny red puppy and falls in love instantly. When she asks how big the dog will get, he responds that it depends on how much she loves him.

She names him Clifford, and although she expected him to grow, she didn’t foresee waking up to find a giant ten-foot hound in her small New York City apartment. While her single mom (Sienna Guillory) is away on business, Emily, Clifford and uncle Casey set out on an adventure as they try to keep the overgrown dog out of trouble.

Homeland Story

WEDNESDAY 5 JULY
Tickets: Free, bookings essential
Time: 6 pm
Event Information: 84 minutes | RATED M

Presented by the Bundaberg & District NAIDOC 2023 Committee, Homeland Story is an intimate portrait of Donydji, a small Indigenous community in North East Arnhem Land in the far north of Australia. Homelands are situated on the land of the people who live there. They are of central importance to their identity and culture.

The film charts the Donydji community’s transition from nomadic life to the digital age, from the 1960s to the present day. It is a moving portrait of the family’s struggle to preserve their culture and remain on their Homeland despite the severe obstacles they face.

Billy vs Elton

FRIDAY 7 JULY
Tickets: Adult $64.90 | Concession $59.90 | Group 8+ $59.90
Time: 7.30 pm
Event Information: 140 minutes with interval

Billy vs Elton is guaranteed to take you on a brilliant fun and song- filled journey through the incredible music careers of two giants of the entertainment industry. With over 80 top 40 hits between them, Billy Joel and Elton John dominated the charts for decades!

Delivered by a world-class live 9-piece band, featuring five amazing vocalists, Billy vs Elton is an incredibly immersive musical experience, with hearty sing-alongs highly encouraged! So, whether it’s mega-charting hits or iconic tunes such as I’m Still Standing, I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues, We Didn’t Start the Fire and Tell Her About It, there’s a favourite for everyone!

Much Ado About Nothing

SATURDAY 8 JULY
Tickets: Adult $28 | Concession $24 | Group 10+ $10 | U/20 $15
Time: 1 pm
Event Information: 180 minutes

Escape to the 1930s Italian Riviera with Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy of new beginnings.

Since 1931, the legendary family-run Hotel Messina has been visited by artists, celebrities and royalty. 

When the current owner’s daughter falls for a dashing young soldier, the hallways are ringing with the sound of wedding bells.  However, not all the guests are in the mood for love, and a string of deceptions soon surround not only the young couple, but also the steadfastly single Beatrice and Benedick.

Possum Magic

FRIDAY 14 JULY
Tickets: Adult $39 | Concession $35 | U/20 $20
Time: 10 am and 12.30 pm
Event Information: 55 minutes

Mem Fox and Julie Vivas’ beloved picture book Possum Magic has enchanted children for decades and Monkey Baa Theatre Company brings the paper and ink to life on stage once again!

Using a clever, nuanced palette of live action, stage magic, an original soundscape, elements of puppetry and projected animation, Monkey Baa’s award-winning creative team have translated the whimsical world of the book to a live experience for audiences 3–8 years (and their families).

Grandma Poss loves making magic. She makes wombats blue and kookaburras pink. She makes dingoes smile and emus shrink. But one day, when danger arrives in the form of a snake, Grandma uses her most magical spell to make Hush invisible.

Rhythms of Ireland

SATURDAY 22 JULY
Tickets: Adult $79.90 | Pensioner $74.90 | Group 10+ $74.90 | U/15 $59.90 | Family (2A + 2C) $250
Time: 7.30 pm
Event Information: 120 minutes with interval

Direct from Dublin, Ireland’s most celebrated show, The Rhythms of Ireland, returns to Australia in 2023 bringing their worldwide 15 Year Anniversary Tour to our shores.

Highly successful and critically acclaimed, choreographed by two time world Irish dance champion Michael Donnelan, Rhythms of Ireland is set to captivate audiences young and old with heart pounding music, spectacular dance routines and vibrant costumes.

With a cast of talented musicians and world class dancers, this show blends traditional Irish step-dancing with contemporary choreography, creating a thrilling and unique experience for all ages.

Queen: It's a Kinda Magic

FRIDAY 4 AUGUST
Tickets: Adult $74.70 | Pensioner/Senior $67.70 | Group 6+ $69.70 | U/13 $45.70
Time: 8 pm
Event Information: 150 minutes with interval

Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic is back by popular demand this August for their first Australian tour in two years!

The show is set to again immerse fans in the spectacle, grandeur and extravagance of Queen and Freddie Mercury, but with the incredible Dominic Warren on board things are looking bigger and better than ever! You’ve seen Bohemian Rhapsody at the cinemas, now see it all come alive on stage and in concert, with big sound, big screens, crazy lighting and outlandish costumes. . . the REAL ROCK EXPERIENCE!

Bundaberg
Eisteddfod

24 - 26 July

The Bundaberg Eisteddfod has been the backdrop to the lives of many talented children that have stepped foot into the spotlight. Covering all facets of instrumental music, rock bands, vocal, and speech and drama sections and school and community ensembles and choirs, for ages 4-19 years.

Proudly presented by CQUniversity Bundaberg and supported by Shalom College Bundaberg, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre and Stroud Homes Wide Bay.

BE seen.
BE heard.
BE celebrated.

Bundaberg
Eisteddfod Gala

THURSDAY 27 JULY
Tickets: Adult $25 | Student $15 | Family (2A + 2C) $70
Time: 7 pm
Event information: 90 minutes

Join us as we celebrate outstanding talent in the culmination of 10 days of music and speech and drama.

BE Gala evening is the opportunity to watch the best of the competition tread the boards of the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre. A spectacle of instrumental, vocal, band, and ensemble talent.

Foyer Exhibition:
Cavin Staff

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
When: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm and one hour prior to public performances

In August and September we continue profiling local artists from the Bundaberg Region, with well-respected artist Cavin Staff.

South African born Cavin Staff is a retired surgeon, who now specialises in en plein air paintings. En plein air, a French phrase meaning ‘in the open air’, describes the process of painting a landscape outdoors. He also dabbles in cartoons, with some poetic storytelling added to the mix.

He has also had several successful exhibitions of his works raising and contributing to a variety of charities, most notably Night of 1000 Drawings.

More recently Cavin has written, illustrated and published two children’s books about Tiny Turtle Tim. His third book about Life on the Reef is due to be released in June 2023 and is dedicated to King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Two of Us: The Songs of Lennon and McCartney

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST
Tickets: Adult $65 | Concession $60 | Group 6+ $60
Time: 8 pm
Event Information: 140 minutes with interval

Two of Australia’s most applauded performers, Darren Coggan and Damien Leith are back on stage with their revered tour, celebrating two of the most inspiring songwriters of all time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Two Of Us – The Songs Of Lennon & McCartney is a magical, intimate and acoustic portrait of the songs that changed the world. The songbook traverses immortal songs from The Beatles treasure trove of pop history, along with the richness and diversity of Lennon and McCartney’s solo careers with back-to-back hits.

Two of us are accompanied by the lush sounds of The Strawberry Fields Stringed Quartet.

Ross Noble - Jibber Jabber Jamboree

FRIDAY 11 AUGUST
Tickets: Adult $54.90 | Group 10+ $49.90
Time: 8 pm
Event Information: 90 minutes no interval | Recommended 15+

Jibber Jabber Jamboree marks Ross Noble’s 21st solo stand-up tour.

To celebrate this milestone, he invites you to join him for an evening of the sort of inspired nonsense that has cemented his place as the supreme master of stream of conscious freewheeling stand up. This is a chance to see Noble live on stage in his natural habitat.

What’s it about? What will we learn? How will it change the world? Are all pointless questions to ask when Noble is off on one of his tangents. Grab a ticket and come and enjoy the ride.

Jenny Wynter
By Request

MONDAY 14 AUGUST
Tickets: Free, bookings essential
Time: 10 am and 12.30 pm
Event Information: 55 minutes

The side-splitting musical cabaret that’s never the same show twice!

Songbird and improvised comedy queen Jenny Wynter performs By Request. Join this internationally award-winning comic talent in a mind-blowing collection of songs, stories and comedy... all inspired by suggestions from you, the audience!

Put your suggestions on paper, stick them in the on-stage fishbowl and help create a totally unique, hilarious and never-to-be-repeated evening of cabaret, performed strictly “By Request”.

Busby Marou
Blood Red Tour

SATURDAY 19 AUGUST
Tickets: Adult $59
Time: 8 pm
Event Information: 150 minutes with interval

Busby Marou have gained the reputation as one of Australia’s hardest working live bands, best known for their distinctly Australian storytelling and gifted musicianship. Their 5th album, “Blood Red”, is out on 21 July, and they are taking the band on the road to celebrate.

Busby Marou have become a fixture across Australia’s great festivals and have supported Midnight Oil and Paul Kelly and deliver a live show full of feel good songs guaranteed to make memories.

Busby Marou will be joined by special guest Jem Cassar-Daley.

West Side Story

WEDNESDAY 16 AUGUST
Tickets: Free, bookings essential
Time: 10.30 am
Event Information: 156 minutes

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, West Side Story tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City.

This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke) and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno – one of only three artists to be honoured with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

Soweto Gospel Choir: Hope

SATURDAY 26 AUGUST
Tickets A Reserve: Adult $84.90 | Group 6+ $64.90 | U/18 $49.90
Tickets B Reserve: Adult $74.90 | U/18 $49.90
Time: 4 pm
Event Information: 85 minutes no interval

Presented by Andrew Kay, Hope is an all new concert by three-time Grammy® winning Soweto Gospel Choir celebrating songs and anthems from the Freedom Movement of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa, back to the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King’s 1950’s America.

Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music, Soweto Gospel Choir draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto.

Hope is a concert that will sing forever in your hearts!

Andre Rieu:
Love is all around

SUNDAY 27 AUGUST
Tickets: Adult $40
Time: 1 pm
Event Information: 180 minutes with interval

The King of the Waltz invites you on-board with his all-new cinema concert “Love is All Around”, from his beautiful hometown of Maastricht.

André Rieu will again stage his glorious annual summer concert in the iconic Vrijthof Square this year. The concert will be a musical feast with heart-warming pieces lovingly chosen by André, covering classic, popular sing-alongs, and delightful waltzes that make you want to dance.

Along with his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra, André teams up with the charming Gospel Choir and special surprise guests, to bring audiences a refreshing, romantic, fun party at your cinema – love will be all around!

Australian Cinema Double Bill: A Stitch in Time

SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER
Tickets: $12
Time: 2 pm
Event Information: 108 minutes | RATED M 15+

One of the most heart-warming films of the year, A Stitch in Time beautifully celebrates the joys of friendship, culture and never giving up on your dreams.

A heart-warming story about a former dressmaker Liebe (Maggie Blinco: The Nightingale, Crocodile Dundee), who reinvents herself after befriending young Chinese fashion designer Hamish (Hoa Xuande: lead actor The Sympathizer with Robert Downey Jr.).

A Stitch in Time is an ode to the power of community and friendships that come from the most unexpected places.

Australian Cinema Double Bill: Limbo

SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER
Tickets: $12
Time: 6 pm
Event Information: 108 minutes | RATED M 15+

Limbo is a 2023 Australian independent mystery-crime film directed by Ivan Sen and starring Simon Baker, Rob Collins, Natasha Wanganeen and Nicholas Hope. The film is produced by Bunya Productions and Windalong Films with the support of Screen Queensland and South Australian Film Corporation.

In a small Australian outback town Travis Hurley, a detective, comes to investigate a 20-year-old unsolved homicide of an Aboriginal woman. Travis discovers a collection of unpleasant truths, highlighting the intricacies of loss and injustice faced by Aboriginal Australians.

Lighthouse Rock: Battle of the Bands

THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Tickets: Gold coin entry
Time: 6 pm
Event Information: 144 minutes

Come along and watch The Lighthouse Rock Festival and Triple M Battle of the Bands competition.

Local acts are encouraged to enter for their chance to win prizes, trophies and an opening spot at the Lighthouse Rock on October 14.

The winner will get to share the stage with music legends like ICEHOUSE, The Living End, Baby Animals, The Screaming Jets, Mason Rack Band, Abby Skye and Evergreen Aus.

If you have an idea for a great arts activity, an incredible opportunity to develop your artistic skills or an art project that could celebrate your community, there are grants available to bring your project to life.

Local creatives are being encouraged to apply for a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant, available to support regional creatives and culture activities in Bundaberg.

Contact the RADF Officer on 1300 883 699 or email us at radf@bundaberg.qld.gov.au

Dreams - Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks
Tribute Show

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER
Tickets: Adult $59 | Concession $54 | U/16 $49 | Group 6+ $49
Time: 7.30 pm
Event Information: 170 minutes with interval | Recommended 15+

Join us for a massive 2½ hour show and bring your wild heart, your gypsy spirit and all the twirls you can muster as we bring all the songs, the outfits and the signature moves of Stevie and the band.

All the outfits, moves, harmonies and big guitar leads plus all the iconic songs – Go Your Own Way, Gypsy, Sara, Dreams, Seven Wonders, Rhiannon, Little Lies, You Make Loving Fun, Landslide, The Chain and many more!

ACO Collective:
Ecstatic Dances

WEDNESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

Tickets: Adult $39 | Concession $35 | U/20 $20
Time: 7.30 pm
Event information: 100 minutes with interval

Irresistible dances from across the world and the centuries from director and violinist Matthew Truscott and ACO Collective. A frequent performer on the world’s most celebrated concert hall stages, British violinist Matthew Truscott leads ACO Collective in a thrilling program of dances from across the ages.

Matthew and ACO Collective will perform a tapestry of dance music for string orchestra, showcasing the vitality and virtuosity of this incredible ensemble. Energy permeates every turn, from the Baroque elegance of Purcell’s England to the thrill-seeking dynamism of Australian composer Holly Harrison’s Black Ice, commissioned especially for ACO Collective.

The ACO Collective will also be joined by members of the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra for a special guest performance.

DC League of Pets

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
Tickets: Free, bookings essential
Event Information: 106 minutes

In DC League of Superpets, Krypto the Superdog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side.

When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack-ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the super heroes.

Luke Kidgell
Happy Hour

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
Tickets: VIP (meet and greet) $80 | Adult $55
Time: 6 pm
Event Information: 90 minutes no interval | Recommended 15+

After his sold out International ‘Cheers to that!’ tour, Luke Kidgell is back on the road with his brand new show Happy Hour.

Luke has amassed over three million fans online for his viral stand up videos, often showcasing outrageous and quick witted crowd interactions. Luke is also known for co-hosting the Luke and Meg Podcast and for his multiple comedy specials which feature on YouTube and Amazon Prime.

You’ve seen him on the internet, now it’s time to see him in real life, this is not one to miss!

The Hours: Met Opera

WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
Tickets: Adult $28 | Concession $24 | U/20 $15 | Group 10+ $10
Time: 7.30 pm
Event Information: 195 minutes

Soprano Renée Fleming makes her highly anticipated return to the Met in the world-premiere production of Pulitzer prize–winning composer Kevin Puts’ The Hours, adapted from Michael Cunningham’s acclaimed novel.

Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway and made a household name by the Oscar-winning 2002 film version starring Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and Nicole Kidman, the powerful story follows three women from different eras who each grapple with their inner demons and their roles in society.

The Sunshine Club

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

Tickets: Adult $39 | Concession $35 | U/20 $20
Time: 7.30 pm
Event information: 170 minutes with interval | Recommended 13+

Set is 1946, the joyful and acclaimed musical The Sunshine Club, tells the story of Aboriginal soldier Frank Doyle, who is just returning home to Brisbane after serving in WWII, to find that, while the world may have changed, the same attitudes and prejudices still exist at home.

But this only fills Frank with a strong desire to change things for the better by setting up The Sunshine Club. A place where all people are welcome to come together, laugh, romance and dance the night away as Frank sets out to win the heart of Rose, the girl from next door.

The Sunshine Club is a gloriously energetic, thought provoking and above all entertaining night of theatre.

Enjoy one of our delicious gourmet packs with your show.

Each pack includes a selection of cheese, crackers, dip, nuts and seasonal fruit.

Other delicious food and drink items are also available.

Must be pre-booked online, via phone or at the box office up to 48 hours prior to a show.