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MURIEL'S WEDDING OPEN FOR SECOND SEASON
The highly acclaimed Australian show produced by Global Creatures, Muriel’s Wedding the Musical, has returned to Sydney, opening at the Lyric Theatre this week for a strictly limited 10-week season.
Winner of 5 Helpmann Awards (2018), 7 Sydney Theatre Awards (2018), an Awgie Award (2018), the 2018 David Williamson Prize and an ARIA Award Nomination (2018), Muriel’s Wedding the Musical celebrated its world premier in Sydney in November 2017. This year the show garnered two further Helpmann Award nominations: Natalie Abbott for Best Female Actor in a Musical and Pippa Grandison for Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said Muriel’s Wedding the Musical is a show you definitely do not want to miss.
“Even if you haven’t seen the film, you would have no doubt heard the classic line, ‘You’re terrible Muriel!’ This reflects just how embedded Muriel’s Wedding is in our cultural fabric, so I am delighted this creative musical adaptation of the iconic Australian movie is returning to Sydney following its sell-out premier season,” Mr Ayres said.
“The NSW Government has set an ambitious goal of reaching $55 billion in overnight expenditure by 2030; a goal we will seek to achieve through various initiatives, including continuing to secure highly sought after musicals like Muriel’s Wedding via our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.”
Muriel’s Wedding returns to Sydney with new cast members, with Natalie Abbott playing the much-loved lead role of Muriel Heslop. Nominated for a Helpmann Award this year for Best Female Actor in a Musical the Herald Sun said “Natalie Abbott is radiant as Muriel. And her grinning enthusiasm is utterly infectious”. The fole of Muriel’s best friend Rhonda is played by Stefanie Jones (Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, Dreamlover, Once The Musical) who also received accolades for her performance, with the Herald Sun saying “Stefanie Jones is an intense and vivid presence”.
Muriel’s Wedding the Musical is a theatrical version of PJ Hogan’s iconic hit film, updated to today by the writer himself with music and lyrics by Australian award winning songwriters Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall with additional songs by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson written for ABBA.
Back by popular demand, tickets to this award-winning musical are on sale now from Ticketmaster or visit www.murielsweddingthemusical.com
LA TRAVIATA RETURNS TO HANDA OPERA ON SYDNEY HARBOUR 2020
Verdi’s iconic Opera La Traviata will return for the renowned Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – nine years after it first graced the stage at the inaugural event.
Since its inception in 2012, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has been supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and has established itself as one of the world’s greatest outdoor theatrical events.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour continues to go from strength to strength.
“This event is like no other – combining world-class performances, colourful costumes, majestic sets and exhilarating fireworks with the unbeatable backdrop of Sydney Harbour,” Mr Ayres said.
“More than 62,000 tickets were sold for the 2019 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of West Side Story, which is an incredible result.
“It is clear why Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is regarded as a must-see event on our State’s cultural calendar, as it continues to attract audiences from every corner of the globe. I have no doubt the return of the quintessential Opera La Traviata will be bigger and better than ever before.”
Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini said he is pleased to recreate the first ever Opera to be performed on the open-air stage.
“Bringing back La Traviata has a sense of nostalgia. This event has come so far in the last nine years and has successfully brought the art of opera to so many new audiences. We are proud of what we have accomplished,” Mr Terracini said.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s production of La Traviata will be held from 27 March to 26 April 2020.
Tickets will be available to the public from 16 July 2019 at opera.org.au/harbour
MAJOR PRIZE MONEY TO BOOST COUNTRY RACING AND TOURISM
Racing NSW has announced major prize money increases to country racing carnivals right across NSW as a further boost to country racing from August 1, 2019.
The total annual prize money for country racing in NSW will now be more than $81 million – an increase of $48 million since 2012.
There will now be eight feature Country Cup races with prizemoney of $200,000 at the following racecourses: Port Macquarie, Goulburn, Albury, Wellington, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Scone and Grafton.
These events are also supported by Destination NSW to ensure tourism is brought into the local region. It is hoped the events will bring the local community together to celebrate everything great about their town.
Racing NSW Chairman, Mr Russell Balding AO, said: “A key strategic priority of Racing NSW is for country racing to continue to stage great carnivals and Cup Race meetings and to ensure that thoroughbred racing is widely celebrated and enjoyed throughout all of NSW, not just Sydney and the Provincials.”
SIR ELTON JOHN SET TO SHINE IN COFFS HARBOUR - TWICE!
Coffs Harbour is set to sparkle just a little bit more next February with music legend Sir Elton John to play two shows of his Farewell Yellow Brick road tour at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium in February 2020.
Setting in to rock the Coffs Coast on February 25 and February 26 2020, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Coffs Harbour to welcome a true entertainment superstar.
Following on from the announcement of a first show in Coffs, overwhelming demand during the ticket pre-sale has led to a second show for Coffs Harbour.
Promoter Michael Chugg, Executive Chairman of the tour promoters Chugg Entertainment said: “The Coffs Coast should get ready to welcome one hell of a showman in February next year, as the very first musician to perform at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.”
To purchase tickets and plan your Coffs Coast stay, visit the Coffs Coast website.
CONNECTIVITY ACROSS THE STATE
A new online survey has shed light on the digital connectivity of Accredited Visitor Information Centres (AVICs) across NSW. There are 141 AVICs located throughout the State and they make a significant contribution to tourism in NSW by providing information to visitors that encourages them to stay longer, experience more attractions and revisit a region. The survey conducted by Destination NSW as sent to all AVICs in NSW and received a response rate of 70 per cent. There were several key findings, including that the majority of customers to NSW AVICs were intrastate visitors (38 per cent) aged 55 and over (49 per cent) who were travelling as part of a couple (52 per cent). The survey also found almost 3-in-4 AVICs in NSW that responded to the survey provide Wi-Fi services to their customers. Learn more about the findings from Destination NSW’s online survey at bit.ly/2XiZ9vW
DISCOVER SYDNEY'S 'HIDDEN GEMS'
A new suite of video and digital content has been produced to encourage visitors to explore the ‘Hidden Gems’ of Sydney, looking beyond the iconic tourist attractions. The Sydney Tourism Information Program (STIP) produces the Official Sydney Guide, and in response to recent surveys has now produced this additional resource to showcase some of the lesser known highlights of the Harbour City. SITP is a collaboration between Destination NSW, Property NSW and the City of Sydney through which members work together on projects that promote Sydney or improve the Sydney visitor experience. Current City of Sydney research suggests that for many visitors their knowledge of Sydney is still largely limited to the iconic landmarks such as Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. The new video calls on visitors to explore beyond the icons and experience how the locals live and play. Watch the video here.
REACHING THE US LGBTQ+ MARKET
Destination NSW and Tourism Australia jointly participated at Proud Experiences travel trade event in Brooklyn, New York City last month. The event focuses on creating opportunities for destinations and travel businesses targeting the LGBTQ+ market. Over 0 positive meetings were held with highly-vetted travel advisors, educating them on NSW and Australia’s signature experiences, destinations and key events. US Regional Manager Irene Morgan presented Sydney as the much-loved home of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, while highlighting NSW’s appeal as a year round destination focussing on Sydney, the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains, North Coast and South Coast. A high percentage of LGBTQ+ Americans own passports (82 per cent) and globally LGBTQ= travellers have a significant annual travel spend, presenting a sound opportunity for NSW tourism providers to tap into this audience.
BRIDGECLIMB SYDNEY ANNOUNCES SUNSET SESSIONS
BridgeClimb Sydney is bringing back its popular Sunset Sessions, providing climbers with unique musical moments atop the Harbour Bridge to celebrate the city’s spectacular sunsets during the cooler months. Throughout July and August, climbers booked on Saturday and Sunday Twilight Climbs will be serenaded at the summit as they soak in the 360 views and the magical sun down moment. This year’s line-up of local artists will be performing acoustic sounds covering current pop favourites and classic hits as well as laid-back and soulful lounge music. BridgeClimb Sunset Sessions are a special addition to Saturday and Sunday Twilight Climbs during July and August only and are included in the standard price of a BridgeClimb ticket. For more information or to book visit www.bridgeclimb.com
CELEBRATE THE FRENCH NATIONAL DAY AT SOFITEL
Following the completion of a stylish multi-million-dollar makeover, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth invites all Francophiles to indulge this Winter, with the launch of a new range of magnifique Parisian experiences. From exquisite French cuisine, arts and culture, to shopping experiences, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, highlight the best of their French-inspired activities to enjoy this Winter. Dine like a Parisian in the European style surrounds of Garden Court Restaurant and allow French Native Executive Chef, Boris Cuzon, and his team to present their newly launched French-insired Winter delights as part of the dinner a-la-carte selection. The hotel has also collaborated with the nearby Art Gallery of NSW to bring arts enthusiasts The Essential Duchamp Exhibition, running until 11 August, celebrating Marcel Duchamp as one of the 20th Century’s most original and influential artists.
BATHURST WINTER FESTIVAL BRINGS WONDERLAND TO LIFE
Bathurst Winter Festival is where the stars align for an out of this world experience. Visitors are encouraged to layer up and head full throttle int the Winter Playground and watch buildings of Bathurst come alive through space, colour and music. Projections will fly across Court House walls, change the colour of plants in the Fernery and alter the ground you walk on through Machattie Park. Get competitive using your iPhone or Android and fly clouds through the virtual sky scoring points to win daily prizes along Court House Lane. Lights, sound and colour provide the backdrop to keep visitors inspired. On Saturday nights the park will be packed with craft beer, mulled wine and gourmet eats. Entertainers will roam and keep you warm with humour, talent and test your sense of reality. Carnival riders will move you through space, down slides and have you bumping into others on your voyage through the festival.
