After a challenging year responding to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Redland Performing Arts Centre has started 2021 with a bang thanks to strong crowd numbers.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the RPAC team had worked tirelessly to bring a wealth of entertainment options for people of all ages and interests.
“Last year was devastating in terms of entertainment due to COVID restrictions, but RPAC has returned even stronger this year with both rescheduled and new events for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
“There are more than 30 shows on sale offering the best of the best in music, theatre, family, cabaret and circus.
“Sales are surpassing previous years, with more than 4500 tickets already sold.
“The team has done a great job rescheduling shows that had to be cancelled last year and releasing the program in four-month blocks to allow for the ever-changing environment we are currently in.
“So far the program for January to April (Act 1) has been released and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the great variety of entertainment on offer.
“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the RPAC team also created a new mini concert series, Stage Sessions, a series of intimate concerts and cabarets, with a portion of profits going to the local artists who have performed.”
The 2021 season started with a sold-out performance from Redlands Coast’s own international singing star Mirusia on 13 February.
Mirusia has performed From the Heart in many countries but said it was special to perform it in her hometown.
“It just feels so right to have my first full-scale concert of the year in my hometown of Redlands Coast,” she said.
“In the last year I have returned to my roots and have spent a lot of time at home and I want to share these special feelings through music with my local ‘family’.”
Georgie Taylor, 18, of Thornlands created a one-woman personal comedy and song cabaret drawing on her dating experiences and performed to a capacity Stage Sessions crowd on February 11.
“Being on stage with the audience made everything come alive,” Ms Taylor said.
“Growing up in the area, I always regarded this as a big and professional space. It has been an incredible gift to have my own show here.”
Hannah Johnstone of Wellington Point and Mitch Luxton of Birkdale were also able to have their original band works heard in Radioceans on February 5.
“It was a good atmosphere and good fun,” Ms Johnstone said.
In another first, The Cleveland Film Company will hold the world cinematic premiere screening of its debut production, 5 Moons of Pluto, on Friday 19 February.
The short film written by Bradford Lee Walton was produced on Redlands Coast and showcases a local and South East Queensland cast and crew, and an original soundtrack recorded by Redland Sinfonia.
Other highlights at RPAC this year include:
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
- Margaret Fulton – The Musical
- John Williamson
- Cloudland the Musical
- Rovers
- Queensland Ballet
For more details on the 2021 season, visit the RPAC website.
