Welcome to Entertainment Venues Season 2026, a year of transformation and magic, and my very first in this role. It’s a joy to share this season with you, one that celebrates the power of performance to move us, surprise us, and remind us who we are.
Every show in this program, in some way, speaks to the idea of change … of growth, of seeing the world through new eyes, of rediscovering what brings us joy. That theme feels especially close to my heart right now.
I grew up in the canefields of Far North Queensland, in Mena Creek, a rainforest and waterfall town just south of Cairns, where the hum of cicadas mixed with the sound of my dad and his brother rehearsing in their local cover band under our house. I remember sitting on the stairs of that old Queenslander, listening, and realising that art could transform even a humid, ordinary Thursday night into something electric and alive.
At university in Townsville, I started my own covers band - there were three girlfriends, one very patient drummer, and an unshakable belief that we could take on the world. We played Divinyls, Pat Benatar, and Joan Jett songs at every 2 bit bar that would have us. That spark grew into women in docs, an original duo that travelled the highways of Australia, wore out our old Telstra van, and even made it all the way to Austin, Texas, to play South by Southwest. We played everywhere, including the Tamworth Country Music Festival more than once, and learned how music connects people no matter where you are.
About fifteen years ago, I felt another shift and this time toward theatre. I began writing and performing one-woman musicals to tell my stories: Rosa, where I travelled back in time to meet my Italian grandmother on a Sicilian beach; Banging on the Door, a comedy about the sometimes ridiculous world of IVF; and All Fired Up, which lit up Edinburgh Fringe 2025 with a celebration of happiness through the power of an 80’s mixtape.
Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape arts programs and venues across regional Australia; from the Tanks Arts Centre and CPAC in Cairns, to MONA FOMA in Hobart with Brian Ritchie of Violent Femmes fame, to launching the Darwin Comedy Festival. Each experience reminded me that regional audiences are among the most passionate, loyal, and generous in the country.
And now, here in the gentle hills of Tamworth, my beautiful star-dog and I have found a new rhythm and a new creative home.
Together with Entertainment Venues’ small but mighty team, we’ve built a 2026 season that feels like a mirror. It reflects transformation, connection, joy, and courage, complete with the wrinkles, scars, and laugh lines that only come with experience. You’ll find stories that make you laugh out loud, music that stirs your soul, and moments that stay with you long after the curtain falls.
I’d also like to extend my personal thanks to Woodleys for coming on back board as our 2026 Season Partner, enabling hundreds more people from this community the opportunity to experience live art, with a special mention to Quest, CH and JobLink Plus for their generous support, and my favourite restaurant and bar, The Pig and Tinder.
Whether you’re a long-time subscriber or member, or stepping into the theatre for the first time, I hope this season reminds you of the beauty of change, the magic of connection, and the simple joy of sitting together in the dark, waiting for the lights to come up.
Welcome to Entertainment Venues’ Season 2026: Transformation and Magic.
CLICK HERE to view the Season 2026 line-up.
Roz Pappalardo
Manager
Entertainment Venues
