The Canberra Theatre Centre celebrates 60 years of theatre in Canberra with a special edition beer from Bentspoke. Photo: Supplied.
The Canberra Theatre Centre is turning 60, and they’re celebrating in style with an open day, glamorous productions, and a collaboration beer with another ACT institution – and there’s still more to be announced!
The Hazee is a hazy pale ale brewed by Bentspoke and canned in special Theatre Edition tinnies especially to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the theatre.
Canberra Theatre Director Alex Budd told Region that they wanted to connect with other local brands to celebrate the big occasion.
“We’ve been selling Bentspoke beer for quite a while now, and when we approached them to say we had a big birthday ending in a zero coming up, they said ‘let’s party on a beer label’.
“And of course, the beer will be exclusive to the bars at the Canberra Theatre.”
The colourful beer cans also perfectly match the purple branding of the Immerse Yourself campaign, which aims to encourage more Canberrans to participate in the cultural life of the city.
Canberra Theatre Centre Director Alex Budd told Region: “There’s more to come!” Photo: Supplied.
The beer collaboration is just the start of what will be a jam-packed year of thrilling theatre and cultural celebrations.
On 10 May, the theatre will host a free open day to give people the opportunity to go behind the scenes – literally – and wander through the backstage area and dressing rooms, which have played host to some of Australia’s finest talent over the past 60 years. You can even have your moment in the spotlight on the Playhouse Theatre stage!
Food trucks and sweet treats will be available to purchase outside the theatre, with more activities to entertain the whole family at the Canberra Museum and Gallery across Civic Square.
History will repeat itself as The Australian Ballet returns to celebrate 60 years since the theatre opened. Photo: Canberra Theatre Centre/Instagram.
On 24 June 1965, it was the Australian Ballet that first performed at the freshly opened Canberra Theatre, so it’s only fitting that the Australian Ballet makes its long awaited return to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. It will be performing Carmen Johan Inger’s award-winning production of Carmen, and tickets are now on sale for a special opening night celebration with canapés, champagne and some vintage 60’s glamour.
An innovative new production of the Pirates of Penzance starring Jay Laga’aia has just opened at the Canberra Theatre and there’s a contemporary adult circus company coming to town, as well as a production of Puccini’s La Boheme from Opera Australia.
And Alex Budd says that’s not all.
“The teaser is: there’s more to come! We’ve got plenty more productions still to be announced for the second half of the year.”
The Canberra Theatre Centre is also gathering memories from Canberrans who have interacted with the theatre over the years. They’re looking to speak to people who have worked at the theatre, who might have memories of fabulous shows over the years, performers, and even audience members from that first ballet performance in 1965. Get in touch via the portal on the website.
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