Nine things to do in the Illawarra this week (6 - 12 September)

In a week where the world’s longest-running theatre show comes to IPAC, Bundanon reveals its wildest side and there’s not one, but three film festivals across the Illawarra, it’s safe to say there’s plenty to do in the region.

Wollongong Botanic Garden’s refreshed education and learning program will provide the perfect excuse to welcome spring in the great outdoors, and future Illawarra playwrights will be revealed.

In between there’s a stunning classical music display in aid of Medecins Sans Frontieres and a good old-fashioned ‘show and shine’ in Kiama.

Here are our top nine picks for the week.

All week

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

When: Various dates until Saturday 15 September, various times
Where: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $119 | Adult $99 | Pension $89 | Groups 8+ $89 | Under 30s $89 | Student $89 | Book via Merringong Box Office.

As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst! One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? Can you solve this world-famous mystery for yourself?

For over 70 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats. Directed by Australian theatre royalty Robyn Nevin and starring a collection of some of Australia’s finest stage talent, this acclaimed new production wowed audiences on a national tour in 2022. Now it’s Wollongong’s turn to indulge in the classic crime caper that has cemented Agatha Christie as the queen of her genre.

All weekend

Wild Weekend at Bundanon

When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, various times
Where: Bundanon, 170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Cost: Various.

The 80s have returned to Bundanon. Come for an event, or stay for the entire weekend, which will serve up:

• Saturday 7 September, 2 to 3 pm – Wild Queer Times: Iconic artist William Yang sharing tales from the Australian queer scene of the 1980s.
• Saturday 7 September, 6 to 10 pm – (Not So) Blue Light Disco: Music, food trucks, firepits, crimping stations and yes, the punch is definitely spiked!
• Sunday 8 September, 11 am – Helios: An intimate tale made to be told in smaller rooms, HELIOS is a collective experience that invites the audience to be part of the story.
• Sunday 8 September, 12:30 to 2 pm – Breaking Bread with Friends: A lunch and long discussion exploring the trailblazing art practice of performance artist Bonita Ely.
• Sunday 8 September, 1 to 3:30 pm – Wild Bush Foraging: Join a foraging walk around Bundanon with wild food expert Diego Bonetto.

Saturday

Creative Wollongong Short Film Competition Screening

When: Saturday 7 September, 5 to 8:30 pm
Where: Lakeside Reserve, Kanahooka
Cost: Free.

Gather the family, pack a picnic blanket and settle in under the stars for a screening of the “best of” entries from the inaugural Creative Wollongong Short Film Competition. The jam-packed program comprises short films all created in the Illawarra. There will be a sausage sizzle and food from nearby shops available for purchase. The competition winners will be announced after the screenings, with actor Michael Theo and producer Vincent Sheehan serving as celebrity judges.

Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour

When: Saturday 7 September, 7 to 10 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $33 | Book via Anita’s Theatre.

This two-and-a-half-hour showcase of inspiring films highlights the adventurous spirit of women, featuring work from independent filmmakers around the world. Immerse yourself in the excitement of exploration and the resilience of the human spirit with a diverse selection of films that celebrate the achievements of women in the adventure community. From triumphant mountain climbs to epic journeys of discovery, prepare to be moved by tales of determination and skill, as these stories unfold on the big screen.

Top Dog Film Festival Wollongong 2024

When: Saturday 7 September, 1:30 to 4:45 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $33 | Book via Anita’s Theatre.

Filled with delightfully doggy moments of joy and celebration of our beloved canine companions, this carefully curated program of short canine-themed films is comprised of the most inspirational, heartwarming and entertaining stories about dogs and their human companions, from independent filmmakers around the globe. Expect stories of unbreakable bonds with canine companions that enrich the lives of all those they encounter, experience heartfelt stories of people who dedicate their lives to improving the outcomes for man’s best friend and meet a very clever dog who will steal a piece of your heart.

Music for Medicine: A Fundraiser Concert for The Flying Doctors

When: Saturday 7 September, 7 pm
Where: Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Adult $40 | Children under 13s $12 | Student $15 | Concession (Pensioner/Senior) $22 | Book via Merrigong Box Office.

Following the runaway success that was Music4Medicine 2023, Music4Medicine 2024 is here to unite the community in a night of extraordinary music and generosity. The event will raise much-needed funds for Medecins Sans Frontieres, a not-for-profit provider offering essential health services to people in regional and outback Australia. Expect another fabulous night of music that brings the community together in the spirit and joy of giving.

Nature Shake

When: Saturday 7 September, noon to 4 pm
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden, Murphys Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Free.

To launch Wollongong Botanic Garden’s refreshed education and learning program, this free event promises to shake up your nature knowledge with a host of hands-on activities. Saturday opens the event up to the whole community, with hands-on activities for all ages including nature-play activities, bird bingo by the pond, opportunities to engage in bush tucker and waste and biodiversity games. Those who like to wander can enjoy a self-guided garden trail and, if the weather is nice, pitch up for a picnic.

Sunday

9th Romans Kiama Hot Rod Run ‘Show and Shine’

When: Sunday 8 September, from 8 am
Where: Black Beach, Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.

Motoring enthusiasts and the wider community alike are invited to this ‘show and shine’. Against the backdrop of picturesque Black Beach, the event will showcase hot rods, customs and other vehicles of interest. Attendees can enjoy music, trade stands and food stalls. There will also be a raffle and a presentation for the top five cars around 1 pm. Grab the family, pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Monday

The Young Playwrights Project

When: Monday 8 September, 7:30 pm
Where: Bruce Gordon Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: $15 | Book via Merringong Box Office.

The Young Playwrights Program returns, with students from The Drama Studio performing 10-minute plays by emerging writers from local high schools. Established in 2012 by director Fiona Finley from The Drama Studio, in association with Merrigong Theatre Company, The Young Playwrights Program provides young writers with mentorship to develop and produce their own work.

Featured plays include Sailor’s Son by Isabella A, Screech by Elijah Z, Coal for Christmas by Charlotte O, Chick-o-Clock by Billie P, Disconnected by Leni T, The Old Princess by Poppy F and The Enlighteners by Annie K.