Part circus, part cabaret, part comedy, part everything else – London Calling wraps up this weekend. Photo: Vanessa Van Dalsen.
The June long weekend is upon us and with it, myriad options to keep the family entertained in the Illawarra.
Variety spectacular London Calling wraps up its part in the Spiegeltent Wollongong bonanza, a two-day showcase of local talent takes over Kiama and the “South Coast’s most loved music and wine festival” returns.
In between there’s art, retail therapy, live music and vintage automobiles. As the weather continues to cool, here are our top nine picks to pluck you off the couch and hustle you out the door.
All Weekend
Roo Theatre presents a stage adaptation of a beloved childhood classic. Image: Roo Theatre.
Wonka
When: Friday 9 June, 7:30 pm, Saturday 10 June, 2 pm and 7:30 pm and Sunday 11 June, 2 pm
Where: Roo Theatre, corner Addison and Wentworth Streets, Shellharbour
Cost: Adults $30, concession $27, children $25, members $23, family $100, book here
Based on the story by Roald Dahl and adapted for the stage by Jordan Cunningham, enter a world of pure imagination. Young Charlie Bucket dreams of meeting Willy Wonka, the mysterious world-renowned candy maker. When news breaks that his idol is opening his factory gates to a lucky few, Charlie is desperate to get his hands on a life-changing golden ticket. Take the journey with him and his comical assortments of fellow ticket-holders as they witness Wonka’s creations come to life in “a flurry of colour and confection”.
London Calling is billed as a world-class cabaret for all ages. Photo: Vanessa Van Dalsen.
London Calling
When: Friday 9 June, 8 pm, Saturday 10 June 6 pm and 8 pm and Sunday 11 June, 5 pm
Where: Spiegeltent, Arts Precinct, Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Family of four $248, adult $72, concession, student, group 8+ $67, under 30 years $62
This weekend is your last chance to catch London Calling. Part of the Spiegeltent Wollongong spectacular, expect a spectacular night of magic, circus, comedy and jaw-dropping variety. This show is billed as a world-class cabaret for all ages, featuring stars of Cirque Du Soleil, The Illusionist, La Clique and an international Got Talent winner.
This two-day showcase of local talent was launched to reboot the industry after COVID-19. Image: About Town Events.
Rumble in the Jungle
Where: The Pavillion Kiama, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
When: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June, 5 pm to 11 pm
Cost: Single-day pass $8.13, two-day pass $13.24, book here (18+ only)
This two-night event over the June long weekend brings together talent from Wollongong to Nowra in one fantastic event. After the entertainment industry suffered a COVID-induced pummelling, this event was launched as a platform for local artists to showcase their talents. Saturday’s lineup includes sets from Billy, C8i, DJ Emu, Disc Tickler and Towden and the Sunday lineup includes Bobby Dazzler, Groove Society, Max Feast, Melly Furtardo, R.ICO and Rossibloom. This is a strictly 18+ event.
Discover the versatility and underrated charm of felt. Photo: Illawarra Felt Makers Inc.
The Illawarra Feltmakers Exhibition and Sale
When: Saturday 10 to Monday 12 June, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Kiama Masonic Hall, 46 Collins Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry
This exhibition and retail event is called “Bowled Over” and while it focuses on the wonderful versatility of felt, it celebrates many textiles. Spinning and weaving equipment, fine felting fibres, boucle and mohair yarns, luxury silk tops, warp yarns and reeds will all be on display and for sale. Pick up something beautiful and discover a new appreciation for the underrated charm of felt.
All Week
Local artist Belinda Doyle’s photographs and creations capture the beauty of country living on the South Coast. Image: Belinda Doyle/Facebook.
Take a trip to the Coast
When: Friday 9 to Wednesday 14 June, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: The Old Fire Station, corner Terralong and Shoalhaven Streets, Kiama
Cost: Free entry
Jamberoo artist Belinda Doyle’s artworks and creations capture the awe-inspiring coastline from above and the beauty of country living on the South Coast. Her coveted creations have been featured on Today, the 2019 Facebook Gift Guide and Country Living magazine. She’s now set to exhibit her local photography and art in Kiama.
Saturday
The South Coast’s most loved music and wine festival is back. Image: Winter Wine Festival/Facebook.
Winter Wine Festival 23
When: Saturday 10 June, 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Crooked River Wines, 11 Willowvale Road, Gerringong
Cost: $79 to $189, book here (18+ only)
ARIA award entertainment, estate grown wine and mouthwatering food converge at an event billed as the South Coast’s most loved music and wine festival. Iconic Aussie band The Cat Empire headlines Saturday’s lineup alongside Sons of The East, Steph Strings, Maia Toakley, local band Mac Tango and more. The festivities continue on Sunday with ARIA award-winner Matt Corby, The Dreggs, Satin Cali, Pallas Haze and Calcite taking the stage. VIP ticket holders can access a private area, private bars, premium wine, private bathrooms and canapes created by head chef Cameron Bailey from 1 pm to 3 pm. This is strictly an 18+ event.
Dale and the boys are set to bring pop/rock hits from the 90s and beyond to Shellharbour. Image: Central Hotel Shellharbour.
Boom Crash Opera
When: Saturday 10 June, from 8 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: Central Hotel Shellharbour, 3 Memorial Drive, Shellharbour
Cost: $45, book here
After a long hiatus join Dale Ryder, Peter Farnan, Peter “Maz” Maslen and John Favaro as they deliver all your favourite BCO songs including Onion Skin, Dancing In The Storm, Get Out Of The House, The Best Thing and a host of other hits from their extensive arsenal of pop/rock hits from the 90s and beyond. Central Hotel is one of Shellharbour’s best spots for live music and offers a bistro with great modern Australian cuisine for those wanting dinner and a show.
Sunday
Return to the good old days of classic cars and old locomotives at Illawarra Light Rail Museum. Photo: Illawarra Light Rail Museum.
Tongarra Train and Car Day
When: Sunday 11 June, from 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Illawarra Light Rail Museum, 48A Tongarra Road, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Family $55, adult $55, child or concession $10, payable upon entry
You’re invited to “return to the golden days of railways, classic cars, and vintage farm machinery” as Illawarra Light Railway Museum and the Jamberoo Valley Classic Vintage Car Club join forces in this fun family outing. See a display of classic cars, ride the historical steam and miniature trains or take a tour of the Loco Shed. There’s food for sale, picnic grounds and playgrounds for the little ones as well.
Wednesday
This show is billed as a “killer circus comedy unlike you’ve ever seen”. Photo: Dummies Corp.
Dumtectives in Cirque Noir
When: Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 June, various times
Where: Merrigong Theatre Company, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Under 30 years $62, group 8+ / concession $67, adults $72, book here
Dummies Corp have honed their unique brand of circus comedy staging productions worldwide. Domestically they’ve performed everywhere from remote towns to Sydney Festival. Now these world-class artists are headed to the ‘Gong with a noir mystery “set in a bygone era of cheap dames and dirty dicks”. This show blends jaw-dropping acrobatics and aerials, slapstick gold and saucy burlesque.
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