In 2023 the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre showcased a diverse range of first-class live productions and performances, cinema screening and special events to more than 35,000 attendees.
Many first-time audience members attended a live performance, with a total of 35,297 tickets sold to patrons during the year.
Performance and production highlights
At the forefront for the theatre in 2023 was a focus on First Nations programming.
This included the award-winning musical The Sunshine Club and the presentation of the NAIDOC Week Awards.
Iconic Australian fashion designer, Linda Jackson AO collaborated with local First Nations fashion designer Aunty Julie Appo, bringing her “wearable art” to the theatre’s runway in Strut: First Nations Fashion.
In other highlights for the Moncrieff team Nell Campbell, star of the cult movie musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show, presented her one person show All’s Nell That Ends Nell.
A who’s who of the Australian music industry took to the centre stage with Wendy Matthews, Grace Knight, Toni Childs, 1927, Tommy Emmanuel, Chocolate Starfish, The Ten Tenors and Busby Marou, delivering exceptional performances.
A million laughs were had with live performances by comedians Steve-O, Anh Do, The Kransky Sisters, Jenny Wynter, Luke Kidgell, Ross Noble and the cast of the Sydney Comedy Festival.
Several international artists graced the stage including Cirque Mother Africa, Grand Kiev Ballet, US comedian Steve-O, The Royal Czech Ballet, Rhythms of Ireland and the Soweto Gospel Choir from Africa.
First-class tribute shows delighted fans and celebrated Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Queen, Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, The Beach Boys and Madonna.
Bundaberg arts lovers relished in the productions delivered by Queensland and Australia’s leading arts companies.
These included the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Indelability Arts, Monkey Baa Theatre Company, Circa, Dead Puppet Society and Opera Queensland.
Moncrieff showcases first-class local talents
Shining the spotlight on local talents, several local community groups from the region presented concerts at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
Battle of the Bands featured local bands battling to win the opportunity to open at the Lighthouse Rock festival.
Bridges Health and Community Care’s production Big Sing highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing for World Mental Health Day.
The Bundaberg Eisteddfod, Encore Dance Studio, Bundaberg Caledonian Pipe Band and River Nations’ Choir of Dreams concerts also showcased the amazing talent in our region to the community.
Rounding out the year, the Saint Stella Presents’ Christmas production Noel has become a festive favourite and annual tradition for theatre goers.
Throughout the year, the theatre’s foyer hosted exhibitions from local artists Caroline Sell and Cavin Staff, a photographic tribute to Gladys Moncrieff and a glimpse of Trevor Green’s amazing brooch collection.
The Moncrieff Entertainment Centre’s free community film screenings continued to attract full houses with members of the community embracing this initiative.
Learn more about future performances coming to the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre in 2024 here.
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