Brisbane Arts Theatre Celebrates 80 Years In 2016

In searching for the stories to tell on the Brisbane Arts Theatre stage in 2016, they started with their story.

The new year (2016) will mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of Brisbane Arts Theatre by Vic Hardgraves and Jean Trundle. Home to many a cultural milestone in the river city’s history, the theatre's non-stop operation since 1936 remains credit to volunteers and advocates – particularly re-building after fire gutted the building in '64 and surviving the cripplingly lean times of the 2000s. The passion and dedication of those who refuse to let the light out on Vic and Jean's original vision has been the beating heart behind the Petrie Terrace theatre.

Baby With The Bath Water

Beginning with a baby in January, 'Baby With The Bath Water' is an unofficial 'Idiots Guide To Parenting'. A young couple quickly learn they have no idea how care for their newborn. As not to be impolite, they refuse to look at the child's gender – instead assume (incorrectly) it's a girl. The erratic family unit is topped off with an anti-Mary Poppins-esque nanny.

March needs no introduction with dazzling Australian classic 'The Boy From Oz'. This colourful and memorable show tells Peter Allen's life from beginnings in a small town to the glitz and glamour of the musical theatre stage. The superb highs, the jolting lows and all the love and life in-between.

Are You Being Served?

'Are Your Being Served?' If not, April will tend to your needs. The wickedly funny and cheeky British sitcom will whip-out outlandishly ridiculous one-liners that'll leave a smile on your dial. In an age where political correctness was unheard of, the stage show will capture the series' irreverent and beloved 13-year run.

Senses And Sensibility

Sending spirits soaring mid-year, Jane Austen's 'Sense And Sensibility' is a charming romance full of wit and passion. When two sisters fall for men who hide scandalous secrets, they're forced to rely upon one another to weather their heartache, and learn that when sense and sensibility meet, love cannot be far behind.

Equus

Parental discretion is advised when Sir Peter Shaffer's international play baffles in July. A complex, and thrilling look at passion, sex, religion, and sanity, 'Equus' tells of a psychiatrist who attempts to treat a young man who has a pathological religious fascination with horses.

Wish

It's been eons since Archangel Gabriel was banished to hell. Driven by selfishness and ambition in the 21st Century, modern society is decaying. Intervention seemed inevitable, but no-one dreamed Satan would be the first to return. Aware of Satan's plans, God dispatches Mama Angel – a cherubim of the first sphere – to save as many souls as she can in 'Wish: The (Devil's Own) Musical' in September.

Guards! Guards!

Sir Terry Pratchett's eighth novel in the Discworld series, 'Guards! Guards!', graces the October stage. Long believed extinct, a superb specimen, The Noble Dragon appears – not just to charbroil Discworld's greatest city, but to be crowned King (it is a noble dragon, after all).

When The Rain Stops Falling

Predicting the weather of November, 'When The Rain Stops Falling' takes the audience to Alice Springs in the year 2039. A fish smelling fresh of the sea falls from the sky, landing at Gabriel York's feet – obviously something fishy is going on. Fifty years earlier his grandfather predicted fish will fall from the sky, heralding a great flood that will end life on earth.

The Reindeer Monologues

And leave the children at home with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads next December. 'The Reindeer Monologues' will unleash the real Santa to adults-only. You've heard rumours about what he does in the toy shop, but Vixen, Rudolph, Prancer and the rest of the heard will enlighten you on what really goes on at the North Pole.

The kids won't be left out though – and parents will enjoy a trip along memory lane – with: 'James And The Giant Peach', 'Snow White', 'Jungle Book: The Musical', 'Cinderella', 'The Tale Of Peter Rabbit', 'Peter Pan' and 'Charlotte's Web'.

Brisbane Arts Theatre's 2016 season starts with 'Baby With The Bath Water' 16 January.