East Gippslanders are in for a spectacular 2025 with the Forge Theatre securing major Creative Victoria touring performances.

The Victorian Government-funded Touring Victoria program through Creative Victoria announced six recipients of touring funding in 2024 to perform shows across the state, with three coming to East Gippsland for five shows.

• Gunditjmara/Kokathasinger-songwriter David Arden will tour MEERTA – Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden, a story about Aboriginal Identity, resilience and celebration to 10 regional Victoria destinations, including Bairnsdale on Friday 13 June at 7.30pm.
• Nicholas Clark Management will tour three new Australian works: IMAGINE LIVE, based on Alison Lester’s book (Wednesday 21 May, 6pm); In Common by One Fell Swoop Circus (Sarsfield 21 January, Omeo 23 January and Mallacoota 25 January - 4pm and 7,30pm shows at all locations); and Velveteen Rabbit from Born in a Taxi (September school holidays).
• Finucane &Smith will tour the whole-of-community knees-up show The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez. Spanning writing to opera to burlesque, the community focused performance will draw entire towns into the celebration at The Forge on Friday 5 September at 7.30pm.

Mayor John White said it was a real coup to have these high-quality shows coming to East Gippsland.

“We are thrilled to be able to host such a diverse range of performances and it says a lot about our growing arts community. We encourage everyone to be part of the celebration and to book your tickets when available through the Forge," John said.

‍Bumper program to start 2025

Meanwhile, the Forge has a bumper program scheduled to get 2025 underway with a variety of shows at not only The Forge in Bairnsdale, but Swifts Creek, Mallacoota, Sarsfield, Nowa Nowa, Bruthen, Lakes Entrance and Omeo.

“The program includes children’s comedy, acrobatics, comedy and music and more ... and that’s just in the next six weeks!” John said.

• FRITZ – a whimsical and enchanting clown show: various locations, 13-17 January
• The Listies: Make Some Noise (Australia’s favourite kids’ comedians): various locations, 15-20 January
• In Common by One Fell Swoop Circus: various locations, 21-25 January
• Homebrewed – an afternoon flight of local theatre: The Forge, 1 February
• The U2 ShowAchtung Baby ‘Desire Tour’ U2 Greatest Hits: The Forge, 8 February
• Love Songs andDedications - ‘80s love ballads: The Forge, 14 February
• TOUCH – a collaboration between two forms of dance, ballet and the Indian classical artform Bharathanatyam, with a special option to add a Chai High Tea by local small business Himalayan Bliss: The Forge, 23 February

For more information or to book tickets, visit our website or call the box office on 5152 1482.

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