Past Events

 
We have had some great shows over the years. Find a selection of past events on this page.

We have had some great shows over the years. Find a selection of past events on this page.

22nd November 2014

Bastien et Bastienne

Opera in the Q - operatic highlights by Bellini, Mozart, Dvořák, Gounod, Leoncavallo and Puccini
26th November 2014

Lasting Impressions

Featuring award winning entertainers Morgan Kent, Donna Watson & Peter Kaye
2nd December 2014 - 4th December 2014

La Danse

The 49th Annual La Danse Studio Showcase
5th December 2014 - 6th December 2014

You Can Dance

Stars on Stage Concert
6th December 2014

studioQ Showcase

The Joan's studioQ participants dazzle in a stunning end of year performance
17th December 2014

A Classical Christmas

Three charismatic performers will usher in the Yuletide season in grand style
22nd January 2015 - 23rd January 2015

The Wind in the Willows

By Kenneth Grahame. In a new version by Maxine Mellor. Full of heart and humour.
26th February 2015 - 27th February 2015

The 26-Storey Treehouse

What are you waiting for? You’ll laugh your head off!
28th February 2015 - 28th February 2015

Mini Gras

A taste of the Mardi Gras Festival at the Joan celebrating the LGBTI community, culture and their allies in Western Sydney
7th March 2015

Simon Tedeschi – Gershwin & Me

Tedeschi explores Gershwin the legend - his friends, his influences, his idiosyncrasies, his complexity and his groove in this masterful concert
18th March 2015 - 18th March 2015

Young at Heart Seniors Film Festival

A free screen festival for seniors featuring an inspiring doco, a heart-warming comedy and a swag of excellent short films.
28th March 2015 - 29th March 2015

White

A playful, highly visual new show for very young children - a perfect first time theatre experience.
17th April 2015

Voices in the Valley

An eclectic mix of talent, ranging from massed choirs, to classical and contemporary solo artists, opera and musical theatre.
22nd April 2015

We Remember

A tribute to the ANZACs - Toni Stevens, The Starr Sisters, Chris Gable & John Pickworth Orchestra
24th April 2015 - 2nd May 2015

The Shoe-Horn Sonata

Experience a key part of Australia’s history through the story of two women reuniting on the 50th anniversary of WWII
1st May 2015 - 9th May 2015

In The Heights

Transport yourself to New York's Washington Heights, where the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music...
3rd May 2015

Joseph Tawadros Quartet

He blends and blurs musical tradition and crosses genres and the end result is magical
29th May 2015

Alchemy – Alicia Crossley

A unique experience of virtuosic works transcribed for recorder, performed by award winning Australian recorder player Alicia Crossley
11th June 2015

The Unknown Soldier

Who is he, what is he and what does he represent to Australians today?
12th June 2015

Ricochet 2015

St Paul's Grammar School Dance Academy’s mid-year showcase
13th June 2015 - 13th June 2015

Head Full of Love

"An extraordinary piece of theatre..."
17th June 2015 - 18th June 2015

Chalk About

This acclaimed international touring production will provoke students to contemplate their own identity through dance, movement, voice and the visual arts.
26th June 2015 - 26th June 2015

Flannofest: Time Piece

Tick, tock, tock & tick! The Q’s high school theatre festival returns bringing together 8 schools and bucket loads of talent to the Q theatre stage.
10th July 2015 - 11th July 2015

The Gruffalo’s Child

Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
17th July 2015 - 21st July 2015

All My Love

The story of Henry Lawson and Mary Gilmore’s lost love makes its world premiere at The Joan
22nd July 2015

Seltic Sirens

Spellbinding original arrangements with a Celtic twist
26th July 2015

Emma Pask Quartet

“The greatest gift to Australian Jazz Vocals in the last decade” James Morrison
2nd August 2015

Penrith Strings

Penrith’s young musicians perform with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Penrith Symphony Orchestra
29th August 2015

La Stupenda – A Voice Eternal

A concert 25 years in the making. Australia's best classical musicians come together for one night only to celebrate the power and beauty of the human voice
24th September 2015 - 25th September 2015

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

A marvellous menagerie of lovable puppets bring Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life on stage.
25th September 2015

La Bohème

One of Opera's greatest love stories
30th September 2015 - 2nd October 2015

The Bacchae

Exploring pills, politics and partying; eight young artists present a remixed version of Euripides classic text.
Memorandum by Kate Hunter, Image: Leo Dale 16th October 2015 - 17th October 2015

Memorandum – Brave New Work

Solo performer Kate Hunter lays bare the gothic, peculiar, and slightly neurotic world of remembering and forgetting.
17th October 2015

Six Grands on Stage

A sensational finale to the Richard Bonynge Piano Series. Music at its finest.
23rd October 2015 - 24th October 2015

Quiet Faith – Brave New Work

Beautiful, immersive, full of musicality and heart, Quiet Faith is an antidote to despair about religion and politics
4th November 2015

Mega Studio

A chance for young LGBTQI* creatives to meet up
13th November 2015

Carmen Sweet – Brave New Work

A brilliant piece of dance theatre performed to Rodion Shchedrin’s gripping Carmen Suite by six Expressions Dance Company dancers
22nd November 2015

West Side Stories

A series of events for kids who love stories and for anyone interested in writing for kids!
5th December 2015

studioQ Showcase 2015

Come and see the next generation of Western Sydney performance makers as they present an evening of origial theatre works.
6th December 2015

Messiah

Experience Handel's most celebrated work, with a massed chorus, star soloists and Penrith's own resident Symphony Orchestra
18th January 2016 - 19th January 2016

Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium

Dare to adventure to the bottom of the sea! The team at Erth have spent years scouring the seven seas, collecting playful prehistoric creatures of the deep in their giant aquarium. For the very first time, you are invited to dive in and meet these aquatic critters in person
18th January 2016 - 19th January 2016

Holiday Workshop: Contemporary Ensembles

Ever dreamt of joining a rock band? The Penrith Conservatorium’s Contemporary Ensemble is your chance to rock out for a day!
22nd January 2016 - 23rd January 2016

The Divine Miss Bette

Bawdy, brash and just as fabulous as the original, The Divine Miss Bette is your chance to become intimately acquainted with one of the greatest cabaret artists of our time.
27th January 2016

Musica D’Amore

Featuring Joey Fimmano with Grace Rizzo and Graeme Wright bringing the beautiful music and melodies of Europe to The Joan
24th February 2016

Shamrocks & Heather

Featuring John MacNally, Mary Kiani and John MacDonald singing a selection of beautiful Scottish and Irish classics
25th February 2016 - 27th February 2016

Teacup In a Storm

The world premiere of our very own brand new work based on the incredible stories of carers in our local region.
26th February 2016

Friday Night Lights – Yyani Rose

Enjoy tempting cocktails, fabulous-and-filling finger food and a cosy atmosphere with plenty of comfy nooks, featuring Yyani Rose
4th March 2016 - 4th March 2016

Mini Gras ’16 – Business Unfinished

Tom Christophersen returns to haunt The Joan with a brand new show following its killer debut at the Crack Theatre Festival, Newcastle.
4th March 2016

Mini Gras ’16

A taste of the Mardi Gras Festival at The Joan celebrating the LGBTI community, culture and their allies in Western Sydney
4th March 2016

Mini Gras ’16 – Project: Whisper

Families, friends and allies are invited to The Joan to connect with a remarkable group of young LGBTQI people, led under the direction of theatre maker Felicity Nicol.
6th March 2016

All About Women

The Joan will live stream two events from All About Women - the Sydney Opera House's flagship festival celebrating stories and ideas from the front line of the fight for equality
13th March 2016

Sacred & Profane- Featuring the Sydney Chamber Choir

In 2016 one of Australia’s most energetic and popular conductors, Richard Gill (Spicks And Specks) takes the reins of one of Australia’s leading choirs – the Sydney Chamber Choir – and you can see them first here at The Joan in March!
16th April 2016

This Time Tomorrow – Mirusia

Acclaimed as the “Angel of Australia”, Mirusia gained worldwide fame as the featured soprano soloist with André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra.
18th April 2016

Actor’s Toolkit

Looking for a fun and easy way to get your performance fix this holidays? Our Actor’s Tool Kit workshops are a great way to flex your creative muscles and find some inspiration.
19th April 2016 - 19th April 2016

Artstart

Experience the thrill of acting and live storytelling in active sessions filled with fun activities and creative play.
20th April 2016

Musical Theatre for Kids

Learn the basics of performing musical theatre including stagecraft, harmony, and performing as part of an ensemble
20th April 2016

Musical Theatre for Teens

School years 7 - 12. Learn the basics of performing musical theatre including stagecraft, harmony, and performing as part of an ensemble
27th April 2016

Come to the Cabaret

Featuring Davidia, Christopher Booth and Miro Galczynski in a fabulous cabaret extravaganza!
7th May 2016

Western Sydney Opera – Launch Concert

Western Sydney Opera launches with a stunning concert of operatic highlights sung by Lorenzo Rositano and a young cast of Opera's emerging artists
8th May 2016

Frank Ifield

Australia's own 60s pop superstar Frank Ifield performs a two hour extravaganza!
10th May 2016 - 10th May 2016

The 52-Storey Treehouse

They’re back again! Andy and Terry’s Treehouse is now 52 storeys high, with yet more fantastic inventions: a rocket powered carrot launcher, the Disguise-o-matic 500 and even a Ninja Snail Training Academy!
17th May 2016

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

With some of the world’s best comedians in town May is the month to laugh. Be in on the biggest jokes in town when Penrith’s favourite comedy roadshow crashes through The Joan’s stage door.
20th May 2016 - 21st May 2016

The Peasant Prince

The true story of Mao's Last Dancer brought to life live on stage
21st May 2016

Russian Splendour – Penrith Symphony Orchestra

Three voices of Russia: a festive overture commissioned for a commemoration of the Revolution; a sparkling concerto infused with the gypsy-like sounds of Armenia; and a grand symphony full of aching sorrow, searing passion and dramatic gestures.
22nd May 2016

Hetty Kate Quartet

"Like Peggy Lee on a Vespa" Marc Myers, Jazzwax USA - Hetty Kate is one of Australia’s best-known jazz singers
27th May 2016 - 4th June 2016

The Boy From Oz

Penrith Musical Comedy Company brings the hit Australian musical to Penrith
28th May 2016

Chopin by Candlelight – Piers Lane

A spell-binding evening of popular works by one of the most loved composers of the Romantic era, in the magical atmosphere of a stage lit by candlelight.
3rd June 2016

Mozart at Night – Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Warm your way into winter at The Joan as the musicians of the SSO serenade you with an evening of nocturnal entertainments, poetic revelations and colourful visions in music.
13th June 2016

Q & A at The Joan

With Opposition Leader Bill Shorten - Tony and the team hope to see you there!
17th June 2016 - 18th June 2016

The Moon’s A Balloon

Is the Moon a Balloon? It can be. A balloon can be whatever you want it to be...
22nd June 2016

Sentimental Journey

Featuring Vov Dylan, Glen Amer and Ross Maio on a journey through one hundred years of songs
24th June 2016 - 24th June 2016

Flannofest: Want Not

In a city filled with junk, debris and waste; a small army of high school students create a new world from the bits and bobs no one else wanted.
1st July 2016 - 2nd July 2016

The Little Prince

Take flight with your imagination with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s acclaimed production of The Little Prince adapted by Simon Clarke from the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
5th July 2016 - 7th July 2016

May Gibbs Snugglepot and Cuddlepie

The timeless charm of May Gibbs’ classic Snugglepot and Cuddlepie comes to life on stage for children 5-10 and their adults.
27th July 2016

Top of the 60s Pops

Jacque Renay, Geoff Jones and Cheryl Webb deliver songs from the music revolution of the swinging 60s including hits from Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck and Petula Clark
29th July 2016 - 30th July 2016

The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer

Take a deep breath in late July and join intrepid explorer Alvin Sputnik’s quest to save humanity from itself in this…One-Man-Micro-Epic-Puppet-Show That Melds Technology and Multimedia!
31st July 2016

Fine Music FM – Live From The Joan

A free concert for the community - Please note that as at 27 July this event is BOOKED OUT, however there may be limited seats available on the day, subject to no-shows.
6th August 2016

Mozart Così fan tutte – Opera in the Q

An Operantics production, presented by Penrith Symphony Orchestra, Così fan tutte, ossia La scuola degli amanti (Thus Do They All, or The School for Lovers) is a tale of love, deception and forgiveness updated to modern day Sydney
10th August 2016 - 10th August 2016

Never Did Me Any Harm

Using a distinctive language of dance, images and text, Force Majeure and Sydney Theatre Company create an emotional, humorous and insightful work
18th August 2016

Soweto Gospel Choir

South Africa’s most heavenly voices, the multi Grammy Award winning, Soweto Gospel Choir are returning to Australia.
24th August 2016

Jenifer Green Sings ‘Strictly Bassey’

Prepare to be transported as Jenifer weaves her vocal magic, singing classics such as Big Spender, I Who Have Nothing, Never, Something and This Is My Life
24th August 2016 - 27th August 2016

The Wharf Revue 2016 – Back to Bite You

“What’s so brilliant… is how the material constantly falls between sharp, incisive satire and deliriously cheap gags.” Crikey
25th August 2016 - 27th August 2016

Leda and the Swan

Following the success of 'The Bacchae' in 2015, The Q is excited to be producing a new young artist production project again this year.
26th August 2016

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – Will Stolz

Penrith's favourite pop-up lounge is open this Friday at The Joan - drinks, food and music in our Borland Bar. Free from 5-8pm.
3rd September 2016

Verdi Requiem

A Penrith first - Verdi's Requiem lays bare the entire gamut of human emotions in the face of divine judgment, with spine-chilling effect
11th September 2016 - 1st October 2016

In the Mood

Hep Cats, Lindy-Hoppers & fans of the Big Bands – it’s time to SWING again **NEW 1 Oct SHOW ON SALE**
23rd September 2016 - 24th September 2016

Always…Patsy Cline

Celebrate the life and music of one of the greatest female vocalists of all time in September with one of America’s most loved musicals – it’s sure to be a hot ticket!
7th October 2016

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – Nic Cassey

Penrith's favourite pop-up lounge is open again Friday Oct 7 at The Joan - drinks, food and music in our Borland Bar. Free from 5-8pm.
7th October 2016 - 8th October 2016

Mother – by Daniel Keene

Starring Noni Hazlehurst, Mother is a story and a performance not to be missed.
17th October 2016 - 19th October 2016

Oliver!

A production of the world-wide hit musical based on an original Dickens classic - brought to life by Penrith Christian School!
23rd October 2016

ACO Ensemble & Penrith Strings

The impressive talents of thirty-two young Western Sydney musicians will perform alongside their tutors from the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Penrith Symphony Orchestra, for their final performance of the year.
27th October 2016 - 28th October 2016

SUITCASE STORIES

Coming from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Bhutan and South Sudan, Suitcase cast members are survivors of world events we witness daily on the evening news.
31st October 2016

Ovations

School Drama Showcase
3rd November 2016 - 5th November 2016

Frankenstein

My candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open.
11th November 2016

Sojourn16

St Paul’s Grammar School Dance Academy’s end of year showcase.
11th November 2016 - 19th November 2016

9 to 5: The Musical

Penrith Musical Comedy Company brings Dolly Parton's high energy musical to life!
12th November 2016

Two Pianos at Twilight

By popular demand Jennifer Hammond & Frank O’Brien return to The Joan for a beautiful two piano recital, playing works by Mozart, Bach, Frank Hutchens, Rachmaninov and Gustavino.
13th November 2016

120th Anniversary Concert

Join the celebration of the Band Association of NSW's 120 year Anniversary with this special event.
19th November 2016

Teddy & Marina – Live in Concert

Two of Australia’s very best opera stars - Teddy Tahu Rhodes & Marina Prior - grace the stage here at The Joan for the first time ever, in this one-night-only trip to music nirvana.
21st November 2016

Showcase 2016

Roxy Dance Studio annual dance concert performance.
23rd November 2016

Broadway & Beyond

Darren Williams and Nikki Bennett will take you on a fabulous musical journey through musical theatre, classics and vocal showstoppers
25th November 2016

Q Lab Call-out

The Q's Artist-in-Residence Program is now open for applications - closes 25 Nov
3rd December 2016

Studio Q Showcase 2016

Come and see the next generation of Western Sydney performance makers as they present an evening of origial theatre works.
4th December 2016

Handel’s Messiah

What better way to greet the Christmas season than by attending a performance of Messiah?
16th December 2016 - 16th December 2016

Giggle and Hoot’s Magical Christmas

Starring Jimmy Giggle, Hoot, Hootabelle, Gigglefangs, Pirate Hootbeard and of course……Hootoclaws and his singing and dancing Elves!
21st December 2016

We Need a Little Christmas

Three of Australia’s most talented performers – Adam Scicluna, Miriam Waks and Chris Gable - have wrapped their talents in a sparkling Christmas package to be enjoyed by all!
24th January 2017 - 28th January 2017

miniFEST

A fun-packed summer festival just for kids! Hilarious short theatre shows, Little Big Shots film fest screening, music lounge + snacks - all in one fun-filled 3 hour adventure!
25th January 2017

Down Memory Lane

Starring PJ LANE (son of Don!), DONNA LEE, ROSS MAIO and the GREG HOOPER QUINTET
22nd February 2017

Simply Sinatra – Starring Tom Burlinson

Australian star of stage and screen, Tom Burlinson presents a swinging celebration of the music and career of the legendary Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra.
5th March 2017

All About Women

The Joan will live stream three events from All About Women including Geena Davis and more!
11th March 2017

Mendelssohn and Bruckner

The composers of the two principal works on this program, Mendelssohn and Bruckner, provide examples of early, and fully developed, romanticism in nineteenth century music.
19th March 2017 - 20th March 2017

Horrible Harriet

“Embedded in Harriet’s horrible hollers, riotous rants and shouty show tunes, is an important message for young audiences about the meaning of true friendship, being comfortable in your own skin and celebrating diversity.” Maryam Master, Playwright
25th March 2017

Violin eXtreme

Join Alexandre Da Costa - the authentic rock star of the violin - in a world where extreme virtuosity and musical fireworks meet sensitivity and the power of attraction.
29th March 2017 - 31st March 2017

Legally Blonde JR

Xavier College hosts Harvard's beloved blonde as she takes the stage by glittery pink storm in a fun and upbeat musical.
30th March 2017 - 8th April 2017

Black Birds

A performance about home, belonging and - most importantly - hair.
1st April 2017

Spicy Penrith

More than 100 performers will come together for a day of great food, music and dance!
26th April 2017

Lonnie Lee & The Leemen

Lonnie Lee is Australia’s original king of Rockabilly - you’ve got the chance to hear the man himself, backed by his rocking hot band, the Leemen!
5th May 2017

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – Merpire

"This gave me a surprise attack of the feels. It's a pretty beautiful package, with Rhiannon's lovely voice and vulnerable writing." - Dave Ruby Howe, Music Director Triple J Unearthed
5th May 2017 - 13th May 2017

Chicago

Get ready for All That Jazz when Penrith Musical Comedy Company brings the smash hit musical Chicago to Penrith!
12th May 2017

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – Bonniesongs

“(Bonnie)’s work makes great use of how conventional folk sounds, stylings and instruments can be flipped with a bit of imagination to become the basis for something more daring and scene-setting.” Jim Carroll, Irish Times
19th May 2017 - 31st July 2017

New Ngurra (Belonging)

The Joan’s light-filled Atrium Foyer is home to an installation titled New Ngurra - a contemporary reconstruction of a Ngurra: an Indigenous camp, both a place to take shelter and to engage with culture.
20th May 2017

Beethoven’s Ninth

From the first symphony ever to feature voices, Beethoven's iconic Ode to Joy was voted No. 1 in ABC Classic FM's "Classic 100 Voice" countdown.
24th May 2017

The NSW Police Band – All Time Greats

This talented and versatile group of musicians, conducted by John Saunders, will present an irresistible program of all-time greats that will have you humming all the way home.
26th May 2017

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – Lisa Caruso

"Lisa Caruso has a stunning voice and the vocal lines [here] are so unconventional that you can’t help but take notice... It’s epic in all the right places and never feels overwrought. It’s so great to hear such genuinely interesting pop music." - Double J
30th May 2017 - 30th May 2017

Diary of a Wombat

The beloved, award winning children’s book comes to the Q Theatre stage.
4th June 2017

Talking Rubbish Comedy Gala

Penrith Council is hosting a free family arts and comedy festival at the Joan on Sunday 4 June, to celebrate World Environment Day.
16th June 2017 - 17th June 2017

The 7 Stages of Grieving

Theatre that makes you feel. A wise and powerful play about the hope of reconciliation
23rd June 2017

Flannofest: The Tower

The Q’s much sought after education project is back taller than ever in 2017!
28th June 2017

Showstoppers

Starring NATHAN FOLEY, JOEY FIMMANO, BELINDA MARKS and the GREG HOOPER TRIO
6th July 2017 - 7th July 2017

The Wolf and Peter

“reassuringly traditional and startlingly modern…The Wolf and Peter is funny, imaginative, and, finally, very moving.” – The Irish Times
10th July 2017 - 12th July 2017

Emily Loves to Bounce

Emily Loves to Bounce weaves together the stories of Henry and Amy, Emily Loves to Bounce and Patricia, adapted from the books by Stephen Michael King.
20th July 2017 - 22nd July 2017

Thérèse Raquin

A gothic thriller. Murderous star-crossed lovers. A corset-filled masterpiece. Think Downton Abbey to the max!
26th July 2017

Beatle Magic & Elvis – Come Together

It’s an ultimate tribute! For the first time ever, two of Australia’s leading tribute artists come together to celebrate the two most iconic acts ever in the history of popular music.
28th July 2017 - 29th July 2017

Mr Stink

“…bringing children, parents and teachers to tears with chuckles, laughs, chortles and hoots throughout Australia” Weekend Notes
30th July 2017

Stu Hunter: the migration

A soul-searching response to life, love and cultural complexity from the exhilarating frontier of modern Australian jazz
5th August 2017

Opera Gala Concert

Vocal and orchestral selections from operas by VERDI, PUCCINI, LEHÁR, BIZET and more
19th August 2017

Blue Love

A poetic and satirical take on the clichés of pop culture, romance, coupledom and suburbia. ONE SHOW ONLY!

Getting Here

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre is at 597 High Street, Penrith (next to the Penrith Plaza shopping centre and Penrith Library).

From the M4 motorway take the Mulgoa Road turn-off to Penrith. Fast train services leave regularly for Penrith from the country train platforms at Central Station.

Contact Us

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
597 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750
PO Box 2, Penrith NSW 2751

T: (02) 4723 7600
F: (02) 4731 3701
E: boxoffice@jspac.com.au

Map

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Copyright © 2014 Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
provides a focal point for performing arts activity in the Western Sydney Region