Geelong Arts Centre has lifted the curtain on SEASON 2026, unveiling a year shaped by world premieres, Victorian exclusives and a strong thread of stories centred on powerful women. The program, announced today, builds on the centre’s record-setting 2025 and brings more than 32 shows across 86 performances to audiences in the heart of the city, alongside music, comedy, local works and family events.
The season highlights notable portrayals of trailblazing women, including Sydney Theatre Company’s RBG: Of Many, One about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett, bringing the Geelong-born Divinyls frontwoman’s fire back to her hometown stage.
Suzie Miller’s Strong is the New Pretty arrives for its Victorian premiere, exploring the rise of women’s footy and the athletes who reshaped the game. Australian favourites Noni Hazlehurst and Alison Whyte lead two major works, with Hazlehurst appearing in Daniel Keene’s The Lark and Whyte starring in Melbourne Theatre Company’s The Glass Menagerie. ILBIJERRI Theatre Company’s Gunawarra Re-creation, directed by Rachael Maza, continues the focus on women’s strength through Taungurung stories.
The REWIRE program pushes further into bold territory, spanning Connor Morel’s musical Good Man, Karma Dance Inc.’s Temple of Desire and a world premiere from Back to Back Theatre titled I Am in a Parasocial Relationship with Britney Spears. Gillian Cosgriff, Joel Bray and re:group performance collective also join the line-up.
Daytime favourites return through the Delightful Days & Matinees series, while Family Magic offers Robot Song, Where is the Green Sheep?, Moss Piglet and more. The Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival will again animate the Little Malop Street precinct.
Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director Rhys Holden said, “You can really feel the energy building across Geelong right now. Our stages have never been busier, our audiences are growing, and we’re seeing more and more artists wanting to develop or premiere their work here.” He added, “Next year, we see Geelong stepping into its next chapter as a cultural leader.”
Tickets for SEASON 2026 go on sale from 1 December 2025 at geelongartscentre.org.au.
