Darwin Festival 2018

Set across 18 balmy days and nights, Darwin Festival returns Thursday 9 – Sunday 26 August 2018. Get set for another dry season of the sexiest cabaret, stellar theatrical shows, hot live music acts, knee-slapping comedy and family fun. Your first taste of this fabulous festival wonderland has arrived, with six stand-out shows on sale now.

The Santos Opening Night Concert will celebrate the history of Indigenous country music in Australia with the special presentation of Buried Country. Incorporating live music, stories, art and video, singers and songwriters from across the nation and generations will be brought together, including iconic elders Roger Knox and L.J. Hill, legends Warren H. Williams and Buddy Knox, and younger artists Leah Flanagan, Luke Peacock and James Henry.

The stunning Aurora Spiegeltent makes a grand return to the Festival, taking pride of place at The Esplanade to serve up a magic new show, LIMBO. From the creators of last year’s sell out smash hit, BLANC de BLANC, LIMBO is set to wow Territorians with its intoxicating mix of cabaret, circus and acrobatics. This show is so hot, Madonna saw it twice!

South Africa and New Zealand’s cheekiest export Urzila Carlson takes a break from her star turn on Have You Been Paying Attention? to offer up a hilarious night of comedy in her new show, Studies Have Shown.

On the musical side, the country’s freshest new Indigenous talent Baker Boy checks into The Lighthouse, bringing his hip-hop stylings and energetic flair for one huge night.

Engrossing storytelling meets the visceral thrill of live boxing in Prize Fighter, a tough and unforgiving theatrical experience inspired by playwright Future D. Fidel’s own life experiences as a former Congolese child soldier and refugee.

Finally, treat the family to a night out at The Australian Ballet’s most charming comedy, Coppélia, promising mischief and magic that the whole family will enjoy. Darwin Festival is the Northern Territory’s biggest festival of arts and culture.

Each August, Darwin Festival combines warm outdoor festivities with a program rich with local, national and international talent over 18 dazzling days and night to celebrate the quintessential spirit and energy of Darwin, with its laidback, friendly lifestyle.

EARLY RELEASE TICKETS are on sale NOW and can be purchased at www.darwinfestival.org.au. The full program cabaret, theatre, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts under the stars and fun family events will be announced on Thursday 21 June.

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June

A Night of Ballet Brilliance from Australian Youth Ballet.

July

resh from its triumphant run aboard the Cunard majestic Queen Elizabeth, Sydney Musical and Opera Society proudly presents a spectacular new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s beloved Broadway and West End classic, Carousel in Concert.

The Art House Wyong has joined forces with Australian Dance Theatre to deliver a company workshop exploring ADT’s touring work Marrow.

AYDF 2025 is a bold, four-day gathering for the Australian dance sector — uniting youth company artists, independent movers and professional leaders in a program of creative exchange, critical dialogue and sector development.