The Bellarine's much-loved performing arts precinct has stepped into a bold new era, with the Potato Shed officially unveiling its refreshed identity as the Bellarine Arts Centre (BAC) at the 2026 season launch on Friday 6 February.
Fem Belling from Grrrl Power kept the audience entertained as MC, while a snapshot of the upcoming season unfolded through performances by Delsinki and Brook Taylor of The Deserters, Issi Dye from Backtrack, and a preview of The Deplorables by playwright Christine Davey.
An exciting mix of music, storytelling and theatre will headline the 2026 program, with a series of standout performances set to captivate audiences throughout the season.
Cabaret favourite Issi Dye will open the program on 17 February with Wild One: The J O'K Story, a dynamic tribute to Australian rock legend Johnny O'Keefe. The show celebrates O'Keefe's unforgettable hits and the stories behind the man who helped shape Australia's rock 'n' roll identity.
Australian music icon Ben Lee will bring his show Ben Lee: On Tour Always to the amphitheatre on 28 February. Settle in under the stars with a picnic basket, rug or camp chair for a relaxed night of music on the lawns.
Audiences will be transported through the life and legacy of one of music's most influential figures in Imagine: The Journey of John Lennon. Coming to BAC on 10 March, the production traces Lennon's artistic evolution from early pop stardom to the creation of the timeless anthem Imagine.
Local theatre company Skin of Our Teeth Productions takes the stage on 14 March with The Deplorables, an uplifting musical set in 1984. Inspired by true events, the show follows two women's cricket teams in Bendigo as they make sporting history.
On 27 March The Deserters will deliver a rich fusion of baroque, folk, country and blues from acclaimed artists Delsinki and Brooke Taylor, with support from ARIA-nominated Melbourne musician Dan Brody.
The new name and modern look mark an exciting chapter for the arts hub, reflecting the City's vision for a major redevelopment that includes a second larger theatre, upgraded backstage and technical facilities and expanded teaching and learning spaces.
The City is advocating to the Victorian and Australian governments for funding to support the proposed expansion, which would transform the centre into a state-of-the-art destination for performance and community connection.
The current venue includes a 200-seat Black Box Theatre, outdoor amphitheatre, studio spaces and rehearsal rooms. A vital cultural asset for the Bellarine Peninsula, it supports local students, resident theatre companies, community groups and audiences of all ages.
Murradoc Ward Councillor and Bellarine Arts Centre Community Asset Committee chair Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD
The new season is an eclectic mix of shows with something for everyone – music fans, theatre buffs and families.Our local schools have long been part of the heartbeat of this precinct. Students rehearse here, perform here and grow their confidence here. Strengthening those pathways for young people is a core part of what Bellarine Arts Centre contributes to our region.
Just as importantly, the centre brings our broader community together and creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn and belong.
Check out the season program and join us for a huge year at BAC with a refreshed identity that honours the venue's roots here in Drysdale while opening the door to what's possible next.
Arts and culture, hospitality and live entertainment portfolio chair Councillor Eddy Kontelj
Arts and culture are a big part of Greater Geelong's identity, and we're advocating for a $36 million investment to deliver the facilities our region deserves.The redevelopment would take the precinct to a whole new level and help us reach audiences across Melbourne, Ballarat, the Surf Coast and regional Victoria.
The transformation to the Bellarine Arts Centre is an exciting new chapter for the iconic Potato Shed that will ensure this much-loved venue continues to serve our community for many more years to come.
To download the full program and book tickets, visit the Bellarine Arts Centre website.
