The Port-Macquarie-Hastings area will once again benefit from some of the best theatre in the country with the launch of the Glasshouse's 2026 Select Theatre Program last night.
Mayor Adam Roberts said that over the last 16 years the Glasshouse had established itself as a premier arts, performance and cultural venue that services not only the broad regional community, but also tourists who visit the area.
"The Glasshouse has cemented itself as a key element to providing amazing cultural and entertainment experiences not only for residents but for the many thousands of visitors who travel through our great regional city," Mayor Roberts said.
"It is a jewel in the crown of the Port Macquarie Hastings region and such a unique cultural space - very few other facilities have the flexibility, capacity or quality to rival it.
"The Glasshouse is now fully owned by our community which is a huge achievement. Each year its high-profile performances also help boost the local economy, thanks to its patronage."
Mc for the event was comedian Bob Downe, resplendent in a gold glitter tracksuit, where this year's line-up was announced to an enthusiastic crowd of 400 people.
The SELECT 2026 program has been carefully curated to ensure it caters for diverse audiences and tastes, from comedy and satire to Shakespearean drama, children's entertainment to dance. Performances include:
- Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra - First Light Classical Music (March)
- Circa's Duck Pond (May)
- Spot (ages 18months +) (May)
- Sydney Symphony Orchestra's Music That Moves You (May)
- Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow (June)
- Room on the Broom (ages 3+) (July)
- Opera Australia's Don Giovanni (August)
- The Gospel According to Paul (August)
- Echo Theatre's Bombshells (September)
- Bell Shakespeare's Macbeth (September)
- Where is the Green Sheep (ages 1 - 6) (October)
The Glasshouse's Bec Washington, curator of the annual Select Program, said "there is something for everyone" in the 2026 program.
"Looking at the schedule, there is at least one major performance each month between March and October, which is fantastic for a regional theatre like the Glasshouse," Ms Washington said.
"We are grateful to our local community for their ongoing support of the SELECT Program, ensuring it is one of the most successful entrepreneurial programs in regional NSW.
"We curate this program, presented by Port Macquarie Hastings Council, to ensure our community has access to performances that you would normally have to travel to a capital city to see.
"One of the highlights this year is Opera Australia's Children's Chorus where talented local children will have the unique opportunity to audition and perform on stage with some of the best opera singers in the country."
For more details on the 2026 Select Theatre Program, go here: www.glasshouse.org.au/Theatre/SELECT-Program-2026
