The Pioneer Theatre can now return to full-seated capacity more than a year after the state was put into lockdown amid a worldwide pandemic.
The easing of restrictions, which was recently announced by the NSW Government, means more people can return to the theatre and catch Blackout Theatre's latest show, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, from May 7 to 16.
President of Blackout Theatre, John Hanna, said he and the cast were thrilled to bring the jukebox musical to the Castle Hill stage.
"After a challenging year of cancelled shows and waiting for the right and safe time to mount a musical, Blackout Theatre Company were fortunate enough to secure the rights to the NSW Amateur Premier of Beautiful: The Carol King Musical," Mr Hanna said.
"This has been made even more special as 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of Tapestry, Carol King's multi-award winning solo album.
"The team at Blackout Theatre Company couldn't be more excited to be bringing this show to life in our home, The Pioneer Theatre, and giving audiences from the Hills and beyond a spectacular comeback show and season for 2021," Mr Hanna added.
This will be the first show back after the Pioneer Theatre closed briefly for a period of two months while a new lift was installed.
Jazz at the Pines has also returned to Roughley House in Dural. The next show is scheduled on Sunday, May 16 with the Riverside Jazz Band.
The long-running music event, organised by the Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville, brings some of the top jazz bands to the historic property for an afternoon of easy listening and delicious homemade food amongst the renowned pine trees.
Keith Stapley, Treasurer of The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville, said he is beyond stoked the event could return in 2021.
"Before we had to shut down due to COVID, Jazz at The Pines had been entertaining the broad community, including visitors to The Hills for more than 20 years with live traditional and Dixieland jazz," Mr Stapley said.
"It is great that we can restart this quite unique outdoor live jazz experience again.
"I encourage people to bring their picnic baskets, unwind and spend an afternoon with family and friends in the grounds of the historic Roughley House at Dural," Mr Stapley added.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said this was a major step in recovery for the local arts and live music sectors.
"This is really exciting to see our arts and music industries coming back to life," Mayor Byrne said.
"It's been a tough 12 months, and I'm sure we've all been itching to get back to some sort of normality. I know, I've really missed the freedom of taking my daughters to enjoy a show or event.
"I want to thank our residents for their hard work in following the rules and restrictions which were put in place to stop the further spread of COVID-19 in the community. Their patience and support is one of the reasons we can now enjoy a show.
"This also means that the many people who work in our arts and entertainment industry can return to work. Please support our creative industries, if you are in a position to do so," Mayor Byrne added.
