Upgraded Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre to reopen with variety of events and performances

The upgraded Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is poised to reopen on Monday 10th May 2021 with an immediate start to the venue’s busy programme of events and theatre performances. New theatre lighting, audio systems and audio-visual upgrades will enhance the customer and audience experience. 

After being closed for more than 14 months, due to the COVID-19 restrictions and upgrade works, the much-loved Shoalhaven home of the performing arts will welcome back audiences for an impressive variety of community performances and professional productions including theatre, dance, children’s shows, concerts, comedy, fine music and much more. The venue’s website is constantly being updated with new shows going on sale.

More than 4,000 people will attend the venue in the first two weeks following its opening, with more than 3,000 tickets sold to shows and events.

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley is thrilled to see the doors of the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre reopen following upgrades. 

Mayor Findley advises “the team at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is delighted the first performance on the Auditorium stage is a Morning Matinee from audience favourite Monique Montez who will wow audiences with Liza Meets Bassey, showcasing two living legends, Liza Minnelli and Dame Shirley Bassey.”

In the first 14 days of being recommissioned the Centre will also host In the Zone, a hip-hop -meets-gaming show, Australian children’s icon Bluey starring in her Big Play, Melinda Schneider’s A Farewell to Doris, Leaving Jackson a show for Johnny Cash fans, and Cancer Council New South Wales’ charity fundraiser Stars of Nowra showcasing the dancing talents of Shoalhaven personalities and dance teachers. 

During the closure, the venue has also undergone improvements to the Encore Café & Bar, including a new short-order cook kitchen. The Café and foyer will feature contemporary, new furniture, a new access-friendly benchtop, a new bar, and recharge points for mobility aids, phones and other devices.  

 Council appointed Nowra-based architectural firm Edmiston Jones to manage the project, which made a significant contribution to the region’s economy employing more than 120 workers from 15 sub-contractors completing in excess of 7,000 work hours.  The principal contractor, Duratec Australia, has a base at South Nowra. 

Council completed the upgrade within budget and on schedule. 

A Welcome Back Weekend is planned across the weekend of 11th and 12th June, with details soon to be released.  

For more information visit the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre’s website

Image: Gary George, Building Services Manager and Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles