Updated MEC Program 2021 Jan to June for website

SEASON

PROGRAM

JAN TO JUNE

2021

theMEC.com.au

VENUE INFORMATION

33 Manning River Drive, Taree.

Ph: 6592 5466 | [email protected] | theMEC.com.au

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS

Visit our website: theMEC.com.au
Come to the Box Office (Tuesday to Friday 10am to 1pm)
Call us on 6592 5466 (Tuesday to Friday 10am to 1pm)
Come to the theatre one hour before each performance
unless sold out.
Concession tickets are available for Pensioners, Seniors Card
Holders, Student Card Holders and Under 18s.

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE MEC
AND SAVE

Annual Friend membership is only $25 and will save you a bundle on the
shows listed here and even more on other shows throughout the year.
• Early ticket releases
• 1 complimentary drink (spirits not included) before a show

of your choice
• Pay Friends prices on tickets for family members that

live at your address
• Ticket giveaways for Friends, drawn quarterly
• Bi-monthly newsletters with the latest show details
• VIP pre-show Friends functions throughout the year

ACCESSIBILITY AND WHEELCHAIR
PATRONS

All seats in Row A are removable for wheelchair access.
Wheelchair seating cannot be booked online, so we request that
patrons using wheelchairs call us on 6592 5466 so that we can
personally arrange seating that best suits your specific needs.
The theatre is fitted with a T-switch hearing aid loop that is
accessible from all seats.
We accept NSW Companion Cards.
Our team is very happy to assist you with particular requirements.

SEATING PLAN

Door 2

10 6 32 27 18 9 85 1

40 P
O
39 N
M
38 L
K
37 J
I
36 H
G
35 F
E
34 D
C
33 B
A
32

31

30

29

28

27 19 18 98

26 1 Door 1
STAGE

COVID SAFE SEATING

At the time of this program production, this information was correct.

In accordance with guidelines set by the NSW State Government, the Manning Entertainment Centre
is following the COVID restrictions required for social distancing. It is mandatory for all patrons to
digitally check in using QR code technology. Staff will be there to assist all patrons.

For enquiries, please call 6592 5466 or come to the Box Office from Tuesday to Friday from
10 till 1pm.

With a tumultuous 2020 behind us, we hope that you can Make it
to the MEC in 2021 and support the creative arts industry again.
We all need something to look forward to and the MEC is here to
provide a variety of diverse entertainment throughout the seasons.
Experiencing a performance will lift your spirits and encourage
the performers that the show must go on with your continued and
important patron support.

(L to R):
Ann Smith - Front of house co-ordinator,
Kim MacDonald - Marketing Officer,
Helen Knight - Sales & Marketing Officer.
Nat Keegan - Senior Theatre Technician

Some of our Chris Tippett - Theatre Manager
wonderful volunteers
MEET
THE TEAM

Our dedicated team at
the MEC are here to assist
you with any enquiries or
bookings. Together with our
devoted volunteers, we hope
you enjoy the vibrant program
for our Jan to June 2021
season.

Our Technical Team (L to R):
Dave Stein, Damon Cross,
Pete Wrigley, Matt Woodward,
Ann Smith, John Shackleton,
Craig Thompson, Nat Keegan

COVID-SAFE PLAN

The health and safety of our patrons, staff and performers is our highest priority.
In order to re-open the MEC safely, we have implemented a range of enhanced measures
and protocols.

STAFF TRAINING AND COVID SAFE STATUS

• MEC staff have received training in COVID safe procedures and protocols for your protection and
peace of mind.

• Manning Entertainment Centre is officially recognised and approved as a COVID safe business.

TICKETS AND ALLOCATED SEATING

• It is a special condition of entry that you must remain in your allocated seat for the duration of the
performance.

• We encourage patrons to present their email tickets on their phone, or familiarise themselves with
and say their seat numbers when displaying hard copy tickets to ushers, so that there is no need
for ushers to handle the tickets.

VENUE CLEANING

• An enhanced cleaning schedule has been activated throughout the venue and a safety concierge
will be onsite throughout the performance to support social distancing and contact point cleaning.

YOUR OBLIGATIONS

• Patron Contact Details
The patron who has purchased tickets in their name is required to

have access to contact details of all members of their group.
• Cashless Transactions
Please purchase tickets in advance where possible so that they can

be emailed to you. At the MEC please use tap and go rather than
cash for ticket, drinks and food purchases.
• Social Distancing and Personal Hygiene
Undertake good hand and respiratory hygiene measures: wash
hands frequently and use hand sanitising stations within the
facility. Keep a safe distance (at least 1.5m) from other patrons.
Observe floor markings at service areas and theatre doors. Remain
in your allocated seat for the duration of the performance.
• If you are unwell you must not attend the performance
Should you be unwell, please contact us PRIOR TO THE
PERFORMANCE to discuss whether you are eligible for a refund or
exchange.
P lease note: if you are visibly unwell, or refuse to cooperate with
social distancing, you will be asked to leave the venue for the
safety of all of our patrons, staff and performers.

COVIDSAFE APP AND MASKS

• We recommend that you install the Australian Government
Department of Health COVIDSafe app on your phone, and turn it on
with your phone switched to Airplane mode whilst in the theatre.

• We support patrons’ choice to wear masks.

CREATIVE LEARNING
@ THE MEC

The NSW Government is helping kids get creative with the Creative
Kids program.
Parents, guardians and carers can apply for a voucher with a value of
up to $100 per calendar year for each student aged 4.5 to 18 years old
enrolled in school.
The voucher may be used at the MEC for drama, dance and musical
workshop activities and can be used at any time during the calendar
year it is issued.
If you’re a parent, carer or guardian, the student will be eligible if they
are a NSW resident, aged between 4.5 and 18 years, enrolled in school
(from Kindergarten to Year 12, including those who are home-schooled
or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW) and a current
Medicare card holder.
You can use the voucher for registration, participation and tuition
costs with approved Creative Kids providers.

You can apply online after setting up a MyServiceNSW account

WHAT DID YOU THINK
OF THE SHOW?

After coming to a performance at the MEC, we’d love your feedback.
The atmosphere, the staff and volunteer service, the sound, the
lighting, the performance; there’s a lot to be said.
You can leave reviews on several different platforms. Our Facebook
page, through Trip Advisor and through Google reviews.
Telling others about your experience at the MEC is important and
can influence people’s decisions to come in the future and return for
another show. We’d really appreciate you taking a few minutes to leave
your special review.

KEEP UP TO DATE

New shows are regularly added to our website theMEC.com.au
where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Follow us on Facebook for what’s new and to leave a review:
facebook.com/ManningEntCent

Check out lnstagram for the latest news, photos and behind
the scenes fun.

Visit Trip Advisor and leave your review after the show.
Check out our You Tube channel
Details in this brochure are correct at the time of publication. We
reserve the right to add or substitute artists and vary the program
should the need arise.
Manning Entertainment Centre is a cultural service of MidCoast Council. A
number of these shows are presented by the Manning Entertainment Centre
and MidCoast Council for our commuity to enjoy.

A GIFT TO MAKE
THEM LAUGH,
CRY, CHEER OR
PONDER. IT MAY
SHOCK, SEDUCE
OR LEAVE THEM
IN WONDER!
GRAB ONE TODAY.

Starting at just $25, it’s simple to purchase a gift voucher

online or from the MEC Box Office.

GIFT CERTIFICATE

To

From Date

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FRI THE ROCK SHOW
OZ EDITION
FEB 5
Featuring the TRILOGY OF ROCK band & STEVE MULRY (Ted Mulry Gang)
8PM
From the co-producer of The Rock Show, Rock Show More, Rock
TICKET Revolution and Trilogy of Rock, comes the next rock extravaganza ...
PRICES THE ROCK SHOW – OZ EDITION!! Honouring and remembering the late
Aussie rock icon JON ENGLISH and playing classic OZ ROCK from the
Adult $52.00 ‘60s, ‘70s,’and ‘80s, the multi-talented Trilogy of Rock band will rock
Pensioner $49.00 your socks off all night long with an outstanding Oz rock repertoire you
Group 8+ $49.00 will know and love.
Friends $49.00
This show was Jon English’s last project, which sadly he never got to
2hrs 45 mins tour. Now his Trilogy of Rock band mates are seeing it through in Jon’s
including interval memory, with a little loving help from the legendary STEVE MULRY from
The Ted Mulry Gang.

Masters Apprentices, Billy Thorpe, Bee Gees, LRB, Skyhooks, Aussie
Crawl, INXS, Angels, JPY, Cold Chisel, Air Supply, Divinyls, Russell Morris,
Noiseworks, Stevie Wright, AC/DC, Peter Allen, Choirboys, Black Sorrows,
Oils, TMG ... and of course, JON ENGLISH, plus SO many more iconic
Aussie bands and artists are covered in this spectacular two-and-
a-half-hour show, all brought to you with love and fun in the famed
theatrical Rock Show tradition.

CONFERENCING FACILITIES
AT THE MEC

Please contact us for information:
(02) 6592 5466
Chris Tippett, Manning Entertainment Centre Theatre Manager
[email protected]

The Auditorium
Our auditorium has a 505 seat capacity with raked seating which ensures that every patron has a
great view of the stage. This auditorium can also be hired for events and conferences, and we can
arrange catering from local award winning providores.
The MEC has hosted large conferences including the LGA Tourism Conference in 2017, the International
Rotary Conference in 2016 and has been a venue for The Department of Education training seminars.
The MEC has on-staff expert technicians who can look after all your audio visual needs.
Ovations Bar and Foyer facilities
Ovations is a licensed bar serving a range of drinks and snacks to our patrons. Our foyer provides a
relaxed space for intimate VIP functions and live music events for up to 120 visitors.
The Collins Room
Our Collins Room provides a breakout and function facility with audio visual equipment for groups of
up to 40 people. This room is used by local community groups such as University of the 3rd Age.
Parking
The grounds of the Entertainment Centre provide ample parking for up to 200 vehicles.
Currently we are, like all other Australian venues, affected by COVID-19 restrictions which have
reduced our visitor capacity.

SAT IAN MOSS
MATCHBOOK 30TH
FEB 27 ANNIVERSARY TOUR
SOLO & ACOUSTIC
8PM
“Touring into the heartland that is regional Australia has always
TICKET been something that I have looked forward to for over 40 years,
PRICES especially meeting the fans & hearing their stories. The audiences
have always been supportive, and I’m looking forward to getting
All tickets $63.00 back out there and sharing this special Matchbook 30th anniversary
2hrs, 20 mins with them” (IAN MOSS)

including interval Matchbook hit #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart in 1989 and remained in
the Top 10 for 14 weeks, selling over 200,000 copies and went on to see
“Mossy” take away Album of the Year, Best Male Artist and Breakthrough
Artist – Album, Breakthrough Artist – Single and Song of the Year
(shared with Don Walker) for Tucker’s Daughter, as well as being
nominated for Single of the Year.

Six of the album’s 10 songs, including Tucker’s Daughter, were written
by Cold Chisel bandmate Don Walker; two were co-written by Moss and
Walker; and one co-written by Moss, Walker and Cold Chisel drummer,
Steve Prestwich.

MANNING REGIONAL ART GALLERY The Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub, promoting art and
community engagement in the Manning Valley and Midcoast
region for over 30 years.
The Gallery presents a diverse and outstanding exhibition
program throughout the year showcasing emerging and
established artists, group and solo shows and high profile
touring shows.

Trevor Weekes Leopard, on exhibition from 18 February to 4 April

Find out more at
www.manningregionalartgallery.com.au

12 Macquarie Street Taree
ph 6592 5455 - [email protected]
Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm

ON-SCREEN FILMS

Our OnScreen films bring the world’s finest entertainment to our big screen, filmed live from
the great international stages.
See productions from the UK’s National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, New York’s MET
Opera and Broadway, The Australian Ballet and Handa’s Opera Australia on Sydney Harbour. Join the
regulars who never miss a screening and savour the brilliance of the world’s best performers.
As an added bonus, there are special discounts for Friends of the Gallery, Taree Film Society members
and MidCoast Library Bookclub members. (This discount is available at the Box Office only and not
available online).
School group discounts are available for all films – please call Helen Knight on 6592 5466
for school bookings.

42ND STREET
TUES 23 MARCH 10AM & 6PM

Telling the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her
big break on Broadway, this is the largest ever staging of the Tony® Award-winning musical and
it was filmed live at the magnificent Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in the heart of London’s West End.
Directed by Mark Bramble, the production stars national treasure Bonnie Langford as Dorothy
Brock, Tom Lister as Julian Marsh, Clare Halse as Peggy Sawyer and Philip Bertioli as Billy Lawlor.
Featuring iconic songs 42nd Street, We’re In The Money, Lullaby Of Broadway, Shuffle Off To
Buffalo, Dames and I Only Have Eyes For You, this is pure musical magic on the big screen –
entertainment doesn’t get bigger than this!.

42nd Street,
the legendary
Broadway
musical theatre
classic, is an
‘utterly moreish
extravaganza of
glitz.’

TIMES

VARIOUS

TUESDAYS

10AM
6PM

WAR HORSE TUES 6 APRIL 10AM & 6PM TICKET
PRICES
FILMED AT NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
Adult $25.00
The National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed production
of War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical event which takes Concession $23.00
audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural
Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Friends/VIPs $20.00

At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved Friends of the
horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon MEC save $5 on
caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary each onscreen
journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in adult ticket.
no man’s land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, New titles are
cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist he added monthly,
embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him so check our
home. The show contains loud sound FX, gunfire, flashing lights website:
and strobe lighting. Recommended for ages 10+ theMEC.com.au



Adventure
is calling

barringtoncoast.com.au
  @barringtoncoast #barringtoncoast

Barrington Coast is the destination brand of MidCoast Council



TAREE AND
DISTRICT

EISTEDDFOD

The MEC has been the home to the Eisteddfod for decades and in
2021 the Eisteddfod returns after being postponed in 2020
due to COVID-19 restrictions. It was the first time since
1967 that it had been cancelled.
The 2021 Eisteddfod commences in April and
runs through till June. The six week competition
involves vocal, piano, dance, speech and drama,
instrumental and school choir sections.
For all enquiries, please call the Eisteddfod on
0478 825 202 or visit www.tareeeisteddfod.com.au

BUILDING THE SMILE
SCHOLARSHIP FUND

If you would like to support the Eisteddfod,
donate a $250 Smile and have your name
forever acknowledged in the Annual Program

TAREE EISTEDDFOD COMMITTEE

President: Mr Tim Stack OAM
Secretary: Ms Mel Harrison
Treasurer: Mrs Rosemary Latimore

PATRONS:

Mr Ray Stack OAM | Mrs Margaret Rogers OAM

VICE PATRONS:

Mrs Barbara Drury | Ms Toni Bell | Mr Robert Weller
Mr George Hoad | Mrs Pam Phillips | Mr Max Durrington

SECTION SPONSORS:

Stacks Finance , Mayo Private Hospital, Taree Literary
Institute and Library , NAB , MidCoast Council,
McDonalds Family Restaurants Taree

@TDESINC

A TASTE OF IRELAND

‘A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation’ returns with a performance that is
‘Celtic - for this decade’. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a show that has entertained
thousands.
Hot off its premiere New York City run and with over 120 shows in 2019 across Australia and New
Zealand, ‘ A Taste of Ireland’ finally returns down under. Experience the performances that have
brought the house down night after night around the world as ‘A Taste of Ireland’ wows audiences
in 2021. Featuring acclaimed Irish dancers, dazzling folk musicians and contemporary vocalists,
experience the raw, rhythmic passion that is the original story of the Celtic motherland.
With revamped classics like ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘ Tell Me Ma’, the show’s live, energetic blend of well-known
tunes, jaw-dropping acapella tap battles, world-class dancing, melodic folk music mash-ups and craic
galore transports you through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history, complimented by stunning
production and lighting.
Including beautiful scenic visuals, glitz, glamour and poetic narration, ‘ A Taste of Ireland’ combines
toe-tapping rhythms with heart-warming emotion to create a contemporary Irish dance showcase
that will leave you shouting for more.

Starring dancers from the West End’s Lord of the Dance, Riverdance, WED
& Gaelforce Dance alongside a treasure trove of Irish Dancing World
Champions, ’A Taste of Ireland’ delivers the very best talent in the APR 21
nation.
7.30PM
‘A Taste of Ireland’ is exactly what it promises: a taste of everything you
love about Ireland with a generous helping of more! TICKET
PRICES
Experience one of the most prominent Irish Dance shows in the world
today. With all new sets, costumes, tunes and effects, we promise Adult $74.90
you haven’t seen anything like this year’s show! With tours lined up in Concession $69.90
the USA, Canada and the UK, don’t miss your chance to see ‘A Taste of Under 13 $59.90
Ireland’ in 2021. Group 10+ $64.90
Friends $64.90

2hrs, 45 mins
including interval

FRI

MAY 14

7.30PM

TICKET
PRICES

Adult $50.00
Concession $45.00
Student/U21 $30.00
Group 8+ $40.00
Friends $38.00

1hr, 50 mins
including interval

“Guitar playing of uncommon originality
and authority. Musicality, expressivity
and daring.” THE NEW YORK TIMES

GRIGORYAN BROTHERS

PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

With a repertoire spanning centuries, continents and genres,
amazing telepathy and the ability to draw emotion from every
note, Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are justifiably regarded as
Australia’s finest classical guitarists.
For this performance they are honouring those Past, Present and
Future who have provided the fuel for their fire.
Past: Favourite works from their back catalogue of recordings –
from Bach to Towner, from Tchaikovsky to Lovelady.
Present: Their own compositions and arrangements including a
selection from the soundtrack to the movie ‘A Boy Called Sailboat’
which they wrote and recorded.
Future: Audiences will have the opportunity to hear works from
Slava and Leonard’s next recording of Handel keyboard suites
masterfully arranged for them by their father Edward.

THURS MELBOURNE
INTERNATIONAL
JUN 24 COMEDY FESTIVAL

8PM Australia’s favourite comedy convoy can’t wait to tour Australia
once again!
TICKET More than any year before, our comedians are champing at the bit to
PRICES break out from the barriers, shake off the seclusion and roll out the
laughs.
Adult $50.00 Home delivering comic treats from Australia’s largest comedy festival,
Concession $45.00 the Melbourne International Comedy Festival returns to the MEC on
Group 8+ $42.00 24 June 2021.
Friends $40.00 Join the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow in 2021 as
it rolls across the country to home deliver the Comedy Festival vibe to
2hrs, 25 mins every crack and crevice of Australia. From Bega to Broome, Townsville
including interval to Taree, we’re criss-crossing the country taking in more than 80
destinations along the way.
Age: 15+ With an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented
newcomers, buckle in for a night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness
Warning: Performances and song to satisfy all your comedy cravings!
often contain coarse

language, sexual
references and material

that can offend. It is
recommended for people
aged 15 years or older.
Smoke Machine/Hazer
may be used during this

performance.

‘Side-splitting fun,
razor-sharp, high
velocity wit.’

DAILY EXAMINER, GRAFTON

MELBOURNE

COMEDYINTERNATIONAL
FESTIVAL
ROADSHOW

COMEDYFESTIVAL.COM.AU

FRI JOHN WILLIAMSON
WINDING BACK
JUL 2
Australian icon, John Williamson, will celebrate his 51st anniversary
7.30PM in the music industry in 2021. Like a dust-covered road train
traversing this country, his songs capture the beauty of the
TICKET landscape and its people and, sometimes, the heartbreak of life
PRICES Down Under, deftly moving between larrikin humour and touching
pathos.
Adult $64.00 Half a century on, John Williamson has made an art of expertly
Concession $62.00 capturing Australia in song. ’The Winding Back Tour’ takes in more than
Under 12 $35.00 40 dates across Australia through to the end of 2021.
Friends $62.00 ‘While I’m not looking to retire just yet, once I’ve completed my 2021
Winding Back Tour I’ll be scaling down my live appearances,’ John says.
2hr, 30 mins ‘I’ve always loved the connection I receive when performing, so you’ll
including interval still see me popping up at festivals and special events. ‘Winding Back’
means I’m looking forward to spending more time in the garden and
less time away from home.’
Don’t miss the opportunity to see him live on his ‘Winding Back’ tour.

OVATIONS BAR

CHEESE AND ANTIPASTO PACKS

Feeling a bit peckish before the show or at interval? Ovations Bar offers a variety of
drinks and snacks one hour before the show and at interval. Sit back and relax under
the sparkly lights in the foyer or in your allocated seat. We have antipasto packs for two
and cheese packs to share that you can take into the theatre with your drink.

This photo was taken pre COVID.
Please remember to socially distance in the foyer at all times.

Clockwise from top: Ayesha Haeata - Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance, Matt Woodward - MEC,
Craig Thompson - MEC

BEHIND THE CURTAINS

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel to see coming and past acts at the MEC.

During the forced closure of the MEC in 2020 due to COVID-19, our team took the opportunity to
show the depth of what happens ‘Behind the Curtains’.
The MEC’s ‘Behind the Curtains’ series reveals the intricacies required to bring exciting and sometimes
unpredictable entertainment to the MidCoast community. Anecdotes and sneaky peeks of backstage
business are recounted by an array of staff and performers.
Find out what happens in a Green Room that isn’t always green! See why Tanya’s orchestra pit secret
takes the biscuit. Be amazed by what’s involved in a soundmix. Learn how to make a man fly!
See what goes on ‘below deck’ as stars prepare before climbing the stairs to centre stage.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy ‘Behind the Curtains’. Just head to our Youtube Channel to watch.

Wonderful things
come to those

who wait!

BLACK BOX THEATRE

The Manning Entertainment Centre is very excited about finalising
architectural plans of our new theatre space - a new black box
theatre connected to the main building.
The new space for our community is possible due to $1.55 million
in funding from the State Government’s Regional Cultural Fund and
$1 million bequeathed from the estate of local philanthropist,
Beryl June Flett.
The new building will be a multi-purpose space with state-of-the art
facilities featuring retractable seating for up to 150 patrons. There’ll
be a versatile rigging system to accommodate many different types of
shows, cinema projection equipment and audio gear. This space will be
perfect for smaller and more intimate productions. It will also facilitate
masterclasses and workshops, so the number of in-house events will
increase markedly.

Proudly funded by



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trodden

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