Tis the season for theatrical performances across the region.

Horsham Arts Council’s The Wizard of Oz is in full swing – with four performances done and another four shows to come from Thursday to Sunday.

I followed the yellow brick road to the Horsham Town Hall for Sunday’s matinee, and it was a delight to see the talent on show.

The performances of young actors who played the iconic characters of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion were superb, they were also well-supported by an experienced band of cast playing minor roles.

But it was also the pure joy that Toto, the ensemble members and munchkins brought to the stage.

And it was not just the talent on the stage – the behind-the-scenes work that helped bring the production together was on song.

With such a wholesome production, based on the family-favourite book and 1939 film, the arts council certainly selected a winner.

Featuring unforgettable songs, if you aren’t heading home after the show singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ or ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’, then you haven’t allowed yourself to be fully immersed.

If you haven’t seen The Wizard of Oz already, do yourself a favour, and snap up one of the few remaining tickets this weekend – it is worth the drive no matter where you are in the region.
Another show about to start by an amateur theatre group in the region is Grease in Ararat.

Ararat Regional Theatre Society, ARTS, is presenting Grease at Ararat Town Hall, starting Friday night.

There will be six shows until June 28, so there are plenty of opportunities to see the love story of teenagers Sandy and Danny play out on stage.

My love of Grease extends back to my childhood when I used to have the VHS tape on repeat – often alternating with Dirty Dancing – as my cousins and I would sing along to all the songs.

There’s nothing quite like the Grease soundtrack – ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Greased Lightning, and ‘You’re the One That I Want’ –  all hold plenty of memories for plenty of people, and again, appeals to a wide range of ages.

And just when you think the theatrical performances are wound up, Stawell Performing Arts Company Inc, SPACI, have officially announced the cast of its 2026 production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical.

The principal cast led by Alayna Toporzisek as Belle and Callum Bull as the Beast, along with understudies, ensemble and children’s ensemble have been announced, and will begin rehearsals for performances at Stawell Entertainment Centre from October 23 to November 1.

It is so important the community supports local theatre performances – they add a vital cultural element to our society; and a learning environment for young people, some of whom go on to perform on even bigger stages nationally and internationally.

They also just provide a fun family-friendly outing – more cost-effective than travelling to a major city to go to the theatre – and you may just recognise someone you know ... your hairdresser, a teacher or accountant, who you will see in a whole new light.

The entire June 17, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!