5 May 2021

Ten things to do in Canberra this week (7 - 13 May)

| Lottie Twyford
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Lightbulb Improv

Lightbulb Improv presents The Door, guaranteed to end differently every time. Photo: The Lightbulb Troupe.

With Mother’s Day literally just around the corner, let’s hope you’ve got a special day or weekend planned for Mum.

But, if you’re still looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right spot.

There will be exhibitions in Yass and country markets in Binalong, as well as a big celebration for ‘Tree Week’ held in Haig Park.

If you or Mum are music or theatre lovers, you’re truly spoiled for choice. Lightbulb Improv will be performing The Door, Jack Biilmann is in town with his new album, The National Opera is doing a special performance of a pocket opera and Canberra International Music Festival has teamed up with Belco Arts for a special day of free performances.

There’s also a high tea at Old Parliament House to really spoil Mum.

Fancy something a little bit different? Monster trucks are rolling into Queanbeyan for Thrillmasters Live, and an interactive theatre performance will ask the question – what if scientists ruled the world?

Have a great week, Canberra!

All weekend

Lightbulb Improv presents The Door

When: Friday 7 May to Saturday 8 May, 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm sessions
Where: Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre
Cost: $23 to $28 + booking fee, book online.

Lightbulb Improv explores a twist of fate in The Door.

We’ve all had a ‘What if?’ experience. One that could have dramatically changed your life for the better … or worse. In The Door, the performers of Lightbulb Improv explore just that: one life, two fates.

The Door is guaranteed to be different in every retelling, with new characters and audience choices shaping the unwitting hero’s story. Book your ticket to see where it ends.

Watercolours

Think you’ve got what it takes to be an artist? Artwork: Stephanie Goss.

Artworks Reconnect: Watercolour Weekend – Winter fruit and vegetables

When: Saturday 8 May and Sunday 9 May, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Visual Arts Society of Yass, 1428 Yass Valley Way
Cost: $190 members, $220 non-members, tickets available at Visual Arts Society of Yass.

So you think you can paint? Looking to expand your skills while also exploring the wonderful produce of the upcoming Winter season?

Join artist and master of botanical watercolours Stephanie Goss as she teaches you to create a realistic painting with your choice of seasonal produce.

Saturday

People climbing trees

Celebrate all things trees this Saturday. Photo: Haig Park.

Climb, Create and Celebrate: Canberra Tree Week at Haig Park

When: Saturday 8 May, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Haig Park
Cost: Free; see Facebook for more information.

It’s time to celebrate trees by weaving among them, learning about them and creating with them.

Test your balance slacklining between the park’s towering trunks, make your own charcoal tree art with Naomi Zouwer, get tips on tree planting and free tree giveaways from the Canberra Environment Centre.

Put your brain and body to the test tree climbing with the help of Australia’s best climber Maja Blasch, write letters to the trees, and keep an ear out for what they say back with Constance Spry – or just relax under the canopy with a drink in hand.

Jack Biilmann

Jack Biilmann will be in town to perform his album Full Circle. Photo: Jack Biilmann.

Jack Biilmann’s Full Circle Album Tour

When: Saturday 8 May, 7:00 pm
Where: The Street Theatre
Cost: $30, available online.

After the launch of a new rock project, a global pandemic and a truckload of inspiration comes Jack Biilmann with his third solo record, Full Circle.

The new music sees Biilmann in his true element of blues/roots and wanders into the folk, soul, Americana and soul genres.

What if scientists ruled the world? poster

What if scientists ruled the world? Image: Australian Academy of Science.

What If Scientists Ruled the World? – Interactive Theatre Performance

When: Saturday 8 May, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Shine Dome, Canberra
Cost: $10, book online.

Science communicators and actors are taking to the stage at the Australian Academy of Science’s heritage-listed Shine Dome for a unique interactive theatre performance. Experience an intriguing alternate world where science just might save humanity, or destroy it, depending on how it is used. The performance will follow a Forum Theatre format, where the audience’s words shape what will happen on stage.

If people can’t make it to the Shine Dome, the performance will also be live-streamed.

Le Nozze di Figaro poster

Le Nozze di Figaro is an opera with a difference. Image: National Opera.

Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) Pocket Opera

When: Saturday 8 May, 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Where: Wesley Uniting Church Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest
Cost: $55 Adult, $45 Concession, Student $11; tickets available via the National Opera.

The Marriage of Figaro is set over just one day. Figaro opens with bride-to-be Susanna fitting out the new room that their master the Count has given them. Susanna reveals that the only reason the Count has made such a generous gift is to keep her nearby as (spoiler alert) he plans to seduce her.

If you’re an opera novice, pocket operas are the perfect introduction to the art. They’re around 60 to 90 minutes long and contain the essence of the story and all of your favourite musical moments without having to sit through a full-length performance.

band in front of a book case

The Super Rats will bring their eclectic energy to Belco Arts on Saturday 8 May 2021. Photo: CIMF.

Canberra International Music Festival 2021: Free + Live at Belco Arts

When: Saturday 8 May, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen
Cost: Free, non-ticketed event.

A day of unbridled music making in Belco Arts crowns this year’s Canberra International Music Festival.

Enjoy hip-hop grooves to Hindustani vibes, the chilled guitar riffs of Jess Green to the hot, hot frenzy of Super Rats, plus a special appearance by the Tiwi Strong Women. Throw in the Golden Gate Brass Quintet for good measure and you’re guaranteed a great day of music!

For more information, visit Canberra International Music Festival.

monster truck

Thrillmasters Live is coming to Queanbeyan this weekend. Image: Action Events Management.

Thrillmasters Live

When: Saturday 8 May, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Queanbeyan Showgrounds
Cost: Varies, book tickets online.

Thrillmasters Live is about to blast into Queanbeyan Showgrounds.

This is a great family entertainment event that includes various acts which include stunt acts, monster trucks, the return of the legend Outback Thunda, the brand new three-seater monster truck, freestyle motocross and much more.

This is an event that is run in conjunction with the COVID-safe Restrictions of the NSW Health Authorities.

The show will conclude with a fireworks spectacular.

Sunday

Binalong Community Markets

Why not make a day trip for Mothers Day? Photo: Visit Yass Valley.

Binalong Community Markets

When: Sunday 9 May, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Cafe on Queen, 13 Queen Street, Binalong
Cost: Free entry. For more information, visit the Yass Valley event page.

If you haven’t been to Binalong for a while, stop by and check out their beautiful town and the unique markets held every second Sunday of the month – just in time for you-know-who’s day.

high tea

Spoil Mum with high tea for Mothers Day. Photo: File.

Spoil Mum with High Tea at Hoi Polloi, Old Parliament House

When: Sunday 9 May, 11:30 am and 1:00 pm
Where: Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes
Cost: $60.
Flo’s pumpkin scones, coronation chicken and a glass of bubbly are all on the menu this Mother’s Day at Hoi Polloi, Old Parliament House.

Treat Mum to a special day out in the iconic heritage building with a menu that celebrates some of the characters and key moments of its history.

Why not check out their exhibitions while you’re there?

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