Celebrate and save with friends - Ipswich Shows

Get a group together for a great night out at the Ipswich Civic Centre. We say ‘the more the merrier’ with our special group booking discounts.

Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh with the Comedy Festival, singalong with David Campbell or bust a move with Busting Out!, we’ve got the show for you.

David Campbell 8 July 2012 | 8.00pm Groups 10+ $50.00 Save $10 per ticket David is one of the country’s most popular entertainers. Known for his energetic LIVE shows and selling out tours from coast to coast - expect nothing less from his next one night only tour to Ipswich. Read more.

Boy Girl Wall 15-16 June 2012 | 7.30pm Groups 10+ $25.00 Save $10 per ticket Following sell-out seasons across Australia, this hilarious smash-hit production by The Escapists is a stunning celebration of theatricality, imagination and the joy of play. Read more.

Men in Pink Tights 3 June 2012 | 7.30pm Groups 10+ $59.90 Save $10 per ticket Making their World Premiere season in Australia, LES BALLETS ELOELLE are bringing their new production - the most spectacular, talented and hilarious all-male comedy ballet ever. Read more.

Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow 22 May 2012 | 7.30pm Groups 10+ $25.00 Save $10 per ticket Stuffing one of the world’s largest comedy festivals into the one show is no easy feat, but the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has done just that with Roadshow 2012. Read more.

Busting Out! 8 March 2012 | 8.00pm Groups 10+ $39.90 Save $7 per ticket Direct from sold out seasons in London and Los Angeles, the Australian made, international hit show Busting Out! is touring Australia in 2012. Read more.

Please Note:
Ipswich Civic Centre will be closed from 1:00pm on Friday, 23 December 2011 to Monday, 9 January 2012.

Ipswich Civic Centre Ticket Office will be closed from 1.00pm on Friday, 23 December 2011 to Tuesday, 3 January 2012.

Ipswich's Strong Community Spirit Honoured With Award Win

Ipswich residents have more reasons to smile after the city won two national awards at the Keep Australia Beautiful Australian Sustainable Cities Awards held in the city of Stirling in Western Australia.

Mayor Paul Pisasale was at the award ceremony to collect Ipswich's awards for Community Action and Partnerships and a highly commended in the Resource Recovery and Waste Management category.

Ipswich won the Queensland Sustainable Cities Award earlier this year in recognition of the city's strong recovery from the January flood and outstanding leadership in sustainable development.

The city has a strong history in the Keep Australia Beautiful awards program, winning the national Environmental Innovation and Protection category in 2009, followed by the Community Pride title last year

The Keep Australia Beautiful awards recognise the efforts of residents, community groups, business and government agencies to protect and enhance the local environment to ensure long-term sustainability.

Source: Ipswich Economic Update

Ipswich Population Figures Pass Another Milestone

Ipswich's 175,000th resident recently moved to Springfield Lakes, helping the city reach another population milestone.

The city reached 160,000 residents in July 2009, 170,000 in the third quarter of 2010, and population modelling and predictions show Ipswich's rapid growth won't abate any time soon.

Every week an additional 100 people are calling Ipswich home, and Ipswich's population is expected to reach 287,000 in the next 10 years.

(Source: Ipswich Economic Update – Christmas 2011)

Ipswich Events: Rhonda Burchmore 'Legs 11' Early bird ends soon - Ipswich Events

Blessed with fabulous legs, a great voice and acting magnetism, Rhonda Birchmore has performed her way around the world, starring alongside Hollywood greats such as Mickey Rooney, Anne Miller and Anthony Newly.

In her latest show, Legs 11, Rhonda relives precious musical memories of her life in song. She has chosen songs from shows in which she has starred over the years, including Sugar Babies, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Stop The World I Want To Get Off, Annie Get Your Gun, Guys & Dolls, Into The Woods, Mame, The Drowsy Chaperone and of course, Mammia Mia.

The Legs 11 songlist is a music lover's feast, with Birth of the Blues, What Kind Of Fool Am I, The Last Man In My Life, Dancing Queen, Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, Shakin' The Blues Away, Fever and many more.

Book now for a night of dazzling dance, breathing gowns and spectacular music and song with Australia's leading lady, Rhonda Burchmore.

Early Bird Tickets $39.00 - available until 23 December 2011
Adults $45.00 Concession/Student $42.00

SHOW DETAILS Dates: Saturday 14 April 2012 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: Early bird discount $39.00 (until 23/12) Adult $45.00 | Conc/student $42.00 More Info: Entertainment Send To A Friend: Think someone else will enjoy this show? Then send this to a friend HOW TO BOOK Phone: 3810 6100 (Credt Card Only) Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm In Person: Visit the Ipswich Civic Centre Ticket Office located at: 143 Brisbane Street, Ipswich (Entry from Ipswich City Mall). Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm If you order online, you can now select your seat or let us choose the best available for your group.

Rhonda Burchmore 'Legs 11' Early bird ends soon - Ipswich Events

Ipswich Events: Put Some Holly Under The Christmas Tree - THE CLASS OF '59

HAPPY DAYS RECORDS by special arrangement with BIG AL DELVECCHIO presents

THE CLASS OF '59

Australia, it’s back… by overwhelmingly popular demand!

Happy Days Records by special arrangement with its president “Big Al Delvecchio” brings this unique concept to the stage with new stars and memories from the era that reigns supreme in Rock N Roll history. Big Al – world famous drive-in owner of Al’s Diner – has cooked up a rock and roll feast large enough to whet any appetite assembling the greatest band ever to take you back to a decade that created music legends and influenced a formidable culture, performing a catalogue where their songs are timeless, their hits are endless, and their flair is never forgotten. Rock like never before and take the journey back to the Class of 59!

Rock N Roll`s immortal journalist Ritchie Yorke described 2011’s Class of 59 tour as “an outstanding and exciting new original show that tells the story of when rock `n’ roll music was a happy and exuberant experience. With a multi-talented cast, the show delivers a stack of red hot tracks in an appropriate context. Rock `n’ Roll comes alive again in this terrific show worthy of an international audience.’’

Dance with us back to an era when rock and roll influenced and created a social movement for the teenagers of its day… an era where black horned rimmed glasses became a trend… an era where petrol was so cheap that it fuelled not only the hot rods on the roads but fired up a musical movement that would only be lived for a short while but would last in the hearts and souls of billions for eternity. It is this era that will be recreated on stage ….

Fans of the show will be able to take their concert experience home with them with the purchase of the official “Class of 59” tour CD featuring a compilation of the hits from the golden era performed on the tour and will be available only
on this tour.

STARRING:
Buddy Holly – Scott Cameron
Elvis Presley – Anthony Petrucci
Johnny Cash – Daniel Thompson
Bill Hayley – Tom Carruthers
Eddie Cochran – Duncan McConnell
Big Bopper Junior – Simon O`Connor
Jerry Lee Lewis – Cassidy Wilson

Find Nearby Ipswich Hotel Accommodation at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Put Some Holly Under The Christmas Tree - THE CLASS OF '59

Australia Welcomes Back Thomas & Friends for Summer Fun - Ipswich Workshops Rail Musuem

Holidaying from the Island of Sodor, the famous blue tank engine rolls into town for Australia's biggest Thomas and Friends event, Day out with Thomas 2012 at The Workshops Rail Museum from 26 December to 29 January 2012.

While on their summer holiday Down Under, Thomas and his friends Edward, Donald, Douglas, Lady, plus Annie & Clarabel can be found throughout the Museum.

Just as famous as Thomas and known for his firm but friendly manner, The Fat Controller is looking forward to meeting fans and telling stories of the cheeky but Really Useful Engine.

Director of The Workshops Rail Museum Andrew Moritz said the Museum is happy to host the summer event that brings smiles to many excitable youngsters.

"We're delighted to welcome back familiar faces and the next generation of Thomas fans to enjoy the summer holidays with the lovable engine," said Mr Moritz.

"Parents and their Thomas enthusiasts can enjoy various Thomas activities and the new movie, Day of the Diesels, in air conditioned comfort."

Young engineers can let off some steam with hands-on activities in the Thomas Play Pit such as designing a Thomas track and getting creative at the Thomas Creation Station.

To add to the summer fun, the event also features a miniature train ride and bouncy castle, tickets cost $3 per person and are purchased after entry to the Museum.

Much bigger than the Tidmouth sheds on the Island of Sodor, tour the real railway Workshops and see firsthand the restoration and maintenance of powerful steam locomotives. Enclosed footwear is required for the tours and they leave at regular intervals throughout the day.

The Workshops Rail Museum is part of the Queensland Museum and is winner of Australian and Queensland Tourism Awards for Heritage and Cultural Tourism.

(Source: Travmedia.com)

Boy Girl Wall

A production by The Escapists

In association with Critical Stages

This is not a love story. This is a story about love.

This is the story of Thom and Alethea. Two neighbours in an apartment block, trying desperately to keep their lives from falling apart. But the wall that stands between them has decided they belong together.

Following sell-out seasons across Australia, this hilarious smash-hit production by The Escapists is a stunning celebration of theatricality, imagination and the joy of play.

Using chalk, sock puppets, an overhead projector and over two-dozen characters, Lucas Stibbard’s captivating tour de force performance will inspire and delight with live music by Neridah Waters in a tall tale of whimsy and architectural enlightenment.

NOMINATED – 2011 Helpmann Award – Best Actor
WINNER – 2010 Matilda Award – Best Independent Production

“Comic genius… a blissful reminder of the power of the imagination.” Time Off

“For the funniest night ever – you need to see boy girl wall.” ourbrisbane.com

“A non-stop, dazzling performance…” Greenroom

“There are a million magical moments… You must see this show…” ArtsHub

“He could do stand-up at the Olympics for Australia – I’m sure he’d get a Gold…” 612ABC Brisbane

“Tightly structured, funny and ultimately quite touching, it is a work that captures the power of the imagination and uses it to create engaging and entertaining theatre” The Australian

“It’s perfect…” Sydney Morning Herald

SCRIPT Matthew Ryan & Lucas Stibbard
REALISERS Matthew Ryan, Lucas Stibbard, Neridah Waters & Sarah Winter
LIGHTING DESIGNER Keith Clark
SOUND DESIGNER Neridah Waters WITH Lucas Stibbard
REDESIGN Jonathon Oxlade MUSIC PERFORMED BY Neridah Waters

Originally produced with Metro Arts, Brisbane

All previous seasons SOLD OUT at the La Boite Brisbane

WARNINGS: Contains strong coarse language and adult themes. Suitable for audiences over 15 years.

Syncopation - on sale now! What's On Ipswich

A Critical Stages and The Follies Company production

By Allan Knee

SYNCOPATION is a smash-hit fusion of comedy, drama, romance and ballroom dancing set in the exciting, electric rush of New York City in 1912.

Henry Ribolow is a Jewish meatpacker crazy with a dream of becoming a ballroom dancer, and desperate for a dance partner. Anna Bianchi, an Italian Catholic seamstress, is unsatisfied with her life until she spots a curious ad in the paper: “Give your life a lift. Wanted: A Dance Partner to dance for royalty.”

From the moment Anna summons up the courage to answer the ad, sparks fly. As Anna and Henry take their first steps together they embark on a journey that will transform their lives.

They dance, urged on by the jazzy rhythms and haunting melodies of Gershwin, Joplin and Berlin. The beautiful story of Henry and Anna takes flight, soaring in amazing ballroom routines choreographed by Dancing with the Stars choreographer/dancer Mark Hodge and under the direction of Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated Stephen Lloyd Helper.

“A COMPELLING STORY THAT PROMENADES, FOXTROTS AND TANGOS TO LIFE” - The Age

“This is a play with dance. What a play and what a dance! I shall go again - you should go at least once!”- 3MBS FM

“An enjoyable piece - I haven’t seen a better judged performance this year.” - Herald Sun

“Original, invigorating and wonderous, SYNCOPATION will sweep you into its magic and leave you dancing on air!” - theatrepeople.com

CAST INCLUDES: Emma Palmer
DIRECTOR Stephen Lloyd Helper (Fiddler on the Roof, Smokey Joe’s Café)
CHOREOGRAPHER Mark Hodge (Dancing with the Stars, Moulin Rouge)
DESIGNER Adrienne Chisolm
SOUND DESIGNER Darrin Verhagen

SHOW DETAILS Dates: Wednesday 4 July 2012 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: Adult $32 Conc. $29 More Info: Celebrate theatre Send To A Friend: Think someone else will enjoy this show? Then send this to a friend HOW TO BOOK Phone: 3810 6100 (Credt Card Only) Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm In Person: Visit the Ipswich Civic Centre Ticket Office located at: 143 Brisbane Street, Ipswich (Entry from Ipswich City Mall). Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm If you order online, you can now select your seat or let us choose the best available for your group.

Find Ipswich Accommodation at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Metro Hotel Ipswich International: Metro Hotel Ipswich International featured on Eat, Play and Stay

Metro Hotel Ipswich International as featured recently on Eat, Play and Stay



Metro Hotel Ipswich International featured on Eat, Play and Stay

David Campbell at Civic Centre

Sunday 8 July, 2012 - 8:00pm

All Tickets $60.00

On the back of 4 x top 10 albums featuring tracks from Broadway through to ‘60s pop, David Campbell is excited to release his next album and labour of love for 2011 - ‘Let's Go'! Featuring David's signature fresh twist on some of the most exciting tracks to come from the early eighties, Let's Go! will be in stores November 18.

Initially inspired by the revolutionary ‘second British invasion' of the early ‘80s, Let's Go is sure to be the biggest summer party album of 2011 and features hits including Let's Go, Shout To The Top, Come on Eileen, I'm Your Man and Tainted Love.

On the new album Campbell says "For this album, I wanted to put a fresh spin on some dance-pop classics with a big-band brass and string sound. We went back to basics and jammed some of our favourite tunes from our adolescence, and I couldn't be happier with the result - an album of some of my favourite hits and party anthems - re-imagined in a way I know will keep my audiences on their feet!!"

David is one of the country's most popular entertainers. Known for his energetic LIVE shows, and selling out tours from coast to coast - expect nothing less from this next Tour.

Inner Strength Major Weapon - Sports Awards Function at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

THE standing ovation Kurt Fearnley received at the annual Ipswich Sports Awards proved how meaningful his message was.

While the international achiever feels uncomfortable being called "inspirational", everyone in the Metro Hotel Ipswich International function room was captivated.

Australia's fearless wheelchair marathon racer motivated some of Ipswich's most promising teenagers as he spoke about using self belief as a powerful weapon.

His story about crawling the Kokoda Trail - through the jungle mud and roots in 2009 - left his audience with goosebumps.

Born without the lower portion of his spine, Fearnley completed the 96km trek in 11 days.

How he defied a different set of challenges to finish second in the recent New York Marathon also highlighted his single-minded focus.

When race leader Fearnley's steering cable snapped 20km into the marathon, he had three choices.

The Paralympics gold medallist could quit, simply try to finish the 42km race, or battle on knowing he was likely to crash.

The sports awards guest speaker made his decision as quickly as he propels his wheelchair.

"A wheelchair is made to go fast but it's made to go forward," Fearnley said, having won the New York race four times.

"Everything in that wheelchair is made to go straight. The only thing that will get you around the corner is the steering.

"When that steering fell apart on me, I didn't really know what to do."

However, Fearnley revealed how a voice in his head willed him on.

"How am I going to do it? How do I win this race now," said Fearnley, 30.

"There was something inside me just screaming at myself to keep going the whole way."

Fearnley's motto when the going gets tough is to find courage within.

He's proven that by winning 33 marathons.

"In every marathon I've been in, everything is stripped away," he said.

"Physically you strip every layer away and then you realise who you are.

"That voice is telling you where I'll stop. You will be challenged and you will make it to the finish."

After completing the race in second spot, Fearnley threw up for two hours and dry retched in his hotel for 45 minutes.

But the determination to push himself to the brink is what makes the five-time world champion a remarkable athlete.

After sharing how he discovered his inner strength on the Kokoda Trail, Fearnley returned to sport where next year's London Paralympics are his next major goal.

"I know exactly what I want," the 2004 Athens 5000m and marathon gold medallist said.

"I know exactly where I'll be to the square metre. I'll be lining up on September 9 outside Buckingham Palace.

"I know that I want to come home with a gold medal - to be world champion and Paralympics champion after 12 consecutive years.

"And I know exactly what I need to do to get there. That is work harder than everyone else."

Inner Strength Major Weapon - Sports Awards Function at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Gerry & The Pacemakers - On Sale Now!

'BACK TO THE CAVERN’ TOUR 2012

With Special Guests The Beatle Boys

What more can be said about Gerry Marsden and The Pacemakers?

Storming out of the iconic Liverpool night club The Cavern, along with his mates The Beatles in 1963, under the management of Brian Epstein the band achieved four No. 1 records in a row, something even The Beatles did not achieve. Gerry and The Pacemakers were a major part of what history now calls ‘The 60’s British Invasion’ with songs like How do you do it, I like it, Ferry cross the Mersey and You’ll never walk alone. These simple melodies were the soundtracks to a generation and are the reason why Gerry continues to be a popular drawcard on stages worldwide today.

Gerry for the first time in Australia in association with The Harbour Agency will be bringing his ‘BACK TO THE CAVERN’ show which features the support of a Beatles tribute show performing hits from the early days of 1962-1966, followed by Gerry & The Pacemakers performing hits and songs from the era intermingled with personal stories and anecdotes from the early days in Liverpool. This is a concert event that seldom occurs where the worlds of the ‘Real Thing’ and ‘Tribute’ join to make a fun unique night for the fans.

The tour begins in Sydney on March 16, 2012 and will take in 13 venues in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.

SHOW DETAILS Dates: Thursday 22 March, 2012 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: $60 More Info: Special Guests The Beatle Boys Send To A Friend: Think someone else will enjoy this show? Then send this to a friend HOW TO BOOK Phone: 3810 6100 (Credt Card Only) Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm In Person: Visit the Ipswich Civic Centre Ticket Office located at: 143 Brisbane Street, Ipswich (Entry from Ipswich City Mall). Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm If you order online, you can now select your seat or let us choose the best available for your group.

Full Steam Ahead for Rail Campaign

IT'S full steam ahead for the city's tourism industry.

Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt visited Ipswich and Rosewood yesterday to help launch a new rail heritage campaign.

Ms Jarratt unveiled The Amazing Time Machines brochure at The Workshops Rail Museum.

The brochure is the result of collaboration between council and four local rail attractions - the Workshops museum, Grandchester Model Steam Railway, Rosewood Rail Museum, and the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.

Tourism Committee chairman David Pahlke said the brochure would encourage more visitors to the Ipswich region through promotion and special offers.

Ms Jarratt praised the city's tourist attractions, even comparing Ipswich to her Whitsundays hometown.

"The Whitsundays is a popular tourist destination, but there're some equally remarkable places here," Ms Jarratt said.

"You can go to theme parks like Disneyland or Dreamworld but you can't really see who the people are and what the town is about, whereas here you can see that Ipswich has a very special place in Queensland's history.

"Ipswich is the heart and soul of the rail industry."

Mayor Paul Pisasale said tourism played a vital role in Ipswich's economy, and said the brochure would help boost the industry.

"There's Dreamworld and Sea World, well, now we have Steam World," Cr Pisasale quipped.

Cr Pahlke said Ipswich was the birthplace of rail in Queensland, with the first train in the state travelling between Ipswich and Grandchester in 1861.

SPECIAL OFFER

Present a valid ticket (less than six months old) from one of the four heritage rail locations at additional locations and receive a 10% discount off entrance price, except at Grandchester, where a free model steam ride will be offered.

Ipswich Events: Crowds enjoy Cup day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

IPSWICH was party central on Melbourne Cup day yesterday, with the city's major venues turning on a day to remember for race fans.

The reaction of North Booval's Tracey Mullin in Brothers Leagues Club was a giveaway that she had won big on Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup. How much she won was a morsel of information Ms Mullin wasn't prepared to share.

Enjoying the Melbourne Cup lunch at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International are (from left) Katrina Johnson, of Deebing Heights, Alex Mackey, of Burbank, and Emily Wonka.

"I won last year fairly big and someone stole the money from me, so I'm going to keep how much I won to myself," she grinned.

"It is the only time of the year that I bet. The dresses are fantastic and the atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone is here for a good time.

"I've had a ball ... great company and great food."

Ms Mullin said she sensed there was less money being bet by patrons this year.

"I think people are betting less this year. They are a bit more conservative this year and maybe a bit unsure," she said.

Friends Virginia Fenwick and Duane Cleary were both also celebrating cup wins on Dunaden at Brothers Leagues Club when the QT visited.

Mr Cleary was celebrating a 100% record for the day.

"I only bought one ticket ... and I won," he said.

"Now we'll go and see how much I've won. It is all about having a bit of fun."

Ms Fenwick said she didn't have time to study the form but liked the look of number three (Dunaden).

With a few tickets in her hand it looked as though she was set for a few more handy wins on a day she had marked down on the calendar.

"Melbourne Cup, everyone stops for it. I'm having a great day," she said.

Dunaden's jockey, Christophe Lemaire, had arrived in Australia 24 hours before the race after Craig Williams lost an appeal to keep the ride.

He shed tears when judges told him the verdict.

"It's incredible - it's a great moment for me," Lemaire said.

"I was a bit anxious. I knew it was very close.

"I feel very sorry for Craig. He's a good friend of mine."

Dunaden edged out England's Red Cadeaux by the smallest margin in the $6.2 million race.

It was the closest finish in the 151-year history of the race, with German horse Lucas Cranach completing an international trifecta. Americain, the 2010 winner, started favourite and finished fourth.

Crowds enjoy Cup day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International