We’re thrilled to give you a sneak peek at HOTA’s 2024 program! We sat down with Virginia Hyam, Head of Programming for exclusive insights as she highlights the must-see productions, from unmissable major shows, beloved family favourites, hidden gems, and the shows she takes immense pride in bringing to the Gold Coast.
Virginia Hyam
Head of Programming
'It’s a pleasure to reveal what’s in store for the year ahead. We’ve sourced the best productions we could find to match the huge variety of tastes and interests of our audiences. The program showcases a spectrum of performances from various corners of the country, featuring the work of both locally acclaimed and internationally celebrated artists.
HOTA 2024 offers a sneak peek at what’s in store for 2024. Our main stage is locked and loaded, while our outdoor events, music, small stage and Festivals series will continue to unfold across the year.'
#What are the big shows we can't miss?
Well, where do I start? In 2024 we’re delivering a feast of shows, but I’ve selected a few personal highlights.
Stunt Double
Fri 8 - Sat 9 Mar
Kicking off the year with our local company The Farm, taking on their most ambition project yet. It's a genre-bending production taking you inside the filming of a 70s Aussie action-flick.
Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap
Wed 29 - Sun 2 Jun
We heard your call for more classic theatre! Here's one of the greatest classics, the world's longest-running play, recreated by an all Australian cast and directed by the renowned Robin Nevin. The ultimate murder mystery!
The Gospel According to Paul
Sat 25 May
A classic period of Australian politics, we're finally able to bring you this smash-hit comedy. Jonathan Biggins is Paul Keating - the visionary, reformer, and rabble-rouser.
Coppélia
Fri 1 - Sat 2 Nov
More on the classical front, I'm pleased to say we have Queensland Ballet returning to HOTA with Coppélia.
Wild Dogs Under My Skirt
Sat 6 Apr
We've focused our international lens on New Zealand, bringing extraordinary productions that celebrate First Nation stories. Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, written by Tusiata Avia, is powerful truth-telling that explores power, politics, racism, love, sex and living between cultures.
MAUI
Fri 23 - Sat 24 Aug
Later in the year we welcome MAUI, brought to us by 35 young performers. It's a reawakening Māori and Pasifika stories through a fusion of hip-hop, Pacific, Maui, and contemporary dance. Having met Hadleigh in Auckland last year I was captivated by the story of his crew and how this company changes lives through the power of dance.
Fourteen
Fri 2 Aug
Shake n Stir are in high demand across Australia, and we're fortunate enough to see two of their productions this year. Based on the best-selling memoir by award-winning journalist Shannon Molloy, Fourteen is the inspirational true story of growing up gay in central Queensland.
James and the Giant Peach
Thu 19 - Sat 21 Sep
The young ones will be treated to Roald Dahls famous story, James and the Giant Peach, a centrepiece of our Kids Take Over festival in Sept.
Elvis: A Musical Revolution
Starting 22 Jun
And of course, you don't want to miss our mid-winter warmer, Elvis: A Musical Revolution. A musical for all generations, it's guaranteed to be a great night out for some sure-fire escapism and hip-shaking!
#What can we bring kids to?
Family programs are a key focus across the year, through holidays and weekends. And we of course have our rich education program. Events are right across the precinct, from analogue inventions to digestion, to books coming to life. I’m particularly delighted that we’re presenting Bangarra Dance Theatre’s first dedicated children’s program, Waru - Journey of the Small Turtle, a Torres Strait Island story directed by father and son, Steven and Hunter Page.
#What are the hidden gems?
Sometimes the most memorable moments are when you experience an artist up close. Our classical program doesn’t stop at the main stage. Keep your eyes out for our small stage program, including:
- An intimate performance from the ACO Collective Quarter inside the Outdoor Stage.
- An Evening Without Kate Bush is a must-see for all Kate bush fans.
- Agapi & Other Kinds of Love is equal parts rap novella and classical history lesson.
- There's more to be announced, from world classical, to First Nation storytelling and pop-up concerts across the precinct.
#What about the Outdoor Stage, are there any particular projects you're excited about?
Keep an eye out for our evolving Outdoor Stage program, filled with musical and special events all year. I'm thrilled to announce that our huge community project Those Who Rock, featuring leading rock musicians alongside 200 guitarists, returns in July. If you’ve always wanted to be a rockstar, here’s your chance! Returning with a whole new musical line-up, it’s a heart filled night bringing the Outdoor Stage alight with the power of rock music.
#What are you most proud of bringing to the Gold Coast?
I'm particularly proud of the diverse mix of works we’re presenting across the year, of the number of artists who’re supported from the development of new ideas and presentation, of the evolving program across the entire precinct, and our team's passion to constantly deliver surprise and delight to HOTA audiences.
#What will make us feel alive?
It’s been a tough time for artists over the past few years, but creativity won’t be tamed! We're seeing the creation of music, new stories and classic reinterpretations thriving. But performance doesn’t work without an audience, so I urge you to take a risk on something new and immerse yourself in the cultural landscape we have on our doorstep!
Life’s so much more interesting seeing art live. I hope you come and share it with us.
*Early bird discount applies to 'HOTA Presents' 2024 shows currently on sale - valid until 31 Dec 2023. Excludes Elvis: A Musical Revolution, exhibitions, festivals and other events.
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