The Diary
This month’s top events, plus a sneak peek at what’s on in August.
VIC Hokusai
21 July-15 October National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne ngv.vic.gov.au The first major Australian exhibition of the work of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (17601849), best known for The Great Wave off Kanagawa, features prints, paintings and rare books on loan from the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum in Matsumoto.
My Fair Lady
Until 27 July Regent Theatre, Melbourne myfairladymusical.com.au The original Eliza Doolittle, Dame Julie Andrews, directs the classic musical that made her famous in 1956. Downton Abbey star Charles Edwards appears as Professor Higgins.
Provocaré
20- 30 July Chapel Street, Melbourne provocare.com.au Featuring music, food, theatre and art, this new festival showcases the best of the city’s fashionable Chapel Street.
Mark Seymour & The Undertow
21 and 22 July Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne markseymour.com.au Catch the Hunters & Collectors legend performing with his new band, The Undertow.
Macbeth
Until 15 July The Sumner theatre, Melbourne mtc.com.au Sydney-born Hollywood action star Jai Courtney returns to the stage in the Shakespearean tragedy’s title role, under the direction of Simon Phillips.
Run Melbourne
30 July solemotive.com Starting at Federation Square and finishing at Birrarung Marr, the five-kilometre, 10-kilometre and half-marathon runs aim to raise $2 million for a variety of causes.
Symphony in C
24 August-2 September Arts Centre Melbourne australian ballet.com.au George Balanchine’s “milea-minute” tutu classic, set to the music of Bizet, is paired with a program of ballet choreographed by Alice Topp and Richard House.
NSW Jenny Watson: The Fabric of Fantasy
5 July-2 October Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney mca.com.au Inspired by punk and feminism, works from the 1970s to the present highlight Melbourne-born, Brisbane-based Jenny Watson’s lasting impact on the Australian art scene.
Kinky Boots
Until 13 August Capitol Theatre, Sydney kinkybootsthemusical.com.au This is the last chance to catch songwriter Cyndi Lauper’s feelgood musical before it moves north to Brisbane.
Bennelong
Until 29 July Sydney Opera House bangarra.com.au An exploration of the life of Woollarawarre Bennelong, who, in the 1790s, became the first Aborigine to visit Britain and return.
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen
12-17 July Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney disneyonice.com.au Spectacular ice-skating and frosty effects make this a cool holiday date for Frozen fans.
Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2017
29 July-22 October Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney artgallery.nsw.gov.au Judge the Archibald Prize-winning portrait for yourself, alongside the
winners and runners-up in the Wynne and Sulman categories.
Russell Howard: Round the World
19, 20 and 22 July Various venues, Sydney livenation.com.au The English comedian and television star is back on stage after a three-year break.
Jerry Seinfeld Live
10 and 11 August Various venues, Sydney jerryseinfeld.com The master of observational comedy and former Seinfeld star is touring Australia for the first time since 1998.
ACT 1984
25-29 July Canberra Theatre Centre canberratheatrecentre.com.au George Orwell’s dystopian tale has been newly adapted as a theatrical blockbuster by English writer-directors Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan.
The Truffle Festival
Until 2 September Various venues, Canberra trufflefestival.com.au Hunt for your own truffle, learn how to cook with it or just enjoy this prized fungi in local cafés, wineries and restaurants.
Canberra Writers Festival
25-27 August Various venues, Canberra canberrawritersfestival.com.au “Power, Politics, Passion” is this year’s theme, with a program of workshops, panel discussions and keynote addresses. SA
Matilda the Musical
Until 16 July Festival Theatre, Adelaide au.matildathemusical.com The “revolting children” of Tim Minchin’s award-winning musical are making one last stop on their nationwide tour.
Liverpool Masters vs Manchester United Masters
22 July Titanium Security Arena, Adelaide battleofthereds.com.au Teams featuring veteran players from one of the English Premier League’s most intense rivalries will go head to head in this sixa-side tournament.
Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival
28-30 July Brick Cattle Pavilion, Adelaide Showground adelaide beerfest.com.au Local and international beers and ciders meet their perfect partners: live music and sausages.
Lee Kernaghan
11 August Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide leekernaghan.com The country-music icon is back on the road 25 years after the release of his pivotal single, Boys from the Bush.
WA Good Food & Wine Show
14-16 July Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre goodfoodshow. com.au Celebrity chefs Manu Feildel, Gary Mehigan, Adam Liaw and more will take the stage at this annual food show.
Revelation Perth International Film Festival
6-19 July Various venues, Perth revelationfilmfest.org Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the festival will feature more than 120 films, including documentary
Becoming Bond about Australian 007 George Lazenby.
QLD Noosa Alive!
21-30 July Various venues, Noosa noosaalive.com.au Twenty-four Sunshine Beach State High School students will perform in Opera Australia’s The Marriage
of Figaro, part of the 10-day food, music and entertainment festival.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair
14-16 July Various venues, Cairns ciaf.com.au In 2016, the fair attracted more than 50,000 people. This year it promises to be even bigger, with dance and music shows, film screenings and art workshops.
The Royal Ballet
Until 9 July Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
qpac.com.au In Australia for the first time in 15 years, the UK’s Royal Ballet will perform two original works: The
Winter’s Tale and Woolf Works.
NT Darwin Fringe Festival
7-16 July Various venues, Darwin darwinfringe.org.au Darwin’s arts scene showcases some of the Top End’s finest talent.
Australian Outback Marathon
29 July Alice Springs australian outbackmarathon.com The Ayers Rock Resort hosts this event, which includes full and half marathons and two fun runs, all with spectacular views of Uluru.
Darwin Festival
10-27 August Various venues, Darwin darwinfestival.org.au An 18-day celebration of arts and culture in the Top End.
TAS Hound in the Hunt
From 2 July Mona, Berriedale mona.net.au Accomplished painters will try to re-create paintings by masters such as Vermeer and Michelangelo.
Festival of Voices
Until 16 July Various venues, Hobart festivalofvoices.com Performances by the Umbilical Brothers, Sarah Blasko and Toni Childs are part of Australia’s premier celebration of the voice.
Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest
14-16 July Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, Grove huonvalleymidwinter fest.com.au Craft ciders, artisan food and morris dancers will be the stars of this pagan-themed celebration.
Tasmanian Whisky Week
4-13 August Tasmania-wide taswhiskyweek.com Need an excuse to explore Tasmania? Here’s one in a glass.