New Annual : The weird and the wonderful

New Annual : The weird and the wonderful 

New Annual invites you to step outside your comfort zone with a range of events that we guarantee you've never experienced before. Whether you're keen to see Newcastle from a new perspective, or discover a new form of creativity, it's all right here in Newcastle from 26 Sep - 5 Oct. 

1) Darkfield
Take a seat and prepare to be immersed in Darkfield, a collection of multisensory experiences in Wheeler Place. The catch? It’s all done in the dark. With a range of 360º binaural sound, and multiple sensory effects tied together with theatrical design, these experiences will have you questioning reality in the best way possible. 

FLIGHT- two journeys, two worlds, two realities. Strap in and prepare yourself for an unnerving adventure inside a custom-built shipping container. Experience countless parallel realities in which all possible outcomes are occurring. And remember, we are not responsible for your final destination. BOOK NOW

SÉANCE
Step inside and take a seat; this SÉANCE is nothing like you’ve ever experienced, we promise. Find yourself questioning your own senses while this unique sensory experience unfolds entirely in your mind. Can you survive 20 minutes in complete darkness, with your perception, memory and beliefs at risk? Try it! We dare you. Book Now

Wheeler Place
Running until Sunday 05 Oct. 

2) Bad Art Party
This is a call to everyone with an inner artist waiting to be unleashed! Bring your weird, wacky, and very worst art skills. Jen Denzin and Joanne Back bring you a hands-on, no-judgement craft session where the only rule is to have fun. With all materials provided, the only limit is your imagination. Expect music, snacks, drinks, a variety of everyday materials, and a complimentary alcoholic beverage.

October 4th at Watt Space Gallery, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Tickets: $20. BOOK NOW. 
Please note this event is 18+

3) SOAK: Tom Thum, DOBBY & Freyja Garbett
With a brand-new collaboration especially for New Annual, artists Tom Thum, DOBBY and Freyja Garbett have banded together in a once-in-a-lifetime performance inspired by the power and fragility of water. Tom Thum is known globally for his absolutely crazy beatboxing skills, joins DOBBY, a Filipino-Murrawarri musician, known for his ‘drapper’ music, and Freyja Garbett, a jazz pianist and contemporary music genius. Individually, these three are immensely talented, but together? This is something you can't miss! 

SOAK: Live at the Baths. Newcastle Ocean Baths 
Sunday 28th Sep 5:30pm-6:30pm
Find out more

4) Chicken: Sunday's Child
Have you ever watched a grown woman pretend to be a proud Irishman, who just so happens to be a ketamine addicted Hollywood star, and also...a chicken? Well, look no further! For a weird, wonderful wildly entertaining 60 minutes, book tickets to Chicken, and catch this bonkers and unbelievably brilliant show that was the sell-out of Edinburgh Festival. 
University House
Tickets start at $23. BOOK NOW. 
Wed Oct 1st - Sat Oct 4

5) POV : re:group performance collective
It's time to experience the magic of live theatre and watch some of the best in the industry be thrown in the deep in! 11 year old documentary filmmaker Bub, searches for the truth in the aftermath of her family breakdown. Each night two different unrehearsed adult actors play Bub's parents as she guides the actors to re-enact her personal experiences. An uplifting and unpredictable show!
re:group collective Live Theatre Workshop: September 29th 1:00pm. BOOK NOW. 

Finished the show and don’t want to let the fun end? Grab a ticket for the workshop and collaborate with re:group to bring your favourite film or TV scene to life. This workshop will allow you to create, wear and trade the various hats of actor, camera operator, editor and director.

McIntyre Theatrette, Newcastle Museum
POV : Theatre Show. Friday, September 26- Tuesday September 30. BOOK NOW. 

6) Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer : The Last Great Hunt
Alvin Sputnik is unexpected, joyful and will bring you to tears. Produced by one of Australia's leading theatre companies, The Last Great Hunt, this is a special theatre show that has won hearts worldwide. With rising seas, billions dead, and no hope for those left, Alvin Sputnik follows his wife's soul down to the underworld to reunite once again. You may laugh and you will cry. This is for anyone who has loved, is loved or would love to be loved.
McIntyre Theatrette, Newcastle Museum. BOOK NOW 
Wednesday October 1st- 7pm
Thursday October 2nd- 2pm & 7pm

7) Spooky Men’s Chorale
Don't be fooled by their unassuming appearance, they're not just a bunch of blokes in casual hats and black clothes. Once they start singing, they'll transport you to musical worlds you never knew existed.   Join the one-of-a-kind workshop before the show, and learn how these men perfect their vocal techniques, signature songs, and their joyful chaos. And the best part? You can join in and sing with The Spooks from your seat at City Hall that very night! 
Workshop - City Hall. 3:30pm, Sat 27 Sep. BOOK NOW 
Concert - City Hall. 7:00pm, Sat 27 Sep. BOOK NOW

So, bring your family and your friends to experience something weird and wonderful at New Annual 2025. We know you won't regret it for a moment!