Your guide to summer at the Pav

16 December 2024 | Council News

Bondi Pavilion's summer lineup has something for every member of the family from a huge interactive whale puppet in the Courtyard to workshops, film, music, and more!

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7 Dec - 2 Feb: Rise and Fall, an exhibition by Karla Dickens

An evocative new exhibition from Karla Dickens which explores the climate crisis from a First Nations perspective and offers a poignant commentary on resilience and fighting for a better future. The works respond to the devastating floods that struck Dickens' hometown of Lismore in February 2022, and reimagines the mermaid mythologies of Bondi with a post-apocalyptic twist.

The exhibition has been created over a twelve-month period, including public workshops at Bondi Festival’s Gould St Street Party.

We'll also be hosting an artist talk with Karla Dickens and curator Daniel Mudie Cunningham on 18 January, 2 - 3 pm.

More information here.

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4 - 12 Jan: The Whale, an installation from Spare Parts Puppet Theatre

Kick off your new year with a bang by coming to see an incredible 10-metre long whale puppet take over the Pav courtyard! This free activation, which is part of Sydney Festival, invites the audience to join a deep-sea journey by helping to bring the puppet and an array of fantastical sea creatures to life.

The Whale is brought to you by Western Australia's beloved Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, featuring imaginative storytelling and a captivating original score.

"This installation allows audiences to imagine the whale's world up close, inspiring a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. It's a beautiful way to connect, learn, and join in the magic of puppetry and storytelling." - Philip Mitchell, Artistic Director of Spare Parts

More information here.

The Whale was co-commissioned by Waverley Council - Bondi Pavilion, City of Busselton, and Curtin University.

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14 - 15 Feb: An Evening Without Kate Bush

Live-wire performer Sarah-Louise Young invites you to enjoy this breakout hit of Sydney Festival 2024. Join this joyful, mind-blowing tribute to one of music’s trailblazing mega-talents, Kate Bush, and sing along to classics such as Running Up That Hill, Cloudbusting, and The Man with the Child in his Eyes, this unique performance must be experienced live to be believed. A Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras event.

More information here.

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28 Feb: Tim Freedman's Moonlit Deck

After the sold-out success of the Love This City 25 Years tour in 2024, The Whitlam’s frontman, Tim Freedman, is ready to strip things back, have a chat, and get his cabaret on at the Pav

Tim will take you on a journey through his repertoire, gently recount some new tales from his adventures in showbiz and reveal untold stories about the genesis of the best known Whitlams songs.

Supporting Tim Freedman is singer/songwriter Raechel Whitchurch.

More information here.

Extra fun at the Pav this summer

In addition to our great lineup of art, theatre, and creation workshops, keep an eye out for other fun activities including:

  • Pop-up music performances that will add a buzz to the Bondi atmosphere, happening every Sunday in January from 5 pm at the Pav
  • The Love the Coast photography competition for local photographers (professional or amateur) who want to submit photos of our local marine environments. Photos will be judged by acclaimed photographer Petrina Hicks and the best 20 photos will be exhibited at Waverley Library before the final exhibition at Bondi Pavilion in February. Submission must be entered before 17 January for the chance to win.

Regarding the summer 2024/25 program, Bondi Pavilion's Artistic Director, Chris Bendall says:

“I am really thrilled with the line-up of incredible activity on offer this summer at the Pav. I can’t wait to see audiences be inspired by the magic of The Whale, and to be presenting this alongside an outstanding new exhibition from the extraordinary Karla Dickens, plus new music, nature photography and a film screening too – this summer is going to be such a fabulous time to visit the Pav.”