Get the inside scoop on Gold Coast’s amazing new HOTA outdoor stage program
AN incredible $37 million Outdoor Stage is about to open that’ll change the cultural fabric of the Gold Coast. And to kick it off, world-renowned entertainer Tim Minchin will perform in a free concert. Here’s how you can get your hands on one of the limited tickets.
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ONCE in a generation, a project comes along which changes the fabric of a city.
Make no mistake about it. That time is now for the Gold Coast.
Home of the Arts — formerly The Arts Centre and now dubbed HOTA — will officially open an incredible new outdoor stage next month when internationally-renowned showman and provocateur Tim Minchin performs in a free concert.
To get access to the special pre-release of tickets, subscribe to HOTA News from now until 2am Thursday February 8.
FIRST LOOK AT GOLD COAST’S INCREDIBLE NEW OUTDOOR STAGE
The Outdoor Stage launch coincides with the release of a jam-packed outdoor entertainment schedule. It is set to provide a hub that’ll change the fabric of the Gold Coast’s culture scene, maturing the city into a truly diverse metropolis.
Brisbane has the Riverstage, Los Angeles has the Hollywood Bowl, Rome has the Terme di Caracalla and Melbourne has the Myer Music Bowl.
But nestled just behind the Evandale council chambers — on the banks of the Nerang River overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline — the $37 million city-making Outdoor Stage has been quietly constructed.
It’s one of the most impressive, contemporary pieces of architecture you’ll find anywhere, and promises to play host to a phenomenal outdoor entertainment schedule that’ll attract international artists to the Gold Coast.
HOTA chairwoman Robyn Archer said the cultural hub’s new name, new venue and energised entertainment program was the result of years of planning.
“This moment is the inspirational beginning of a new era for the Gold Coast, for both its residents and its millions of visitors,” she said.
“At last, the sixth largest city in Australia has created a brilliant state-of-the-art platform for the commissioning, producing and presenting of the most exciting artists from the region, the nation and the world.”
Minchin’s free concert on March 17 will kick things off for the city’s coolest new hangout. The event is free but requires a ticket. Sign up for HOTA News here.
It’s a rare opportunity to see this brilliant showman — also known as the creative force behind Matilda the Musical, as an actor in TVs Californication and onstage as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar — with concertgoers set to be awe-struck as they enjoy the amphitheatre overlooking the iconic Gold Coast skyline for the first time.
Minchin’s show will kickstart a 2018 outdoor stage program that is rapidly growing and will draw internationally-renowned acts including classic pop master craftsman Neil Finn on June 30 and multi-award winner Laurie Anderson in Residence from June 20-24.
Then there’s The Concert for the Planet, a solar system classical music extravaganza, on March 24, the return of Bleach* Festival’s The Spirit of Churaki on May 26 and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performing live on stage under the stars.
The new HOTA Outdoor Stage, which was completed late last year, will play host to the city’s major events with seating and lawn space for 5,000 people.
It’s so cool, the Outdoor Stage wall is actually a massive horizontal bi fold aircraft hangar door and the whole venue is nestled underneath a landscaped mound.
On the riverside of the stage, a mini hiking track with huge boulders forms a trail up both sides of the stage to a peak overlooking the Nerang River and the Surfers Paradise skyline.
When you sit at the top on massive boulders — it feels like you’re on the famous boulders in the middle of New York City’s Central Park. It’ll fast become a favourite spot to take a deep breath and appreciate the fabulous Gold Coast.
When live acts aren’t lighting up the Outdoor Stage, the surrounding parklands will come alive with dance, yoga, parkrun, markets and community events plus all the favourites inside — the cinemas, theatres and gallery.
To get exclusive access to pre-release tickets for Minchin’s concert and keep informed about all the fabulous events coming up, subscribe to HOTA News at hota.com.au before 2am on Thursday 8 February.
Tickets for the general public will be released at 9am on Friday 9 February.
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This News Corp Australia article is published here in partnership with Home of the Arts
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