IMPROLYMPICS
Friday 23rd October 7.30pm $15
Teams will go head-to-head in a mix of short-form games and long-form scenes, putting their creativity, quick thinking and improvisational chops to the test. Our panel of judges—and you, the audience—will decide who comes out on top.
One team will be crowned ImprOlympics champion and earn the right to return next month to defend their title against a new challenger.
Come for the laughs. Stay for the rivalry. Let the games begin."
The TAMING of the SHREW
a William Shakespeare play
Friday 13th at 7pm, Sat 14th 2pm and 7pm November
$20 full $15 concession
Rusty Art Productions brings a bold new take on a Shakespearean play less beloved than others written by the Bard.
The once farcical comedy takes a tragically dark twist in this reimagining of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of The Shrew’.
NEWCASTLE INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Friday 20th & Saturday 21st November 8pm
Half Breed Productions and the Royal Exchange Hybrid Theatre Present
You can never get enough of a good thing so Newcastle International Short Film Festival, or ‘NiSFF’ for short, returns to Newcastle for an 9th year in November 2026.
In 2026 NiSFF will screen short films from around the world, including from Spain, France, Latin America, South Korea, Mexico, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Turkiye, USA, UK, Canada, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, NZ, Australia and more, at the Royal Exchange Hybrid Theatrette at 34 Bolton St Newcastle over two nights on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November 2026 from 8 pm. All films are in English or have English subtitles and films are different on each night. All films screened are nominations for an award at NiSFF ’26.
NiSFF brings the world to Newcastle & takes Newcastle to the world!
Festival director, actor and multi award winning short filmmaker, Mike Griffin, says “Newcastle is a city with a vibrant cultural life and the population of the Hunter Region is now big enough to host significant international events. Adelaide hosted one of the best arts festivals in the world when it had a population less than the Hunter Region currently has and Newy is now bigger than Edenborough which hosts one of the biggest arts festivals in the world. It’s time Newcastle and the Hunter were recognised for the contributions they make, and can make, to Australian life. It’s time they were put on the international ‘cultural map’’’.
Griffin says “we have deliberately tried to give the festival an international feel. We have also tried to make the festival accessible to filmmakers of all financial backgrounds so small budget independent productions are not disadvantaged and film-makers from developing countries are not excluded. We do not expect film-makers to submit their film for screening in an expensive digital cinema package format as many festivals do. We can download it, burn it to a DVD or USB and screen it from that format. Consequently, NiSFF audiences will see films that they will not see anywhere else because film-makers are not precluded by the limited technology and budgets available to them. NiSFF is interested in the films themselves and the film-makers imagination and experience not the technology a film-maker may have available or can afford. And there are numerous different categories ranging from animation, live action narrative drama and comedy, experimental, horror, quirky art films, documentaries and everything in between. We even have a specific category for Regional NSW filmmakers and we invite submissions of very short films of up to 5 mins, which can include films made on phones, through to longer shorts of up to 20 mins. The emphasis has been on accessibility and we have received some terrific film submissions over the years including many world and Australian premieres that have gone on to win major international awards. In all, audiences will be treated to a magical night at the cinema. Some films are funny, some are clever, some are simply heartbreaking”.
Ticket prices are reasonable too starting at $10 for concession card holders & seniors and $12 full price. They can be purchased at EventBrite or at Try Bookings. You can check NiSFF’s Facebook, Twitter and website pages for further details or contact the festival at nisffest@gmail.com or the Royal Exchange in Bolton St Newcastle on (02) 4929 4969 for ticket enquiries and bookings.
NiSFF is a recognised IMDb Film Festival Event and all films nominated for an award at NiSFF can obtain their own page on IMDb.
NiSFF 2026 is still accepting submissions from filmmakers at Film Freeway & Festhome until mid November 202
NOTE: If media organisations would like some free tickets for their audiences as competition prizes or give-aways or interviews contact NiSFF at nisffest@gmail.com or on 0405294409 to make arrangements.
TRUE WEST
(by ALL THAT THEATRE)
Wednesday 2nd, 3rd, 4th December 7.30pm, 5th 2pm.
Wed 9th, 10th, 11th 7.30pm & 12th 2pm and 7.30pm
Sam Shepard's darkly comic modern classic is a volatile two-hander about sibling rivalry, masculinity, ambition, and the destructive ways we can become the people we hate most.
TENNYSON KING
Friday 18th December
Tennyson King 百城 is an award-winning, nomadic folk musician from Hong Kong and Canada, known for his charismatic stage presence and boundary-pushing sound. Blending Western indie-folk with traditional Chinese influences, his music bridges cultures with warmth and originality.
Performing songs in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Tennyson pairs kick drum, Zhongruan, and electric and acoustic guitar to create an immersive live experience. His shows are filled with positivity, interactive moments, and playful stories from life on the road. The result is a restorative, uplifting sound—folk-rock rooted in earthiness, touched by pop sensibility, and finished with subtle psychedelic ear candy that gets audiences on their feet.
In 2025, Tennyson King hit the road, bringing his music across Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan, with a career-defining performance at Glastonbury Festival. He toured alongside Aysanabee and Lindi Ortega, and earned a nomination for Performing Artist of the Year at the Ontario Folk Music Awards.
Tennyson King’s music feels like a warm hug for the soul. With smooth vocals, rhythmic guitar, and the steady heartbeat of his kick drum, he weaves together his Chinese and Canadian roots to create an intimate, grounded live experience that resonates long after the last note fades.
Performance Quotes:
"His live performance beautifully bridged two worlds, crossing oceans to blend the rich traditions of his Chinese heritage with the vibrant spirit of his Canadian upbringing, creating a truly special experience that resonates across cultures. Genuine honesty in his songwriting and humble emotion in his playing shine through every moment on stage. Through this heartfelt connection, he expertly fuses traditional sounds with modern styles, crafting a fresh yet deeply rooted musical experience"
- Glastonbury Festival 2025
“It was an absolute pleasure to have Tennyson perform at Mission Folk. His music was a balm to a hard world and his words provided a necessary perspective that absolutely resonated with our audience and community. I highly recommend working with Tennyson and giving space for his music, his story, and his talents in creating a space for audiences to come together.”
-
Michelle Demars, Mission Folk Festival
"Tennyson King has fast become one of Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival's favorite international acts. Whether playing solo or with a band, he's consistently warmed hearts and made fans of our local and visiting audiences."
– Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival (Australia)
Social Media Tags:
Instagram - @tennysonking
TikTok - @tennysonking
Facebook - @tennysoningmusic
Links:
All other links available here