Geelong Arts Centre has just unveiled its 2025 season line-up, and it’s shaping up to be the Centre’s most ambitious program yet. There’s a good mix of celebrated classics and groundbreaking new theatre, plus world-class performances from Opera Australia and Bell Shakespeare. Start circling those kitchen calendar dates now.

"Stories shape our view of the world, our culture, and our community,” says Arts Centre CEO Rhys Holden.

“This season brings powerful stories, made by Australia’s best artists and arts companies, right here to Geelong. I look forward to welcoming you into our theatres for what promises to be another extraordinary year of remarkable stories and extraordinary art."

You can view the full-season program here, but we’ve picked a few favourites below to get you started.

The Dictionary of Lost Words

Sydney Theatre Company

The season kicks off with the Sydney Theatre Company’s adaptation of Pip Williams' classic novel. If you haven’t read this one, don’t worry, you’re in for a treat. Set in World War 1, amid the women’s suffrage movement, it’s a fictionalised telling of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.

Learn More

Momenta

Sydney Dance Company

Switching up the beat, Sydney Dance Company are bringing their latest work, Rafael Bonachela’s momenta, to the Arts Centre in May. It’s described as a “journey into the poetry and physicality of human bonds”. With jaw-dropping set designs from Elizabeth Gadsby, this is a must-see for all dance fans.

Learn More

Scenes From A Climate Era

Belvoir

Massive artificial reefs. Mirror clouds. Zombie mice. Beaches where once there were none. If you want a little picture window into post-climate life, check out Belvoir’s fantastic Scenes From A Climate Era. It’s kind of 50 mini plays in one, and it’s been picking up rave reviews overseas.

Learn More

The Birds

Malthouse

Staged in collaboration with Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre, and adapted from Daphne du Maurier’s classic gothic-horror story, The Birds is coming to the Arts Centre in June. Hide your hot chips. Award-winning actor Paula Arundell (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) stars in this one, so grab your tickets pronto.

Learn More

Looking For Alibrandi

Vidya Rajan

Once compulsory reading for every middle school kid in Australia, now an award-winning theatre production. Adapted by Vidya Rajan, and directed by Stephen Nicolazzo, this one first hit the stage in 2022. Now it’s making its way to Geelong. Fans of the iconic Melina Marchetta novel, this one’s for you.

Learn More

Duck Pond

Yaron Lifschitz & Circa

It’s Swan Lake, but not as you know it. Duck Pond is the world’s most romantic ballet, reimagined as a wacky circus spectacular. It’s fun for all ages. Brought to life by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa ensemble, expect acrobatic tricks, lots of feathers, and a great time for the whole family.

Learn More

2025 Curated Seasons

Along with regular scheduled programming, the Arts Centre has also announced three special, curated seasons for 2025. These include Family Magic 2025 (with seven kid-friendly performances to enjoy) Delightful Days and Matiness 2025 (great for those who value their bedtime) and REWIRE 2025 (genre-defying, envelope-pushing plays from some of Australia’s hottest theatrical talent).

It's an action-packed schedule, all right. Check out the Arts Centre website for the full calendar, and book your tickets early.

Where to eat

The beauty of the Geelong Arts Centre is its location: you’ve got the best eats in the city right around the corner. For a great meal, we recommend venturing down Little Malop Street, just across Gheringhap Street. That’s where you’ll find some of Geelong’s best bars and restaurants.

Highlights include Sober Ramen and Sumi, Caruggi for Northern Italian, or a few Greek share plates at Mavs. For rooftop brews, check out The Arborist, or finish the evening with a nightcap at Geelong Cellar Door.

Where to stay

We’ve rounded up some of the best accommodation on the Bellarine over here, but if you’re looking for something Arts Centre-adjacent, check out the brand new Holiday Inn on Ryrie Street. Or, for a more luxurious, romantic getaway, there’s the wonderful Timber Door, just around the corner. You can find more Geelong accommodation options here.