CT DEC_MAG_Holiday_Edition by westhq

MY COLISEUM

HOLIDAY EDITION

DECEMBER 2025

As we wrap up another big year at the Coliseum Theatre, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to our Holiday Edition—a celebration of the people, performances and partnerships that make this place so special.

I’m thrilled to share we’ve once again been awarded ‘Best Arts & Music Venue’ by the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce—our second year running. It’s a recognition that speaks to the passion of our team, the incredible artists who grace our stage, our multi-mode world-class venue and the ongoing support from our community and My Coliseum members. Thank you for being part of our journey.

magic and more. It’s our biggest and boldest summer yet, designed to bring people together and cement the Coliseum as Western Sydney’s home of live entertainment.

This summer is an exciting one for us, as we launch our very first Coliseum Summer Festival—your hottest shows of the season. Throughout December and January, the Coliseum will be buzzing with headline acts, family fun, comedy,

And while you’re here enjoying the Festival, why not make a day or night of it? Take advantage of the many great eateries across the West HQ precinct—perfect for a pre-show meal or drinks or that post-show gelato and cocktails with friends. Or turn your night out into a mini staycation with a stay at the Novotel Sydney West HQ right next door.

Whether you’re joining us for a show, exploring the West HQ precinct, or simply soaking up the festive mood, we can’t wait to welcome you through our doors.

HERE’S TO A MAGICAL SUMMER!

WELCOME

COLISEUM SUMMER FESTIVAL

Welcome to our inaugural COLISEUM SUMMER FESTIVAL.

Get ready for a season packed with the HOTTEST SHOWS THIS SUMMER — there’s something for everyone! From comedy and illusion to cirque spectaculars, our favourite blue heelers and the swamp king himself, Shrek — it’s entertainment for all ages.

Whether you’re bringing a date, a mate, the family or treating someone special this Christmas, there’s no better gift than treating your loved ones with the gift of entertainment.

And that’s not all — across December and January, our patrons can enjoy exclusive competitions, experiences and rewards. Don’t miss your chance to WIN BIG — YOUR SUMMER STARTS NOW!

THE SUMMER FUN STARTS HERE!

MEMBERS RECEIVE PRIORITY ACCESS TO TICKETS, COMPETITIONS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Join My Coliseum by 24 January and you’ll be automatically entered into the draw for your chance to WIN 4 x Tickets to HEATHERS THE MUSICAL*

*Competition closes 24 January 2026. For more details, see the full T&Cs apply.

PURCHASE TICKETS TO ANY OF OUR COLISEUM SUMMER FESTIVAL SHOWS AND YOU’RE AUTOMATICALLY IN THE DRAW!

Sooshi Mango / Cosentino / Cirque Alice / Bluey’s Big PlayThe Stage Show / Shrek.

ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT FIX FOR 2026 inclusions:

• 2 x tickets to 4 shows of your choice throughout 2026*

• Drinks on arrival at the Chandelier Bar (Cocktail, Beer, Wine or Soft Drink)

• 1 hour pre-show access to the VIP Lounge^

*Subject to availability. Competition closes 24 January 2026. For more details, see the full T&Cs apply.

VISIT THE CHANDELIER BAR AND INDULGE IN SUMMER FRUIT FLAVOURS WRAPPED UP IN ELEGANT REFINEMENT, DESIGNED TO ELEVATE YOUR EVENT EXPERIENCE.

Enjoy the delicately floral Pink Lychee Martini with hints of rose petal, savour the sophistication of our Sour Passionfruit Margarita, or indulge in a Rum Punch with layers of pineapple laced with honey and mango, perfectly finished off with a pineapple crown shard. SUMMER COCKTAILS ARE JUST $16 EACH!

MAKE SURE TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS TO OUR PREVIEW PERFORMANCE OF CIRQUE ALICE ON CHRISTMAS EVE BECAUSE WE’VE GOT A SPECIAL TREAT IN STORE FOR YOU!

Find one of our roaming ushers who will be handing out some Christmas Treats to make your Christmas Eve even sweeter!

Don’t have your Cirque Alice tickets yet?

BOOK NOW

SIP & SAVE 15% OFF

TO ACCESS PRIORITY TICKETS AND MORE JOIN MY COLISEUM

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Our friendly staff are always on hand and happy to assist you with any requirements you may have to ensure you get the MOST out your Coliseum Theatre experience.

Our Concierge team is easily recognisable in their red vests. They welcome any questions you may have during your visit and will assist you in any way they can.

On arrival our ticketing staff will be waiting on the Crystal Bridge, ready to ensure your smooth entry into the venue.

To assist in this process, we recommend you have your tickets ready either physically or on your smart device for scanning and a quick and seamless entry.

Did you know we now have Gift Wallets available for just $1 at the West HQ Box Office! They are the perfect accompaniment to elevate your ticketing experience.

SUMMERTIME, AND THE LIVING IS EASY……

Join us as we launch our new Seasonal Cocktail Collection ‘SUMMER’ at the Chandelier Bar, making their debut at Sooshi Mango on December 6.

Indulge in summer fruit flavours wrapped up in elegant refinement, designed to elevate your evening.

Enjoy the delicately floral Pink Lychee Martini with hints of rose petal, savour the sophistication of our Sour Passionfruit Margarita, or indulge in a Rum Punch with

layers of pineapple laced with honey and mango, perfectly finished off with a pineapple crown shard.

Treat yourself on arrival, pre-order from the Chandelier Bar for intermission, or indulge in a nightcap after the performance.

For safety reasons, all beverages must be transferred to our eco-friendly bio cups before entering the auditorium.

We love to ensure we have a wonderful selection of new and relevant offers for our audience at the Chandelier Bar. We recently celebrated two new additions to our menu.

CinCin joined us at Celeste Barber in August with their divine canned cocktails - Bellini (Peach Juice, Prosecco & Sparkling Water), Frenchie (Lemon Juice, Gin, Prosecco & Sparkling Water) and Caipirinha (Passionfruit Juice, Lime Juice, Vodka & Sparkling Water).

7000 Islands were the perfect accompaniment to South Border in September with their Finest Filipino Craft Beer. Brewed with Filipino Ube and Coconut, ‘Paint Me Purple’ Ube Lager is an uber tasty all natural Dark craft beer. Experience our newest additions to the menu at the Chandelier bar on your next visit.

WELCOME TO WONDERLAND

Dear readers of My Coliseum Magazine

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you my excitement about our upcoming show, “Cirque Alice,” which will soon grace the stage at the iconic Coliseum Theatre. I’m Ash Jacks (McCready) one of the creative directors behind this WONDERful production, alongside my talented co-Creative Kirsty Painter we have poured our hearts and souls into crafting a truly unforgettable experience.

“Cirque Alice” is a vibrant reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s beloved “Alice in Wonderland,” viewed through the whimsical lens of cirque artistry, visually stunning costumes, dreamy soundscapes of classical musical and vocals, sensational dance, puppetry and kaleidoscopic lighting . We’ve unleashed our creativity to bring to life a cast of characters that are as wild and wacky as you can imagine. Picture our foot-juggling duo from Ethiopia, the world’s best foot jugglers aka Icarian games, performing their ludicrous antics with unparalleled skill. Then there’s our four-person contortion act from Mongolia, who twist and bend in mesmerizing

formations to embody the essence of the Caterpillar—an optical illusion that will leave you spellbound.

Our Alice, the enchanting Layla Schillert, is an emerging star in the Australian music scene. Her hauntingly beautiful soprano will captivate your heart and leave you in tears, just as it has done for me during our rehearsals. This holiday season, “Cirque Alice” promises to be a magical experience for all ages. Whether you’re bringing your children, a partner, or gathering friends for a night out, there’s something for everyone in this show.

The production boasts a cast of 24 extraordinary acrobats, five dazzling dancers, and a virtuoso violinist who embodies the White Rabbit. Our lighting designer, Hugo Mercier from France, will illuminate the stage with breathtaking visuals, and our stunning costumes are a kaleidoscope of colour— each piece a work of art that must be seen to be believed.

After a sold-out run in Brisbane and Singapore, we are ecstatic to bring “Cirque Alice” back to Australia, kicking off at the Coliseum. This show is not just a performance; it’s a love letter to our audience, inviting you to escape down the rabbit hole into a world of wonder and excitement. I can’t wait for you to join us for this spectacular adventure and enjoy the wonderland we have dreamed for you.

See you at the Coliseum

Warm regards, Ash Jacks (McCready) Creative Director, Cirque Alice

IMMERSE YOURSELF ON STAGE AT CIRQUE ALICE

We are thrilled to announce the introduction of on-stage immersive seating for CIRQUE ALICE.

You will be transported to Wonderland and become one with the performers in a joyous acrobatic adventure filled with heart stopping moments, aerialists performing gravity defying feats, mind bending contortionists, exquisite

puppetry and so much more.

It will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

Immersive on-stage seating is a once in a lifetime experience and the perfect gift this Christmas, experience the magic and be in the moment.

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN WONDERLAND WITH TICKETS FROM $69

PAPPARAZI

We love seeing our patrons enjoying themselves - were you snapped at ICEHOUSE, Anastacia or Suzi Quatro?

FALL IN LOVE ALL OGRE AGAIN

Everyone’s favourite ogre is back and joining us at the Coliseum Theatre!

Don’t miss this hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film – Shrek the Musical.

Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek....” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey

alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand... and his name is Shrek.

Full of all of your favourite songs from the full version, great dancing and endless opportunities for creative staging and design, Shrek is a sure-fire hit for your family this summer!

Join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and a whole cast of fairytale misfits on a hilarious adventure in a far, far away kingdom. Whether you’re laughing at the witty banter or tapping/dancing your feet away to the catchy tunes, this show is packed with fun for everyone. Running for approximately 2 Hours long, it’s the perfect experience for audiences of all agesespecially those aged 4+

Shrek is playing at the Coliseum Theatre 22 – 24 January

SECURE YOUR SEATS NOW.

JOIN US FOR SHREK-TASTIC FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Get your SHREK THE MUSICAL tickets and have a Shrek-tastic DAY OUT before you see the SHOW!

Enjoy Face Painting for your little Princess or Ogre… or get creative with balloon twisting!

Head into Eat Street at West HQ to take part in all the FREE family fun!

21 & 22 Jan – 12.30pm – 3.30pm

23 Jan – 12pm – 3pm

24 Jan – 11am – 2pm

Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out!

BOOK NOW

BACKSTAGE

We were honoured to have global Tiktok sensations @Ben.and.Zara on site showing off their lip-sync talents and filming with Anastacia herself!

The Coliseum was in full party mode on Friday 26 September with USA pop star ANASTACIA in the house. The audience was loving it and relived their 00s nostalgia moments celebrating 25 years of Anastacia’s success.

absolutely rocked the stage to a SOLD OUT crowd on October 25!

SUZI QUATRO

Photo credit: Jess Gleeson

ANASTACIA LIVE AT THE COLISEUM SEPTEMBER 2025

SUZI QUATRO LIVE AT THE COLISEUM OCTOBER 2025

Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda

YOUR ‘BEST MUSIC & ARTS VENUE’

We are proud to share that we have once again been named Best Music & Arts Venue in Western Sydney at the 2025 Western Sydney Tourism Awards—our second consecutive year receiving this prestigious honour.

This recognition is a testament to our amazing team whose passion for live performance fuels everything we do! We’re grateful for the unwavering support of our incredible community of patrons, artists and partners who make our work possible.

Western Sydney is home to an extraordinary tapestry of cultural spaces and creative voices, each contributing to a dynamic arts ecosystem that continues to grow in scale, ambition and impact. We’re proud to stand alongside our industry peers in shaping the vibrant cultural fabric of our region and strengthening its thriving visitor economy.

As we look ahead, we’re energised by an exciting lineup of productions, concerts and special events that will continue to elevate the live performance experience in Western Sydney.

L-R From Front – Alison Deboo - Snr Manager Sales & Audience Development, Trish Charan - General Manger, Reez Saidin – Ticketing Manager, Danielle Canete – Content & Campaigns Executive, Ian Zammit – Front of House Manager, Pramila Arumugam – Theatre Services Manager, Kaylan Koks

Technical Supervisor-Staging, Flo Becker – Sound Supervisor, Ed Tolland –Technical Manager