Australia's newest critically acclaimed musical comedy is on its way to Parramatta with Riverside Theatres and Sydney Festival set to host the premiere NSW season of BANANALAND in January 2024.
From the award-winning song writing team behind Muriel's Wedding The Musical, BANANALAND follows the story of unpopular punk rock protest band Kitty Litter and how they turn their fortunes around by finding an audience with children.
Featuring a score by award-winning Australian singer songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke and her collaborator-partner Keir Nuttall, with direction by Simon Phillips (Muriel's Wedding, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Ladies in Black) and music theatre star Max McKenna (Muriel's Wedding The Musical, Jagged Little Pill), Bananaland is not to be missed.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said it's a coup for Sydney's central city.
"What a way to kick off 2024 in Parramatta with an incredible performance backed by some of Australia's biggest names in music and theatre," Cr Esber said.
"BANANALAND went off with a bang when it first opened at Brisbane Festival in September and now Parramatta is again breaking ahead of the pack with Sydney Festival and Riverside Theatres partnering to bring us this hilarious and fun show."
Riverside Theatres director Craig McMaster said he was excited to welcome another fantastic show to Riverside Theatres.
"Our partnership with Sydney Festival grows from strength to strength each year and we are super excited to this year present this hilarious and all new premiere Australian musical," Mr McMaster said.
"BANANALAND is that perfect blend of great songs, crazy, loveable Aussie characters and laugh out loud script that is just the way to kick off Riverside's 2024 season of amazing shows. BANANALAND is sure to be a heap of fun and the hit of the summer, and we can't wait to premiere it right here in Parramatta!"
Sydney Festival director Olivia Ansell said she was looking forward to partnering with City of Parramatta again.
"Another exhilarating summer of art arrives to Parramatta this January with the joyously cheeky and delightfully absurd BANANALAND," Ms Ansell said.
"Together, Kate, Keir and Simon have crafted a new Australian production that's about staying true to yourself and following your dreams - full of heart and laughs, with catchy songs and a host of characters you won't forget.
"Year on year, City of Parramatta, Riverside Theatres and Sydney Festival continue to grow and expand audiences attending the festival's program in Parramatta. Last year's runaway hit Afrique en Cirque was a sell out success and Sydney Symphony Under the Stars attracted its highest free attendance since moving to the Crescent at Parramatta Park. We can't wait to share what else is in store for Sydney Festival 2024 later this month."
BANANALAND is produced by Brisbane Festival & Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Presented by Sydney Festival at Riverside Theatres, BANANALAND will run from 3-14 January 2024. To secure your seats visit riversideparramatta.com.au
