The highlights of Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat this August

Comedy greats and George Orwell settle in to Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat this month.

Nothing beats comfort during the dark of winter; something to warm you up and something to feed your mind. Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat has just the right dose of comfort on offer this month with a theatre classic and a hearty serving of comedy.

Here is what is on for August at Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat.

Keep up to date with all things arts, exhibitions and stage here.

1984

When: Wednesday 13 August, 11am & 7.30pm

Theatre collective Shake & Stir take on dystopian George Orwell novel, 1984 in this Creative Australia funded adaption. From the creative vision of Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij, and the direction of Michael Futcher, Shake & Stir unpack the BIG BROTHER surveillance society of Orwell’s world as a compelling realisation.

The synopsis reads, “It was a bright cold day, and the clocks were striking thirteen…Winston Smith, an editor at the Ministry of Truth, sits quietly. A quick swig of gin; a glance of quiet optimism toward the telescreen. Winston opens his diary, puts pen to paper, and in doing so, commits the essential crime that contains all others in itself. A radical and unprecedented act of rebellion.

Discovered, entrapped, and incarcerated in the Ministry of Love, Winston, in defending his burning desire for personal freedom, prepares for the fight of his life. Can the oppressive forces of The Party, led by BIG BROTHER, obliterate the indomitable human spirit? And what exactly awaits within Room 101?”

If you want to find out what lies behind the door, grab tickets here.

 

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Carl Baron – Just Wondering Why

When: Thursday 14 August to Sunday 18 August

“You think too much” is quite often seen as a negative characteristic. Since when is using your brain an insult? Well Carl Baron has had the verbal attack aimed at him one too many times so he’s twisting the term. No one wonders too much! Sit with one of Australia’s funniest comedy exports as he ponders – nay wonders- out loud about the small things of life, which may happen to be the big things of life.

Known for his observational humour, tap into Barron’s psyche in this side-splitting show.

Listen to his wondering here.

 

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Geraldine Hickey & Lloyd Langford Live

When: Friday 22 August, 2025, 7.30pm

Two titans of comedy team up for one night of laughs. If you don’t know Geraldine Hickey and Lloyd Langford, you’ve been living under a rock. Both have not only been huge on the comedy circuit but they’ve infiltrated the mainstream media with Hickey bringing her relatable, observational comedy to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, Question Everything, Have You Been Paying Attention?, and Thank God You’re Here. Langford has also appeared on the latter two along with being the winner of Taskmaster Australia Season 2. With a dry wit and impeccable timing, Langford leans effortlessly into the laughs.

Collect your tickets here.

 

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In addition to these hero shows, Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat boasts an epic program across the backend of 2025. RocKwiz Live, The Animals, John Butler and The Cat Empire are just some of the musical acts taking to the stage while Duck Pond, Looking For Alibrandi and Romeo and Juliet are part of their performance program.

Find out more about what’s on at Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat and book your tickets to shows here.