Dale Allison and Caleb Richards will be just two of the local performers taking to the Civic Theatre stage in 2026. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
The Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre says its drive to support local performers has never been stronger, after recording large attendance numbers in 2025.
More than 58,000 people have visited the Civic Theatre already in 2025, with more than 150 shows taking place.
From international comedians to school productions, there has been a huge variety of acts taking to the theatre’s main stage.
Even with some of the world’s best talent visiting Wagga to perform, theatre manager Claire Harris said it was local talent that had drawn in the most people this year, which had led to a strong community focus for the 2026 calendar.
“Theatre is such a big part of the town,” Ms Harris said.
“Something we did this year was to bring more local musicians onto our stage. We decided to look in our own backyard instead of bringing as many touring acts through.
“This year, we had local musicians Dale Allison and Caleb Richards put on a show that was outstanding. We also had a Van Morrison Tribute Show that had people from the Bidgee Blues and Roots Club, The Groove Factorie and our Plug and Play program all take part.
“They were some of the shows that had people coming into the box office the next day, saying it was one of the best nights of their lives.
“So we just thought, this is what we need to continue. People want to see local live entertainment on stage.”
The Wagga Civic Theatre held its 2026 program launch earlier in the week, when it announced some of the local talent that will take to the stage over the next 12 months.
“Dance lovers will be captivated by All In, a fresh and fearless work by Dance Makers Collective, which will also feature local performers. Opera Australia returns with Don Giovanni, while ACO Collective brings the brilliance of Bach, Brahms and Pärt to the regional stage,” Ms Harris said.
“The Gospel According to Paul: The Second Coming and Middle Raged: The Musical adds comedy and music to the mix, while theatre favourites Macbeth and Banjo promise drama, depth and delight.
“Among the most anticipated new works is Mercury Rising, a collaboration between Re:Group – a collective of artists passionate about merging cinema and live performance – and Wagga’s own The Art Factory, a supported studio for artists with disability.
“Together, they’ll create a performance that reimagines how film and theatre can collide, placing local artists at the heart of a national conversation about storytelling and innovation.”
One of Wagga’s most adored local performers, Dale Allison, said he was excited to see so much local talent set to take the stage in 2026.
“Caleb and I are very appreciative and very lucky, as are most locals, to have the support of the city theatre and let the local talent shine,” he said.
“There’s a lot of talent in Wagga, young, old and in the middle, and these sorts of events give local talent a little chance to come out and show what everyone can do.
“The Civic Theatre is very much responsible for fostering young talent through the ranks, through the facilities that they provide at the theatre and the shows that they put on.
“It’s very warming for older people who have been around to see young people come through and see what they can do.”
Visit their website to see the full program of events.
