Performances :
Saturday 8 February 2025, 6:00pm – 7:30pm : SOLD OUT!
Sunday 9 February 2025, 6:00pm – 7:30pm 

Tickets : General Admission $40 (+BF)
Recommended for ages 12+

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Follow Mikelangelo, the Nightingale of the Adriatic, as he sails the wild seas and the darkest depths of the ocean with his trusty guitar, his booming baritone and his sparkling accordion.

Co-created by Tracy Bourne and Michael Simic, performed by Mikelangelo.

On his adventures Mikelangelo encounters a beautiful mermaid in her underwater cave, a lonely ice queen in her frozen castle, and a huge Sperm whale from the darkest depths of the ocean.

Mikelangelo weaves songs and storytelling into a magical, mysterious voyage into the unknown. Full of laughter, imagination and unexpected twists and turns, this new solo show will captivate and delight audiences young and old, and everyone in between.

In the Belly of the Whale was created in collaboration with writer/director Tracy Bourne, who has worked on extensively in music theatre in Australia, including productions with Chamber Made Opera, Melbourne International Festival and the ABC.

Mikelangelo is the alter-ego of songwriter and creative dynamo Michael Simic. For 25 years, he has travelled Australia and the globe, as a solo performer, and fronting his long term group Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen. He has packed venues and received critical accolades from the Sydney Opera House to London’s West End, releasing 17 independent albums and building a worldwide following.

In The Belly of the Whale has its’ international premiere at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival. Following the success of the Mikelangelo and Van Diemen’s Band performances of Songs of the Sea at AWBF in 2023, we recommend you book early, as these shows are likely to sell out.

Screenings :
Saturday 8 – Monday 10 February 2025

Film Info & Session Times below

ENTRY BY DONATION

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Join us at the iconic Peacock Theatre for a captivating showcase of thought-provoking documentaries celebrating Pacific maritime history and culture, rich storytelling, and the power of film.

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Event :
Friday 7 February 2025,
5:30pm – 7:00pm

Tickets : General Admission $10 (+BF)

Celebrating 30 years of women on the water as we honour their remarkable achievements and contributions.

This special event features inspiring stories and valuable networking opportunities, with a captivating conversation led by Sarah Gilman, former ABC broadcaster and board member of Womensport and Recreation Tasmania. Don’t miss this chance to connect and be inspired by the incredible women shaping our maritime community.

Exhibition Dates :
Friday 7 – Sunday 16 February 2025
Friday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Monday – Thursday 10am – 4pm

Opening Event :
5:30pm Thursday 6 February 2025

Photographer, Tom Polacheck’s exhibition highlights Madagascar’s rich maritime heritage, where wooden boats blend influences from Southeast Asian outrigger canoes, Arab dhows, and Western schooners along the island’s 3,000 km coastline.

A photo and video exhibition that celebrates the 1000s of traditional wooden boats that still prevail along Madagascar’s 3000km coast line. Madagascar is the last large coastal region where open-ocean, wooden sailing vessels still predominate. These vessels are critical for sustaining the daily lives of the people living there. They are central for providing food and transport in a region where roads and terrestrial infrastructure hardly exist. While off the coast of Africa, Madagascar retains strong links with the Pacific and SE Asia as its original inhabitants sailed there around 1200 years ago. Since then, it has been at the cross roads of the Atlantic-Indian Ocean trade routes. It has absorbed, combined and maintained the traditions and knowledge from (1) Southeast Asian/Pacific outrigger canoes (2) Arab dhows and (3) the western gaff rigged schooners.In November 2024, five Australian’s undertook a journey of discovery to Madagascar, (including a 2 week cruise in a traditional schooner) to learn about and document its rich maritime history. Presented here is a visual display of some of what they learned and discovered about this diverse range of beautiful vessels and the people that build and sail them.

Opening Event :
Sunday 9 February 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Exhibition Dates :
Wednesday 5 – Tuesday 18 February 2025
Sunday – Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturdays 9:00am – 4:00pm

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Lagarostrobos

Ned Trewartha is known for his beautiful traditional timber dinghies built from Tasmanian timbers.
He is no longer building dinghies but now concentrating on unique furniture and lyrical sculptures. In this exhibition his work is focussed on the beauty of Huon Pine. 

Ned Trewartha has been a traditional wooden boat builder and designer/maker for over thirty years. He is well known for his handcrafted clinker dinghies built from select Tasmanian timbers. He is no longer building boats but now spending his time building furniture, small sculptures, ukuleles and when time allows playing golf.

He has always been passionate about the sustainable use of Tasmanian timbers, believing they are unique and precious and should be treated with great respect. Timber for each project is carefully selected to minimise waste. He does not like waste. Ned uses recycled timber from wherever and whenever he can. He cannot understand how these aged timbers with so much character and history can be discarded as no longer useful.

The hard won patina of age should be celebrated not trashed, and he is not afraid to show off those battle scars and  what some may see as faults, rather adhering to the concept of ‘wabi sabi’. Some of Neds’ furniture has a sculptural element but always maintains form and an honest functionality.

He feels absolutely privileged to be able to work with timbers such as Huon Pine everyday.
He and his wife Kim have created their own workshop/gallery/home at Woodbridge on the beautiful D’Dentrecasteaux Channel.

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Thalassophile

Thalassophile ‘One who loves the sea – a person drawn to the ocean… ‘
New works by award winning maritime artist Jane Flowers explore a love of sailing the ocean blue, being on boats, staring at the horizon and exploring the littoral zone.

Jane has been sailing boats for as long as she has been a professional artist. She has raced to Hobart a few times and done numerous coastal deliveries. Time on the water inspires her often dramatic and sometimes meditative oils on canvas.

Jane’s paintings capture the many moods of our ocean and waterways and express the pleasure of being in, on or around the water  – recurring themes of sea and sky, wind and water, the shape of sail and the treasures of beachcombing.

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Full Program for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2025 online HERE

Exhibition Dates :
Thursday 6 – Sunday 16 February 2025
Sunday – Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm 
Saturdays 9:00am – 5:00pm
*Early Closure on FINAL DAY : Sunday 16 February 2024 10:00am – 4:00pm

This exhibition across all mediums is inspired by water.

Tasmanian artists present their interpretation of water in all its forms. Living on an island surrounded by water gives ample opportunities to capture its moods and beauty. 

Art is for everyone. Both artists and viewers connect with an artwork in a personal way. Reflecting this bond the major prizes are awarded by People’s Choice vote by visitors.

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Full Program for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2025 online HERE

Wednesday 22 January 2025
Doors Open 5:30pm | Performance from 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Duration : 2 Hours (45 minute sets, with interval between) 

Tickets :
General Admission $15

Three incredible artists. One unforgettable night.

Join us at the Peacock Theatre for a SESSIONS Supported Gig that brings together the raw talent, soul, and storytelling of Charlie Woods, Mel Barnett, and Prophecy Mudzingwa.

Charlie Woods pours heart and soul into every note, drawing on their journey as a queer artist in lutruwita/Tasmania. Their music moves seamlessly from reflective, emotional ballads to feel-good grooves, connecting with listeners in a way that feels personal and universal.

Mel Barnett is a powerhouse of soulful vocals and commanding stage presence. With influences like Aretha Franklin and Adele, she blends timeless sounds with a modern edge, delivering performances that are full of warmth, energy, and creativity.

Prophecy Mudzingwa brings charisma and versatility to the stage, combining a dynamic voice with a passion for connecting through music. His energy and artistry will leave you hooked from the first note.

This is a night to celebrate Tasmanian talent, creativity, and the power of live performance. They’ll be backed by an incredible lineup of talented musicians, adding depth and energy to every moment on stage. Whether you’re a fan of soulful storytelling or electric stage energy, this lineup has something for everyone.

Workshops :
Wednesday 22 January 2025, 10:00am – 12:00noon
Thursday 23 January 2025, 10:00am – 12:00noon

Duration : 2 hours (per session)
Doors Open 15 minutes prior 

All Ages / Family -Friendly Workshop

Tickets :
Participant Tickets: $65 per session. Limited to 10 spots per session, participants will work directly with Penny McDonald and Jacob Golding, receiving personalized guidance in applying Alexander Technique principles.
Audit Tickets: $25 per session. Auditors will observe the process, gaining valuable insights into Alexander Technique and its application in performance and well-being.

Experience the transformative power of Alexander Technique in this exciting Masterclass with Penny McDonald and Jacob Golding. Designed for performers and anyone eager to learn, the event offers participation and audit options. With limited spots available, don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore Alexander Technique in Hobart.

Alexander Technique: LIVE! brings the transformative practice of Alexander Technique to the iconic Peacock Theatre in Hobart. Led by Penny McDonald, alongside Jacob Golding, this Masterclass provides an incredible opportunity to experience and witness first-hand how Alexander Technique enhances movement, presence, and well-being, particularly in the performing arts.

This event follows the widely used Participant/Audit format, a structure that offers deep learning opportunities for everyone involved. Participants work directly with Penny and Jacob, receiving personalised guidance as they explore Alexander Technique in action, while auditors observe the process, gaining valuable insights from a broader perspective.

This format has been successfully utilized by leading acting coaches around the world, including Howard Fine, a world-class acting coach renowned for integrating Alexander Technique into his Masterclasses. Howard’s approach demonstrates how Alexander Technique can empower performers to unlock their full creative potential, a philosophy echoed in this Masterclass.

With only 10 participant spots available, this is a unique opportunity to engage directly with the work live on stage or enjoy the equally valuable experience of auditing.

Thursday 23 January 2025
Doors Open 5:30pm | Performance from 6:00pm – 11:00pm

Duration : 5 Hours (15 minute sets for each performer) 

All Ages Event

This is a FREE EVENT, but booking is essential

The SESSIONS Project: LIVE! is the beating heart of the program and the foundation of the 2025 relaunch at the iconic Peacock Theatre. This free core event not only celebrates Tasmanian talent through our signature 15-minute open rotating concept but also plays a central role in supporting the vibrant performances, workshops, and events surrounding it.

Showcasing music, performance, and creativity, this all-ages event embodies the spirit of connection and community that The SESSIONS Project is all about. With a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere, it sets the tone for an unforgettable celebration of local artistry.

Performers will be announced in the lead-up, promising a diverse lineup of musicians, artists, and creatives. Tickets are free but essential and can be booked now through our new website. Don’t miss this celebration of talent, creativity, and the Tasmanian arts community.

Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 January 2025
Full Performance & Workshop Schedule available via The SESSIONS Project website

The SESSIONS Project is more than an arts event – it’s a celebration of local Tasmanian talent, creativity, and community. After a 12-month hiatus, The SESSIONS Project is relaunching at the Peacock Theatre in January 2025 with a 2-day series of specialised events. Discover unforgettable performances that inspire connection and celebrate Tasmania’s thriving arts scene.

This milestone event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for The SESSIONS Project. From unforgettable live performances to inspiring collaborations, we thrive on creating spaces where our creativity can shine and audiences feel connected to the heartbeat of Tasmania.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to The SESSIONS Project, this is your chance to experience the magic of Tasmanian talent like never before. Explore the full lineup on the website and join us in celebrating the incredible depth of artistry our island has to offer.