Bard in the Bush presents… Much Ado About Nothing

Ruby Spinning Arts x Bard in the Bush presents…
Much Ado About Nothing

There will be love at first sight, hate at first banter, an enemies to lovers setup scheme, out of pocket jokes, rubbish poetry, and lashings of folk dance with our friends Hero, Beatrice, Claudio & Benedick. Will it all come to a nasty end when the scheming Don John gets involved? Come see our original/adapted blend of the show to find out!

The Bard- better known as William Shakespeare- returns to the parks of Mandurah once more with this funky, unhinged, whimsical re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” created, performed, crewed & produced/directed entirely by local people.

This show will be performed outdoors so we recommend audience members bring blankets, cushions & chairs to sit on, a picnic to snack on, warm gear (it can get very windy), and mosquito repellent (there is a wetlands nearby). Audiences are welcome to join us from 6pm for a 6.30pm start, seating will not be reserved. We play rain or shine just like the footy, please check the weather and bring rain gear if necessary; further advice will be issued in the case of severe storms.

  • April 25th at Batavia Reserve, 6 Crowsnest Tce, Wannanup
  • April 26th at Quarry Park, Meadow Springs
  • April 27th at Quarry Park, Meadow Springs

 

ALL SHOWS START 6.30PM

Run time 90 minutes

Recommended parental guidance, contains mild language and themes.

This original production is proudly supported by the City of Mandurah and Bendigo Community Bank Halls Head.

See the event flyer and find the event on Facebook.

PLEIN AIR DOWN UNDER OUTDOOR PAINTING FESTIVAL WEEKEND

Workshops, Paint Outs, Exhibitions, Awards & Prizes, Demonstrations and Artist Talks.

This festival celebrates everything to do with outdoor painting.

Plein Air Down Under invites artists and art lovers alike to join in the fun of the Peel Region’s outdoor painting festival.
Come and paint, or come and watch!

Over $12,000 in cash and prizes are on offer for artists accepting the challenge of capturing the character and beauty of Mandurah and Pinjarra’s natural and built environment.

 

Pre and post festival weekend activities include:

  • World Wide Paint Out: 7 & 8 September, Mandjar Square Mandurah
  • Spirit of the Landscape Exhibition, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
  • Painting Masterclasses with feature artist Lori Putnam (USA)
  •  Portrait Painting Masterclass with feature artist Tony Robinson (Ireland)
  • Plein Air Painting Masterclass with feature artist Leon Holmes (WA)
  • Watercolour Workshop with Gordon Alexander
  • Plein Air Drawing Workshop with Andy Dolphin

 

Festival weekend activities include:

  • Artists Meet and Greet at the Leon Holmes Gallery
  • Demonstrations by feature artists
  • Day and evening paint outs and festivities
  • Two-hour ‘Quick Draw’ painting competition
  • A day painting in historic Pinjarra
  • An exhibition of festival weekend artwork
  • Free have-a-go painting activities for all ages
  • Awards and prizes

 

Ticket Information:

  • FREE to watch and enjoy the surrounds
  • Youth Artist Registration (aged 18 and under) $10.00
  • Adult Artist Registration: $77.50 Standard, $62.50 Early Bird to 31 July.

Spirit of the Landscape Art Exhibition

This exhibition celebrates the vast landscapes of rural, regional and remote Australia, through the eyes of exhibiting artists.

In telling these stories, artists may choose to reference place, the people of remote communities, the topography of the landscape or the challenges of living and working in remote Australia. This carefully curated selection of award-winning artists will ensure a high standard of work while acknowledging their continued involvement and support of the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival.

World Wide Paint Out, Mandurah

Artists of all skill levels and mediums are invited to paint in this free event, as part of the 22nd International Plein Air Painters Worldwide Paint Out, hosted by the Mandurah Plein Air Artists Inc.

Bring your own paints and materials and join other outdoor painters as they capture the landscape and waterways around Mandjar Bay. During these two days artists around the world will be simultaneously painting outdoors.

All ages are welcome and the public are invited to watch individual artists while they paint.

Artists are encouraged to upload photos to #ipapgreatworldwidepaintout2024 and be part of this international plein air movement!

Saturday’s paint out is immediately followed by the opening of the Spirit of the Landscape Art Exhibition, opening inside the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre’s Alcoa Mandurah Art Gallery at 2.30pm.

Everyone is welcome.

If you like plein air painting, you won’t want to miss Plein Air Down Under, the Peel Region’s annual outdoor painting festival weekend, on 21, 22 and 23 September.

More information on www.pleinairdownunder.com

Sew + So :: the in-between space exhibition

Join us for the highly anticipated opening of CASM’s first exhibition of 2024!

‘Sew + So :: the in-between space’ showcases contemporary fibre art by 15 talented local and regional artists. Discover the beauty and significance of the ‘in-between space’ through the material and narrative sense.

Sew+ So :: the in-between space features artworks by Kate Campbell Pope, Helen Coleman, Denise Fisher, Alana Grant, Philomena Hali, Marie Mitchell, Jan Mullen, Annette Nykiel, Deidre Robb, Tania Spencer, Chelsea Turner, Susie Vickery, Jo Wassell, Louise Wells, Martien van Zuilen.

Don’t miss this unique and thought-provoking exhibition.

Exhibition opening: Sunday 4 February 1pm
Artist talks: Sunday 4 February 2pm and Sunday 17 March 2pm

Where: Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (CASM), 63 Ormsby Tce, Mandurah

Masterpieces 2K24 | Junior Masterpieces

MASTERPIECES 2K24 ART COMPETITION | 12-25 YRS
Be delighted, challenged and intrigued by the annual Masterpieces Art Competition and Exhibition celebrating the depth of talent of Mandurah’s local emerging artists. Look out for practical art workshops leading into the exhibition specifically designed for creative youths.

Venue: CASM, 63 Ormsby Tce

 

JUNIOR MASTERPIECES | 5—11 YRS
An inclusive exhibition celebrating Mandurah’s exciting community of young artists.

Venue: Mez Art Space ManPAC, 9 Ormsby Tce

Other Worlds exhibition by Alana Grant | Claire Pannell

‘Other Worlds’ invites you to wander into imaginary places.

View new artworks that place the seemingly mundane or fantastical into unusual juxtapositions, at times as a comment on society, or simply absurd and fun.

The exhibition showcases the range of mixed media the artists use in their work, with a focus on collage.

Exhibition opening: Sunday 2 June, 2pm
Artist Talks: Sunday 9 June, 11am

Paint and Sip – Abstract Night

Join Mataya for a fun evening of painting at Matatya’s new venue Nabo !

Doors open at 6:15pm. The first half an hour of all their events is dedicated to getting a drink, snacks, catching up and getting comfortable before you begin a guided painting experience.

Hollie will guide you through her 5 signature abstract steps. Follow along in your own colours to make an Abstract Art work unique to you.

Solo Paint and Sippers are welcome. Come with Friends, make it a Date Night. Everyone is welcome. And no experience is necessary.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Canvas (Ready to hang in your home)
  • All High Quality Art Materials (ie Acrylic paints, brushes)
  • Step by Step Guide from an Experienced Artist
  • Glass of Sparkling Wine / Mimosa on arrival
  • Sweet Treats
  • Good Vibes
  • Music
  • Aprons Provided
  • Bring your favourite drink and keep cup with you (Alcoholic drinks are allowed)

Note – This Event is Strictly for Adults 18+

A palette of experiences: Plein Air Down Under Festival in Mandurah

French for open air, ‘plein air’ painting is all about capturing the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject outdoors. And that’s exactly what the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival sets out to do.

Plein Air Down Under Festival in Mandurah

Discover a palette of experiences

Love to paint? Why not take it ‘plein air’!
French for open air, ‘plein air’ painting is all about capturing the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject outdoors. And that’s exactly what the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival sets out to do.

Western Australia’s largest outdoor painting festival returns this year during the September long weekend (23-25 September), providing a unique opportunity for artists to share their love of painting outdoors amongst the magnificent surrounds of Mandurah’s town centre, cultural precinct and the historic town of Pinjarra.

But you don’t have to be a Vincent Van Gogh to enjoy what’s on offer. Whatever your age or level of artistic skills – there’s something for everyone – spectators and art collectors alike.

What’s on at the festival hub

The Mandurah Performing Arts Centre is where it all comes together. It’s where you can view exhibited works, sign up for workshops, watch various painting demonstrations with guest artists and in the evening, switch off and kick back with live music.

On Saturday 23rd September, the Lotterywest Demo Zone on the Eastern Foreshore will also be buzzing with a series of free hands-on painting demonstrations. Never tried painting with watercolours? See how easy it is to get started with award-winning artist Amanda Brett.

Be sure to check out the full line-up of free events across the weekend.

plein air down under mandurah 1

Want to register as an artist?

All artists who register to paint at the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival can enter two paintings into the exhibition to be held at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. Judges will be awarding artwork across various categories and there’s a prize pool of over $12,000 up for grabs.

Head to the festival website to register.

plein air down under mandurah 3

There’s artwork to inspire you everywhere you go

Wherever you go in Mandurah, you’ll be immersed in the arts. Continuing outdoors, you’ll stumble upon some of the most creative artworks along Mandurah’s Instagram Trail

3D pelican - Mandurah Instagram Trail
Follow the Mandurah Instagram Trail to find this hungry pelican by artist Jenny McCracken

Thomas Dambo’s famous Giants are still calling Mandurah home, and with the mild weather in play, it’s the perfect opportunity to head further out and explore the Giants of Mandurah

Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone by Thomas Dambo, Coodanup Foreshore
Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone by Thomas Dambo, Coodanup Foreshore

Visit the Mandurah Visitor Centre to get started, choose the Giants you’d like to visit and embark on your self-guided expedition. Don’t forget to check out the amazing ‘Welcome to Country’ mural by artists Peta & Corey Ugle and the 3D Augmented Reality experience that brings the artwork to life by telling the Aboriginal creation story of Mandurah’s vast waterways.

3D Augmented Reality Experience at the Mandurah Visitor Centre
Come to the Mandurah Visitor Centre to enjoy a 3D Augmented Reality experience.

Leave your car at the hotel and hire an e-bike or e-scooter, or jump on a ‘Ride the Giants’ e-bike tour. You can also take a cruise with Mandurah Cruises to visit the Giant ‘Seba’s Song’ – which is best viewed from the water. See all Giants of Mandurah tours here.

Seba's Song Giant by Thomas Dambo
Seba's Song Giant by Thomas Dambo

If you need a change of pace, head indoors and visit some of Mandurah’s colourful art spaces and galleries.

Black Stump Art Gallery in Mandurah
Black Stump Gallery by Emma Blyth, Mandurah

Where to venture beyond the festival

When you feel like taking a break from all the action on land, change up the scenery and hit the open water. If you’d like to see dolphins in the wild and up close, jump on a boat tour or cruise through Mandurah’s waterways and estuaries. It’s home to more than 100 Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins – the largest population in WA. And if you’re exploring with little feet in tow, the Pirate Ship Mandurah is an absolute must! 

For more ideas on where to go and what to do, check out our top 10 things to do in Mandurah.

CC Boat Cruises in Mandurah
Cruising the Mandurah Canals in Halls Head | image courtesy: Mandurah Cruises

Explore a different kind of palate

When you’ve run your paint palette dry and worked up an appetite, there’s no shortage of places to eat in Mandurah. Our top picks include breakfast at Wood and Stone Café, a relaxing lunch that lingers into the afternoon at Boundary Island Brewery and a dinner to share at Flics Kitchen

Boundary Island Brewery
Boundary Island Brewery

Mandurah’s restaurants are always cooking up great vibes no matter where you go. From popular local haunts Brewvino and The Pen to the iconic flavours of Redmanna on the waterfront – you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are so many great places to eat and drink in Mandurah. Just be sure to book ahead and reserve your table to avoid disappointment!

The Peninsula Bar & Restaurant
The Peninsula Bar & Restaurant

Where to stay in Mandurah

If you like to stay close to all the action of the festival, you’re in luck! Some of the best accommodation in Mandurah is centrally located for your convenience. The Sebel Mandurah and Dolphin Quay Apartments are footsteps away from popular attractions and dining options.

Venture a little further along the coast and Seashells Mandurah and C Mandurah Resort & Serviced Apartments have all the facilities you need for a relaxing stay by the water.

Check out all Mandurah accommodation here.

Seashells Resort Mandurah
Seashells Resort Mandurah

And if you don’t want to leave the pooch behind, there’s plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options and experiences.

Pet friendly experiences Mandurah
Walking along the Mandurah Estuary in Falcon

The Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival kicks off the Mandurah Arts Festival. Check out ‘our guide to Mandurah’ and plan your visit now!

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A Family Day in Mandurah for only $100

Have the best day ever in Mandurah for only $100 with these fun family-friendly activities!

A Family Day in Mandurah for only $100

A Family Day out in Mandurah on a Budget

Have the best day ever in Mandurah for only $100 with these fun family-friendly activities! Whether your family are looking for an outdoor adventure, are massive foodies or, you’re a bunch of beach bums – Mandurah is full of exciting activities to make your day out a memorable one.

From the morning to the evening, Mandurah has your entire day sorted with family-fun activities that will cost you $100 or less for the entire day! Having fun on your family holiday doesn’t need to be expensive. Here, we’ve picked out our favourite ideas to keep you and the kiddos entertained from breakfast to dinner.

Idea 1: Amaze-ing Adventure

Begin your morning with a stroll around the Peel Produce Market. Hosted every Saturday morning rain, hail or shine, pick up local produce, jams, cheeses and baked goods that will make for a delicious lunch later on. All goodies are made locally, meaning it’s all high quality, delicious and affordable. 

Peel Produce Market Dawesville
Peel Produce Market Dawesville

Take your packed lunch and head on an adventure to Amaze Miniature Park! The park offers a Family Pass (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children) for $50, plus under 3 years old are FREE. 

Admission to Amaze Miniature Park also includes unlimited mini golf, hedge maze, scale model trains, lego exhibition and playground offering hours of fun for the family. Enjoy the packed lunch at the beautiful picnic area at Amaze Miniature Park and soak up the quality time with your little ones. 

Amaze Miniature Park
Amaze Miniature Park

Head back into town to explore the Instagram trail and 3D artworks. This is the perfect way to discover the city and appreciate its wonderful art and culture. 

3dart pelican mandurah-1024x768
3D pelican at blue gatehouse at Mandurah Ocean Marina

After the walk, spoil your youngsters with a visit to one of the many playgrounds in Mandurah! Sprinkled throughout the city, there’s the Caterpillar Park, Adventurescape Playground as well as Mandurah’s iconic Skatepark for those with a board or bike. Sit back and relax whilst your children play. 

With Mandurah’s many beautiful beaches, it’s essential that your family make time to visit the seaside. The hardest bit will be deciding which beach to go to – there’s simply so many to choose from! Falcon Bay, Town Beach, Pyramids Beach, Lido Beach and more. Rally the family together and visit some of the best beach spots in WA. 

Town Beach Mandurah at sunset
Town Beach, Mandurah

As dinner rolls around, pop by one of the great fish and chip shops in Mandurah. For an affordable seafood feast, we recommend Foreshore Fish & Chips, Halls Head Fish and Chips, Smiley Joe’s Fish and Chip Shop, Ginger Groper Blue Bay Fish & Chips, Sharky’s Fish & Chips… the options are endless.  

Dining at Mandurah Ocean Marina 2
Mandurah Ocean Marina

I scream, you scream, we all scream – for ice cream! Make your kiddies jump for joy with a delicious scoop of ice cream from WA’s renowned Simmos ice cream or the local Cool Eats. The perfect way to finish off a fantastic day. 

Idea 2: Explore, Eat & Repeat

All aboard on an adventure in Mandurah! 

Pack up some homemade sandwiches and head on an excursion to the Pirate Ship Cruise

Whilst the parents can admire the stunning views on the 45 minute scenic cruise, the children will be entertained with the interactive pirates. For a family-deal of $75, it’s a bargain for the whole family. Just make sure you keep an eye out for the many Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins that play in Mandurah’s waterways. 

Pirate Ship Mandurah
Pirate Cruise, Mandurah

Alternatively, the Mandurah Cruises’ Dolphin Cruise and Views offer an incredible  and interactive water experience as you cruise the Mandurah canals and estuary and spot the wonderful dolphins splashing beside the boat. The kids will have a ball watching a western rock lobster catch demonstration and seeing this iconic creature up close. Mandurah Cruises’ offer a Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children or, 1 adult & 3 children) at $79 including dolphin guarantee. 

Dolphin and Scenic Marine Cruise Mandurah
Dolphin Cruise & Views | Image courtesy of Mandurah Cruises

After the cruise, book a spot for your family on Mandurah’s Little Toot train, which takes passengers on a fun journey along the Eastern Foreshore for only $25 for the whole family! The Tourist Fun Train never fails to excite the kids and impress the parents. 

Exploring Mandurah's Eastern Foreshore aboard the Mini Toot
Exploring Mandurah's Eastern Foreshore aboard the Mini Toot

Take it easy after the day’s activities and find a spot to watch the sunset at an insta-worthy location in Mandurah. 

If you’re looking to update your family album or snap a picture to post on Instagram, Mandurah’s sunsets are guaranteed to deliver breathtaking backdrops. From the Mandurah Bridge to Stingray Point and The Lake Clifton Thrombolites – your family album will never look so good.  

Thrombolites 4 day Mandurah itinerary
Lake Clifton Thrombolites

As bellies begin to growl for dinner, we recommend making use of the great BBQ spots

You can find BBQ facilities at most reserves in Mandurah. Some of the best spots are the Eastern Foreshore Reserve, Dawesville Foreshore Reserve, Caterpillar Playground, Falcon Bay and Henry Sutton Grove. Grab some delicious snags from the local butcher and enjoy a sausage and bun on the grass.

BBQ by the beach 960x640px 2
Falcon Bay Beach

Affordable family adventures

Who said family activities had to be costly? Not us! 

Choose how much (or how little) you spend on your holiday without having to sacrifice on activities. Here in Mandurah, there’s plenty of free and affordable activities that will keep the kids entertained. 

Looking for more affordable and free activities? Check out our blogs  Visiting Mandurah On A Budget and A day in Mandurah as a couple for only $100.

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