10 July 2025
THE LORD OF THE RINGS - A MUSICAL TALE NOW PLAYING AT HOTA
Middle-earth has arrived on the Gold Coast.
HOTA is now home to the spectacular, critically acclaimed The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale — a theatrical epic reimagining Tolkien’s iconic story for the stage. With a star-studded cast and breathtaking staging, this production has been hailed as “the greatest show on Middle-earth” by The Guardian (UK).
Join musical theatre stars Jemma Rix, Ian Stenlake, Rob Mallett and Rarmian Newton as they lead a stunning ensemble through a story of courage, hope and destiny.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering the legend for the first time, this is your chance to experience the magic live — but only until 13 July.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime theatrical event.
CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE HIT MUSICAL 'IN THE HEIGHTS' COMING TO HOTA
In the Heights, the Tony award-winning musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, has just announced the cast will be bringing the heat, passion and heart of Washington Heights to the main stage of HOTA this September.
Led by Ryan González (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Usnavi, and Olivia Vásquez (West Side Story) as Vanessa, returning to their celebrated roles from the Sydney run. Joining them will be Richard Valdez as Piragua Guy and Mariah Gonzalez as Nina Rosario alongside Ngali Shaw as Benny. This is an incredible cast to bring In The Heights to the Gold Coast.
With its high-energy dance numbers, soulful storytelling, and unforgettable music, In The Heights is a must-see theatrical event. This vibrant celebration of community, culture, and the pursuit of dreams blends hip hop, salsa, and Latin rhythms into an infectious musical theatre score.
You can catch In the Heights at HOTA Home of the Arts this September.
CAVALCADE: WHERE DRAMA MEETS DRESSAGE ON THE SANDS OF BROADBEACH
PART OF BLEACH*2025 PROUDLY PRESENTED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
Get ready for an unforgettable close to BLEACH* 2025 with Cavalcade — an epic open-air performance blending opera, orchestral music, and equestrian artistry, all set on the golden sands of Kurrawa Beach from Saturday 9 - Sunday 10 August.
From the creative genius of Michael Zavros and under the masterful direction of Gavin Webber, "Cavalcade" promises to be the grand finale to a bumper festival lineup.
Featuring a 24-piece live orchestra, dramatic opera at sunset, and powerful storytelling through equestrian movement, this one-of-a-kind event promises a sensory feast unlike anything else on the festival calendar.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of one Bleach* Festival's most anticipated events.
Location: Equestrian Theatre, Kurrawa Beach, Broadbeach
Dress Code: Black tie meets beach vibe (yes, board shorts welcome)
BLEACH* FESTIVAL BRINGS THE BEAT BACK WITH SOME CLASSIC NIRVANA
As part of Bleach Festival, 22 Drummers fronted by Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson will pay homage to Nirvana. A retrospective that celebrates their iconic 1992 Fisherman’s Warf performance, that lives in the DNA of the Gold Coast Music Scene.
This epic production will fill HOTA’s Outdoor Stage with a backline of 22 community and professional drummers, keeping the beat and thrashing it out to the rock songs that defined a generation.
Hosted by Bachelor Girl’s Tania Doko, and featuring a line-up of bands curated by the team at Gold Coast Music Network with The Vanns, Ella Fence, Ferny Fairway and Friends That Spin keeping the live music alive all night.
Drum As You Are is one of the unmissable signature events as part of BLEACH* Festival, and best of all, it's free, live and loud on HOTA’s Outdoor Stage. So grab your friends and family and celebrate this iconic night of music.
Tickets are free, but you must register to attend.
A FRESH TAKE ON A SHAKESPEARE CLASSIC
The contemporary Shakespeare company Sport For Jove is bringing Macbeth to the HOTA Main Stage this month with a fresh perspective on one of literature’s greatest plays. This muscular, contemporary production looks at today’s world through Macbeth’s eyes – an epoch where double speak is rife, where violence is a modern ecstasy and true loyalty is our most valuable commodity.
You may know the text, but this brand new production combines Scottish and English history with Greek myth, and captures what it means to be human in a time that idolises fame and celebrity above leadership and morality.
This boldly imaginative production is playing the HOTA Theatre on Friday 25 July at 10.30am & 7.00pm.
VIEW THE 26 JUNE 2025 ARTS & CULTURE UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.