Media Release
24 January 2011
LYRIC THEATRE @ QPAC GIVEN GREEN LIGHT TO OPEN
Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is pleased to advise audiences that the
Lyric Theatre at QPAC will open for business tomorrow (Tuesday) with the first
performance of highly popular musical WICKED lighting up the Lyric stage. (Tuesday
25 January at 1pm).
QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said he is delighted the Centre is able to
welcome patrons into its Lyric Theatre after a fortnight of enforced closure due to the
recent floods.
“Despite external appearances, QPAC sustained significant damage during the
floods to our low-lying facilities including our basement storerooms and critically, the
power supply. This rendered some of our vital services inoperable including air flow,
fire and safety systems, lifts, car parking and waste management,” said Kotzas.
“After the floodwaters receded, a large and dedicated team of staff, Queensland
Government partners, emergency services personnel and contractors worked
tirelessly on the difficult job of clearing, assessing and repairing our below ground
facilities and equipment.
“At 8am today (Monday 24 January), the Queensland Government through Arts
Queensland handed the building back to QPAC management. This followed
assessment and assurance that parts of the building open to public, staff, casts and
crew were safe to inhabit.
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“This means we can now proceed with bringing the Centre back into operation in a
staggered reopening of the Concert Hall, Cremorne Theatre and the Playhouse. All
these venues will open after we have gained certification to ensure safety for staff
and the general public. Safety and security are our priorities at this time,” said
Kotzas.
“We are pleased to advise that due to the collegiate efforts of our producers,
presenters, casts and crews we have avoided cancellation of most performances and
have instead postponed these shows and rescheduled these seasons,” he said.
QPAC’s ticketing arm, qtix, now faces the massive task of contacting and relocating
upwards of 40,000 patrons who had purchased tickets for WICKED and other shows
such as Harvest Rain’s Theatre Company’s season of Aladdin and the Mysterious
Magical Lamp and Ballet Theatre of Queensland’s Alice in Wonderland into more
than 30 newly scheduled performances. This will take some time and a second call
centre has been set up to assist patrons with relocations.
Patrons affected by postponements are asked to please refrain from contacting qtix,
as lines will be congested during this time. A representative from qtix will be in
contact with patrons as soon as possible to move them into another performance.
Please note that the following performances have been postponed:
•
WICKED performances 11-23 January inclusive. (New season now
commences Tuesday 24 January)
•
Harvest Rain Theatre Company’s season of Aladdin and the Mysterious
Magical Lamp 6-22 January – postponed (dates to be confirmed)
•
Harvest Rain Theatre Company’s return season of Jesus Christ Superstar
3-20 February – postponed until June (dates to be confirmed)
•
Ballet Theatre of Queensland’s Alice in Wonderland 19-22 January –
postponed until 19-20 April.
•
The Whitlams and Queensland Symphony Orchestra 21-22 January (new
dates are yet to be confirmed)
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QPAC patrons should note that Car parks throughout the Cultural Centre remain
closed. Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) - a short 10 minute walk
to QPAC - will open their car parks for QPAC patrons and those patrons who have
pre-purchased car parking vouchers can use them at BCEC car parks*.
As there are a limited number of car parks available, QPAC patrons are encouraged
to car pool or use public transport.
“As QPAC recovers from the damage caused by the devastating Queensland floods,
and regains normality of operations, I would like to thank our government partners,
customers, staff and the many contractors and emergency services personnel for
their hard work, support and patience through this difficult time,” said Kotzas.
“This has been an extremely challenging time for our state and we hope that
presenting this internationally acclaimed production of WICKED in our theatre, will
bring some fun and magic to our audience’s hearts,” he said.
For further information updates go to:
Facebook: facebook.com/atqpac
Twitter: @qpac
Web: www.qpac.com.au
-Ends*Entry to BCEC car parks is limited to Merivale and Melbourne Streets. Parking at
BCEC car parks 1 and 2 can only accept cash at this time (no credit cards or eftpos)
Parking fees are $14 for up to 6 hours.
Media Enquiries:
Stefan Treyvaud 0422 199 354