Here’s a snapshot of the year in arts. From Jimmy Rees’ regional comedy tour announcement to the cinematic impact of ‘Barbenheimer’ and local school productions showcasing talent, 2023 was a vibrant year.
Jimmy Rees
Rees, a comedian and TikTok sensation, announced his 17-stop national tour, Let’s Get Regional, making Shepparton a destination.
His live show will arrive at Riverlinks Eastbank on Friday, April 26; part of a series of regional performances from February to July.
Building on his Giggle & Hoot days on ABC from 2009 to 2019, Rees broadened his appeal across generations through TV appearances and amassed a social media following exceeding four million.
The tour encompasses 17 regional locations across six states, including Bendigo and Albury.
Rees aimed to include rural Victoria in his content, highlighting the universality of his comedy.
The tickets went live via Frontier Touring, reflecting Rees’ intent to bring laughter to regional Australia, creating a different yet thrilling experience for diverse audiences.
Shepparton-based drag queens
Two local drag queens’ stories were highlighted in The News this year.
Navigating the seas of representation, drag queen Ashley Madison joined RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under season three, marking a monumental leap for regional queer representation.
Ashley’s journey began at Mooroopna High School, igniting her passion for drag during a school production and setting her on a path to the prestigious RuPaul stage.
She aimed to shatter stereotypes, showcasing the potential of regional queer individuals to achieve greatness.
Sean French, hailing from Whroo Forest, faced challenges in high school due to their identity, becoming a focal point for diversity checkboxes.
Despite their passion for performance, they grappled with acceptance, finding solace in the world of RuPaul’s Drag Race, eventually crafting their drag persona, Roxie Boat, as a celebration of their journey and femininity.
While celebrating their artistic expression, Roxie highlights the challenges faced by performers, especially concerning event cancellations.
Barbenheimer
The release of Barbie and Oppenheimer sent shockwaves through the cinemas around the globe, drawing crowds and setting records in the world of film.
Village Cinemas general manager Stacey Kwijas praised the films’ success, noting Barbie as the highest-grossing opening weekend comedy, raking in $21.5 million.
Meanwhile, Oppenheimer marked Christopher Nolan’s third-highest opening film.
The buzz wasn’t limited to statistics; locals shared their experiences.
Chloe Warburton, a Shepparton local, highlighted Barbie’s feminist themes and captivating casting, naming it her movie of 2023.
Jenna Bishop praised its handling of feminism and controversies, declaring it a reflection of modern society’s complexities.
News journalist Djembe Archibald delved into the ‘Barbenheimer’ experience, starting with the intense drama of Oppenheimer, commending its suspenseful storytelling.
Transitioning to Barbie, the review raved about the film, lauding its cast, plot and profound societal commentary, and acknowledging its unexpected emotional impact.
Local school productions
Westside’s Performing Arts Centre bustled with talent as students from various year levels brought classic tales to life.
Goulburn Valley Grammar School’s seniors showcased The Addams Family with orchestrated music and intricate sets, marking a return after COVID-19 disruptions.
Directed by Helen Janke, it featured iconic characters and dedicated performances from students such as Lizzie Locke and Henry White.
Meanwhile, the junior students were impressed with Moana Jr, mastering Pacific languages for a heartfelt portrayal.
Both shows emphasised familial themes and hard work behind the scenes.
Notre Dame College delivered Anastasia, earning seven Georgy Awards and recognition for the students’ outstanding performances, choreography and technical expertise.
Directed by Casey Fogarty, Klara Fennell shone as Anya.
Notre Dame made history as the inaugural recipient of the Georgy Award’s Best Junior Production category.
Shepparton Theatre Arts Group
Shepparton Theatre Arts Group was set to mesmerise audiences with two compelling productions: 12 Angry Jurors and Fiddler on the Roof, offering gripping narratives and exceptional performances.
12 Angry Jurors, adapted from the 1957 film 12 Angry Men, was a tense courtroom drama at Shepparton’s Bakehouse Black Box Theatre.
Directed by Troy McKindley, the play explored a murder trial through the lenses of a diverse ensemble, mixing STAG veterans with fresh talents.
In contrast, Fiddler on the Roof, helmed by Casey Fogarty, celebrates tradition and resilience in early 20th-century Russia.
This iconic musical starred Marc McIntyre as Tevye and Nicky Pummeroy as Golde, supported by a vibrant ensemble named Sunrise and Sunset.
The show also featured local musicians in its orchestra, conducted by Mitchell Clack.
Tom Nethersole
Tom Nethersole’s musical journey from a standout Australian Idol audition to the release of his debut single, Build a Bear, marked his transition from theatre arts to composing his music.
The Greater Shepparton artist’s upbringing on an orchard in Ardmona influences his music.
His song reflects a poignant connection to self-acceptance, inspired by the childhood nostalgia of Build-A-Bears and the notion of appreciating oneself.
He aims to convey the complexities of human experience through his music, exploring themes of body positivity and the highs and lows of life.
Following his successful debut, Nethersole ventured to Melbourne, missing the comforting presence of homegrown apples.
This experience led to his latest single, Meant To Be Alone.
Moved by his initial loneliness in the city, he installed QR codes across Melbourne, inviting anonymous messages from those feeling alone, underscoring the message that no-one is isolated, and someone is always listening.
Nethersole’s musical talent has graced various stages, displaying his ability to resonate with diverse audiences.
Beth Caldow
Beth Caldow, Tatura’s emerging musical talent, took a bold step on to the international stage with her debut single, Rose Coloured Glasses, released on October 13.
The song delves into the illusion of perfection in others.
Caldow’s vocals narrate tales of almost-romances and ‘situationships’, emphasising the allure of seeing people through rose-tinted lenses.
Influenced by acts such as Rufus Du Sol and Taylor Swift, Caldow’s diverse musical palette has shaped her evolving sound.
While a move to London meant distance from her Australian upbringing, Caldow remains rooted in her homeland, acknowledging the challenge of being away from family.
However, her artistic growth shines through her single, now available on major streaming platforms, offering listeners a glimpse into the world of Rose Coloured Glasses.
Furphy Literary Awards
Shepparton hosted the prestigious 2023 Furphy Literary Award winners’ announcement, gathering over 200 participants.
Jen Rewell claimed the top spot in the Open Short Story category with her tender narrative, Away to Me, receiving the coveted $15,000 prize and securing a spot in The Furphy Anthology 2023.
Eugenie Pusenjak’s compelling tale, The Drey, earned her the second position, bagging $3000 and a publication slot in the anthology.
Natalie Vella secured third place with The Lucky Country, winning $2000 and a spot in the anthology, delving into the migrant experience with a captivating narrative.
The Junior and Youth categories also shone bright, with Nina Samalca, Imogen Templeton, Milo Rose and Sharanya Senthil Kumar clinching victories in various story and poetry segments.
The Furphy Anthology 2023, featuring these pieces, is available online now.
Justin Smith
Esteemed author, journalist and broadcaster Justin Smith visited the Goulburn Valley to promote his latest novel, Good as Gold.
Smith, known for Cooper Not Out, engaged audiences at Shepparton and Violet Town libraries, discussing his Australian historical fiction centred on the 1861 Melbourne Cup.
Good as Gold weaves a tale of an escaped orphan, a copper and his prisoner, and a gang of bushrangers journeying to Melbourne, each with different aspirations.
Amid the quest for a new beginning and historic victory, only one can seize the coveted gold.
With a radio background and accolades in journalism and broadcasting, Smith, a Melbourne Herald Sun columnist and regular guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise and Sky News, ventured into book publishing in 2020 with Babies of the Rose.
His latest work, Cooper Not Out, debuted last year.
Shepparton Art Museum
Shepparton Art Museum unveiled an enticing exhibition lineup for the 2023 season.
Throughout the year, 17 new exhibitions graced all five floors of the SAM building.
A standout was Melbourne-based artist Ash Keating’s solo exhibit, Elevation, which opened on March 18.
Keating, known for his distinct painting techniques, showcased large-scale landscapes with dripping paint, drawing inspiration from the Goulburn Valley.
Additionally, the iconic 2010 sculpture Woman and Child by Sam Jinks returned to the museum as part of SAM’s collective show, Dance Me to the End of Love.
February highlighted local talent with FRESH: GV Top Art & Design 2022, spotlighting the final folios of the previous year’s graduating art students.
SAM chief executive Melinda Martin emphasised the focus on local stories, Australian artists and national institutional relationships.
She expressed excitement for visitors to explore diverse perspectives, materials and methods across the galleries.