To celebrate the release of Rich Haridy's new non-fiction book ‘Trip Reports’, we're hosting a launch at the Theatre. The event will feature a Q&A with the author hosted by the Australian Psychedelic Society (APS), alongside a rare screening of Martin Scorsese's yuppie nightmare comedy, After Hours (1985).

6:30pm: Book launch + Q&A

Investigative journalist Rich Haridy spent two years diving into the world of psychedelic science and medicine in Australia. The result, his first book ‘Trip Reports’, begins by taking the reader all the way back to 1960s Melbourne when LSD was regularly prescribed by psychiatrists before shooting forward to the present day where we find microdosing, MDMA therapy, and magic mushroom genetics under the research microscope.

Join us before the movie for an exclusive, and likely provocative, conversation with Haridy, hosted by APS member and Associate Professor at the National Drug Research Institute, Monica Barratt.

7:45pm: After Hours (1985)

Desperate to escape his mind-numbing routine, uptown Manhattan office worker Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne) ventures downtown for a hookup with a mystery woman (Rosanna Arquette). So begins the wildest night of his life, as bizarre occurrences—involving underground-art punks, a distressed waitress, a crazed Mister Softee truck driver, and a bagel-and-cream-cheese paperweight—pile up with anxiety-inducing relentlessness and thwart his attempts to get home. With this Kafkaesque cult classic, Martin Scorsese—abetted by Michael Ballhaus’s kinetic cinematography and scene-stealing supporting turns by Linda Fiorentino, Teri Garr, Catherine O’Hara, and John Heard—directed a darkly comic tale of mistaken identity, turning the desolate night world of 1980s SoHo into a bohemian wonderland of surreal menace.

‘Trip Reports’ will be available for sale at the venue and the author will be present for signings before and after the screening.

AFTER HOURS (1985) + TRIP REPORTS Book Launch

Hot off the heels of a wild year touring Canada and Australia in 2025, Melbourne Ska Orchestra just can't keep still. The spaghetti western wagon trail rolls on with the super deluxe edition of their acclaimed album The Ballad of Monte Loco with all the faves, plus a swag of brand-new tracks, blistering live recordings, and honky tonk renditions of MSO staples. It's braver, meaner and wilder than anything they've done before. So saddle up, partner: this here posse is riding into a town near you, and you do not want to miss the showdown.

Monte Loco Rides Again... Melbourne Ska Orchestra *SELLING FAST*

One of Australia's most beloved and enduring rock bands, You Am I, today announce STRUNG UP, a special run of east coast Australian performances celebrating the 30th anniversary of their seminal 1996 album Hourly Daily. Featuring handpicked orchestral manoeuvres from Hourly Daily and selections from across their entire career, the tour will bring these iconic songs to life in a spectacular new live experience.

Taking in some of the country's most prestigious stages this October and November, STRUNG UP will see You Am I reimagine selections from Hourly Daily alongside fan favourites from across their celebrated catalogue, joined by a string quartet for a series of uniquely ambitious performances.

Kicking off with their first ever show at Sydney Opera House (Concert Hall) on October 18, the tour will swing through Brisbane’s Tivoli for two shows and Melbourne’s Recital Centre for two shows, completing the run on November 6.

But for one special limited capacity showcase of the show before the Sydney Opera House... Theatre Royal Castlemaine Oct 10th.

A landmark record in Australian music history, Hourly Daily debuted at No.1 on the ARIA Albums Chart and remains one of the defining releases of the 1990s. Three decades on, its rich melodies, storytelling and unmistakable character provide the perfect foundation for this one-of-a-kind concert experience.

Frontman Tim Rogers says the opportunity to revisit the band's music through a new lens is one the group has enthusiastically embraced.

"Our peculiar brand of musical thuggery has oft been blessed by instrumental finery. Working with musicians of less traditional RnR stripe is thrilling and invigorating. Pomp and circumstance with our grubby thumping heart pushing the bunch of us forever onward."

From the sweeping nostalgia of Hourly Daily classics to carefully selected deep cuts and career-spanning highlights, STRUNG UP promises an unforgettable evening showcasing the depth, wit and musicality that have made You Am I one of Australia's most revered live acts.

YOU AM I – STRUNG UP EAST COAST AUSTRALIAN TOUR

SAT 10 OCT | Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

SUN 18 OCT | Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney

THU 22 OCT | The Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane

FRI 23 OCT | The Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane

THU 5 NOV | Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne

FRI 6 NOV | Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne

YOU AM I - STRUNG UP (Early show!) *SELLING FAST*

Ruth Moody – “The Wanderer Returns” Tour

Back by popular demand, Ruth Moody returns to Australia with The Wanderer Returns Tour. An award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Moody is known for her luminous soprano and evocative songwriting that have captivated audiences around the world. As both a solo artist and founding member of The Wailin’ Jennys, she has earned two JUNO Awards and performed to rapt audiences in sold-out venues across the globe. Her latest album, Wanderer, is a moving chronicle of her life’s journey over the past decade.

Ruth’s other solo albums The Garden and These Wilder Things received a glowing reception from fans and critics alike. Her collaborations with the legendary Mark Knopfler on These Wilder Things and his albums Privateering and Tracker brought her voice to music lovers across the world and saw her performing in Europe and the UK in legendary venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, both as a support act and as a guest in Mark’s band.

Ruth lives on the wild west coast of Canada and when she is not on the road with her band or The Wailin’ Jennys, she spends her time writing, hiking, and keeping up with her nine-year-old son.

“Possibly possesses the prettiest voice in all of North Americana these days” - Huffington Post

“Ruth Moody hits the ball out of the park” - No Depression

“Moody’s pure soprano and poetic lyrics hold centre stage” - Billboard Canada

With special guest Sadie Mustoe

With special guest Sadie Mustoe: Sadie Mustoe, a pop-indie-folk storyteller, guitarist and violinist grown from the hills of Belgrave, delivers twisting melodies that draw audiences into a world of magical realism. Sadie creates something organic that could be the soundtrack for any modern fantasy story; full of colour, epic sounds and evocative lyrics.

“Sadie Mustoe is a rare talent. A brilliant musician and singer songwriter beyond her years! Sadie’s voice is like no other - hauntingly beautiful almost like our very own Joni Mitchell.” - Gina Jeffreys

RUTH MOODY (CAN) “The Wanderer Returns” Tour

Back by popular demand after a 10-year sabbatical, The Drones are reforming for a one-off tour of Australia in 2026.

Sauntering along the edges of chaos and precision, The Drones built a reputation off the back of their iconic live shows, delivering epic performances that are both confrontational and liberating at the same time. Led by Gareth Liddard (Tropical F Storm, Springtime, Spencer P Jones and The Nothing Butts, Bond Odyssey), one of the most uncompromising, distinctive songwriters of modern times, marked by his dense poetic lyricism and spitting vocal style. Lauded by peers, fans and critics alike for his blend of political commentary, dark humour, vivid storytelling and brutal musical conveyance.

These shows will feature songs spanning their seven studio albums! Don't miss your chance to see one of Australia's greatest underground bands live. This is a one-off tour, joined by Mess Hall.

THE DRONES *SELLING FAST*

The iconic Pseudo Echo are taking you to FUNKY TOWN with a thrilling national tour, showcasing a dynamic six-piece line-up that promises to elevate the live experience to new heights. Fans can expect an unforgettable blend of pulsating rhythms, electrifying keytars, blazing guitars, and cutting-edge synchronized visuals that will transport you back to the vibrant 80s with a modern edge. The tour coincides with the exciting release of a brand-new album “Machine Remixes,” featuring innovative reinterpretations of their classic hits including the band’s timeless international number one smash hit “Funky Town” !

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the legendary sound and electrifying energy of Pseudo Echo as they bring their music to life across Australia!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtoiYUA9A8c

We look forward to welcoming you to the Theatre Royal.

Bar open from 4pm

Kitchen opens from 5pm - menu (we offer a delicious, fast-paced pizza menu with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating available)

All shows have a small amount of unallocated balcony seating, but are set up as standing room and general admission, unless specifically promoted as a “fully seated show”.

Make sure to visit our Beer Garden (open in the warmer months).

Please note that trains to Melbourne / Kyneton / Bendigo etc usually run post event. Check the Vline schedule for specific show date

PSEUDO ECHO - Take Me to Funky Town Tour *SELLING FAST*

Mudhoney

"When it comes to grunge or even just Seattle, I think there was one band that made the definitive music of the time. It wasn't us or Nirvana, but Mudhoney. Nirvana delivered it to the world, but Mudhoney were the band of that time and sound." - Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)

--

Seminal Seattle four-piece Mudhoney return to Australia this October to play a bunch of club shows and headline 4ZZZ FM’s “Zed 51” Festival. The grunge pioneers also add a handful of New Zealand dates for the first time in over a decade.

Since forming in 1988, Mudhoney quickly became the flagship act for legendary independent label Sub Pop and to date has released over 25 official primary releases spanning over three decades.

Their provocative debut single ‘Touch Me I’m Sick’ and 1992 hit ‘Suck You Dry’ cemented them as pioneers of the late 80’s early 90’s grunge explosion, with their sound an instrumental foundation of the era. In 2023 they released their 11th studio album ‘Plastic Eternity’ showing no signs of slowing down.

“Seeing Mudhoney live is a masterclass in primal, unapologetic garage-punk consistently delivering high-octane shows defined by fuzzy, sludgy guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Mark Arm's signature snotty, throat-shredding vocal delivery” – themusic.com.au

MUDHONEY (US)

Mandisi Dyantyis is a vocalist, trumpeter and composer whose powerful blend of jazz, soul and South African musical traditions has captivated audiences across the globe. A multi-award-winning artist, Dyantyis has headlined major festivals, sold out every major venue in South Africa, and earned widespread acclaim for Cwaka — winner of Best Adult Contemporary Album at the South African Music Awards and with over 20 million streams.

In 2021, 2023 and 2026, Dyantyis was selected to perform at Herbie Hancock’s International Jazz Day Global Concert. He has also performed as a soloist with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, is the associate director and musical director of Isango Ensemble Theatre Company, has lectured at Havard University and composed music for documentaries and ballet.

For this tour, Dyantyis premieres a new collaboration with Melbourne collective Afrospace Interchange, a group dedicated to celebrating the rich tradition of South African jazz. Led by legendary drummer Brian Abrahams (Sarah Vaughan, Abdullah Ibrahim, Archie Shepp), Afrospace Interchange has built a vibrant cultural exchange between Australian and South African music scenes through a cult weekly residency at Old Plates Record Bar, bringing the joy, groove and spirit of this music to new audiences.

Mandisi Dyantyis (South Africa) & Afrospace Interchange

Stiff Gins - the acclaimed duo of Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta woman Kaleena Briggs and Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson - stand as Australia’s longest-currently-performing all-Indigenous female group. With more than two decades of music-making, they bring audiences a powerful blend of music, culture and language, delivered through breathtaking harmonies and warm, witty storytelling.

Their performances create an atmosphere of joy, spirit and deep connection, all while Kaleena and Nardi continue to nurture emerging First Nations musicians and share their artistry with audiences around the world. Their newest album, Crossroads, has been recognised as a finalist in the NSW Music Prize for Best First Nations Album, underscoring their ongoing impact as cultural leaders and musical innovators.

Produced by Syd Green, Crossroads weaves together folk, roots and Indigenous languages with refined lyrical storytelling, reflecting both personal evolution and the strength of their long creative partnership. It stands as their most accomplished work yet - a testament to their enduring place in Australia’s musical landscape.

“Stiff Gins’ distinctively tight vocal harmonies will stun and seduce you simultaneously.”- Diaspora World Beat

With special guest Kerryn Fields.

Kerryn Fields is a New Zealand-born artist and Folk/Americana troubadour whose live shows feel grounding, intimate and profoundly alive. Fuelled by reverence, integrity and a deep spiritual connection to the human experience, she paints timeless musical portraits that guide us back to ourselves with rare tenderness and clarity. A multi-award-winning musician, broadcaster, and widely adored storyteller, Fields is known for turning every room into a warm, wild, unforgettable gathering. With her showstopping voice, wry humour, and storytelling that cuts straight to the heart, she creates the kind of nights that stay with you long after the lights come up.

“Utterly irresistible.” - Beat Magazine

Revive Live – an Australian Government initiative

STIFF GINS

Meg Washington is a platinum-selling, award-winning, and genre-defying singer-songwriter who fluently weaves the worlds of jazz, pop, folk and musical theatre together.

Solo, Meg’s shows are an intimate, captivating spell. Alone at the piano, the soaring melodies and lyrical poetry of her songwriting are laid bare, as Meg makes her way through a selection of songs from her impressive five-album catalog. Each night is truly unique, with a setlist often chosen according to the special, connected moment that is shared between artist and audience.

On The Everything’s Going to Be Fine Tour, Meg brings her unforgettable show around Australia, providing a rare opportunity to hear Meg’s electrifying voice up close and to experience one of Australia’s best musicians in a never-to-be repeated live performance.

MEG WASHINGTON: The Everything’s Going To Be Fine Tour

Screening of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2017), and panel discussion exploring regional climate action with local climate action leaders of past, present and future.

Part of the 20 Years of Climate Action events being held in acknowledgement of MASG’s 20th anniversary of incorporation. Fundraiser for Mount Alexander Sustainability Group.

Supported by Mount Alexander Shire Council and the Theatre Royal Castlemaine.

Event schedule:

3pm: Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country

Film screening

Q and A panel discussion

5.30pm: Join us in the garden for a chat after the event!

AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL (2017): a fundraiser for Mount Alexander Sustainability Group.

Efficient Space presents an evening of experimental dub and blues-infused sounds, featuring Luritja singer Keanu Nelson and blues singer and Walmatjarri Elder Kankawa Nagarra.

Hailing from Papunya/Warumpi, NT, Keanu Nelson previews his forthcoming second album alongside producer Yuta Matsumura. Together they road test their evolving, way out “dub country” sound through unreleased songs and cuts from his celebrated debut Wilurarrakutu.

Joining him is Kankawa Nagarra, the 83-year-old Walmatjarri Elder, teacher, activist and blues singer from Wangkatjungka, WA. From cultural songs at ceremonies to hymns, gospel and country, she discovered the blues years later after hearing a busker in Derby. Her album Wirlmarni, recorded with Darren Hanlon in the Kimberley, was awarded the 20th Australian Music Prize. With a follow-up underway, Kankawa will also share new material at the Theatre Royal.

Revive Live – an Australian Government initiative

Keanu Nelson & Kankawa Nagarra

Theatre Royal

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Since 1854
Established in 1854, Theatre Royal began its life providing live entertainment for the thousands of diggers who migrated to central Victoria in search of gold. 

One of the first "picture palaces" to screen silent movies in 1919 and then the 'talkies' followed, Theatre Royal is firmly cemented in the evolution of Australian cinema. 

Proudly one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the Southern Hemisphere, this historical business also holds an important place in the hearts of the Castlemaine community, coming to represent the beating heart of our vibrant, artistic town. 

A cinema, a live music venue, a bar, a bottle shop and a cultural institution all housed within a heritage listed building, Theatre Royal is a truly unique place.

ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE.

The Theatre Royal Castlemaine stands on Dja Dja Wurrung country. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Dja Dja Wurrung people, as the traditional custodians of this land, and to their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to any First Nations people who are viewing this today. We acknowledge that Aboriginal sovereignty has not been ceded.

THE ICONIC THEATRE ROYAL PROVIDES THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A  UNIQUE EVENT

Share your memorable event inside this iconic venue that has hosted world class performers from around the globe and enjoy the Theatre Royal’s warm hospitality. 

TR offers a unique space as a wedding or party venue, allowing you and your cohorts to take over the venue and put on your own rock and roll party! A large, paved, beautiful garden space can hold up to 300 people for a ceremony outdoors before heading inside to make full use of the famous music venue’s stage, dance floor, cinema screen and historical atmosphere.

Live out your rockstar or cinematic fantasy and make use of the Greenroom! Couples and their closest friends can make use of the backstage accommodation, which features two double rooms and separate bathroom with claw-foot bath

Theatre Royal

Events