Laycock Street Community Theatre has launched their exciting line-up of performances to light up the stage in 2018.

Audiences of all ages will have the opportunity to “see with emotion, feel in colour” with high quality professional touring shows throughout the year. Many productions will make their debut to the Central Coast venue, while some are returning due to popular demand.

Central Coast Council Mayor, Jane Smith, said the highly anticipated 2018 season of professional shows is testament to the quality productions and live theatre available at Laycock Street Community Theatre.

“The 2018 season brings together an impressive range of live entertainment options to the Central Coast and we are honoured they have chosen to perform at Laycock Theatre,” said Mayor Smith.

“We are privileged to have a wide selection of performances available, including highly praised national and international touring productions as well as home grown performers.

“Whether you love opera, children’s theatre, ballet, live contemporary music or non-stop action, this diverse selection of shows provides many reasons why you will ‘Love Laycock’ in 2018.

“With Christmas just around the corner, tickets or gift vouchers are available to purchase for your friends and family.

“Some productions have a number of performances scheduled, while others are one time only. To avoid disappointment you are encouraged to get your tickets sooner rather than later.”

To kick off the highly anticipated season program, the national touring Prada’s Priscillas returns to Laycock Theatre on Friday 9 February 2018, following a sold out show in 2017. Creatively directed by Monique Kelly, one of the original Les Girls, the 90-minute show will take you on a musical journey from the ‘60s, through the ‘90s and into today.

Based on a true story of the world’s worst opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins, the hilarious production of Glorious! will have you falling off your seat with laughter. Be taken back to New York in the ‘40s to follow eccentric Florence through her lavish life, to see her relationships, recording sessions and performance at Carnegie Hall.

Bell Shakespeare returns in October, with its latest offering of Julius Caesar. The nationally touring political thriller masterpiece, based on the story by William Shakespeare, will take audiences on a journey as the stand witnesses to an assassination that leads to a life and death struggle for power in the Republic.

One of the oldest love stories ever told, Madame Butterfly, will fly into the hearts of the audience in September. Presented by the acclaimed Melbourne City Ballet, this professional dance performance follows a young Japanese girl “Butterfly" as she marries a US Naval Officer only to have him depart for America, ending in one of opera’s most infamous tragedies.

Kids will also be entertained and enthralled with The 78-Story Treehouse Live on Stage. Based on the popular books by Andy Griffiths, the newest instalment for kid’s aged six to 12 will hit the stage on 15 and 16 February.

The whole family is catered for in April with the much-loved story Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine. Direct from sold-out performances at the Sydney Opera House, the story has been cleverly adapted into a spectacular live show.

Following sell-out seasons all over the world, including London’s West End and Broadway, The Gruffalo Live on Stage will take kids, and their adults, on an imaginative journey full of fun and laughter. Based on the award-winning picture book, The Gruffalo, the production is suitable for younger children aged three and up.

Returning by popular demand on April 19 and 20 is the revolutionary action packed urban circus performance 360 ALLSTARS. Boasting a stellar international cast, including a two-time World Champion BMX Flatlander, World Champion break-dancers, internationally acclaimed basketball freestyler and an award-winning musician, the thrill seeking production will astonish, amaze and leave you dizzy with excitement.

Kate Miller-Heidke is bringing her classically-trained vocals and alternative pop sounds to Laycock Theatre on 19 April, armed with an incredible set of brand new arrangements and backed by a string quartet. There will be adaptations of well-loved orchestral pieces, as well as some surprises from her back catalogue. Audiences can also expect a sneak peak of some new material, as Kate road-tests songs for her next album.

To purchase tickets or for a full list of what’s on during 2018, visit www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/theatres/ or call the Box Office on 4323 3233.

Laycock Street Community Theatre 2018 season at a glance: