Big shows, local stage, without the Sydney scramble – it’s easy to see why locals head to Laycock Street Community Theatre when looking for things to do on the Central Coast.
And the 2026 season is already shaping up to be a good one.
Based in Wyoming, Laycock Street Community Theatre is one of our fave Central Coast venues for live entertainment. The program covers everything from community shows to full-scale touring productions you’d usually have to trek to Sydney for… without the parking stress or late-night drive home.
And that’s the sweet spot here. The Central Coast arts and culture scene has been building steadily over the past few years – more shows coming through, more variety, and more people making a proper night of it. We’re pretty proud of our little culture scene here!
With a line-up that changes every time you walk through the doors – from powerful live theatre and storytelling to laugh-out-loud shows – the 2026 season is set to keep Central Coast audiences busy all year.
Here are just a couple of the shows we’re looking forward to this year…
What’s On at Laycock Street Community Theatre
Lose To Win
Thursday 30 April, 7.30pm
This one is a bit special. Lose To Win is the extraordinary true story of Mandela Mathia, taking audiences from South Sudan to Australia through a deeply personal, lived experience. It’s a solo performance, but it doesn’t feel small – it’s layered, emotional, and surprisingly joyful in parts.
There’s resilience here, but also imagination, humour, and that very human ability to keep going when things get tough.
A powerful story of community, identity and survival, straight from the man who lived it. Tickets here.
Aladdin – Victorian State Ballet
Saturday 23 May, 2pm & 7.30pm + Sunday 24 May, 11am
The Victorian State Ballet brings the beloved tale of Aladdin to life in this full-length classical ballet, with all the magic you’d expect – sweeping choreography by Michelle Cassar de Sierra, elaborate costumes and a rich musical score.
You’ve got the Genie, Princess Jasmine, the Cave of Wonders, all the familiar moments, told through dance in a way that feels fresh – and that reminds you how athletic and impressive ballet is! Date night, family outing, any excuse works for this one. Book here.
FLOP
Sunday 31 May, 2pm
Even the biggest Broadway misfires have something to be proud of… surely! FLOP flips the script on musical theatre, celebrating the shows that didn’t quite land, but maybe deserved a second look.
Hosted by musical theatre superfan Arthur Hull (finalist on The Voice), this one leans into the humour, the chaos, and the surprisingly good songs that got lost along the way.
It’s funny, self-deprecating, and perfect if you love theatre but don’t take it too seriously. Get your tickets here, because there’s something oddly comforting about seeing the flops get their moment.
Water Mirror
Sunday 7 June, 2pm
We love the unexpected, and this one delivers in all the right ways. Water Mirror blends taiko drumming, dance, acrobatics and some seriously impressive visual design into a performance that’s hard to pin down – but that’s the magic of it.
Created by acclaimed artist Paulina Quinteros, it’s high-energy and visually striking, with lighting and projection bringing rhythm and movement to life. You’re not just watching it, you’re kind of pulled into it. An unforgettable experience for all ages that can be booked here.
Live Theatre and Shows on the Central Coast
Looking for things to do on the Central Coast, live theatre, or upcoming shows near Gosford? Laycock Street Community Theatre’s 2026 program is packed with performances worth adding to your calendar. From touring productions and ballet to comedy and contemporary performance, it’s one of the easiest ways to experience live entertainment on the Central Coast.
You can explore the full program and book tickets via laycockstreettheatre.com
KEEP READING: What’s on this weekend on the Central Coast NSW
2025 Program Highlights at Laycock Street Community Theatre
Mel Buttle – Taking My Sunglasses Off to Hear You Better | Saturday, July 26
Mel Buttle is the definition of booked and busy, juggling mum life, packed-out comedy shows, TV appearances, and entertaining millions as everyone’s favourite passive-aggressive mum, ‘Lyn’. Her new show, Taking My Sunglasses Off to Hear You Better, is classic Mel: warm, sharp and full of oddly specific life observations that’ll have you thinking she’s been reading your group chat. Get ready for giggles, gasps and hilariously insightful parenting content.
HANS – Young, Fun and 21 | Saturday, August 3
Berlin boy-wonder HANS – Germany’s hottest export (his words, but we’re not arguing) – is turning 21, and he’s throwing one hell of a party to celebrate. Expect sequins, sass and hilariously naughty banter in this high-glam cabaret that’s anything but subtle. A hit at Fringe festivals across the world, Young, Fun and 21 is a night for grown-ups who like their entertainment loud, proud and absolutely fabulous.
Gladys: A Musical Affair | Saturday, August 16
From Covid pressers to Wagga Wagga love scandals, Gladys: A Musical Affair takes a cheeky swipe at politics, power, and public image with a dose of Aussie satire that hits (almost) too close to home. Whether you’re politically plugged in or just love a laugh, this original production promises big ballads, political chaos and a wardrobe full of power blazers.
Are You Pulling My Leg? | Sunday, August 17
A killer lineup of comedians with disability and chronic illness, Are You Pulling My Leg? serves up brutally funny, refreshingly honest comedy – with no topic off limits. Expect big laughs, plenty of ‘did-they-just-say-that?’ moments and a powerful reminder that comedy is better when it includes everyone.
Auslan interpreted and live captioned, because access is no joke. And Laycock Street Community Theatre is a fully accessible venue, with level entry from the street to your seat.
Waltzing the Wilarra | Saturday, August 23
Set in post-war Perth, Waltzing the Wilarra is a moving First Nations musical that tells the story of a forbidden dance club, a community bound by music, and the long-buried secrets that surface decades later. History, love and politics blend with soul-stirring tunes in this powerful celebration of Aboriginal culture and community.
God of Carnage | Saturday, September 13
A playground scuffle between two boys leads to a meeting between their parents. What could possibly go wrong? In God of Carnage, the gloves come off as civility unravels and resentment bubbles over in this razor-sharp comedy of manners. With biting dialogue and brilliant pacing, this Tony Award-winning play offers a brutally funny look at what happens when grown-ups stop playing nice.
The Librarian | Saturday, October 4
This is no ordinary trip to the library! The Librarian is a joyful, high-energy comedy that brings storytime to life like never before. Kids and grown-ups alike will love the clever chaos that unfolds every time this sensible librarian opens a book. Big energy, big imagination, and loads of fun for families.
The Owls Apprentice | Wednesday, October 8 and Thursday, October 9
Young owl Poot Poot isn’t feeling very wise – but a journey through the Aussie bush might just change that. This fun, interactive puppet show is packed with shadow play, animal encounters and a sweet message about growing up, embracing differences and learning from those around us.
Velveteen Rabbit | Tuesday, April 15
First up, for something a little nostalgic, Velveteen Rabbit will be hopping onto the stage on Tuesday, April 15 with shows taking place at 11am and 1pm. Adapted from the beloved classic by Margery Williams, this heartwarming tale of love, friendship and a bunny becoming ‘real’ is beautifully brought to life with charming performances and timeless storytelling. Whether you grew up with the story or are introducing it to a new generation, this is a show that will pull on the heartstrings and remind us all what really matters.
You Are a Doughnut | Tuesday, May 20
Then, prepare to laugh and learn with the wildly clever You Are A Doughnut which is returning to the Coast and showing on Tuesday, May 20. Curious minds of all ages will enjoy this award-winning biological comedy by the team at That Science Gang. Go on a journey that is both hilarious and fascinating as you explore the human digestive system, with a sprinkling of cheeky characters, catchy songs, and enough fun facts to last you through dessert. It’s science like you’ve never experienced before – messy, marvellous and utterly entertaining.
Snow White | Saturday, May 31
And, finally, ballet brilliant ballet! If you’re anything like us, we know you’ll too get swept up by the magic and enchantment of Snow White. Performed by the acclaimed Victorian State Ballet, it features spectacular costumes, graceful choreography and a beautiful retelling of the fairytale favourite. This is an exquisite performance that promises to delight from the first pirouette to the final bow.
Of course, it’s perfect for ballet lovers of all ages, but also for theatre first-timers alike, it’s the chance to witness the captivating magnificence of classical ballet right here on the Central Coast.
2024 Program Highlights at Laycock Street Community Theatre
Radiohead Uncovered: How to Disappear Completely | Saturday, October 5th 2024 | 7.30pm
This show will delve into Radiohead’s 30-year music catalogue of alternative, experimental rock that took them onto the international stage and into our hearts. Featuring 24 songs this is Radiohead reimagined in a masterpiece of sight and sound.
Twelve sublime voices of the acclaimed vocal ensemble Eklektika, play original choral and instrumental arrangements that complement short films and live camera projections.Expect an immersive experience that will transport you back in time and move you to the core. Radiohead Uncovered is set to be a truly unique feast of the senses.
Women of Song | Friday, August 30, 2024 | 7.30pm
An intimate conversation between three First Nations singers, Jessie Lloyd, Merinda Schreiber and Dyagula, is taking place. This innovative show is about preserving knowledge through song, respecting intergenerational practices and exploring the modern-day practice and living heart of First Nations women.
Presented by Laycock Street Community Theatre, in association with Musica Viva Australia.
Double Bill – Plenty of Fish in the Sea and Oyster Boy | Friday, September 6, 2024 | 7.30pm
An incredible, yet absurd and humorous evening of Fringe Festival programming with this double bill.
Plenty of Fish is produced by Clockfire Theatre Company and in a nutshell, all about finding the perfect catch! Highly visual, darkly humourous as well as fun, cheeky and inventive. One thing is for sure and that is that a hell of an adventure is expected.
Oyster Boy is described as “a dark, absurd comedy for anyone who’s ever tried to fit in and instead been found out.” Comic legends Elizabeth Millington and Kyle Walmsley produce this black comedy about a boy who lives in an oyster and is just waiting to be shucked, but also wondering whether the world really is ready for his nutrient-rich, gender-fluid, sand-intolerant presence?
Laycock Street Community Theatre Program 2024
In March 2024, the Theatre saw a hugely successful collab with Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden. Laycock presented two family-friendly picnic-style, outdoor Shakespeare performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest.
And, then there is the Theatre’s Studio Series. Taking place in the Don Craig Room, these are intimate shows with limited seating available that are designed to hit you “in the feels” as they say! Featuring local and national musicians, fringe artists, and performers – from one of Australia’s most exciting and versatile young classical pianists, Josh Hooke, to “best theatre award winner” at Adelaide Fringe, Andi Snelling’s Happy-Go-Wrong to The Broadway Boys’ Night of Broadway Hits and local Dorian Mode’s Coastie comedy cabaret – Budgewoi Variations.
In May 2024 Laycock Street Community Theatre welcomed Queen Porter Stomp. Served up by an incredible musical troop, audiences were wowed and the show was described as toe-tapping fun, with their”dirty swamp magic” brand of blues and jazz. Laycock also presented Highway of Lost Hearts by Lingua Franca, in association with Arts On Tour.
Laycock Street Community Theatre – image supplied
