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City dwellers love to enjoy themselves, and have been doing so in Hobart since the very earliest days. Wapping was once a notorious area close to the docks, and if the walls of the Theatre Royal could speak, there would be tales of bawdy music halls with sailors, whalers, pimps and prostitutes in the audience. More refined evenings would have seen the gentry enjoying performances of famous actors, and over the years the theatre has become a well loved venue on the international circuit. Today, Wapping has been reclaimed as a desirable address, and the theatre still stands proud, the oldest in Australia. The theatrical tradition remains strong, but whether your taste runs to theatre, orchestral music, bands, cinema or clubbing there will be an activity to suit. Each Thursday, the newspaper publishes an entertainment section with live music guide and a diary listing of forthcoming events. Free entertainment guides can be picked up from central venues, such as the Salamanca Arts Centre. The Visitor Information Centre is also a very helpful source. Pubs and bars Whether seeking a casual drink, or a sophisticated night out, you will not be disappointed. A pub crawl will include Knopwoods, a cosy, popular pub, Irish Murphys for some blarney, and the Customs House Hotel , awash with visiting sailors. If you cannot find the drink of your choice at the Gastrodome, then your tastes are indeed exotic. The Atrium at the Hotel Grand Chancellor offers a relaxed meeting spot overlooking Victoria Dock. In Battery Point, the Shipwrights Arms has been serving sailors and locals since the early 1800s. An authentic theme pub this is always a great place to call in for a drink. Head on to Sandy Bay and Nicklebys, a tapas bar open until late. The numerous bars of Wrest Point Casino offer everything from tinkling piano to day and night sport. Live music Tasmania, being a creative state, has a many singer songwriters, artists and bands who prefer to stay and work here rather than head for the bright lights of bigger cities. Pubs and clubs give them a good hearing. The New Sydney is one supporter of local talent. The Republic, in North Hobart, has poetry readings and other literary events, as well as live music. Nearby, the Queens Head and Trout Bar, have music gigs, sometimes with interstate artists. Jazz lovers should make their way to the Temple Bar, rapidly becoming Tasmanias home of jazz. For some of the best free music in town, wander the length of Salamanca Market. Enjoy buskers, a lively Chilean band or tinkling harp and Irish pipes. Those on a small budget wanting to catch a star, should watch out for gigs at the University of Tasmania. In an intimate atmosphere be spellbound by Billy Bragg or Luka Bloom, just two regular visitors who love to come here. For really big names, the Derwent Entertainment Centre is home to extravaganzas and the Wrest Point Casinos entertainment complex offers great entertainment. Nightlife Those who love the wee small hours will find plenty of action. Round midnight Syrup is transformed into techno and house music until late. Nearby, ICQ offers all styles of music depending on the night, and on the way out to Sandy Bay, drop into Club Surreal. Once at Wrest Point, dance the night away at Regines or have a drink at the Boardwalk or Birdcage bars until very late. Gay and lesbian Tasmanian attitudes have changed markedly in recent years and lack of gay tolerance is no longer the issue it once was. Hobart is now able to boast a proud gay and lesbian community and a broader public outlook. A Gay and Lesbian Visitor Guide can be obtained at the Visitor Information Centre. The rainbow symbol will flag a welcome, but not all gay-friendly cafes or bars will display this. A few eating places are Cumquat, Mit Zitrone, Rockerfellers and Lebrina. Enjoy a night out at ICQ, Syrup, La Cage, T42 or the Bavarian Tavern where a dance party is held on the first Saturday of each month. Theatres and cinemas The Theatre Royal Subscription Programme includes drama, dance and opera. This lovely theatre comes complete with resident ghost. The amateur theatre scene is strong, with the Playhouse and Backspace theatres offering challenging programmes, and the Peacock Theatre wonderfully intimate for one-handers. Terrapin Puppet Theatre is regarded as one of the countrys finest, and tours internationally. Hobarts size is never more evident when you realise that there are only two venues for cinema. The Village Seven complex offers seven screens of mainstream releases, and is expanding soon to suburban locations. Lovers of arthouse films head to the State Theatre. Seasons are often very short, so it is wise to catch a film early in its run, lest it be lost to video forever! Concerts and events Cooler climates tend to foster creativity. Hobartians are fiercely proud of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Despite not having a real home until very recently, seasons are well attended, and the move to the Federation Concert Hall will only enhance its reputation. The free programme includes Symphony under the Stars each February and other free concerts are held during the year. The Conservatorium of Music also has occasional free lunchtime concerts. The arrival of the yachts in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in late December, heralds the Hobart Summer Festival. Taste of Tasmania is an important part of this two month festival, which concludes with the Hobart Regatta. Autumn sees the cars of Targa Tasmania rallying around the State, and in spring, gardens come into their own with the Tulip Festival and Blooming Tasmania. An Arts Festival, Ten days on the Island, is to be held in March 2001, and the 2001 Readers' and Writers' Festival will see the award of Oceanias richest literary prize. Cultural life is richly served by many activities. Collect an events guide from the Visitor Information Centre. Australias other harbour city, may be small in size, but visitors will be delighted by all we have to offer. |
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