Central Queensland

Central Queensland’s agriculture and mining industries make it the state’s economic powerhouse and a key player in the development of our state. But there are some other players in Central Queensland we’d like you to meet.

Through our Test Drive the Arts program you can experience the best in the performing arts. Whether it’s Queensland performers or touring national or international acts, Test Drive lets you experience some of the best in your hometown.

Test Drive offers you and your partner or a friend a complimentary VIP double pass to a show of your choice. Even better - your first performance is on the house. It’s the perfect way to try-before-you-buy.

In 2008 Rockhampton’s Pilbeam Theatre joins our existing Test Drive partners so our fabulous Test Drive offers can now be experienced by even more Central Queenslanders.

Remember new offers are added to the site often so make sure you check back regularly. If you’ve already taken a Test Drive why not suggest it to a friend?

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FAQ | Terms and conditions

Pilbeam Theatre

Taikoz - The Gathering

The unique fusion of Japanese ritual drumming and western percussion music will propel you on a transcendent journey through exotic sound worlds.

deep blue

An orchestra with attitude - it will change your perception of contemporary music forever.

Sydney International Piano Competition

Lovers of fine music won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to see and hear a rising star of the piano.

Mackay Entertainment Centre

Pocket Full of Blues featuring Kate Meehan & Skip Landy

Every great blues player needs a great piano player and this is showcased with the combination of Kate Meehan and Skip Landy.

David Williamson’s “Travelling North”

Frank and Frances find new life in a twilight love affair, to the consternation of their conventional children.

Taikoz

Like waves in the ocean and thunder in the distance, the sound of TaikOz is elemental.

Recent Test Drive Offers

All of the tickets to the offers below have been snapped up. Thank you to all our Test Drivers who are helping to make this program a success.

Stay tuned for more exciting Test Drive performing arts offers coming to this site soon.

The Magic Flute

Follow the young Tamino on his random journey to love and enlightenment, in Mozart’s timeless masterpiece, The Magic Flute.

As You Like It (Pilbeam Theatre)

The Bell Shakespeare Company presents a comedy for anyone who has ever contemplated packing it all in for a simpler life.

Carmen (Pilbeam Theatre)

Powerful Spanish rhythms underscore the story of Carmen in this sensational production from Queensland Ballet.

Sirocco (Mackay Entertainment Centre)

Over the past 13 years, Sirocco has been the Australian standard-bearer within the widening scope and diversity of the “folk” scene.

Circus Oz's 30th Birthday Bash (Pilbeam Theatre)

Australia's favourite circus performers are pulling out all stops to celebrate their 30th birthday.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS (Pilbeam Theatre)

One of the most successful musicals of modern times.

True Stories (Pilbeam Theatre)

Bangarra Dance Theatre's thrilling new double bill.

Educating Rita (Proserpine Entertainment Centre)

Educating Rita is a charming human comedy and a wonderfully entertaining modern day Pygmalion.

The Club (Proserpine Entertainment Centre)

A story about egotism, commitment, power, jealousy and greed in the transition of Australian sport becoming Australian business.

Educating Rita (Mackay Entertainment Centre)

Willy Russell's play Educating Rita is an innately charming comedy about happiness versus success.

The Club (Mackay Entertainment Centre)

A story about egotism, commitment, power, jealousy and greed in the transition of Australian sport becoming Australian business.

To make things easier there is a general ‘3 year’ rule of thumb which applies to Test Drive offers.

If the offer is from a participating performing arts company (eg Queensland Ballet), and you haven’t attended a performance by that company in the last 3 years you should be eligible.

If the offer is from a participating performing arts venue (eg QUT Gardens Theatre), and you haven’t attended a performance at that venue in the last 3 years you should be eligible.

The individual performance details will outline any specific eligibility criteria that apply.

Arts etiquette

A few tips for making the most of your night out.

Ballet myths busted

There is more to ballet than tutus, pointe shoes and classical music. Get the mythbusting facts.

Are you an opera virgin?

Never been to the opera? Read our guide to making your first time an amazing experience.

Classical music comes out

Open your ears and your mind to the classics, as classical music is coming out of the closet.

60 Second Feedback

If you have already been to a Test Drive performance please take a minute to give us your feedback.

Our online survey is quick and easy and you will be helping us to improve the Test Drive program.