This weekend in Adelaide, Mary Poppins flies into the Festival Theatre and the first Festival of Sport kicks off at Memorial Drive. Plus, a month-long festival of new opportunities begins on Saturday.

Words Elisabeth Marie

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Theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh is bringing the beloved 1964 film Mary Poppins to the stage of Festival Theatre until August 27. “When Mary Poppins first flew into Australia in 2010, the response was simply marvellous – 12 years later, it has been a delight to watch this brilliant company introduce a new generation of Australians to this wonderful story,” says Cameron. “Mary Poppins has been a huge success in every city she has visited and I am thrilled to be able to bring this production to Adelaide for the very first time.” In the role of Mary Poppins, Australian actress Stefanie Jones will be accompanied on stage by Jack Chambers as Bert while singer Patti Newton will join the cast in Adelaide as Bird Woman.

Strum along

From classical music to rock, flamenco and country, the Adelaide Guitar Festival has all genres covered. Highlights of the July 1 to 16 program include South Australian music legends Chris Finnen and Gwyn Ashton performing at the Space Theatre on July 14; Colours of Spain, a two-part fiesta showcasing an evening of flamenco music by ‘the female voice of the Spanish Guitar’, Andrea González Caballero and singer Antonio Andrade alongside a series of dancers; and a harmonious performance by The Milk Carton Kids at Her Majesty’s Theatre on July 13.

Sunday, fun day

It might be cold outside, but organic and biodynamic producer Paxton Wines is heating things up on weekends in July with wood-fired pizzas and gourmet doughballs, tastings, markets and picnic days. There is also a pop-up bar under the pavilion, with live music from noon to 3pm on Sundays. Located at the gateway to the McLaren Vale region, Paxton is an easy drive from Adelaide, with extensive lawns to enjoy on warmer days. The renovated cellar door is open seven days for tasting flights and cheese platters.

Something new

Learn new skills, make new friends and try new experiences at the inaugural Firstival – a month-long program encouraging South Australians to try something new – hosted by Libraries SA throughout July. Across the public library network, more than 350 events will take place, including workshops, talks, exhibitions and performances. Organisers would love to see South Australians reconnect with their curiosity, with workshops covering everything from gardening and books, to escape rooms and virtual reality experiences.

Tick of the clock

The semi-autobiographic musical written by the composer of Rent, Jonathan Larson, will come to life at The Queens Theatre this June in an all-local production. The Lot Theatre will perform Tick, Tick … Boom! until July 1 after their successful season of Rent in 2022. Producer and technical designer, Matt Ralph says after working on Rent last year, the team became invested in Jonathan Larson as a person and an artist and wanted to explore his work more thoroughly. The production will star Adelaide’s own Benjamin Maio Mackay and Tate Simpson as Jon and Susan, with acclaimed local performer Liam Edwards as Michael.

Vegan goodness

Vegan Palooza will take over the Main Assembly Building of the Tonsley Innovation District on Saturday, July 1 – inviting foodies to bust the myth that vegan food is boring or limiting. Whether you’re interested in health, fitness and raw food or more of a burgers, doughnuts and cake kind of person, Vegan Palooza will be catering to every vegan craving with a stellar line up including yiros by Staazi & Co, sweet treats from Cherry Darlings and ice cream by Sassi. Retail outlets and charity organisations will also be present on the day offering vegan products to take home and teaching about a more sustainable lifestyle.

Kicking off

The inaugural Festival of Sport will be held by Sports SA at Memorial Drive from June 29 to July 1, showcasing and celebrating the state’s sporting community. The three-day conference offers opportunities for sports industry leaders to share their passion and knowledge with sports graduates, industry members and sports fans looking to mix and mingle. The festival program offers six hubs so people can attend educational talks, play sports, check out new technology and network with industry professionals.

Wine down

Get your tickets now and prepare to indulge in the flavours of South Australia at the 2023 Cellar Door Fest Winter Edit on July 7 and 8 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Wineries, distilleries and food producers from across the state will offer an opportunity to learn about South Australia’s wine regions and the products made there in this boutique version of the Cellar Door Fest. Discover up-and-coming producers before rubbing shoulders with established industry members as they showcase the best of their range in a casual tasting setting alongside live music and delicious eats.

For more of what’s on around South Australia this month, pick up the July issue of SALIFE, which is on sale July 6.