Sovereign Hill will transform into a historical celebration of theatre and entertainment these summer school holidays from 26 December 2012 – 28 January 2013. Families will discover the rich mixture of live performance, drama, music, magic and more at the grand opening of Mr. Crosby’s magnificent Victoria Theatre, along with spectacular performances of fairy tale favourites and Shakespearean tragedies, interactive music sessions and traditional goldfield sing-alongs. Visitors can create a postcard to mail home to loved ones or get creative and decorate a mask before performing outdoors with friends in a short play. See the Redcoats, try a hand at gold panning, head underground on a mine tour, join the festivities in Main Street led by world-renowned artist and 1850s celebrity, Lola Montez and so much more these holidays!

Great value accommodation and entertainment packages are available at Comfort Inn Sovereign Hill and dining options within Sovereign Hill include two eateries, three bars and the famous Hope Bakery. After a busy day taking in the expanse of exciting school holiday activities, visitors can enjoy a hearty dinner before marching off to the diggings to see the battle of Eureka erupt in Sovereign Hill’s sound-and-light spectacular, ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’.

Summer School Holiday Activities will run from 22 December – 28 January and activities include:

Mr. Crosby Presents…
Theatres were the main source of entertainment in the 1850s, offering a rich mixture of live performance, drama, music, magic and more! Mr. Crosby, owner of the magnificent Victoria Theatre, invites you to sample his repertoire of live entertainment – different performances every day!

Little Red Robin Hood
Is it Little Red Riding Hood or Robin Hood? Well, the owners of the Victorian Theatre at Sovereign Hill can’t agree which story to tell. So, to the delight of audiences, they present both at the same time! This is classic, hilarious pantomime with a wonderful new twist.

Music of the Goldfields
Guests to Sovereign Hill can test their vocal abilities out with ‘The Welcome Strangers’ these summer school holidays. They are teaching visitors a traditional goldfields song or two in this interactive session that provides a musical blast from the past.

Toe-Tapping Percussion Workshop
Come along to a unique musical workshop on the goldfields! Discover how simple objects can be used to create fun rhythmic beats with our friendly staff leading the way. Join in the excitement of a hands-on percussion workshop, suitable for all ages.

The Fabulous Lola Montez
In the 1850s Lola Montez was famous throughout the world, as much for her often scandalous behaviour as for her performing. So what was all the fuss about? Why not come and see for yourself?

Costume Creations
Get creative and create a theatrical mask! Choose and decorate a character mask before wearing it for an acting debut under the shade of the willow trees for a short outdoor play and fun games inspired by enchanted friends.   

Grand Opening of the Victoria Theatre
Join us in the Main Street as the glorious Victoria Theatre is opened by the world-renowned artist, Contessa Lola Montez! There’ll be pomp and ceremony… and the Redcoats!

Romeo & Juliet … Mr Crosby Style!
What does wrestling have to do with Shakespeare? Mr and Mrs Crosby, proprietors of the Victoria Theatre decide to offer a bit of high culture – Shakespeare’s great tragic love story, Romeo & Juliet. But, as usual, things don’t go to plan, with hilarious results.

Post Haste
Choose one of four different gold rush inspired postcards, fill it with messages or memories from a jam-packed day at Sovereign Hill, colour and decorate it, before mailing it off to a family member, friend or loved one so that they can share in your goldfields experience.