14.9 C
Byron Shire
June 18, 2026

Bakersfield Mist

Latest News

In loving memory of Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD (1929 – 2026)

Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD, one of Australia’s most visionary conservation leaders and a pioneering force in ecological restoration, passed away last Thursday at the age of 96. He spent his final months at Honey Bee Homes in Ewingsdale.

Other News

Difficult times

We live in difficult times: so it’s good to know some things are certain; the sun will rise in...

How to stop the erosion of our human rights

Let’s celebrate Refugee Week, 15–21 June, which was initiated in Australia 40 years ago and now observed worldwide.

Do you want the rail trail completed? Sign the petition

The local Byron and Mullumbimby chambers of commerce, and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters (NRRTS) are asking everyone who supports making the rail trail happen to get on board and sign up to support the rail trail at www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au/support.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Plastic Is Forever

Our family has been trying to give up plastic. And I’m not just talking single-use straws or takeaway cups or bottled water. Like most people we did that years ago. I’m talking about all the other plastic that we ingest either directly or through chemical leaching. In the period of time since I was a child, to a child born now, the fossil fuel industry has become implicated in nearly every part of our daily routine.

Discovering Byron’s influence on Australian music

For a small regional area the Byron Shire and Northern Rivers have had an outsized impact on the culture and music in Australia.

Fear and ignorance should not drive abortion debate

I did not think I would need to defend the right to safe abortions again. Abortion is no longer a criminal offence in Australia. There are well-reasoned and effective legal structures around abortions based on healthcare and women’s choice. It is broadly accepted that if you’re pregnant, it’s your decision to have children, or not.

Bakersfield Mist

Following a successful run in Brisbane, PlayHavoc in association with Ad Astra is thrilled to be bringing Stephen Sachs’ iconic play, Bakersfield Mist, to Byron Theatre for three performances on 15, 16 and 17 June.

Maude Gutman, an unemployed bartender living in a trailer park in the Californian desert, believes the painting she bought in a thrift store for three dollars, as a gag gift, is really an undiscovered Jackson Pollock that is worth millions. Is this the find of the century or simply a clever forgery? 

When eminent New York art historian and expert Lionel Percy arrives at Maude’s trailer to evaluate the painting, the two embark on a fiery debate over class, truth, and what we personally perceive as valuable. Inspired by true events, Bakersfield Mist asks vital questions about what makes art and people truly authentic.

A taut, hilarious and poignant drama with two larger-than-life characters refusing to shift their perspectives; Lionel’s  ‘the picture is a fake,’ and Maude’s ‘the picture is genuine’. A battle of class, education, common sense and experience – get ready for the rollercoaster ride that is Bakersfield Mist

‘Grives brings a strong vocal quality and undeniably believable passion to his character, says Annabel Gilbert of Theatre Haus. ‘Kennedy paves pathos into her crafted characterisation… we find ourselves warming to Maude’s character and understanding her world,’ says Meredith Walker of Blue Curtains, Brisbane.

Maude’s home is wonderfully captured by Bill Haycock’s superb stage design. Every detail has been meticulously considered and carefully placed to create a space where you feel that you are sitting with the central characters inside Maude’s trailer. 

Jennifer Flowers’ vast experience, both as a performer and director, means she knows how to please an audience. As the Director of Bakersfield Mist, Jennifer has created a production that is a joy to watch. 

Only at Byron Theatre for three performances. This international hit comedy drama and clever battle of wits is not to be missed. For more information contact Byron Theatre or book via the address below for Bakersfield Mist (byron.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/108154)

Be sure to follow PlayHavoc on Instagram @play__havoc, where you’ll get to learn more about how a production like this comes together and be kept up to date with everything Bakersfield Mist!



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Caring for community

The Rotary Club of Mullumbimby presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club (BSLSC) in support of its ongoing operations.

Lismore shops enchanted for Lantern Parade

Winners of Lismore’s Enchanted Windows comp have been announced, with The Two Ravens taking top spot. The comp is part of the city's Lantern Parade, to be held this Saturday, 20 June.

AI: Artificial Intelligence, or Artificial Inflation?

It feels as if AI is everywhere – whether it’s those intrusive bots on every website or every headline about how it’s either going to be a boon for humanity, or end us.

Flood gauges installed in Ballina and Wardell 

Residents in Ballina and Wardell will have more more localised flood warnings, giving them time to prepare before floodwaters arrives, thanks to new flood forecast services along the Richmond River.