Standing ovation for government-funded show in Parramatta

The acclaimed stage show, Grace Under Pressure, has ended its theatrical run at Parramatta’s iconic Riverside Theatres, delighting audiences and providing a boost to the local economy. 

Funded under the Morrison Government’s RISE Fund, Grace Under Pressure is based on hours of in-depth interviews with doctors and nurses about their experiences of training and working in hospitals, that reveals these hidden stories of health professionals in their own words.

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the RISE Fund was helping to restart the arts sector.

“Our investment has leveraged the unique advantages of the Parramatta CBD and ensured locals were able to see this top-tier show without having to travel into the city,” Senator Payne said.

“Delivering this localised funding is a practical example of how the Morrison Government is securing our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the role we can all play in this recovery by supporting local businesses.”  

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said the RISE grants were an important step in securing the long-term sustainability of cultural and creative organisations in Parramatta. 

“The Arts and entertainment sector provides significant employment and economic benefits as well as supporting cultural expression, community and social wellbeing,” Minister Fletcher said.

Director of Grace Under Pressure, Dr David Williams, who had first performed at Riverside Theatres when it opened in 1988, said it was a pleasure to bring work and art to the Parramatta community. 

“Thanks to the incredible support of the RISE Fund we were able to finally bring Grace Under Pressure to Riverside Theatres as part of our 2021 tour,” Dr Williams said.

“When the COVID pandemic closed down all of the theatres last March, we thought that that was the end of road for the tour, but the RISE Fund has enabled us to restart our tour, and has been critical in allowing us to employ our amazing team of 17 artists and production staff.”

The RISE program was announced as part of the Government’s $250 million Creative Economy Support Package to help restart activities such as festivals, concerts, tours and events once it is safe to do so.

Grace Under Pressure recently concluded it’s Canberra tour at Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre.