Naughty but nice, Nick’s the pick for Coffs Christmas

The boy from Coffs Harbour who went on to front some of the world’s biggest revues is prepped for a grand homecoming on Saturday with some household names in entertainment. 

Onetime Home and Away star Nick Hardcastle will MC two special performances at the Jetty Memorial Theatre (JMT) – an all-ages matinee and then an ever so naughty evening show with all the trimmings. 

Currently based in Los Angeles, the TV and stage phenom has hosted the opening of the City of London Festival, The Emmy’s Nominees Reception and the G’day USA Gala. 

The road to the top started in Coffs when Hardcastle as a 14-year-old had his own Friday night request radio show on 104.1 2CHY FM. 

It will be back to home base this weekend for the headliner of the stage adaptation of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. 

“These unique intimate shows at the Jetty Theatre will be the perfect getaway for families, friends, or work groups who want something truly memorable this Christmas,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said. 

“As Molly Meldrum used to say ‘do yourself a favour’ and get your tickets and your Saturday sorted.” 

Hardcastle heads a stellar line-up of big names for the Coffs events: Tania Doko (Bachelor Girl), Blake Bowden (Rocky Horror Show, Phantom of the Opera), Jacki Loeb (The Comedy Channel, Full Frontal), René Le Feuvre  (The Voice) and Ben Kiehne on piano. 

St Nick’s Christmas SpecTACKular at the JMT comprises two age and time-appropriate performances. 

3pm – The Nice List: An all-ages show running for just over an hour followed by a meet and greet. 

7.30pm – The Naughty List: Perfect for a girls or boys’ night out or a Christmas work party. Event includes an intermission. 

VIP cabaret-style tables near the stage can be booked for both events though these are selling fast. 

“The festive season is all about kicking back and spending time with the people who matter,” City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said. 

“This Christmas SpecTACKular will tick those boxes and tickle your fancy to boot. What a great way to switch it up a gear for the summer.” 

Hardcastle’s sense of fun and irreverence installed him as a fan favourite with kids in his roles on Saturday Disney, Nickelodeon and alongside The Wiggles on ABC Kids.  

His popularity soared as the host of Australia’s highest rating children’s show at the time, Creature Features, springboarding him to gigs at the Royal Easter Show, the Australia Day Council Family Concert, Lord Mayor’s New Years’ Eve Celebration, City of Sydney Christmas Carols, and the City of Sydney Lighting of the Christmas Tree Martin Place. 

To see the full range of ticket options and to book visit here. 

Photo: Saturday’s performance at the Jetty Memorial Theatre will be a grand homecoming for Nick Hardcastle.