IN a coup for Werribee Park Mansion, Sir Elton John – the Rocket Man – will be performing there in December.
His concert in the majestic formal gardens of Werribee Park, with the historic mansion providing a spectacular backdrop, will be on December 15.
About 10,000 fans are expected to pack the concert, the only one booked for the Melbourne leg of the Elton John Rocket Man Solo Tour.
It is Sir Elton’s first solo tour of Australia, giving audiences the chance to enjoy the magic of the man and his music as he sings and plays on his piano, hit after hit from his 35 years at the top of the charts.
Promoter Michael Chugg promised it will be “a very magical night.”
“It will be Elton and his piano, along with huge video screens and a great sound system and lighting,” he said. “It will be very special for fans who will be able to enjoy his music and the ambience of the venue.
“Elton has been doing these solo shows in old castles, stately homes and wineries in Britain and Europe for several years now.
“We’re really excited we’ve managed to make it happen in Australia.”
The tour coincides with the Australian premiere of the stage musical, Billy Elliot, which Sir Elton inspired and for which he wrote the musical score.
Billy Elliot is based on the hit movie about a British coalminer’s son who wanted to be, of all things, a ballet dancer.
Mr Chugg said he could not confirm whether Sir Elton’s partner, David Furness, would be accompanying him.
“Elton will be staying somewhere in Melbourne and probably travel back and forth to his Werribee Park Mansion concert by helicopter,” he said.
Chugg Entertainment has organised other concerts in Sydney, Canberra, the Barossa Valley in South Australia and the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
Werribee Park manager Rhonda Macdonald said she and the rest of the staff were extremely happy the location was chosen to host Sir Elton.
“This concert is an event of international significance. It will really put Werribee and Melbourne’s western suburbs firmly on the map,” she said.
“We had Dame Kiri Te Kanawa performing at the park about 10 years ago and Anthony Warlow, but Sir Elton is the biggest star to come.
“On a personal level, Sir Elton’s been a part of my life over the years and I’ve been found humming along to quite a number of his songs.”
Park Victoria chief executive Mark Stone said the venue’s selection confirms the growing importance of the Werribee Park Tourism Precinct as a major tourism destination in Melbourne’s West.
“We’re delighted to be part of the Elton John tour,” he said.
“Werribee Park is one of our most significant heritage properties and plays host to a number of major events each year.
“This evening performance will add a new dimension to an already diverse events calendar.”
Tickets for the concert went on sale this week.Gold tickets are priced from $350 and silver tickets $245.
