Here’s the latest Arts in the City column from CityNews arts editor HELEN MUSA.

The Strangeways Cabaret, created by Merrigong Theatre Company’s permanent ensemble of neurodiverse actors and musicians, brings together original songs about online dating, loneliness, heartbreak and hope. Performed by a colourful cast of characters and backed by a band, the show promises a joyful and uplifting celebration of life and love. The Q, July 4.

The future of the SoundOut Festival of experimental music has been thrown into doubt after director Richard Johnson announced that the event had missed out on funding from Arts ACT and Creative Australia for 2027. As a result, there will be no festival in 2027, but SoundOut will continue to present events throughout the year.

Albert Camus’ classic play Caligula, brainchild of Isaiah Prichard, will be presented by the newly formed Performative Theatre Company. The drama follows the notorious Roman emperor as he grapples with the meaninglessness of existence and attempts to impose his philosophy on those around him. ACT Hub, July 1-4.

Up-and-coming Queanbeyan musician Ruby Holden has secured the opening-act spot for acclaimed country singer-songwriter Beccy Cole. Holder of 11 Golden Guitars and one of Australia’s most decorated country performers, Cole will present her latest show, Through The Haze, celebrating music from her newest album. The Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan, July 3.

Canberra Choral Society and National Capital Orchestra will jointly perform two major choral masterpieces, Francis Poulenc’s Gloria and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Conducted by Louis Sharpe, the performance will showcase soprano Rachel Mink, tenor Tobias Cole and baritone Sitiveni Talei. Llewellyn Hall, July 4.

Uncommon Ground brings together internationally recognised ceramic artists and 2026 Canberra Potters artists-in-residence Jacqueline Clayton and Paul Davis, who also collaborate as StudioJam. The exhibition draws on shared experiences of training in Japan. Canberra Potters Gallery, Watson, until July 19.