Adelaide Fringe is taking one of its most ambitious new experiences on the road, with The Dome set to land in Whyalla for an extended regional season in 2026.
As part of Adelaide Fringe’s new Immersive Worlds program, the 360-degree cinema experience will take over Middleback Arts Centre from March 27 to April 6, giving Upper Spencer Gulf audiences the chance to step inside a headline Fringe attraction without travelling to Adelaide.
Designed for all ages, The Dome invites audiences to recline beneath a curved overhead screen as stories unfold in every direction. The program spans deep sea journeys, space adventures, science-driven storytelling and music-led visual experiences, creating a fully immersive environment that is set to become one of Fringe’s major drawcards next year.
The regional tour has been made possible through Adelaide University, which has come on as The Dome’s Touring Partner, along with support from the State Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Drought Relief Regional Event Fund.
Adelaide Fringe Acting CEO Tara MacLeod said bringing an experience of this scale to regional South Australia was central to the festival’s broader vision.
“Bringing The Dome to the regions is about making sure experiences of this scale are not city-only. Immersive Worlds is a brand new signature initiative for 2026, and the regional touring program means families, young people and visitors can step into something spectacular in their own town.”
“This is exactly what Fringe in the region is about, taking ambitious work to where people live, creating a reason to gather, and delivering the kind of ‘you have to see this’ experience that stays with you long after you walk back outside.”
Adelaide University’s Professor Jessica Gallagher said the partnership would help open the door to greater cultural participation in one of the state’s key regional centres.
“Adelaide University is proud to be supporting The Dome as Touring Partner, helping bring a world-class immersive experience to Whyalla, home to one of our major regional campuses.”
“This partnership is about expanding access to live arts and culture, creating opportunities for regional communities to gather and participate, and making sure students, families and local audiences can experience something extraordinary close to home.”
The Whyalla season will also come with a strong accessibility push. Through Adelaide University’s support, thousands of subsidised tickets will be available for just $5, with locals able to access the offer by selecting the Whyalla Local Discount price type for participating shows. Tickets will be limited and available until allocations run out.
Alongside the main season, the partnership will also support community opening moments, talks and workshops on the ground in Whyalla, adding a broader local engagement element to the tour.
Among the featured Dome experiences are The Dark Side of The Moon, which pairs Pink Floyd’s legendary album with mesmerising full-dome visuals, Ningaloo, an underwater voyage through one of Australia’s most iconic marine environments, Cuttlefish, filmed off the coast of Whyalla using 360-degree technology, and The Great Solar System Adventure, a family-friendly journey through space.
Locals will also get an early taste of the program at Whyalla Discovery Day on March 28.
Explore the Whyalla Immersive Worlds Dome Program here.
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