ROOKE Opens the Doors to the Lonely Hearts Club
At ROOKE, we are known for pushing the boundaries of physical skill and creating high-octane circus that brings people together under the lights. This Valentine’s Day, we’re performing a different kind of feat. We’re doing a triple-axel into the world of mateship, social cohesion, and—if the spark is there—romance.
We are thrilled to announce our latest initiative: ROOKE’s Lonely Hearts Club.
Beyond the Stage: Addressing the Loneliness Epidemic
While we love the thrill of a performance, we can’t ignore the reality of what’s happening outside the theatre doors. Recent data reveals a sobering truth: one in three Australians regularly experiences loneliness. Beyond the personal toll, loneliness is estimated to cost the Australian economy $2.7 billion annually.
We believe that circus can be a part of the solution.
"Circus is built on trust and connection," says Justin Marshman, ROOKE’s Executive Producer. "We wanted to use our space to help people build those same bridges in their everyday lives, whether they are looking for a new friend, a way-in to the community, or maybe a Valentine."
Low-Stakes, High-Connection
The Lonely Hearts Club isn’t a show; it’s an invitation to a a daylight, low-stakes social event designed for the Greater Launceston community.
There’s no pressure to perform and no awkward "speed dating" timers. It’s simply a space to say hello to someone new. Whether you walk away with a new best mate or someone to take out for dinner, the goal is to leave feeling more connected than when you arrived.
Something for Everyone (Even Parents!)
We know that for many parents, "getting out there" is often sidelined by the logistics of childcare. We want to remove that barrier.
As part of the event, our friends at SuperSilly Us will be running their signature children’s circus playspace. This allows parents the rare opportunity to mingle and speak with other adults freely, without the pressure (or additional cost) of finding a babysitter.
What to Expect
We’ve curated the afternoon to be as relaxed and welcoming as possible:
Opt-in Activities: Easy ways to break the ice without the "cringe" factor.
Phone Creche: Give your screen a rest and give your full attention to the person in front of you.
Refreshments: Plenty of local treats to keep the conversation flowing.
Pay-As-You-Can: We want this to be accessible to everyone, so we are offering a tiered door price.
Event Details
Date: February 14th (Valentine’s Day)
Time: 3:30 - 5:30pm
Location: Assembly 197, 197 Wellington Street Launceston
Entry: Tiered pay-as-you-can
Are you ready to say hello? Come as you are: let’s build a more connected Launceston.