Every hall has a story to tell, and comedian and storyteller Damian Callinan has been eavesdropping all over the country.
Hall Stories is a long-running project that uncovers and celebrates the quirks, traditions and characters of community halls and meeting places across Australia, from country town mechanics’ institutes to suburban town halls like our own.
In this special afternoon, Damian will share hilarious tales gathered from the road — from unique traditions and quirky characters to bizarre rules and legendary yarns. Alongside these stories, Damian will also weave in the unique history and personalities of Glen Eira Town Hall, sharing local stories that make this place special.
The afternoon will also later contribute to a podcast documenting the hall's stories and spirit. Join us for the show — and stay for afternoon tea!
Damian Callinan is an acclaimed comedian, actor and writer, and a three-time nominee for Most Outstanding Show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He’s best known for his roles in Skithouse, The Newsreader, and The Merger — the beloved film adaptation of his award-winning solo show of the same name.
Since 2020, Damian has worked with NEMA, touring to halls in isolated, disaster impacted communities with What A Relief: It’s Damian Callinan. It’s this project, combined with his play, The Hall Committee, commissioned by the Wagga Civic Theatre & Create NSW, that was the inspiration for the Hall Stories project.
A prolific live performer, Damian has toured nationally with hit shows including The Lost WW1 Diary and Double Feature, and created the Hall Stories project from his work with regional communities. He is also an award-winning podcaster and author of the shortlisted children’s book Weird School.
18 June 2026 / 5:00 PM — 6:30 PM
Join us for the opening of the Glen Eira Storytelling Festival with Yorta-Yorta singer songwriter, Benny Walker.
Carnegie Library and Community Centre — Forecourt.
21 June 2026 / 11:00 AM — 12:30 PM
Join us for a screening of Singing Up the Past, followed by an in-conversation with Project Creator and Producer Dr Joseph Toltz.
Classic Cinemas — 9 Gordon Street, Elsternwick
Glen Eira Storytelling Festival acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we work and live. We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' spirit, imagination and rich history of storytelling and humour that is an inspiration to all Australians.
© 2026 Glen Eira Storytelling Festival