The Queensland premiere of Angus Cameron’s witty Australian Open is perfectly timed to coincide with ‘that’ Melbourne January tennis tournament. If you can drag yourself away from watching televised sport, Australian Open is a great choice for an evening out with friends.

Scandalton is the perfect choice for a fun, and slightly saucy, pre-Christmas night out with a group of friends or colleagues. Just warn lovers of Jane Austen that this is period drama, but not quite as they know it.  

Sadly, the highly successful 10-year tour of Women Like Us ends this week. If you can still find tickets, just go. 2024 has been a challenging year for most, and we all really can do with a good laugh. You don’t have to be female, or over-50, to enjoy this show.

Ickoholics Anonymous is definitely one to see: a witty, well-observed, cabaret showcase of the writing, acting, singing, and comic talents of Lucy Lucia.

The PIP 2024 Toucan Club season includes a first week Vintage Belles show featuring swing and jazz classics—plus a classic twist to several contemporary songs, with a focus on music by strong women.

If you are not at all familiar with Round the Twist, just go along for the magical ride--particularly if you are looking for a pantomime alternative for children age 7-11 . 

I was charmed by the latest production by the talented Blue Roo crew. Midnight at the Cemetery is a light-hearted tale, with a moral message that is suited to all ages.

Photographs from the 2024 4MBS Shakespeare Festival production of Anthony and Cleopatra.

We may just be seeing a rebirth of the Drag King genre. DragSpeare is an unmissable highlight of Brisbane’s 2024 Melt Festival, so get in quick.

I am so pleased I had the opportunity to see the premiere of this excellent new work by Harry Fritsch (Playwright), and to be yet again impressed by the work of Virag Dombay (Director/Producer).

AI May encourages audiences to reflect on all that is human: to love, laugh, sing, dream, tell stories, cherish memories, and grieve.

Jeanette Cronin gives what can only be described as a one-woman show masterclass, in an exceptional performance.  

I highly recommend the Savoyards production of this show. I came away from the opening night full of praise for the creative team, ensemble, and leading actors.

As a show that is part rock concert and part theatrical performance, Big Name, No Blankets is well-served by a strong band and excellent cast.

It would be fascinating to see how Lighting the Dark is further developed—perhaps with dramaturgical support to create more a sense of the on-stage/off-stage stories—and I would be interested to see the piece staged in smaller venues.

Bangarra’s works are amazing, visually rich events that showcase powerful stories, each communicated through theatrical dance and illustrated with powerful soundscapes, great lighting/set design, and amazing costumes.

Sheer joy: the night may have been cold, but this sold out show was one of most enjoyable I have been to in some time.

All of the artists spent time in the room—in their pjs and UGGs of course—for bracelet training and to encourage audience participation throughout the show. And each discarded those comfier clothes when stepping onto the stage, for their moments in the spotlight.

My 2024 Anywhere Festival hot tip is to book a ticket for at least one of the final Radio Variety Hour shows presented by The Dire Theatre Company—particularly if you are a fan of original theatre, radio, podcasts, and classic tales. 

The Abba Girls Tribute Show delighted everyone with their one-hour set of disco, ‘nostalgia replica costumes, infectious beats, and timeless classics.’

A little like Ikea furniture, IKEA Wars does exactly what it says on the can (or, rather, flatpack and promotional information): comics, competition, and furniture assembly.

A five-star drag event: the costumes were simply fabulous, the makeup was amazing, the choreography was classic and outrageous, the lip-synch was on point, and the song choices made for a fun evening.

Somnium is the perfect title for choreographer Kelsey Dell’s compelling new work, that is ‘inspired by states of dreaming and the imaginings of our unconscious minds.’

There is so much to highlight from this excellent production—particularly the soundscape, acting, and production design/direction.

Yes, this is a school production. But, with tickets priced at $15-$20, the audience gets so much more than their money’s worth, including the opportunity to encourage NCC students to aim high… all of which means that every ticket is golden.

It is difficult to believe that A Journey to Euphoria is the first event to be created by Euphoric Flow. This was a well-conceived, professionally executed show—and a compelling demonstration of circus skills by three talented performers.

I am sure you will enjoy the entertaining work of a hoot of improv experts, particularly if you are a romantasy aficionado. Comic and lustful references guaranteed, but elves may or may not make an appearance.

Marcel Cole’s show is a festival gem and deserves to sell-out every time. It is easy to see why The Ukulele Man has been such a success at other fringe festivals across Australia.

One of the many great things about Brisbane’s Anywhere Festival is the chance to see newly created works, in spaces other than a traditional ‘black box’ theatre.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is spectacular: great musical performances, beautifully staged, fabulous choreography, an incredible leading lady, and a wonderful songbook to call upon.