The bayside hub of Wynnum will take centre stage when the inaugural Wynnum Fringe hits the suburban streets with a stellar lineup of local talent from 13 to 15 November 2020.
Wynnum-based producer, performing artist, actor and singer Tom Oliver is the creative mind behind the three-day fringe festival, which aims to shine a spotlight on the arts and invigorate the bayside area. The initial festival lineup includes more than 24 ticketed and free performances with more shows to be announced soon.
Mr Oliver said he was thrilled by the tsunami of support and interest that saw hundreds of Australian performers from all disciplines apply for a slot on the Wynnum Fringe program. “This year’s line up has a fantastic mix of renowned and emerging talent from Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, which is perfect for a bold new festival which will light up a stunning seaside town,” he said.
We’ve got pretty much every genre covered – dance, circus, cabaret, comedy, theatre, music and art. Wynnum is an underrated gem that deserves recognition and Wynnum Fringe will create a fantastic opportunity to bring lots of people and performers together in unexpected locations,” said Mr Oliver.
Edith Street will be the heart of the arts festival, a pedestrian playground allowing patrons to coast between three zones spanning multiple venues, food trucks, outdoor bars, art installations and pop-up performances against the glorious backdrop of Moreton Bay.
The ticketed venues will also showcase the unique character of this seaside locale from musical cabaret at Wynnum Opera House, a historic church; and comedy and theatre at the old church hall (dubbed Winston ChurchHall) to circus acts in Mrs Quinn’s Carpark and dance performances at Kellehers Dance Academy.
In conjunction with the ticketed shows, Wynnum Fringe will showcase free, alfresco performances, thanks to Arts Queensland’s Open Air Funding program. These activations will allow patrons to enjoy world-class entertainment in reimagined outdoor locations within a COVID-safe environment.
The open-air Main Stage on Edith Street will play host to various music acts, while the Salvos Loading Dock moonlights as an intimate performance space. Shows at these outdoor venues will also be live-streamed to allow interstate and international viewers to enjoy the world-class talent showcased over the weekend.
The inaugural Wynnum Fringe program promises an array of home-grown talent and internationally renowned acts that call South East Queensland region home.
Award-winning comedian Damien Power brings his swagger to the stage; Bree Tipoki presents the songs of Diana Ross in Little Diana; Bee Gees drummer Colin Petersen (the first non-Gibb to become an equal member of the Bee Gees) invites you to spend the afternoon with him; Winner of Channel 7’s All Together Now, Lai Utovou will bring the funk on Friday night and Mario Queen of the Circus blends circus artistry and comedic timing in homage to Freddie Mercury as the host of Dionysus.
Burlesque dancer Ben Trigger delights with his Shreklesque performance; The Voice Australia alumni Luke Kennedy and plus singer-songwriter Mark Sholtez and Mat Verevis hit the high notes in Waiting for John at Wynnum Opera House; and opera singer Heru Pinkasova and beatbox artist Dr Rhythm collaborate on Songs My Aunties Taught Me.
Mr Oliver hopes Wynnum Fringe will be an immersive portal for escapism and wonder where audiences can be inspired, entertained and moved by talented performers, musicians and artists and vibrant new works.
“A fringe festival is something really magical and I want to share that feeling. As an artist, it’s where you explore your craft. For the audience, it’s where you discover something you’ve never seen before. It’s random, it’s unexpected, and it’s time Brisbane had its own fringe festival,” said Mt Oliver.
The 2020 Wynnum Fringe takes place at various venues from 13 to 15 November. Tickets now on sale. For more information and full program, visit: www.wynnumfringe.com for details.
Image: Wynnum Fringe (supplied)