As the award-winning Wynnum Fringe draws to a close on Sunday, the team are taking the show on the road for the first Queensland Fringe, kicking off in Charleville and making its way through Augathella and Roma before its final stop at The Empire in Toowoomba from 6 – 7 August 2026.
The start of the journey west comes with the official release of the full program of events for the Toowoomba leg, which will transform The Empire into a two-day hub of creative energy, with an exciting mix of comedy, music and live performance, headlined by comedian Jim Jefferies, and musicians, Dami Im, Vanessa Amorosi and Queensland Fringe Ambassador Wes Carr.
Performances at The Empire during Queensland Fringe include MOCKINGBIRD starring Mark Sholtez and Luke Kennedy, the launch of a new single by acclaimed singer-songwriter Sue Ray, and a cheeky and heartfelt cabaret by Papuan-Australian songstress Heru Pinkasova, Songs My Aunties Taught Me.
Film also takes centre stage with regional short film challenge and screening, Shine Shootout as well as a unique peek behind the scenes at the acclaimed film Don’t Tell, partially filmed at The Empire, in a live conversation between producers Stephen Roche and Scott Corfield.
Also included in the festivities is a hypnotic solo performance by David Fenton in Twelve Days of Stillness, an Auslan interpreted collection of short theatrical works in From Page To Stage, more live music and theatre, as well as the work of festival Artist-In-Residence Phoebe Paradise who has created signature artwork inspired by the people, landscapes and stories of the inaugural journey.
The Empire CEO, Giuliana Bonel said she was delighted to unveil the full program on offer during The Empire’s twoday Queensland Fringe hub, which will also bring the festival to a close. “The Empire is committed to bringing outstanding arts experiences to our community, with our precinct to come alive with comedy, live music, film, art, theatre, mime and storytelling for this incredible event,” said Ms Bonel.
“Queensland Fringe shines a spotlight on regional arts and creates opportunities for artists and audiences as it travels through the regions before culminating in a spectacular two-day grand finale at The Empire,” she said. “We are very pleased to partner with Queensland Fringe as they establish this festival as a much-anticipated annual event, greatly adding to our region’s cultural calendar and tourism landscape.”
After 6 years developing Wynnum Fringe, Queensland Fringe Founder and Artistic Director, Tom Oliver said it was the perfect time to take the event west. “I’ve had so many incredible moments performing at The Empire, so it’s exciting to now be presenting the Queensland Fringe Festival in partnership with The Empire and the local community in Toowoomba,” he said.
“Toowoomba is perfectly placed for a fringe festival; it’s got a world class theatre in the middle of town, beautiful parks, quirky laneways, amazing local hospitality businesses and most importantly world-class local artists who deserve to sit alongside international headline acts.”
“In six short years, Wynnum Fringe has injected millions into Brisbane’s bayside, employed thousands from our creative sector and brought the community together for a lifetime of memories. With another six years until the Olympics, I could not be more excited to establish an annual fringe hub in Toowoomba. I am absolutely loving the collaboration with the local community. Toowoomba is a special place,” said Mr Oliver.
Queensland Fringe runs at The Empire from 6 – 7 August 2026. For more information and full program, visit: www.empiretheatre.com.au for details.
Images: The Empire CEO Giuliana Bonel, Queensland Fringe Founder Tom Oliver and Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald at the launch of Queensland Fringe – photo by Caroline Attwood | Vanessa Amorosi (supplied) | Luke Kennedy and Mark Sholtez star in MOCKINGBIRD (supplied)