An Australian-first movie experience, The Xanadu Drive-In is set to be hosted at Adelaide’s Torrens Parade Ground on 18 & 19 December with a couple of Christmas treats.
A brand new COVID-safe, socially distanced performance experience that combines nostalgic film screenings with live cabaret and performance, The Xanadu Drive-In is created and presented by the multi-award-winning team, Erin Fowler, Will Spartalis, Lewis Major and Tom Kitney.
The Xanadu Drive-in is set to run as part of the 2022 Adelaide Fringe but given there is nothing better than a Christmas movie in December: The Xanadu Drive-In will be hosting two very Christmas themed screenings in December with two essential Christmas films.
Saturday 18 December will see the family favourite Christmas classic The Nightmare Before Christmas followed by a Oogie Boogie’s Bonanza Late Night Xmas Party with DJ and continued festivities.
Sunday 19 December will see the holiday classic to define all holiday classics, It’s A Wonderful Life, followed by a George Bailey’s Bellringer Bash Late Night Xmas Party.
The Xanadu Drive-In is more than just a drive-in venue: it is a collection of creatives, experienced designers, and entertainment experts, creating an immersive cinematic experience offering opportunities to relive some of the best films alongside some of the best cabaret and performance that South Australia has to offer.
Along with a nostalgic screen and cabaret experience, The Xanadu Drive-In will offer your Drive-In attending favourites, as you indulge in in great food and drink from a selection of premiere South Australian suppliers, including popcorn and choc-tops, along with market stalls, bars from The Speakeasy Hotel vintage caravans, and roving performances.
Artist and Co-Creator of the Xanadu Drive-In Erin Fowler is excited to be bringing the special feeling of a classic Drive-In to the Torrens Parade Grounds.
“I think everyone has really fond memories of the drive-in, jumping in your car as a family and watching some great films while eating popcorn and choc-tops and it’s these experiences that we want to capture with the Xanadu Drive-In but elevate it with live performances from some of Adelaide’s most talented creatives,” she said.
The arts industry has been deeply affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and Fowler is excited to be offering an opportunity for so many local artists to be involved in this unique project.
“With over 56 artists and arts workers involved, and over 800 hours of employment offered across our 21/22 season, we are attempting to significantly stimulate and support our currently struggling arts and events sector,” she said.
“We’re really proud of our fun idea and can’t wait to see hundreds of smiling faces both at our Christmas showing and our Fringe Season,” said Erin.
The Xanadu Drive-In Christmas Edition takes place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December at the Torrens Parade Ground. For more information, visit: www.xanadudrivein.com for details.
Image: The Xanadu Drive In – photo by Tom Kitney