Wonderland is a debaucherous end-of-year carnival of circus, comedy, music, physical theatre, magic and burlesque. It’s 31 shows in 14 days and lingers on into Brisbane’s long summer nights. Come to Brisbane Powerhouse to flirt with the unexpected and party into the night.
“Wonderland is Brisbane Powerhouse’s end-of-year summer party,” says Artistic Director Kris Stewart. “It’s a chance to get a cultural fix and take in something a little bit out of the ordinary, but then also to have a drink and soak up the long summer evenings.”
Highlights of the 2016 festival include: Graeme Of Thrones – an original and un-authorised parody on the international phenomenon that is Game Of Thrones. In this critically-acclaimed theatrical journey through the Seven Kingdoms, direct from sold out shows in London’s West End and Australia, avid Thrones fan, Graeme just wants to recreate his favourite fantasy saga on stage. But when news reaches him that an influential theatrical producer is in the building, Graeme decides that this could be his big break – as long as nothing goes wrong… See it before the inevitable lawsuit.
A cabaret of riotous proportions, Phelan Groovy is an hilarious night in the theatre where you will get a personal tour inside the mind of Australia’s newest leading man. Recently seen channelling his inner Patrick Swayze as the lead in Dirty Dancing AUS, Kurt brings you this hilarious show that is part autobiographical, part celebrity dish and ALL entertainment. Come and share a night with this North Queensland Gemini’s rapid-firing mind and have a bloody good laugh doing so.
Direct from sell-out shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, Australia’s favourite skinny man and purple puppet are back in Brisbane with their new musical comedy show Sammy J & Randy Land. After launching their hit ABC TV show Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane, they borrowed 3 million dollars to open their own theme park, just for you with thrills, rides and even a velociraptor-petting zoo.
With strong imagery, gutsy circus, and the bodies of 10 women for Vulcana Women’s Circus, Inertia explores the dilemma of how to take action amongst the mass of media noise. Using acrobatics, movement, interaction with objects and other bodies, the performers tackle inertia through physical action and reaction. They create circus that is inventive and entertaining.
Enter the world of Other Women – a provocative and witty circus-cabaret celebrating female sexuality and exploring sexual double standards. A thrilling live band, circus soloists and burlesque cheek electrify the stage in this World Premiere performance. Featuring an eclectic mix of songs by artists such as Nina Simone, Goldfrapp and Prince; Other Women explores promiscuity, and our contradictory views towards women and their sexual behaviour.
Heralded for her captivating vocals by the New York Post, Brisbane’s own Emma Dean is a consummate performer and has released over ten independent original albums/EPs. She has toured the world, performing alongside Jesca Hoop and Kate Miller-Heidke, and in support of Macy Gray, Jinkx Monsoon, Katie Noonan, Amanda Palmer and The Dresden Dolls. Emma will be joined by her brother, Tony Dean to perform an eclectic catalogue of songs exploring love, loss and light.
Mills and Boom! – a simply stupendous salon of bosom-heaving, lip-quivering ecstasy during which we regale you with our smouldering romance stories. Featuring Pascalle Burton, Carody Culver, Adam Hadley, Michelle Law, Ian Powne, Tessa Rose, Jackie Ryan, Leah Shelton, Lucas Stibbard, and Neridah Waters! Join the Fanciful Fiction Auxiliary, a fictitious amateur writers’ group of oddball characters with fake hair, fake lashes, and real passion, for its personally acclaimed stage show.
Following two sold out seasons, Vanguard Burlesque returns to Brisbane Powerhouse with a bevy of Australia’s best burlesque artists and showgirls. Featuring special interstate guests, local talents, and Miss Burlesque Australia 2015 herself, Bella De Jac, prepare for a night of quirky glamour and seduction. Vanguard Burlesque has something for everyone, from the burlesque virgin to the seasoned professional.
The festival will also feature House of Mirrors – a fascinating labyrinth of endless mirrors that will challenge those that venture into them. This walk-through installation includes Kaleidoscopic like chambers, voids, doorways and darkened breaks, the purest form of a mirrored maze.
The 2016 Wonderland Festival continues to Sunday 11 December. For more information, visit: www.brisbanepowerhouse.org for details.
Image: Vanguard Burlesque – photo by Joel Devereux