SUMMER 19–20 PROGRAM GUIDE
DECEMBER
Arj Barker: We Need to Talk Tue 03–Sun 15 Dec A Very Naughty Christmas: Santa Claus is Coming... Wed 04–Sat 14 Dec JANUARY
So Frenchy So Chic: Nouvelle Vague Tue 21 Jan The Midsummer Carnival Fri 24 Jan–Sun 09 Feb Gareth Reynolds Live Tue 28 Jan Amanda Palmer Fri 31 Jan + Sat 01 Feb FEBRUARY
Joel Ozborn: The Madman & Me Sat 01 Feb Deva Premal & Miten with Manose and Temple Band: On the Wings of Mantra Tue 04 Feb
Vika & Linda Bull: Between Two Shores Wed 05 + Thu 06 Feb The Guilty Feminist Podcast Sat 08 + Sun 09 Feb A New World: Intimate Music from FINAL FANTASY Sat 15 Feb Band of Brothers: Slava & Leonard Grigoryan with Joseph & James Tawadros Thu 20 Feb Brisbane Comedy Festival Fri 21 Feb–Sun 22 Mar ALL YEAR
Powerkids: Little Artists at Play every Tuesday (except school holidays) Jan Powers Farmers Markets every Saturday (except 28 Dec 2019, 04 + 11 Jan 2020)
They say laughter is the sunbeam of the soul. And what a fantastic combo of both we have for you coming up at Brisbane Powerhouse!
Brisbane Comedy Festival takes over the building in February but in the meantime, as Brisbane’s home of comedy, we’ve got a veritable cavalcade of funny folk gracing our stage from Arj Barker to The Dollop’s Gareth Reynolds. As Brisbane beams in the summer sun, we’re also welcoming some extraordinary international artists to our fine city. The fiercely experimental Amanda Palmer, the post-punk harmonies of So Frenchy So Chic's Nouvelle Vague and worldrenowned chant artists Deva Premal and Miten. We’re shining a light on local artists too. With the summer evenings lingering long, it’s the perfect time to venture out. Make sure you experience The Midsummer Carnival, the new interactive theatre piece from local ensemble Brisbane Immersive Ensemble. Plus keep an eye on our next four program guide covers as Brisbane-based illustrator Jimmy Patch brings a fresh twist to our seasonal program, building and surrounds. If we don’t make you laugh, you’ll feel, see and experience – and that’s all good for the soul too! Kris Stewart, Artistic Director
As one year draws to a close and the anticipation of the next builds, for many, the everyday routine slows down.
The change in tempo (and temperature!) sees us find more time for celebrations and get-togethers with family and friends; much like the welcoming embrace of Brisbane Powerhouse. As Brisbane City Council’s premier arts venue, Brisbane Powerhouse has touched our lives in many ways – watching dazzling shows, enjoying a coffee by the river, or even attending a wedding in one of its many wonderful function spaces. Brisbane Powerhouse creates enduring connections and provides a warm haven for young and old. This coming season features a diverse assortment of shows for music lovers, families, comedy fans and cabaret devotees. There is truly something for everyone! I’m particularly looking forward to the return of Brisbane Comedy Festival from 21 February–22 March. Attracting international and national comedy superstars to Brisbane, the four week event also shines a spotlight on our very talented local comedians. Now in its 11th year, this city-wide event will expand to new venues in 2020 and continues to make a significant impact on our city’s economic and creative landscape. I am also extremely proud of the many free programs and activities on offer, from the bustling Powerkids activities, ever-changing visual art exhibitions and Livewired Comedy. Come celebrate summer at Brisbane Powerhouse! Adrian Schrinner, Lord Mayor
Image Jupiter Orbiting as part of Supercell: Festival of Contemporary Dance 2019 by Joshua Pether
We love the
Brisbane
Brisbane Powerhouse in
From theatre, music, dance and visual arts we’ve connected with thousands of people this past year; celebrating the vibrant local arts scene, and bringing acclaimed artists of international repute direct to your doorstep.
Artists were engaged from a range of culturally diverse backgrounds including Ireland, the USA, the UK, Tibet, France, Hong Kong, the Netherlands and New Zealand, across 38 international productions or productions featuring international artists. We continued our commitment to the LGBTIQ+ creative community with MELT: Festival of Queer Arts and Culture and MELT Vinyl music shows.
We don't want to be anywhere else. Every day, we come in to work because we want this town to be peak awesome. Last financial year, that meant an extraordinary 1,229 Brisbane artists and creative workers were represented across Brisbane Powerhouse. Of the 352 productions we presented last financial year, 235 were local, 81 were from interstate and 36 were international. Brisbane Powerhouse worked with 89 small to medium arts and cultural organisations including Playlab, Metro Arts, The Little Red Company, Understudy Productions, Casus, Supercell, and Dead Puppet Society, and major companies like The Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, ABC, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Dancenorth. In 2018, we partnered with La Boite Theatre Company to present the world premiere of new Queensland musical Neon Tiger, and over the last year we have presented works by artists like Leah Shelton, Joseph Simons, Flipside Circus, Josh Thomas, Emma Dean and the Edinburgh Fringe award-winning circus piece, Notorious Strumpet & Dangerous Girl.
Family programming has become an increasing focus, with 36 productions across the year including the weekly Powerkids: Little Artists at Play program, Possum Magic, Dinosaur Time Machine and Andy’s Amazing Adventures. We also programmed 35 Writers+Ideas shows (including Mike Carlton, Annabel Crabb, Osher Günsberg, Eric Idle, Yotam Ottolenghi, Griff Rhys Jones and Kevin Rudd), 25 theatre productions, six circus works and 13 cabaret productions. We presented 14 visual arts exhibitions during 2019 including World Press Photo Exhibition, Martha Cooper: Street Shots 1970–2019, Power to the Pixel and the inaugural Brisbane Portrait Prize. Look, it's a lot. It's a commitment we make because it is absolutely the reason why we're here, and it helps contribute to a Brisbane that we really want to live in. A Brisbane we want to share with you. That you are the most essential part of. Celebrating the specialness of Brisbane artists and audiences is why we exist – because audiences and artists will always be at the centre of what we do.
Singer, writer, pianist, activist and blogger, Amanda Palmer, returns to Brisbane Powerhouse for an incredible night of piano, pain and laughter.
A triumphant return of an uncompromising artist, the unapologetic front-woman of The Dresden Dolls brings her critically acclaimed one-woman show Down Under. Fearless messages and intimate confessions, loaded with the drama of real life, this is the album her fans crowdfunded, and in return Palmer gives her all. A master at making her personal observations and experiences universal to her broad fan base, join us as Palmer welcomes audiences into her world and takes you on a musical journey you'll never forget.
Date Fri 31 Jan + Sat 01 Feb Time 7.30pm Tickets $75 (f), $69 (c)
+ $6.90 transaction fee Presented by
Brisbane Powerhouse Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language,
sexual references, possible nudity + adult themes
With the incredible New World Players chamber ensemble, featuring fabulous piano soloist Benyamin Nuss under the direction of Eric Roth, don’t miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and power of FINAL FANTASY music in the most intimate of settings. Classics and surprises, battles and characters from throughout the entire series! Specially featuring the music of composer Nobuo Uematsu, A New World delivers an amazing communal music event.
Date Sat 15 Feb Time 7.30pm Tickets $95 (VIP),
$70 (A Reserve), $60 (B Reserve) + $6.90 transaction fee Presented by
The Producers Of Distant Worlds Suitable for all ages Image © 2001–2004, 2013 Square Enix Co., ltd. All Rights Reserved. Character design: Tetsuya Nomura
INTIMATE MUSIC FROM FINAL FANTASY
Frenchy So Ch o S ic Brisbane P ret ul ghtf ow urns to i l de and danceabl erho e Date Tue 21 Jan use with th e, No Time 7pm uvelle Vague. Known for their innovative Tickets $62 (f), reworking of a diverse range of songs, from new wave classics like Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division), Guns of Brixton (The Clash) and The Killing Moon (Echo & The Bunnymen), Nouvelle Vague celebrate their 15th anniversary in 2020 with something special for Brisbane audiences. Gearing up for a performance sure to be a wondrous mélange of the eccentric and the melodic, join Nouvelle Vague as they take us on an unexpected journey through their rich musical history of popular
$52 (c or group 4+) + $6.90 transaction fee
culture, mixed with good humour and glamour, topped with excellent musicianship. Don’t miss the return of French contemporary music royalty and one of Australia’s most-loved French acts, Nouvelle Vague as they fill the Powerhouse Theatre with grooveworthy beats and hypnotic rhythms.
F
h contemp renc o
Presented by
Brisbane Powerhouse Suitable for all ages
rary
oy music r
t al
y
The glorious voices of Vika and Linda Bull are one of the most distinctive, versatile and emotionally charged sounds of the Australian music landscape. Between Two Shores is an evocative, moving selection of songs and personal stories from the two sisters. Blending together narratives from their lives and careers through their unique vocals and instinctive harmonies, the duo takes us on a journey of the diverse pathways they have forged into soul, gospel, blues, country and the island music of their Tongan ancestry. Since their multi-platinum conquest of pop radio with the Black Sorrows in the late 1980’s, through to studio and concert performances with Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, RocKwiz and many more, they have produced their own catalogue of eight albums (with a new one on the way). Between Two Shores is a unique opportunity to journey through the 30+ year careers of one of the most distinctive acts to emerge out of Australia.
Date
Wed 05 + Thu 06 Feb Time 7.30pm Tickets $69 (f), $59 (c)
+ $6.90 transaction fee Presented by
Brisbane Powerhouse Suitable for all ages
Experience Australia’s most respected guitar duo, the Grigoryan Brothers with Joseph Tawadros, master of the oud and his brother James, a world-class percussionist. Date Thu 20 Feb Time 7.30pm Tickets $59 (a), $49 (c) + $6.90 transaction fee Presented by RAZ Music Suitable for all ages
"In a display of improvised and organised genius… their interesting rhythms and amazing adherence to complex time signatures was awe-inspiring… the brothers were entirely symbiotic!" ABC BRISBANE
A unique mix of healing mantras from the East and heartfelt songs of awakening.
Date Tue 04 Feb Time 7.30pm Tickets $108 (Gold Reserve),
These world-renowned artists take you on a rich soundscape journey, moving from gentle, slow inward rhythms to high energy dances, returning to a deep, joyful silence. Create space to centre yourself and experience the deep peace of inner spirituality.
Presented by One Entertainment
$87 (Adult A Reserve), $64 (Concession A Reserve) + $6.90 transaction fee
Suitable for all ages
Rol
l u p an d l et t h e The Midsu gam mm es begin, n! w er Carnival is in to
This original adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is an immersive theatrical experience and feast for the senses. Enter a carnivalesque dreamscape, where fairies tell your fortunes and young lovers are hypnotized to a backdrop of circus, sideshow, gypsy jazz and burlesque.
Date
Fri 24 Jan–Sun 09 Feb Time
Fri + Sat 6.30pm + 8.30pm, Sun 6.30pm Tickets $55 (f) + $6.90 transaction fee Venue Stores Building Presented by
Brisbane Immersive in partnership with Brisbane Powerhouse Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language,
adult themes + sexual references
A VERY
Christmas is coming early! But don’t worry – Santa never will! Get ready to have your stocking stuffed because A Very Naughty Christmas is coming back to Brisbane Powerhouse for its third year. Santa’s pulled a brand-new show out of his sack, and you’ll find something you love, whether you’ve been naughty or nice.
Date
Wed 04–Sat 14 Dec Time Tue–Sat 7pm,
Fri + Sat 8.45pm, Sun 6pm + 7.45pm Tickets $44–$54.90 + $6.90 transaction fee
Featuring a live band and six sexy performers this is the holiday comedy show you didn’t know you had to see. With Christmas hits like you’ve never heard them before this show is bound to get you into the holiday spirit.
A Very Naughty Christmas
Get your tickets now; after all, Santa only comes once a year…
Suitable for ages 18+ Contains
Presented by
coarse language, nudity, adult themes, sexual + drug references
Brisbane Comedy Festival OPENING GALA
What better way to kick off the Festival than a spectacular lineup of the funniest comedians in two hours of laughs.
Date Fri 21 Feb Time 7.30pm Tickets $64.90 (f), $59.90 (c)
This night-of-nights will be packed with non-stop entertainment, featuring a fresh assembly of the country’s best up-and-coming and well-loved comedians.
+ $6.90 transaction fee Venue Brisbane City Hall
Pop the champagne, tap the keg, refill the water cooler, it's Gala time at Brisbane Comedy Festival 2020.
Brisbane Comedy Festival Supported by Brisbane City Council
This event is Auslan Interpreted. Please contact Brisbane Powerhouse Box Office to arrange suitable seating.
Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language +
Presented by
adult themes
Harley Breen ONLY WORDS
Sammy J's
SYMPHONY IN J MINOR
A new live show from the host of Channel 10's Logie nominated tv show, Taboo.
The 58-kilogram star of ABC TV gets back to his musical comedy roots!
Words, who came up with them? It’s a mystery... Probably God. Or something else that makes more sense... Either way, Harley will use heaps of them to say things...
Performing songs from his ARIA-nominated album, Symphony in J Minor and beyond. Sammy J will sing, play, croon, belt, warble, purr and chirp until you kindly ask him to stop.
From Russia to Vegas, Taboo to parenthood, Harley has used a lot of words recently. Some words are beautiful, some words offend and some of them are in this show. It’s a tale of travel, and love, and offence in a time where all three could get you “canceled”. Outrage is fun. Why be offended? They’re only words...
Date Fri 28 + Sat 29 Feb Time Fri 7.45pm, Sat 9.30pm Tickets $36.70 (f), $32.65 (c)
+ $6.90 transaction fee Presented by Laughing Stock Productions Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language
WINNER BEST COMEDY MELBOURNE FRINGE 2016 WINNER BEST COMEDY WEEKLY ADELAIDE FRINGE 2017 NOMINATED BEST COMEDY ALBUM ARIA AWARDS 2019
Date Fri 28 + Sat 29 Feb Time Fri 6pm, Sat 7.45pm Tickets $42.85 (f), $38.75 (c)
+ $6.90 transaction fee Presented by Laughing Stock Productions Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language
Matt Okine
SOLO DINER Award-winning comedian, actor, and writer, Matt Okine, returns to Brisbane with a brand new hour of stand-up.
Date Tue 25 Feb–Sun 01 Mar Time Tue–Sat 6.45pm, Sun 5.45pm Tickets Tue–Thu $27, Sun $32,
It's been a huge year filming season two of his TV show, The Other Guy, writing his debut novel and having a baby. Don't miss one of Australia's most exciting comedy stars!
Fri + Sat $35 + $6.90 transaction fee Presented by Century Suitable for ages 15+
"OKINE IS AN OUTSTANDING STORY TELLER"
***** THE MUSIC "LEAVE WITH A SONG IN YOUR HEART"
**** THE GUARDIAN
Mel Buttle
HANDS ON HEADS Young Mel was easily distracted and chatty in class, often told to choose more appropriate classmates to sit next to. Ironically, she became a teacher, and then a comedian and a TV host – three careers where it’s always her turn to speak. Mel has had a big year performing stand-up around the country and filming the fourth season of Foxtel’s The Great Australian Bake Off which she hosts alongside Claire Hooper, Maggie Beer and Matt Moran. Join former vice-captain and ex-relief teacher, Brisbane’s own Mel Buttle, for her brand new show about all things school.
Date Tue 25 Feb–Sun 01 Mar Time Tue–Sat 8.15pm, Sun 7.15pm Tickets Tue + Wed $28,
Thu + Sun $29, Fri + Sat $35 + $6.90 transaction fee Presented by Token Events Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language
Comic musings, side-splitting stories, tear-inducing tales and so much more! Australia’s fastest growing comedy festival has just gotten bigger and we're bursting at the seams to present a hand-picked selection of the funniest folk in the country. In 2020, Brisbane Comedy Festival is bringing a few new friends along for the ride, with The Tivoli and The Fortitude Music Hall opening its doors and joining us for the laughs. From stand-up to improv and sketch comedy, we’ve got your tastes covered, plus we’ll shine a light on the best new talent, here and now. Kicking off the festivities is the Brisbane Comedy Festival Gala at Brisbane City Hall on Friday 21 February, then we'll be rolling out four weeks of the best local, national and international comedians for a month of non-stops laughs. FRI 21 FEB–SUN 22 MAR TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM BRISBANECOMEDYFESTIVAL.COM
85+ COMEDIANS FIVE VENUES FOUR WEEKS AARON CHEN AARON GOCS AFTER HOURS: BIG FORK SINGALONG AFTER HOURS: STAND-UP VS IMPROVISOR AGRO + JAMIE DUNN AKMAL ALEX WARD ALEX WILLIAMSON AROUND THE CAMPFIRE BECKY LUCAS BECKY LUCAS + CAMERON JAMES BIG FORK: THE MIXER BLAKE FREEMAN BRENNAN REECE BRETT BLAKE BRISBURNED CAL WILSON CAM KNIGHT CHARITY WERK CHRIS RYAN CRAIG QUARTERMAINE DAN RATH DAVE HUGHES DAVID QUIRK DAVID WOODHEAD DEMI LARDNER DILRUK JAYASINHA DOUBLE DENIM DREAMGUNS DUSTY RICH EFFIE FIONA O'LOUGHLIN FRANK WOODLEY GEN FRICKER GERALDINE HICKEY GILLIAN ENGLISH GREG LARSEN HARLEY BREEN HEATH FRANKLIN'S CHOPPER IVAN ARISTEGUIETA JACQUES BARRETT JAMES VEITCH JEFF GREEN JIMEOIN JIMMY MCGHIE + JOHN HASTINGS JORDAN RASKOPOLOUS JOSH EARL JUDE PERL KNOCKOFF LARRY DEAN LAUREN BONNER LAWRENCE MOONEY LIVEWIRED LUKE HEGGIE MARK WATSON MARTY SHEARGOLD MATT OKINE MATT STEWART MEL BUTTLE MELANIE BRACEWELL NATH VALVO NAZEEM HUSSAIN NICK CODY NINA OYAMA OLIVER COLEMAN PAUL MCDERMOTT + GATESY PAX ASSADI PETER HELLIAR POLITICS IN THE PUB QUEERSTORIES ROSIE WATERLAND SAM CAMPBELL SAM TAUNTON SAMMY J SHIT-FACED SHAKESPEARE SPEED: THE MOVIE, THE PLAY STEPH TISDELL STEPHEN K AMOS THE CHASER & THE SHOVEL THE STEVENSON EXPERIENCE THE TRAVELLING SISTERS TOM BALLARD TOM WALKER TOMMY LITTLE ZACK DYER ZOE COOMBS MARR + MORE!
Speed: THE MOVIE, THE PLAY There's a bomb on a bus. If the bus drops below 50 miles an hour, it blows up. What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO?!
Date Thu 27 Feb–Sun 22 Mar Time Thu–Sat 7pm + 8.30pm,
Climb aboard our vintage Volvo for this shameless comedic homage to the 1994 action thriller, Speed, the film which proved once and for all the best drama is on public transport.
Tickets $35 + $6.90 transaction fee
After sell-out seasons at Sydney Fringe and Perth Fringe World, this high-octane trip down the highway of 90s nostalgia makes an explosive return to the Brisbane Comedy Festival.
Suitable for ages 12+ Contains coarse language
Sun 6pm + 7.30pm
Warning: contains Hollywood-ish special effects and jokes about Keanu Reeves' career.
Presented by Act/React
Aaron Chen
MR CIGARETTE
Larry Dean FUDNUT
Double Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominee and star of Live At The Apollo returns with a brand new hour of "confessional storytelling at its funniest" (***** The Herald). As seen on Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, Michael McIntyre's Big Show, Mock The Week and Roast Battle. WINNER DIRECTOR'S CHOICE, MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2019 WINNER BEST NEWCOMER, MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017 WINNER BEST NEWCOMER, SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017
Date Tue 25 Feb–Sun 01 Mar Time Tue–Sat 8.30pm, Sun 76.30pm Tickets Cheap Tue $22, Wed, Thu + Sun $25,
Date Tue 25 Feb–Sun 01 Mar Time Tue–Sat 8.15pm, Sun 7.15pm Tickets Tue–Thu $30, Sun $32, Fri + Sat $35
Fri + Sat $32 + $6.90 transaction fee
+ $6.90 transaction fee
Presented by Junkyard Artists
Presented by Century
Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language
Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language, adult themes,
sexual + drug references
THe Stevenson Experience
STRANGER TWINS Let’s not waste words. Hilarious songs – identical twins – classic banter – an hour of non-stop laughs. Three-time Best Comedy Award Nominees. Sell out shows worldwide 2016–2019
"NOTHING CAN PREPARE YOU FOR THE
STEVENSON EXPERIENCE, AN ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S FRINGE THAT HAD THE AUDIENCE IN STITCHES"
****
ADELAIDE ADVERTISER
Sam Taunton ROOSTER
Roosters vary greatly in appearance from breed to breed, but are often known to have bright, flashy colours, large combs and crow about wanting people to come to their new stand-up show. Sam Taunton is back for another hour and he has A LOT to report back on. Last year he won the Pinder Prize at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, took up, then quit vaping, debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, got his own regular segment on The Project, then in a harrowing turn of events, took up vaping again.
Date Thu 27 Feb–Sun 01 Mar Time Thu–Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm Tickets Thu $25, Fri–Sun $30
Date Tue 25 Feb–Sun 01 Mar Time Tue–Sat 6.45pm, Sun 5.45pm Tickets Tue + Wed $25, Thu + Sun $27,
+ $6.90 transaction fee
Fri + Sat $29 + $6.90 transaction fee
Presented by alist.com.au
Presented by Token Events
Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language
Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language
Lauren Bonner HEARTBREAKER
Lauren Bonner has never been dumped, and honestly, it’s made her a monster. In fact, whenever she has faced rejection (rarely), her first assumption is that they must be afraid of falling in love with her. Some would say this is unhealthy, but actually it’s self-care. Comedian, writer, and triple j’s voice on the street, Lauren Bonner is emerging as one of the most exciting new artists on the Australian comedy scene. In her festival debut, Bonner will track her evolution from a self-conscious teen into an ice cold Heartbreaker with plenty of jokes along the way.
Chris Ryan
I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE NICE At 45, Chris Ryan should be a proper person but she somehow forgets how to walk normally in a posh hotel foyer or keep mean thoughts inside her head. Have you ever chucked an awkward party to try and drum up new friends? Has your Mum ever suggested that three generations of women in your family wear matching skirts at Christmas? Can every bad idea be forgiven if you thought it would be nice?
Date Tue 25 Feb–Sun 01 Mar Time Tue–Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.3pm Tickets Tue + Wed $20, Thu + Sun $25,
Date Tue 25 Feb–Sun 01 Mar Time Tue–Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm Tickets Tue $20, Wed, Thu + Sun $22,
Fri + Sat $27 $6.90 + transaction fee
Fri + Sat $25 + $6.90 transaction fee
Presented by Junkyard Artists
Presented by Century
Suitable for ages 15+ Contains Coarse language + sexual references
Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language + sexual references
After Hours
STAND-UP VS IMPROVISER
After Hours BIG FORK SINGALONG
Welcome to the comedy battle of the century – two stand-up comedians and two improvisers enter the ring, but only one team leaves… victorious!
Big Fork Theatre are throwing the best (and only!) house party/comedy show at Brisbane Comedy Festival.
This feud has gone on long enough. A comedy game show will finally determine, once and for all, who the real ‘Kings of Comedy’ are: the stand-up comedians OR the improvisers. It’s identical to the UFC… if the UFC had weaker, funnier people fighting, and the fighting was replaced with quick wit and hilarious jokes.
Join the crowd and sing-a-long to your favourite songs, then watch as our improvisers squeeze the laughs from your musical favourites right in front of your eyes! Combining the fun of group singing with the madness of their no-holds-barred improvised comedy, Big Fork's Singalong is your perfect capper to a Brisbane Comedy Festival experience.
Join host Chris Martin, the only person to successfully master both comedic styles*, and some of the best comedians at Brisbane Comedy Festival, for one hell of a funny show. *Many people do both, Chris just thought of this first.
Big Fork Theatre are Brisbane’s most popular improv company, with weekly sell-out shows all year round. They’re excited to make their third appearance at Brisbane Comedy Festival following 2018’s sell-out smash, Cool Story Bro and their acclaimed 2019 kids show, Around the Campfire.
Date Every Sat during Brisbane Comedy Festival Time 10pm Tickets $22 + $6.90 transaction fee
Date Every Fri during Brisbane Comedy Festival Time 10pm Tickets $25 + $6.90 transaction fee
Presented by Brisbane Comedy Festival
Presented by Big Fork Theatre
Suitable for ages 15+ Contains Coarse language, adult themes +
Suitable for ages 15+ Contains Coarse language, adult themes +
sexual references
sexual references
Dusty Rich's
Zack Dyer
A FEW BEERS DEEP All the best yarns are told after you’ve knocked the froth off a couple.
STAND UP COMEDY FOR KIDS (AND ADULTS) Dusty Rich is doing a stand-up comedy show FOR KIDS (but also it's for adults) and it is definitely just for the money.
It’s that goldilocks zone between being sober (boring) and being sloppy drunk (fun but risky). A place where exaggeration is the status quo, entertainment trumps truth and the riff reigns supreme. This show was crafted in, and celebrates, that beautiful state of being. I’ve got stories and gags galore so pull up a stump, crack one open and let’s get A Few Beers Deep.
He doesn't want to do it, but we are making him do it because his kids show is rude, crass and hilarious for all ages. Look at the stupid outfit we made him wear! He is going to hate it, but you and your kids are going to love it. Don't miss this stand up comedy kids show (for adults too) at Brisbane Comedy Festival.
Date Fri 28 Feb–Sun 01 Mar Time Fri + Sat 9.45pm, Sun 8.45pm Tickets $22 (f), $18 (c) + $6.90 transaction fee
Date Sat 29 + Sun 30 Feb Time Sat 12pm, Sun 10am Tickets $20 + $6.90 transaction fee
Presented by Zack Dyer
Presented by Based Comedy
Suitable for 18+ Contains Coarse language, adult themes +
Suitable for kids with their parent or carer Contains juvenile humour for kids and crude jokes
sexual references
for grownups. Warning, this will be silly.
Gareth Reynolds – Arrested Development writer and one half of the smash-hit podcast The Dollop – is making his solo stand-up debut in Australia this January with his brilliantly clever quips.
Date Tue 28 Jan Time 7pm Tickets $40
+ $6.90 transaction fee Presented by
Century Suitable for
ages 15+ Contains
coarse language
“Hey, you got an hour? Look, I’ve been doing a shit-ton of thinking about… us, and where we’re headed. This isn’t easy, but I need to be 100% honest with you, even if what I say makes you laugh, very, very hard. You had better sit down for this…” Australia’s adopted son of comedy, Arj Barker is a regular on Australian TV screens with appearances on every major TV comedy show. From playing Dave on the hit show Flight of the Concords, to The Project, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Just For Laughs and everything in between.
Date Tue 03–Sun 15 Dec Time Tue 7pm, Wed–Sat 8pm,
Sun 5pm Tickets $42–$49.90
+ $6.90 transaction fee Presented by
Mary Tobin Presents Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language
Who knew meeting the world’s biggest comedian/ magician would catapult a wideeyed kid into an amazing adventure!
Date Sat 01 Feb Time 8pm Tickets $39.90 (f),
$36.90 (group 10+) + $6.90 transaction fee Presented by
alist.com.au Suitable for
ages 15+ Contains
coarse language
Hitmen, drug deals, comedy legends, a rolling plane, LAPD, touring America, all of it producing the unlikeliest lifelong friendship. Don’t miss Joel Ozborn’s hilariously moving true story brought to life onstage.
Join comedian Deborah FrancesWhite and her special guests for a live recording of the wildly popular podcast, The Guilty Feminist. Hear them discuss their noble goals as 21st century feminists and the hypocrises and insecurities which undermine them. The podcast has become a phenomenon, with over 35 million downloads in two and a half years. Returning after a sold-out 2019 Australian and New Zealand tour, The Guilty Feminist is back for another night of comedy and discussion.
"Hilarious, irreverent, eternally surprising, classy as hell, genius” PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE
“I’m a feminist but… one time I went on a women’s rights march, and I popped into a department store to use the loo, and I got distracted trying out face cream. And when I came out the march was gone.”
Date Sat 08 + Sun 09 Feb Time 7.30pm Tickets $45 (f), $35 (c)
+ $6.90 transaction fee Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language +
adult themes Part of Writers+Ideas
FREE COMEDY
POLITICS IN THE
Brisbane Powerhouse is bringing the laughs to the weekend with Livewired Comedy, an hilarious hour of the best free live comedy in Brisbane. Make your Sunday the starting point for an amazing week full of belly laughs, catching up with mates and getting to know the best in the local comedy scene. The best local and visiting comedians live on stage serving up an hour of free rib-cracking laughs – just with a fresh look. There’s no better way to forget about Monday than with a cracking Sunday!
Returning Mar 01 with Brisbane Comedy Festival Tickets Free
Politics can be a bit of a joke sometimes. For Brisbane Comedy Festival this year, Communify and the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre are taking a break from the serious with a very special Politics in the Pub event. Come hear some festival favourites and special local faces debate some of life’s big questions. Giggles guaranteed.
Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse Suitable for ages 15+ Contains coarse language + adult themes
Date Thu 27 Feb Time 7pm Tickets Free
Proudly powered by
Presented by New Farm Neighbourhood Centre in partnership with Brisbane Powerhouse
Supported by Triple M
Suitable for ages 15+
LITTLE ARTISTS AT PLAY Take some time out and bring the kids down to Powerkids: Little Artists at Play every Tuesday (except school holidays) for a free arts adventure for little ones aged 0–5yrs.
Each Saturday, the Jan Powers Farmers Markets brings the freshest Queensland produce to Brisbane Powerhouse. Whether you’re craving a freshly squeezed juice, a gourmet lunch on the lawn, or want to stock up on fresh local produce for the week – the Jan Powers Farmers Markets is the perfect start to your weekend.
Powerkids: Little Artists at Play is a creative play workshop series for children and their carers. Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse and Imaginary Theatre, this weekly program is a chance for children and their grown ups to connect, create, and learn through fun and interactive play. Every term a new artist hosts a fresh session of Powerkids to stretch your little one’s imagination and get them moving. Find out more about the current session at brisbanepowerhouse.org.
Date Every Tuesday (except school holidays)
until 10 Dec, returning 28 Jan Time 9am–12noon Tickets Free Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse and Imaginary Theatre
Date Every Saturday (except 28 Dec 2019, 04 + 11 Jan 2020) Time 6am–12noon Tickets Free Presented by Jan Powers Farmers Markets
Suitable for children 0–5 years Proudly powered by
at Brisbane Powerhouse
Weddings and ceremonies
Looking for an unforgettable venue with unique flair and character for your wedding or special occasion? Brisbane Powerhouse boasts a modern industrial appeal with panoramic river views, stunning park surrounds, endless locations for photography and a creative events team that are with you every step of the way to curate your dream event. With a great selection of event styles, ranging from an intimate ceremony overlooking the river, a large seated dinner in the theatre or a lawn marquee, or a cocktail party in our Rooftop Terrace, we create exceptional experiences and treasured memories. We work with an enviable line-up of event suppliers, including our exclusive catering partner Wine & Dine’m, who was recently announced as Australia’s national events caterer of the year.
Want to know more?
Contact our events team on 3358 8620 or events@brisbanepowerhouse.org Image Feather and Finch Photography
BAR ALTO SIMPLY ITALIAN The space provides a perfect backdrop to one of the most laid back and beautiful bars in Brisbane, and one of its best Italian restaurants. THE URBAN LIST
Level 1, Brisbane Powerhouse 119 Lamington Street, New Farm QLD 4005 Tel 07 3358 1063 Time Tue 9am til late, Wed–Sun 9.30am til late baralto.com.au
MARY MAE’S BAR & KITCHEN Get rollin' on the river and connect with friends over fresh seasonal produce, killer cocktails and signature Bloody Marys. Ground Level, Brisbane Powerhouse 119 Lamington Street, New Farm QLD 4005 Tel 07 3358 5464 Time Mon–Fri 8:30am til late, Sat + Sun 8am til late marymaes.com.au
WE BUILD
creative partnerships THAT MAKE A
We look forward to collaborating with you on activations that create connections with real meaning. Contact our Development Team at development@brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 3358 8651.
In 2019 our awesome community of supporters has helped us launch international careers, share amazing stories and bring extraordinary art to life. Want to be in on the fun?
Brisbane Powerhouse is Brisbane City Council’s centre for living art, ideas and experiences helping to deliver a vibrant and creative city.
BRISBANE MINI GARAGE
Your Event Specialist
Your Brisbane Powerhouse Foundation is a not-for-profit cultural organisation that provides important resources to support our innovative programming that creates a community that is empathetic, compassionate and welcoming to all. The generosity of our supporters allows us to connect with the many creators and arts-makers we collaborate with to bring compelling experiences to life. Alex Chaudhuri + Lauren Stable — Carol Jelley + The Jelley Family Foundation — Cass + Ian George in recognition of the work of Nata Antonieff — Catherine Michael CMINK — Communify QLD — Dr Conrad Macrokanis — Diane Quinn — Fiona Maxwell — John + Regina Cotter — John + Sue Godwin — Neil Hampton — Sidney Myer Foundation + The Myer Foundation
If you would like to be involved, please contact Brisbane Powerhouse on +61 7 3358 8673 or email development@brisbanepowerhouse.org
CONTACT
Tel Address PO Box Email
+61 7 3358 8622 119 Lamington Street, New Farm Qld 4005 364, New Farm Qld 4005 info@brisbanepowerhouse.org
Building Opening Hours
Mon 9am–5pm Tue–Sun 9am til late
Closed 25, 26 + 30 Dec 2019 + 01 Jan 2020
Web Social
brisbanepowerhouse.org #brisbanepowerhouse
Box Office Mon–Fri 9am-5pm, Opening Hours Sat 12noon–4pm We’ll also be open 60mins prior to the performance start time
Closed Tue 24 Dec 2019– Wed 01 Jan 2020
Transaction Fees A transaction fee of $6.90 applies for all bookings including online, phone and over the counter. When purchasing online, you can choose to receive your tickets via Mobile Ticket, Print-AtHome ezyTicket, regular mail or for collection at the Box Office.
Unauthorised Sellers Feedback We would love to hear from We do not accept tickets sold through unauthorised you: brisbanepowerhouse.org/ sales channels including Viagogo, eBay or feedback Gumtree. Please ensure you take care when purchasing tickets, and only purchase through Program Guide If you would like to receive the Brisbane Powerhouse website or Ticketek. this guide via mail, please register your details at brisbanepowerhouse.org/guide
Refunds + Exchanges Unfortunately refunds or exchanges may not be possible once a booking has been completed Powermail Be the first to know what's unless due to circumstances described in happening. Subscribe to our the Live Performance Australian fortnightly newsletter at Ticketing Code of Practice. There brisbanepowerhouse.org/ may be a fee applicable on eligible subscribe refunds and exchanges. TICKETS
Online Tel In Person
brisbanepowerhouse.org +61 7 3358 8600 119 Lamington Street, New Farm Qld 4005
DISCLAIMER
LOCATION
This program guide is correct at the time of printing. For updates please visit our website.
Brisbane Powerhouse is located on the Brisbane River, adjacent to New Farm Park – one of Brisbane’s oldest and grandest parks. Here are just a few tips on how you can travel to Brisbane Powerhouse.
Concessions If you are a full-time student, Centrelink Health Care, Pensioner Concession or Government issued Seniors card holder, you are eligible to buy your ticket at the reduced price if concession prices are available. Please ensure you bring your concession card and ID on the day of the performance. Accessibility Our venue is wheelchair and special needs friendly. Wheelchair parking is available on-site via Lamington Street with lift access from the car park level. If you require assistance with mobility, sight or sound, please phone the Box Office to arrange your tickets and any assistance you may need. Powerhouse and Visy Theatres are equipped with a sound reinforcement system to assist patrons with all levels of hearing impairment, including hearing aids. Companion Cards We offer companion card tickets to all performances unless otherwise stated. If companion tickets are not available, you may be eligible for the concession price if available. Please phone the Box Office to arrange your tickets. Lockouts For some performances, you’ll be permitted entry at a suitable break in the performance. For others, you won’t be permitted entry after the performance has started. Lockouts will be advised on our website at the time of booking.
Bikes Brisbane Powerhouse is very conveniently located on the Newstead–New Farm Bikeway, which connects to the city centre via the New Farm Riverwalk. There is a CityCycle bike hire station outside Brisbane Powerhouse and docking stations in Fortitude Valley to connect you to the Citytrain network. You can also find secure bike racks outside the Stores and Turbine buildings. Bus The 195 and 196 bus services stop at the end of Brunswick Street at Oxlade Drive, on the East side of New Farm Park. The 199 bus stops at Merthyr Road and Hawthorne Street. Both stops are a short walk away from Brisbane Powerhouse. Car From mid-Jan to late Feb 2020, the Brisbane Powerhouse car park will be closed for refurbishment. During this time, we advise that visiting patrons park in New Farm Park which is accessible via Brunswick Street. If you have a dinner or performance reservation, we encourage you to arrive 40–50 minutes early to give yourself enough time to find a park. CityCat The New Farm Ferry Terminal is located approximately 200 metres from Brisbane Powerhouse, with services every 30 minutes until midnight. he New Farm Park River Hub is located on the T river directly in front of Brisbane Powerhouse with easy vessel access for tour boats, kayaks, canoes and recreational vessels. Taxi The taxi collect and drop off area is located in the car park beside the Stores Building. A free taxi phone is located in the foyer, opposite the Box Office.
Cover Illustration
The illustrated cover of the Summer Program Guide for Brisbane Powerhouse is a tribute the artists that will be showing during this time, the environment that the building inhabits and the feeling of intensity that comes with a Brisbane summer. The playfulness of the ants and speakers is a nod to the loveable rogue nature that Brisbane Powerhouse embodies, and the bright colour palette produces a vibrant energy whilst embracing the refined quality of performance the venue has to offer. New Farm Park that surrounds Brisbane Powerhouse and the building itself are landmarks in the city. This illustration aims to capture the feeling of warm summer days in the park, feeling the energy of activity and the nature that surrounds it. Jimmy Patch jimmypatch.com.au @jimmydrawsstuff
Brisbane Powerhouse acknowledges and respects the ancestral homelands of the Turrbal, Ugarapul/Yugarapul and Jagera peoples, the Traditional Custodians of this country. We pay respect to all Elders past, present and emerging, and welcome all visiting Elders.