COME Alive!

Be inspired by imaginative cultural adventures and premiere events during 10 days of comedy, theatre, music, literature, ballet, cabaret, feasts, films - and sand between your toes, invites Helen Flanagan

The multi-arts NOOSA alive! Festival, now technically in its 19th year (after a COVID-19-induced pause in 2020), has retained its philosophy of appealing to everyone with affordable tickets, the best talent and stunning locations. Expect a few favourites alongside vibrant new and quirky events never seen before, including a quirky world premiere.

Hitting the high notes and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats will be Cirque Bon Bon. Diverse technical dancers who have toured the world use comedy and acrobatic skill in a spinetingling spectacle with mind-bending contortion and death-defying feats of strength and precision for one night only! The boutiue cirque, dance and comedy experience is presented by the former creative director of Cirque Du Soleil, Ash McCready and worldrenowned director/choreographer Julieann Nugent. The cast includes internationally-acclaimed artists including Mario Queen of the Circus, a contortion performer known as ‘the girl with no bones’; one of the world’s best Cyr wheel artists who will manipulate his body to flip, bend and spin in his hoop; plus, an ensemble of eight dancers have graced stages such as Moulin Rouge and Cirque du Soleil’s Cirque Stratosphere

For the gala opening night, Rory Williamson will direct the Queensland premiere of David Williamson’s Up for Grabs. The gripping and humorous storyline sees art dealer Simone Allen give it her all to sell one of the late Brett

Whiteley’s better paintings, and she transcends all boundaries to deliver a masterclass in focus and drive. Any pretense at ethics takes a back seat in Simone’s quest for the aesthetic high ground and the right price in this high-stakes comedy of manners.

From the beautiful mind of Clint Bolster, and sure to be the talk of the town comes the world premiere of High Tea with Booff where you can share stories and biscuits and pour out your heart along with your tea. This immersive work of comic theatre is a unique experience, something between a visit with royalty and popping by to see your strangest and most favourite aunt. An unforgettably dark and sweet slice of Tim Burton-esque brilliance with only 240 tickets that are sure to sell out!

The Queensland Ballet returns with the gifted Jette Parker Young Artists joining featured company dancers to delight in two breathtaking pieces including a new work by resident choreographer Natalie Weir. The performance will include an on-stage Q&A session with Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO

The Business Forum Lunch is with celebrity speaker David Koch and guest panelists including Daniel Gschwind, Queensland Tourism; Michael Knox, Chief Economist & Director of Strategy at Morgans Financial Limited; and Michael van Baarle, ABEL Energy.

Rococo Restaurant is hosting De-Lovely Duck on Hastings Street with two courses matched with wine and a large serving of entertainment featuring international jazz legend, George Washingmachine playing violin and vocals, accompanied by the talented pianist John Reeves. Cole Porter is on the menu too so no doubt it will be de-lightful, de-licious, de-lovely!

A truly exquisite concert promises to be Sacred, Serene, Furious & Festive, featuring the inimitable flautist Jane Rutter and the Oriana Sunshine Coast Choir conductors, Antoni Bonetti AM and Fay Baker OAM. The program ranges from Beethoven’s Hallelujah, Mozart’s Magic Flute - Overture, Offenbach’s Can Can; to Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, and even Abba’s Dancing Queen

The David Williamson AO 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner will be an elegant affair, featuring a string quartet with award-winning cellist Louise King, a lavish 3-course dinner, premium wines and after dinner it is up close and personal with David as he shares excerpts from his highly-anticipated book Memoirs, with a no-holds-barred recount of his life, the people he’s met, ones he’s liked and ones he’s loathed.

Enjoy a wonderful dinner at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant with the sweet notes of Belladiva – Bellisima, in an intimate performance as the pop-opera trio celebrate 10 years of angelic voices combined with reimagined classics and breathtaking modern arrangements from Summertime to Yesterday

If sidesplitting, unfiltered, stand-up comedy is more your thing, get your laughing gear around Akmal’s latest Unhinged, Unfiltered & Unleashed. No topic is left untouched as he spins comedy gold from his hilarious and unique view of the world.

International cabaret diva Meow

Meow returns with her extra special brand of subversive and sublime entertainment which has hypnotised, inspired, and seduced audiences worldwide. Named “cabaret diva of the highest order” by the New York Post, the spectacular crowd-surfing tragicomedienne has “a voice to break the most unwilling heart and a feeling for words that smashes through cynicism” (The Times UK). Her multi-award-winning original music theatre works have been commissioned by David Bowie and Baryshnikov amongst others; her theatre credits include Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare’s Globe in London; and her latest album Hotel Amour with Pink Martini’s Thomas Lauderdale was ranked in the Times UK Top 100 Albums of 2019.

Gympie’s favourite Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival brings a hand-picked selection of charming short films to make you laugh, cry and grin for less than the cost of a standard movie ticket. Stick around for interviews with filmmakers after the show. The short films will be curated to cover all genres that are groundbreaking, edgy, inspiring or downright hilarious; so long as they beat with a good, strong heart.

Ian McKellar, who was first appointed festival director in 2008, has returned after a short absence and orchestrated an outstanding festival program, assures everyone there is lots more to come including beach events. Keep checking the website for full program details, ticketing and most importantly, updates.

Details

NOOSA alive! - 15-24 July 2021

For updates, full program details, ticketing and artists follow the social media or visit: www.noosaalive.com.au