The Brisbane Festival is gearing up to kick off the festivities this September, and the line-up they recently dropped is MASSIVE. Boasting an incredible number of acts from across the worlds of music, theatre, cabaret, comedy, visual art and every other medium you can think of, the program is absolutely stacked.
Running in its current format since 2009, Brisbane Festival brings the masses out of winter hibernation, using iconic city landmarks and the famous Brown Snake as a backdrop. From the 1st to the 23rd of September the city will come alive, with a huge number of acts, venues and events to attend.
To get you excited for festival season, The AU Review team have compiled a list of must-see acts and events to add to your festival program. You can check out the full program HERE.
Tae-Tae in the Land of Yaaas!
Cremorne Theatre, QPAC
25th of August-17th of September
Using wheels of steel in the place of glass slippers, Tae-Tae in the Land of Yaaas! takes the true story of Estee Lee and turns it into a confronting, honest, heart-warming retelling of her journey from a completely world-turning loss to a life full of adventure, success and love. Written by Estee Lee’s sister Shake & Stir’s Theatre Co’s Nelle Lee, this glittery, camp adventure stars Drag Queen Maxi Shield (RuPaul’s Drag Race) as Tae’s fairy godmother. Tae is played by emerging actor Maya Dove alongside a whole cast of Queensland’s favourite faces.
Get your sparkle on HERE.
Salamander
Northshore, L Shed Dock B
Running from 1st-15th and 17th-24th of September
A promenade dance-theatre work, Salamander utilises light, sound, design and movement to turn transform a warehouse Northshore, Brisbane into a fully immersive, climate-fiction dream-like world. Brisbane Festival is the global premier for this multi-medium installation brought to life by Maxine Doyle and Es Devlin. A commentary on the state of world and the impact of climate change, this thought-provoking masterpiece is set to be a highlight of the festival.
More info HERE.
Paul Kelly
The Princess Theatre
6-7th of September
This Australian music icon needs no introduction but for two special nights, Paul Kelly will be taking audiences through his 2022 compilation: TIME. Kelly’s music is renowned for digging deep into the very essence of Australia and this compilation highlights a vast catalogue from over the years and treasure trove of unreleased recordings. He will also be joined by the immensely talented Beckah Amani, who will be the opening act both nights.
More info HERE.
History of House
The Princess Theatre
10th of September
In a collaboration between ARIA-nominated DJ Groove Terminator and three-time Grammy®-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, History of House takes the audience on a thrilling journey through the storied history of dance music. You’ve got the world’s best gospel choir working with a talented DJ to educate and put on display music ranging from 70’s disco, 80’s pop and right into the new millennium’s version of house music. We dare you to keep still.
Strap on your dancing shoes and get your tickets HERE
Bananaland
Playhouse, QPAC
16th of September- 1st of October
While this may be a story of how a punk rock band accidentally became cult kids music phenomenon, this is definitely one for older audiences. Directed by industry giant Simon Phillips, written by Keir Nuttall and featuring an unbelievable score by Kate Miller-Heidke, tickets for this show are sure to sell quickly. Telling the story of a band’s struggle to choose between “selling-out” or rejecting newfound fame, Bananaland is a rollicking romp full of music, comedy and heart.
More info HERE.
The 2023 Brisbane Festival runs from the 1st-29th of September at venues across the city. For more information and for the full program, head to their website.
All images credit to Brisbane Festival.
