Festival

WOMADELAIDE ANNOUNCES FIRST 20 ACTS FOR 2020 FESTIVAL

The wait is over for the WOMADelaide faithful, as the first 20 groups are announced for the 2020 festival, to be presented over 6-9 March 2020 in the picturesque surrounds of Adelaide’s Botanic Park. Leading the first announcement is living musical legend, civil rights icon, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award-winner, Mavis Staples. Hailed by NPR as “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace,” Staples is the kind of once-in-a-generation artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate. ‘The Golden Voice of Africa’, Salif Keita (Mali), returns to WOMADelaide with a cracking eight-piece band as part of his farewell tour, celebrating 50 years of music and 70 years of life. From humble beginnings with the Rail Band of the Train Station Hotel in Bamako and a life of tribulations as an albino, Keita’s latest album Autre Blanc (Another White) calls on the world to celebrate difference. Fresh from the release of their seventh studio album and a tour of Europe that included two shows at Glastonbury, The Cat Empire return to WOMADelaide for an unprecedented fifth appearance. Over 17 years, the band has come to be considered ‘family’, growing up with the festival since their first show at WoZone, the festival’s late night club, in 2003. In 2020 the adored headliners will close the main stage on 6 March. Also announced today is Orquesta Akokán (Cuba) a stunning big band that redefines the golden era of Cuban Mambo, morphing Havana with the creative and talented spirit of the NY Latin scene, the USA’s master of lo-fi, underground rock, Bill Callahan, best known under the band name Smog, and Australia’s Grammy-nominated Hiatus Kaiyote with a new album on the way, joining New Zealand’s indie superstar Aldous Harding. Mavis Staples Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, David Ridgway said the calibre of the artists announced today reinforced Adelaide’s position as a UNESCO City of Music. “This is just a taste of the WOMADelaide line-up and we can already see why this event remains the best – showcasing such a wonderfully eclectic, diverse program of global sounds, sights, flavours and ideas,” he said. “We are bringing the best of the world’s most creative musicians, dancers and artists right into the heart of Adelaide, and it is going to be another amazing celebration for everyone to embrace.” Today’s announcement also includes the aerial spectacular As the World Tipped, a politically charged and environmentally focused work for our times by renowned UK company, Wired Aerial Theatre to be presented nightly in Frome Park. Towering 13 metres above the audience, As the World Tipped is an exceptionally ambitious and beautifully crafted aerial performance where dance and theatrics entwine with extraordinary projections which illustrate the very real and immediate realities of climate change. WOMADelaide Director, Ian Scobie said that he was excited with the stature of program being unveiled today. “We are thrilled to be announcing a program which includes artists at the peak of their craft exemplified by Salif Keita and Mavis Staples, as well as Orquesta Akokán – a stunning tribute to the Cuban big band era – and a powerful call to arms on climate change in As the World Tipped,” said WOMADelaide Director, Ian Scobie. Artists also announced today include: The sublime musical collaboration between classical harpist and griot kora master Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita. (Wales/Senegal) Ezra Collective pay respect to classic jazz composition while running the lines between the delicate technicalities of jazz, Afrobeat and hip hop. (UK) From the streets of Tokyo, Kikagaku Moyo blend classical Indian music, Krautrock, folk, and ‘70s rock into a mind-melting psychedelic sound. (Japan) L. Subramaniam has been hailed as ‘the Paganini of Indian classical music’ who has transcended the distinctions between Eastern and Western composition. (India) Brazil’s Liniker e os Caramelows, nominated for the 2019 Latin Grammy, combines lush and dreamy soul with the tropical heritage of Música Popular Brasileira. (Brazil) UK electronic duo Sleaford Mods whose stabbing synths and acrid chants are matched by their on-stage energy. With her powerful fusion of hip-hop, reggae, dancehall and neo-soul, Muthoni Drummer Queen has been paving the way for alternative artists in Kenya for years. (Kenya/France) The poetic lyricist and singer-songwriter sensation, Odette (Aus) Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi, a stirring combination tracing a musical journey from American folk to Southern Italy, via Africa, from Grammy Award-winning Giddens and musical alchemist, Turrisi. (USA/Italy) Produced by The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill, Spinifex Gum is the award-winning musical collaboration with Marliya, from Gondwana Choirs, celebrating the vast talent of Indigenous youth. (Aus) A trio of the finest traditional griot musicians is Malian super group Trio da Kali (Mali) Fierce energy, beatbox rhythms and otherworldly harmonies in the all-female quartet, Tuuletar (Finland). WOMADelaide 2020 will be held from 6-9 March in Botanic Park, Adelaide, South Australia. THE 2nd WOMADELAIDE 2020 LINE-UP ANNOUNCEMENT, INCLUDING AROUND 40 ADDITIONAL ARTISTS WILL BE MADE IN LATE NOVEMBER.

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October 26, 2019

Pete Helliar Brings Frankie Fish to WOMAD

Pete Helliar brings Frankie Fish to WOMAD There’s not much that the loveable funnyman Peter Helliar hasn’t done. As one of Australia’s favourite comedians, as well as TV series creator, director and star, regular co-host of The Project, touring stand-up comic, husband of 17 years and father of three boys… he’s kind of got a lot going on! Lucky for kids and parents everywhere however, he has also managed to squeeze in authoring the hilarious, best-selling Frankie Fish series of books for children in all that spare time he has up his sleeve. We chatted with Pete about what it’s like writing for kids, his upcoming appearance at WOMAD (something he has, in fact, never done before!) and what’s next for Frankie Fish. You’re going to be a guest reader in the KidZone at WOMAD reading from your Frankie Fish books, I imagine you’ve performed to some tough crowds, but is any gig tougher than a bunch of kids? When I began writing the Frankie Fish series and we started talking about writer’s festivals and performing to kids, I didn’t think much of it. My first time actually doing it was the Perth Writer’s Festival and I thought “Oh. Actually… what am I going to talk to them about for an HOUR?” Luckily, my mum had kept a lot of the books I’d written as a kid in grade four and five, so they’ve become my secret weapon and I end up reading some of those books to the kids which is fun. I remember years ago before I was writing books, visiting my son Aidan’s prep class, they had dads coming in to talk about their jobs and I thought “I’m going to be fine, I work in television, that’s pretty exciting” and the kids could not have been more bored! One of the other dads was a policeman and another was a marine biologist, so they were way more exciting than I was. Have you been to WOMAD before? This will be my first time! I’ve been in Adelaide when it’s been on because I’ve done so many Adelaide Fringe Festivals, but I’ve never been to WOMAD, so I’m excited. I basically said yes straight away, it was one of those things; of course I know about WOMAD, I’m often there for it, I don’t really know what to expect but I only hear good things. What has the process been like from seeing the initial Frankie Fish idea come to life, to expanding on that and creating a number of stories in the series? Will there be more coming in future? I was actually writing book five this morning, book four is out in April. There will be a longer wait for book five to hit the shelves with probably a year between them. I wanted to make sure that I was enjoying writing the books and for it not to become too much like a job, because I have enough of those! There could be more. We haven’t quite capped it, I know how the series finishes but I don’t know when it finishes. I think time travel was tougher than I thought it was going to be and I could have made this whole exercise a lot easier for myself but I chose not to. I didn’t want to patronise the kids with something that was too easy. Once I could see the characters, it became easier and there’s definitely more life in these characters so we’ll keep them going for a little while. What was your inspiration behind Frankie Fish; was there a reason behind choosing a time travel theme? I’ve always said that the main two influences were Magic Faraway Tree and Back to the Future. I wanted to create a book about kids, and specifically kids who kind of got to escape to somewhere, so time travel gave me that opportunity. How important was balancing the humour aspect with a good story that kids will sink their teeth into? I concentrate on the story first and foremost, and my style is comedic. Certainly, the story is first, making sure the kids want to turn the pages and read the next chapter. That’s the key. What I usually do is write a few drafts and then I will take the idea to the publishers and they’ll give it back to me to give it one final read through where I just add in as many jokes as I can. So, it’s like a final jokes pass. What’s next? Frankie Fish the movie maybe? Possibly! When the first book came out my son told me he could imagine it as a movie. I wouldn’t mind seeing it as a TV series, with each book being a series. The characters could lend themselves to that. We haven’t made any attempt to reach out to people in regards to that because I have enough on, and I’ve been concentrating on the books and making sure they don’t suffer. But possibly yeah! We could explore that. Top three parenting tips? Just off the top of my head! 1. Involve yourself in as much as you can in their school and their sport. 2. Listen to them, let them talk; don’t talk at them but talk to them. 3. Always remind the tooth fairy, to make sure the tooth fairy definitely comes. You and your kiddos can join Peter Helliar at the WOMAD KidZone for Story Time on Saturday and Sunday, March 9th and 10th. Tickets: womadelaide.com.au – Kids under 12 are FREE

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March 5, 2019

REVIEW: The Magic Flute

REVIEW: The Magic Flute March 1 – 3, Adelaide Festival Theatre. In The Magic Flute, Australian opera director Barrie Kosky presents a striking interpretation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s classic opera in collaboration with the German Komische Oper Berlin and live action animation by London’s 1927. With music by our very own Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, it’s an audio-visual extravaganza set to an iconic soundtrack. The show is an eccentric clash of Gatsby-era vaudeville, silent film vibes and 21st century technology—a love story raging with the kind of antiquated gender dynamics you’d expect from an opera written in 1791. The Magic Flute premiered in Vienna just two months before Mozart’s premature death at the age of just 35. The show was an instant hit and has remained a cherished work for audiences globally ever since. Quips about capturing feeble-minded women might make you cringe. You can dismiss some of it as a product of its time, forgive most of it for its enduring value as a piece of classical music history, and laugh at the rest. The set—a simple white wall with revolving panels—is a blank canvas for the live stream animations that are meticulously crafted. The cast interacts with the animation seamlessly, exhibiting outstanding attention to detail and artistry. Papageno plays with a prancing animated cat, while Sorastros holds his deadly dogs at the end of a cord. The stage is at once an enchanted forest, then the stomach of a deranged serpent, and then the whirring steampunk mechanics of the human brain. In the story, we see Prince Tamino lusted over by three attendants of the Queen of the Night as he’s coaxed to save her daughter Pamina from the evil high priest Sarastro. Soon Tamino meets the mischievous, amorous Papageno. We see him fantasising about his future lover with a cast of trippy pink elephants dipping in martini glasses. Later, he’s dashing across the rooftops with Pamina, and then hanging off a brick wall that grows thick with blue and yellow flowers. Tamino is gifted a magic flute, personified as a twinkly tinker-bell, and Papageno a case of magical bells. At various times in the journey, three choirboys depicted as heavenly butterflies float into the scene, offering sage advice to our heroes. While The Magic Flute was originally a singspiel—with both speaking and singing parts—the spoken elements in this show are presented like narrative projections as in silent films. See it for the dazzling animations, charming costumes and dreamy, timeless (if sometimes bizarre) storyline. Or see it simply for the thrill of hearing ‘The Queen of the Night’ sung live (by a giant matriarch-spider, no less). The festival suggests to bring children, but kids under 10 may get restless sitting for 2 hours and 40 minutes (including 20 minute interval). It’s presented in German so any children in tow should be confident readers to follow the English surtitles on screen. View the full Adelaide Festival Program HERE

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March 4, 2019

The Family Program That Encourages Children to DreamBIG!

The Family Program That Encourages Children to DreamBIG! The full family program for the upcoming DreamBIG Children’s Festival promises days of thoughtful and awe-inspiring entertainment. The fun and thought-provoking lineup features 350 artists and is jam packed with live performances involving song and dance, a boisterous puppy, a giant robot, fireflies, the Gruffalo, drag queens reading stories, silent discos and more. The general public component of the festival runs late May to early June and features 12 shows, including three world premieres and seven Adelaide premieres. There will be 12 exhibitions held at Adelaide Festival Centre and venues across the city and surrounding suburbs. There will be more than 25 free events and activities on offer over the popular Big Family Weekend, on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. Thousands of tickets have already been booked since the schools program was released late last year. DreamBIG Children’s Festival Creative Producer Susannah Sweeney expects the general public will be just as enthusiastic: “We put a lot of time and effort into creating a program that not only entertains but enriches lives. “DreamBIG Children’s Festival is filled with fun and thought-provoking shows for all ages. The theme is People Together because for humanity to thrive we need to respect and enjoy our similarities and differences. There are shows for babies and toddlers through to teenagers and beyond.” “Through the arts, DreamBIG exposes children to new, unique and wonderful experiences, encouraging them to be creative, compassionate, clever and curious. It’s much loved by families and schools and we hope to see you there!” “From a world premiere show for babies, to shows tackling complex issues such as bullying and loneliness, we are proud to present this thoughtful, empathetic and entertaining festival.” Established in 1974, each festival reaches an audience of over 100,000 people with an average of 180 or more schools participating across South Australia. Adelaide Festival Centre works in partnership with the Department for Education to deliver DreamBIG. The DreamBIG Opening Event, at Adelaide Oval on May 22, will feature up to 2000 children singing the High School Musical hit “We’re All in this Together” after a reading of children’s book “Alpacas with Maracas,” held in unison with school students across Australia. Part of the National Simultaneous Storytime initiative, the even aims to get one million children reading at once. This will be followed by SA icons Electric Fields who recently came second in Australia’s Eurovision entry competition. The DreamBIG family program also includes: • The Gruffalo Live on Stage – returning to Australia after sell-out seasons in London’s West End and Broadway. For the first time the show will also head to Port Lincoln. • New Owner – Combining puppetry and animation this is a beautiful story of loss and love, seen through a dog’s eyes. • Beep – from the makers of Grug, this locally produced show is about a robot, friendship and finding where you fit. • Robot Song – performing in Adelaide as part of a national tour, this show follows the story of a young girl on the autism spectrum learning to understand the world around her, with the help of a giant robot. • Seashore – a brand new show for babies and toddlers, exclusive to DreamBIG, featuring live music and dance to create a sense of play. • Of All the People in All the World – a free performance installation from the UK, which uses grains of rice to represent human statistics, making us reflect on our place in the world. • Panda’s Home – a beautiful and immersive dance piece from China and Italy where Chinese culture and technology combine, and the audience becomes part of the show. • Same Like Yesterday – an animated visual performance that illustrates the story of a group of Adnyamathanha women sharing their ancestral stories with teenage girls from their community. Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier said more than two million children had participated in the festival to date, and it continues to be popular: “Adelaide Festival Centre is immensely proud of this festival. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for children of all ages to foster an appreciation for the arts, and with such a diverse range of shows on offer, there is something for everyone.” More details about the Big Family Weekend will be revealed in April. Full details and ticketing information for both the family and schools programs can be found at dreambigfestival.com.au

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March 1, 2019

REVIEW: Baba-Yaga

REVIEW: Baba-Yaga Baba-Yaga, in Russian folklore, is a supernatural witch who lives on the edge of a forest. In Windmill Theatre’s new production, she is the riotous, hyper-colour resident of the “Poultry Park Apartments” penthouse. We open on the bleak 1984-esque reception area of Poultry Park. Bold signs enforce a long list of rules set-out by the very vocal body corporate – “No pets, No loud music….etc”. Stationed at the reception desk is the demure and softly spoken concierge, Vaselina. Her serene surrounds are soon interrupted by the persistent rule-breaking of her newest tenant, Madam B. Yaga. Faced with threats of cats and techno, Vaselina must take charge and investigate to restore the serenity of her surrounds. What transpires is a thoroughly enjoyable meeting of two unlikely characters. Elizabeth Hay’s Vaselina is innocent and sweet. The audience wills her on as she fronts up to the raucous, madcap Baba-Yaga. Hay is a pleasure to watch and naturally engaging. We follow Vaselina’s journey as she discovers things about herself she never thought possible. Christine Johnston’s Baba Yaga is perfectly eccentric. She is an all dancing, all singing, all recorder playing powerhouse. The two embark on an adventure where anything goes. In Baba’s words (and one of my favourite lines), “Impossible literally says I’m possible”. Special mention to the physical performances of both Hay and Johnstone. The dance routines (including flossing by both Vaselina and Baba), are perfectly directed & executed for the demographic, resulting in belly laughs from the audience. Beautiful OTT costumes by Selene Cochrane and on point animations by Chris Edser. Baba Yaga is a co-production by Windmill and Scottish company Imaginate presented for the Adelaide Festival. Co-creators are the talented Rosemary Myers (Girl Asleep), Christine Johnston (The Kransky Sisters) and Scottish children’s theatre artist Shona Reppe. Suited for ages 7 – 12 (some more mature themes for younger Kiddos) see it this Festival season! Baba Yaga plays the Queen’s Theatre from February 27 – March 3, March 5-6 as part of the Adelaide Festival adelaidefestival.com.au

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March 1, 2019

YOUR GUIDE TO ADELAIDE FESTIVAL

ADELAIDE FESTIVAL 1 – 17 March For more than 58 years, Adelaide Festival has been delighting audiences with the very best in artistic excellence from international and local performers, musicians, artists and writers. The 2019 Adelaide Festival will be no exception, with a range of free and ticketed experiences to tickle the fancy of every family member – from theatrical triumphs, jaw-dropping physical theatre, spine-tingling music, to whimsical one-man shows; Adelaide Festival is the perfect way for families to get out and about in Mad March. DON’T MISS ZIZANIE With evocative imagery and enchanting illusion, Australian dance icon Meryl Tankard works with Adelaide’s Restless Dance Theatre to create a whimsical world where a mesmerising tale for all the family unfolds. This exciting new work celebrates the beauty in difference and reminds us of Grayson Perry’s inimitable words that “weeds are just owers in the wrong garden.” 14 – 17 March Space Theatre – Adelaide Festival Centre Tickets available from adelaidefestival.com.au LITTLE PEOPLE BLAAS 2 -10 March Thomas Edmonds Opera Studio – Adelaide Showgrounds FOEHN 13 -17 March Main Theatre – AC Arts BABA YAGA 26 Feb – 6 Mar Queen’s Theatre – Gillies Arcade SYMPHONY FOR OUR WORLD – ELDER PARK OPENING WEEKEND CONCERT 2 March Elder Park BIG PEOPLE CARMEN  8 -10 March Festival Theatre – Adelaide Festival Centre COUNTING AND CRACKING 2 – 9 March Ridley Centre – Adelaide Showgrounds MAHLER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 8 -10 March Auditorium – Adelaide Town Hall MEGAN WASHINGTON 15 March The Palais – Elder Park OUT OF CHAOS… 27Feb – 6 Mar Scott Theatre – The University of Adelaide WIN WIN A FAMILY PASS TO FOEHN! Armed only with a pun (“foehn” is a warm Mediterranean breeze), some sticky tape, fans and a pile of shopping bags – a single puppeteer/ magician will breathe life into the inanimate. Your jaws and those of your young charges will go slack as the little plastic dancers it, swirl and waltz on the rising currents of air. No strings. No tricks. Just a brilliantly conceived and planned improvisation that to believe… well, you must see! Enter online at HERE Tickets are available via adelaidefestival.com.au @adelaidefestival #AdlFest #AdlWW #ThePalaisAF

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February 27, 2019

REVIEW: 360 ALLSTARS

REVIEW: 360 ALLSTARS The Moa at Gluttony – Showing until 17 March When a show has ‘allstars’ in the title, you really expect to see the best of the best—and the 360 Allstars does not disappoint. Dubbed an ‘urban circus’ by promoters, the show is a high-energy showcase of all things that spin: bicycles, basketballs, breakdancing and hoops. And every player is a champion in their field, from drumming to dancing to dropping the beat. The 360 Allstars are like seven cool uncles who your kids adore. Funny, fit and ultra-talented, they’re beatboxing, back-flipping guys with buckets of energy and bags of street cred. A dizzying display of BMX tricks by a two-times world-BMX champion is followed by a b-boy dance-off reminiscent of a 64-bit video game battle. You’ll see a freestyle basketballer juggle five balls as he’s egged on by a screaming audience, a moonwalker in a magic spotlight, and a roue cyr hoop artist with the elegance and strength of a ballet dancer. The show is backed by slick hip-hop beats and honey vocals of X-Factor NZ winner Beau Monga, with a virtuoso percussionist keeping it tight. The original live music score—drums, keys and samples—unifies the performance without skipping a beat. Every moment of the 65-minute show is seat-edge-exciting, with just the right amount of humour. It is, absolutely, the coolest family show of the Adelaide Fringe—dazzling, thrilling, and exceptionally good fun. Suitable for all ages, but probably best appreciated by girls and boys aged 5 and up. Warning: may result in air-drumming and BMX acrobatics attempts. ***** Tickets available here 

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February 26, 2019

National Geographic’s Symphony for Our World FREE Open-Air Concert

National Geographic’s Symphony for Our World FREE Open-Air Concert This weekend to welcome the opening of the Adelaide Festival thousands are expected at Elder Park for a free outdoor film and live music spectacular! Symphony for Our World, commissioned to celebrate National Geographic’s 130th anniversary, has been performed continuously all over the globe since it premiered in San Francisco in April last year. Since its iconic yellow-spined magazines embraced imagery over a century ago, National Geographic has defined the art of nature photography and helped shape our understanding of the earth. Its vaults are vast and now have been artfully plundered to create a spectacular 90 minute film synchronised to a gigantic five movement symphony for live orchestra and chorus. Each movement focuses on an environment – Seas, Shore, Land, Mountains, Sky – and the cumulative power of the breathtaking footage is both humbling and awe-inspiring. The music from Emmy and BAFTA nominated Bleeding Fingers Music (co-founded by Hans Zimmer, Extreme Music CEO Russell Emanuel, Steven Kofsky and SonyATV), the award winning team behind the Blue Planet series, is rich, atmospheric and uplifting; its orchestral power tailored to the magnificence of the natural world it underscores. This live performance featuring Aurora, the Festival Statesmen Chorus and the Adelaide Festival Orchestra conducted by Jessica Gethin will be an unforgettable experience for you and your family, a fitting and celebratory opening to the 2019 Adelaide Festival. For tens of thousands of years we worshipped our planet. For a few hundred we have abused, defiled and exploited it. Yes, this will be a gorgeous night in the park but, in some way too, it’s a reminder of what truly matters and the legacy we leave the children sitting with us. For more information and The Adelaide Festival program visit: adelaidefestival.com.au

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February 26, 2019

REVIEW: Mr Snot Bottom’s horrible, terrible, really, really bad, bad show

Mr Snot Bottom’s horrible, terrible, really, really bad, bad show Adelaide Fringe Saturday 16 February – Sunday 17 March 2019 The Factory at The Garden of Unearthly Delights: Rundle Park / Kadlitpina, Cnr East Tce & Rundle Rd The delightfully obnoxious and hilariously distasteful Mr Snot Bottom is back with a brand new (award nominated) horrible, terrible, really, really bad, bad, show; which, despite what the name suggests, is actually really, really fun, fun. Gross-tastic kiddy stand-up comedian, last name Bottom, first name Mr Snot, brings us a show about opening a show, which manages to incorporate all the best elements you’d hope for in kids’ entertainment; slapstick comedy, audience participation, visual gags (pun intended), and a healthy dose of buffoonery about pooing your pants and bum explosions. What I love about kids is that they find the most stupid stuff entertaining (and, given how much I love MAFS; same). As such, Mr Snot Bottom kept his audience, both young and young at heart, snorting, snickering, cringing and cackling, as he performed a show rife with hilarity that also unexpectedly upheld the underlying theme that while being yourself can be pretty scary, it’s also the best thing you can do. After all, “the world’s a big mixture, just like what comes out your bum!” If you and your kids are up for an hour of horrendous humour and uproariously low brow laughs, this putrid production of thoroughly eww-worthy entertainment, is definitely for you! ★★★★ Buy Tickets

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February 25, 2019

Jodie Stubbs in WOMAN: It’s a Mother of a Cabaret

Jodie Stubbs in WOMAN: It’s a Mother of a Cabaret Tuesday 26 February to Sunday 3 March, 7:20pm Packing healthy home-made school lunches, reading bedtime stories, taking the kids to extra curricular activities, running your own business, attempting to work part time, lunch with the girlfriends, date nights….. The struggle of being a mum and trying to have it all. Sometimes it’s a blast and sometimes it’s a total cluster f*uck! Jodie Stubbs WOMAN is a hilarious comedy cabaret about mothers trying to have it all Adelaide – Sydney cabaret performer, Jodie Stubbs, will make her Adelaide Fringe debut with her hilarious cabaret, WOMAN at Gluttony. Having received rave reviews in Sydney and Melbourne, WOMAN takes you on a humorous journey of what it is to be a mother, career woman, wife and cabaret chanteuse as Jodie attempts to get through a 60-minute show without having to check on the kids. “Welcome to my show about what it is the be an estrogen producing, child bearing, ovulating female of the species. Aren’t you glad you came boys?” Co-written with award winning director and performer, Tyran Parke, WOMAN was originally intended to explore the changing roles of women through the ages. However, during rehearsals the busy mother-of-two was so consistently interrupted by her family, the pair decided to include these interruptions in the show. On the phone to her babysitter mid-show: “Give Gracie the iPad and break open the emergency Cadbury. Desperate times call for desperate measures and at this point I really don’t care.” The show’s co-writer, Mr Tyran Parke explains, “Creating this show with Jodie was madness. Sometimes she’d tell her family she was going to the shops but was actually sneaking away to sit in her car to rehearse in peace, singing to me on Skype. “We kept trying to wrangle a show under these circumstances until I realised this WAS the show! This hilarious struggle of Jodie trying to balance her family life while realising her dream – and the guilt that went with it – there was just so much raw humour and emotion, we knew it would resonate with a lot of people.” Jodie Stubbs, the show’s co-creator, performer and mother of two said she’s thrilled with the show’s reception so far and can’t wait to bring it to Adelaide Fringe. “I’ve been absolutely blown away by the positive feedback for WOMAN – particularly from other mothers. I think it’s because it touches on something so real; this feeling that many mothers struggle with, of being torn between doing something for themselves – whether that be a passion or career or simply time alone – and being present for their families. “This show is really about acknowledging those contradicting emotions and having a laugh about it. Because let’s face it, we’re all in the same boat. We’re all just trying to do our best, but I don’t think anyone feels like they’re getting it quite right.” Jodie will be performing WOMAN at The Bally at Gluttony from Tuesday 26 February to Sunday 3 March. Provided she can arrange babysitting, that is. SHOW DATES Adelaide Fringe – The Bally at Gluttony Rymill Park / Mullawirraburka, Corner of East Terrace and Rundle Rd Tuesday 26 February to Sunday 3 March, 7:20pm Tickets available via Adelaide Fringe

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February 22, 2019

REVIEW: Arj Barker ‘We Need To Talk’

Arj Barker ‘We Need To Talk’ Adelaide Fringe, Arts Theatre, 21 Feb – 2 March Once a young, single, comedy hot-shot Arj Barker is now married and finding more and more of those random grey hairs. This leads him to change his tune in ‘We Need To Talk’. Crude sexual innuendoes are fewer, while the ‘ball and chain’ jokes are plentiful. Barker’s stage presence comes with the ease of a well oiled machine. It is clear he is a seasoned veteran in comedy. His self deprecating, jaded and cynical approach to life is somehow charming and like all good comedy… relatable. The biggest roars of laughter and giggles in the audience came from a group of female audience members, who were presumably on a girls night away from their husbands and kids. One could presume this from their uncontrollable laughing reaction to anything marriage or children related mentioned by Barker. An unprecedented amount of time is spent on Barker’s traditional “merch” spiel, however this is somehow skilfully made acceptable via his forgivable, tongue in cheek charm and hilarious, welcomed audience interaction. Evidently it was also very effective when considering the lengthy que for the ‘sticker packs of wisdom’ post show. All round, Barker’s cynical and sarcastic skits and hilarious, because they are brutally honest. A show that is both engaging and entertaining, especially for those who are married or looking for a bit of comic relief from their own personal midlife crisis. Tickets available via adelaidefringe.com.au

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February 21, 2019

Marawa Ibrahim ‘The Girls Guide’ Book Event at RCC Fringe

Marawa Ibrahim ‘The Girls Guide’ Book Event Tuesday 19 February 6:00pm – 7:00pm Seven-times world record holder Marawa Ibrahim was once told she didn’t have what it takes to be a performer. Today, she holds world records for the most hoops spun by an individual and the fastest 100 metres in high-heeled skates. Marawa works with hundreds of young women around the world through her award-winning hula-hoop troupe, The Majorettes. Along side the World Premier of her cabaret box of tricks show ‘Quality Novelty’, Marawa Ibrahim brings to Adelaide the exclusive Australian launch of her book ‘The Girl’s Guide’, packed with lessons about growing up, and the changes Marawa once experienced in her own body when becoming a women. Join her for a celebratory book signing, filled with all things fun (may or may not include hula hoops). Location: the Braggs Lecture Theatre is located in the new Braggs Building on the North Terrace campus, close to Victoria Drive and is adjacent to the Maths Lawns and facing the Barr Smith Lawns. The entrance to the Theatre is located on the ground floor at the front entrance. BOOK YOUR FREE EVENT TICKETS HERE  Tickets to Quality Novelty available here  RCC FRINGE 

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February 18, 2019

Get Festive With Blip Art School’s Fringe Sock Puppets

FRINGE SOCK PUPPETS After a fun-filled night out at the Adelaide Fringe keep the fun going by creating a mini sock puppet show in your lounge room! You will need: • • • • • – Odd socks – A cardboard box – Craft glue – Stanley knife – Fabric, wool, craft foam or anything you can nd around the house to embellish your characters! STEP 1. With the help of an adult, carefully cut your cardboard box to include a stage at the front, and remove the back cardboard for your sock puppets to access the stage! STEP 2. Paint your box and fit your stage with curtains and other decorations. STEP 3. Wear one of the socks on your hand to plan where you would like your character’s face to be. Place the end of the sock inside of itself to create a mouth shape. STEP 4. Create your clothes and accessories for your character… can you guess who we’re making today? STEP 5. Glue them onto your character using craft glue. We made Fringe superstars Hans and Monski Mouse! We’d love to see your creations! Don’t forget to post them on social media, tag @blipartschool and @kiddomagand hashtag #blipxkiddo Blip Art School was founded by local creatives Ella James and Astrid Myers. Their classes provide students with unique, exciting activities designed to help them develop their creativity in a fun, social environment. For more info and bookings head to their website: www.blipartschool.com

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February 15, 2019

YOUR GUIDE TO GLUTTONY

YOUR GUIDE TO GLUTTONY 15 Feb – 17 Mar Gluttony celebrates its ninth Fringe in 2019 and boasts 160 shows that span the genres of cabaret, theatre, circus, magic, comedy, dance, music, spoken word and children’s entertainment. This season will be Gluttony’s biggest entertainment program yet and as such the boutique park space has expanded to a second site this year, Masonic Lodge on North Terrace. Gluttony’s park space is full of beautiful tent venues in Rymill Park that have world class performers, cool bars, two awesome food markets and a relaxed space for sitting and having a glass of wine before and after a show. With a village green atmosphere, it is regarded and respected as a venue that both artists and arts lovers relish. DON’T MISS REBEL Rebel is a live circus rock tribute to the original rebel, David Bowie. Stage dive into the mosh pit for a night of live music, glittering glam rock, phenomenal acrobatics, breathtaking aerials and spectacular heart stopping sideshow. Live music combined with circus and comedy brings to life an incredible body of work that has spanned over 50 years, and an aesthetic that broke ground and inspired generations. Rebel has been inspired by the words of Bowie; “I want to tart rock up. I don’t want to climb out of my fantasies in order to go up on stage – I want to take them on stage with me.” Rebel is your Bowie fantasies realised – a live band, breathtaking circus, spectacular rock and roll sideshow. 20 February Wonderland Spiegeltent – Gluttony Tickets available from gluttony.com.au LITTLE PEOPLE 360 ALLSTARS 15 Feb – 17 Mar The Moa ENCHANTMENTS 16 Feb – 17 Mar Parasol Lounge LE PETIT CIRCUS 16 Feb – 17 Mar Ukiyo ESCAPE FROM TRASH MOUNTAIN 16 Feb – 17 Mar The May Wirth BALLOONATICS 2: GET PUMPED 16 Feb – 17 Mar The Empire Theatre BIG PEOPLE ANYA ANASTASIA: THE EXECUTIONERS 15 Feb – 3 Mar Phoenix Room – Masonic Lodge ROGUE 15 Feb – 17 Mar The Octagon BERNIE DIETER’S LITTLE DEATH CLUB 15 Feb – 17 Mar Wonderland Spiegeltent MATT TARRANT: MORE UNSOLVED 19 Feb – 17 Mar The Flamingo HANS: LIKE A GERMAN 26 Feb – 17 Mar The Octagon WIN: A FAMILY PASS TO ESCAPE FROM TRASH MOUNTAIN A puppetry epic of trashy pro- portions! Follow these heroes as they fight trash bats, navigate treacherous ravines, and outwit hideous trash monsters, and maybe get a few ideas for making your very own trash puppet! The Trash Monsters will empower people of all ages to get creative using recycled and reused materials. Thanks to Gluttony KIDDO has a family pass to giveaway! ENTER below for your chance to WIN! Tickets available gluttony.net.au ENTER ONLINE HERE @gluttony_fringe #gluttonyfringe

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February 14, 2019

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ADELAIDE FRINGE

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ADELAIDE FRINGE It’s the party that defines a city! Held across four weeks in February and March, Adelaide Fringe is the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. The 2019 Adelaide Fringe will feature 1326 events and more than 7000 artists across 517 venues. Shows will pop up all over Adelaide and regional South Australia – everywhere from Port Adelaide, Gawler and Port Noarlunga to Mount Gambier, Whyalla and Murray Bridge. With so much to see and do at this year’s Adelaide Fringe, it’s time to get set for a wild ride across 31 magical days and nights! DON’T MISS YABARRA: GATHERING OF LIGHT A story for the senses as projected light and sound guide you through an interactive cultural landscape, sharing stories of Kaurna country along Tarndaparri (the original name for the River Torrens). 15 Feb – 17 Mar FREE event, 8.30pm – Midnight Karrawirra Parri/River Torrens (Adelaide University footbridge) LITTLE PEOPLE BEST OF KIDS FRINGE 16 Feb – 17 Mar Parasol Lounge – Gluttony DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAW? 16 – 24 February Ferguson Room – National Wine Centre INSIDE THE WALLS, A GIANT POP-UP GHOST STORY! 9 – 17 March Ukiyo – Gluttony BIG PEOPLE FRINGE TALK SHOW 16 & 17 Feb The Moa – Gluttony HANS: LIKE A GERMAN 26 Feb – 17 Mar The Octagon – Gluttony JUDITH LUCY VS MEN 15 Feb – 3 Mar The Vagabond – The Garden WIN WIN AN ADELAIDE FRINGE GIFT PACK! Come fully prepared for the Fringe season with this ultimate Fringe gift pack including, a vinyl bag, pin set, $20 voucher and the best part…. a Fringe membership! A Fringe Membership is the best way to make the most of the awesome events and entertainment happening in our Festival State all year round. Member benefits include 25% off a huge selection of shows, invites to Fringe events, member lounge access, express Fringe Tix, restaurant offers and more! Total RRP: $80 Fringe tickets and merchandise can be purchased from adelaidefringe.com.au ENTER HERE  Fringe Tickets are available via adelaidefringe.com.au The Adelaide Fringe Box Office on the corner of Rundle Mall and Twin Street or call FringeTIX on 1300 621 255. @ADLfringe #ADLfringe

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February 13, 2019