Festival fun to be had
THE North Australian Festival of Arts is in full swing following a successful opening week featuring a mix of family fun and cheeky cabaret.
And the show will go on with a bonanza weekend.
Bernie Dieter’s Little Death Club showcased its risque opening night performance on Thursday and there was also another superb show by Circus Wonderland – A Mermaid’s Tale.
Last night, the festival featured its Townsville Comedy Gala headlined by Akmal Saleh and musical trio Tripod.
Tonight Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet will present its free show Spartacus at the Crossed Boomerang Amphitheatre, Jezzine Barracks at 7pm, which will be screened live from the Queensland Performing Arts Centre as part of the QPAC International Series 2019.
Music will be performed by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
There will be more entertainment tonight from Bernie Dieter’s Little Death Club in the enchanting Wonderland Spiegeltent on Strand Park, followed by Debauched: Late Night Burlesque. Tomorrow’s entertainment includes a sold-out performance of Alice Through the Looking Glass by Theatreinq at Anderson Gardens, where the family can bring a picnic and enjoy a promenade adventure.
A showcase of indigenous culture will also be offered with One Mob Movin and Groovin, a celebration of Aboriginal and Islander bands showcasing the many styles of its musicians including Buttchella Women and Barry Cedric from Yarrabah.
This year’s North Australian Festival of Arts features more than 300 events and live shows in conjunction with the Northern Fringe Festival, Strand Ephemera, Festival of Stories and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.
“We’re amazed with how people have immersed themselves in the festival, and we really hope more people will come along,” Townsville City Council community and cultural development chair Cr Colleen Doyle said.
Gold Logie winning comedian Tom Gleeson will also feature at the festival, and has announced an extra show to his run from July 26-27.