Brisbanites can once again be transported to wonderland this November, with the fifth instalment of Brisbane Powerhouse's Wonderland Festival, a showcase of comedy, burlesque, circus, music and magic.
The carnival, which will take over the whole of the Powerhouse for 11 sultry summer evenings, will have an incredible 25 shows in total.
Brisbane Powerhouse Artistic Director Kris Stewart has promised a sexier, sillier and even more spectacular Wonderland than previous years.
“We want people to head on down to Brisbane Powerhouse and let loose for this end of year cavalcade of fearless physical feats, great storytelling, captivating live music and laugh-out-loud comedy,” Kris says.
“The festival is united by a palpable sense of fearlessness and heart with guaranteed glamour and giggles.”
2018 will see some old favourites return with brand new tricks; favourites Bombshell Burlesque will leave you begging for more with their new show 'Heatwave', while Mama Alto's slick cabaret tribute to Billie Holiday will have you on the edge of your seat.
'B.tch On Heat' - Image © Sarah Walker
New works will also be debuted, including the world premiere of 'Two Man Tarantino', a live comedy act performed by Emily Vascotto and Stephen Hirst, which combines all eight Tarantino classics into one chaotic hour.
From across the seas comes New Zealand's all-female circus troupe The WonderWombs, a “glance at intoxicating masculinity over toxic masculinity”, and the UK's Leah Shelton with brand new work 'B.tch On Heat'.
The New World Players will also be making their return to Australia for Wonderland, with 'A New World: Intimate Music From Final Fantasy', their programme of music hand-picked from the critically-acclaimed 'Final Fantasy' video game soundtrack.
Brisbane, of course, has a strong carnival contingent, with a homegrown collective of Brisbane's finest female vocalists performing an ode to the city in 'I Left My Heart In Highgate Hill'.
'An Evening With Josh Norbido'
For those after a little bit of magic, there is a live, interactive hypnosis act by Isaac Lomman, which will see a few lucky volunteers become part of the show, as well as an intimate set of performances by world-renowned illusionist Josh Norbido.
Magic industry up-and-comer Matt Tarrant will also be making an appearance with his show 'Honestly Dishonest', which will involve sleight-of-hand, mind reading and other tricks.
The Wonderland Festival is the biggest single investment in local artists by the Powerhouse, with all proceeds to go directly to those creating and delivering the works.
“Wonderland Festival epitomises Brisbane Powerhouse’s commitment to emerging artists and new works, providing a low-risk, safe platform for artists to play, and audiences to take a gamble on something new,” Kris Stewart says.
