Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) just outside of Brisbane is back with a groundbreaking new take on entertainment this spring and summer.
After months of postponements and uncertainty (thanks COVID), the centre is set to bring audiences the best of Queensland: home-grown entertainment, south-east Queensland artists and companies, and artists who are securely inside Queensland borders.
Briefs is able to give us their raucous new show ‘Dirty Laundry’, when normally they’d be touring Europe. The magnificent chamber orchestra Camerata has secured its first visit to RPAC for ‘Queen Of The Nile’, where they’ll be joined by soprano Sofia Troncoso.
More new work such as ‘The CLINTS Come Again Reunion Cabaret’ will bring a welcome smile and a retro evening of ‘80s fun to the Redlands. There’ll be more cabaret works to come, too.
‘Wilbur The Optical Whale’ from indelabilityarts will take audiences on a deep-sea adventure, specifically tailored to young people.
Bell Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ will still be presented, too. The company embarked on an epic journey to get to Brisbane, travelling to the Northern Territory and quarantining in Darwin to complete their national tour. . . Which includes a spot in at RPAC.
A range of new series includes Springtime Swing (Sweet Thunder Jazz Orchestra) and Knock-Off November (local bands every Friday night).
Jam Sessions and Stage Sessions, to name just a few, join a handful of initiatives focused on developing local emerging and established talent – stay tuned to hear more about that.
So how did this reboot of shows come to life? We were lucky enough to see it unfold for ourselves – RPAC took to the great outdoors – and the stage – for a fantastical video shoot featuring performers from the new shows.
The entourage relocated to the carpark for press photography with the backdrop of the gorgeous centre’s spire piercing the blue sky. Camera snaps only paused to move aside for exiting police cars. Dressed in high heels and glamour were two queens from Briefs: ‘Dirty Laundry’. An all-new show with their biggest cast ever. The company would normally be overseas in the UK performing their cabaret which means we can be greedy and have the show all to ourselves. They told us they’re eager to get on stage in their circus drag to “air out some dirty laundry”. . . Sounds spicy.
Then there's Mario: Queen of the Circus with his upcoming show 'A Very Mario Christmas'. Brian May himself has seen Mario perform. Mario put the show in his own words: “it is a variety, rock, comedy, circus show with Christmas themes and the music of Queen! Expect singing, dancing, circus tricks and lots of laughter. Come soak up the atmosphere and energy and be part of the space, it’s about a group of people in one room at one time. . . Let’s shake off another difficult year and have a party.”
Things moved indoors to get a feel for the performance space – and what a spectacular space it is. The performers' eyes lit up as they pictured how they would fill this spacious room. RPAC is a hidden gem, often overlooked. If this is the calibre of what’s to come from the centre, we recommend grabbing some friends and heading out for a night at the theatre.
Check out some photos from RPAC’s reboot video shoot here.
