Alive in 2025! at Noosa Alive
The stage is set for an entertaining, spine-tingling and thought-provoking ten-day celebration of music, theatre and experiences. Deb Caruso discovers what’s on offer for Noosa Alive 2025.
David Williamson couldn’t have written the script better when he, together with wife Kristen and arts-loving friends, came together to bring a celebration of performing arts, dance, comedy, theatre, literature, magic and more to the shores and venues of Noosa.
That was 23 years ago and what started as the ten-day Noosa Long Weekend, has morphed into Noosa Alive! A festival that is still much more than a long weekend with ten days of world-class premieres and Australian firsts that continue to bring panache and a splash of colour and culture to our region.
“We will ignite your senses with live shows, literary events, thought-provoking, mind-tingling, sensory overload performances accompanying food and wine with Noosa as our backdrop,” said Festival Director Ian Mackellar who will present a diverse program of events attracting the very best of Australian and international performers, writers, film-makers, musicians, artists, chefs, and social commentators.
In its twelfth year of collaboration, Queensland Ballet will present a special performance by its Jette Parker Young Artists. Audiences will be treated to two stunning works – Back to Bach by Greg Horsman, an elegant return of the 2016 world premiere and Curious Beings, a world premiere by Amelia Waller in collaboration with Dead Puppet Society.
This double bill blends the beauty of classical ballet with bold contemporary storytelling, puppetry, and imagination.
Noosa Alive would not be complete without a David Williamson play and this year, its another world premiere with the release of Sleeping Dogs.
Presented in three exclusive performances, the play follows Max Griffith, a Hollywood director whose return to Australia dredges up long-buried secrets. Directed by Ian Mackellar and starring Erik Thomson (Packed to the Rafters), Alison Venning, Jo Hendrie, Louisa Williamson, and Samantha Sherrin, this darkly funny and emotionally resonant work takes a piercing look at memory, regret and the lingering impact of the past.
These performances are part of The J Series, which will also see world-class musical performances of cabaret and country on stage at The J Noosa.
Stage and screen legend Caroline O’Connor OAM will present an exclusive Queensland performance of stories and songs from her illustrious international career. With musical direction by Michael Tyack, Caroline will revisit roles from her time on stage in Australia, London, Paris and Broadway. Honoured with an AM (Order of Australia) for her contribution to theatre, Caroline’s talent and charisma light up the stage.
Demonstrating the diversity of the program, From Tamworth to Tennessee will see multi-award-winning country star Amber Lawrence bring her full band to Noosa Alive for a powerhouse night of music. The six-time Golden Guitar winner and Australian singer-songwriter, is one of Australia’s most celebrated and hardest working country artists and was announced the 2023 Female Artist of the Year at the CMAA Golden Guitar Awards!
Expect high-energy, humour, honesty and heart (and the occasional sing-along) as Amber’s shares behind-the-scenes stories of songs that have both shaped and made her 20-year, ARIA-topping career that includes releasing seven studio albums and three children’s albums.
A Night At The Opera at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant with talented trio Divina will combine the greatest moments from famous operas, including Carmen and The Magic Flute.
If literature with a bite is more your thing, Noosa Alive presents two exclusive pre-releases of gripping tales of well-known Australian identities as well as the latest release tome of highly-relatable and topical time-of-your-life issues that’s sure to resonate.
First up, the much-anticipated My Father Bryce by Adam Courtenay who reflects on his personal journey to better understand his legendary father and bestselling author. “I was witness to his complexities, both good and bad, as only a child can be,” Adam said. Enjoy insightful discussions with a divine lunch at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant and be the first to get a signed copy of the book.
Likewise for breakfast at Noosa Springs with acclaimed author Kimberley Freeman, who will discuss The Secret Year of Zara Holt – a compelling novel inspired by the enigmatic life of Zara Holt, wife of former Prime Minister Harold Holt, who famously vanished while swimming off Cheviot Beach Lunch and conversation Lucio’s Restaurant, guests will enjoy Prime Time with Bec Wilson, one of Australia’s leading voices on modern ageing and retirement. The founder of Starts at 60 and author of the #1 Australian self-improvement title How to Have an Epic Retirement, takes a look at what should be the prime time of your life – if only you knew how to make the most of it!
Sharon and Slava Grigoryan – two of Australia’s finest classical musicians will present their 2020 Aria-nominated debut album, Our Place, in the intimate and acoustically-superb Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; Slow Food Noosa’s Film with Food screening of Kitchen Brigade at the Majestic Theatre; and the grand finale will see Noosa Alive present a program of free performances on the River Stage for Imagine, an unforgettable experience along the stunning Noosa River Foreshore to celebrate 21 incredible years of Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa supporting the Noosa community.
Promising enchanting experiences at every turn, Imagine will transform the foreshore into an immersive wonderland, blending arts, music, dance, and magic with the breathtaking natural beauty of Noosa. Stars Alive will showcase talented young artists eight-18 years of age with expressions of interest to audition currently open.
Early ticket sales for the 2025 proves that there is still an appetite for world-class performances in our slice of paradise. The Jazz Cruise aboard MV Catalina sold out within days so don’t delay – book today!
