Five-Star Festival Hits High Notes at Noosa Alive
An unforgettable ten days of sheer delight and five-star magic kept Helen Flanagan on her toes, during a triumphant Noosa Alive!
A jam-packed feast of arts and culture, world and Queensland premiere performances, sold-out theatres and rousing ovations, all hit the high notes. Presented with a side of perfect weather to complement the backdrop, Noosa Alive 2026 has been hailed as arguably the most successful in the event’s 24-year history.
Opening honours once again went to the Queensland Ballet with a mesmerising world premiere of three new works all different, all entertaining. Long time friends of the festival Li Cunxin (Mao’s Last Dancer) and wife Mary were special guests.
Another world premiere, and rave reviews for playwright David Williamson’s Coping with Winter. Proud son Rory Williamson was in the director’s chair doing justice to the script with plenty of biting social and political satire. Erik Thomson was in the lead role of ‘Prince of Darkness’ aka Gabriel Winter, Australia’s richest most powerful person; Renai Caruso played his wellness coach; and femme fatale Janneke Williamson, was supported by Glen Miller and Tom Middleton, obnoxious characters we all love to hate.
Bravo to the spectacular star-studded Opera Gala Dinner at Elysium Noosa. Champagne followed by a sumptuous three-courses with matching wines, set the scene for an unforgettable evening. Divina Opera, and guest tenor Shannon Leonard, left the guests spellbound with classics from Phantom of the Opera to Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro.
It was stunning weather at Lucio’s Marina riverside with the legendary chef, food author, restaurateur and all-round fabulous Maggie Beer AO, in conversation with Carlie Wacker. Her passion is the Maggie Beer Foundation and its serious responsibility to ensure health, happiness, and quality of life for all older Australians. A second sell-out lunch took place at Peppers’ Park & Cove Restaurant.
A stellar literary program featured Blanche d’Alpuget and the crime fiction The Bunny Club. Other authors included Osher Günsberg, Amy Remeikis, Rosalie Ham, Mike Carlton, and Robert Forster a Brisbane-born musician and writer, who co-founded the internationally acclaimed rock band The Go-Betweens. And let’s not forget the gob-smacking conversation about the creation of Fly Girls with trailblazing aviator Deborah Lawrie, and playwright friends Genevieve Hegney and Catherine Moore.
Canapés and in conversation with Anthony Watson, had actor and author Bryan Brown in the spotlight. What a cracking event, not only talking about his book The Hidden, but the down-to-earth larrikin kept the room in stitches, sharing anecdotes from his illustrious career.
Breakfast with multi award-winning Louise Milligan, highly respected investigative journalists and acclaimed author, included a preview of her latest powerful novel Shellybanks.
It was a big turn-out for veteran journalist Kerry O’Brien, Indigenous advocate Thomas Mayo, former Truth-Telling and Healing Commission member the Hon Roslyn Atkinson AO, and Stolen Generations survivor Billy Trott. Not a dry eye anywhere as panellists shared personal stories and reflected on pathways towards truth, justice and healing.
Suzie Miller and David Williamson in Conversation offered an insight into the creative minds of two acclaimed playwrights. Their discussion explored the craft of storytelling and the power of theatre to illuminate complex social issues with intelligence and empathy.
Enthralling audiences, classical guitar duo Slava and Leonard, aka the Grigoryan Brothers, widely recognised as two of the finest guitarists of their generation, blended classical training with jazz, contemporary and multicultural influences.
Tapping the toes and tugging at the heart strings was the Queensland premiere of Olivia, an intimate production starring Tottie Goldsmith and supported by a talented musos and vocal ensemble. Through personal stories and songs, she paid tribute to her late aunt, Olivia Newton-John, celebrating the wisdom and spirit of the global superstar.
Described as one of Australia’s most compelling performers and fresh from sellout performances at the Sydney Opera House, was celebrated actor and singer Ursula Yovich. Backed by an impressive live band her tribute to the sultry and hypnotic Nina Simone wowed the audience with a potent performance exuding fresh energy.
Another premiere, Songbirds reunited longtime friends and performers Gorgi Coghlan and Anna-Lee Robertson in a stunning celebration of music, friendship, emotion, a clever combo of classic and cabaret earning glowing reviews nationwide.
A highlight for foodies was ēthos restaurant at Alsahwa Estate in Palmwoods with an exceptional farm-to-plate experience and accompanied by harpist Hayley Erin; Film with Food featured comedy-drama Big Night, and a menu from chefs Matt Golinski, Josh Smallwood and Glen Barratt.
Hundreds arrived early for the Community Finale, a free family-friendly event and the Stars Alive youth talent showcase on the River Stage at Lions Park beside the Noosa River. Young singer-songwriter Milenka was declared the 2026 Stars Alive winner by Ian Mackellar and guest judges Amber Lawrence and Karen Knowles.
Festival Director Ian Mackellar who also conceived Stars Alive is believed to have a little black book of talent, more an encyclopaedia. He is perpetually on a mission to present another seriously exciting program of national and overseas performers and more, to visit Australia’s favourite destination.
After this triumphant year one wonders who’s already on the list for 2027? It is the 25th Anniversary Festival with new dates, Friday 30 July to Sunday 8 August.
