Hitting the High Notes
There is a lavish cultural feast including a riot of colour, comedy, indulgent music, literature and of course fabulosity in-store this year for Noosa Alive, trumpets Helen Flanagan.
After the challenges and restrictions of the year that was 2020, a successful jam-packed mini-festival weekend in March served as a precursor for this year’s return of the 10-day Noosa Alive, which will run from 15 to 24 July and celebrate 20 years since the festival’s inception.
No one knows more about the Noosa festival than David Williamson, one of Australia’s most successful playwrights who has spent a lifetime in theatre and has been the Patron since the start of Noosa Long Weekend, which morphed into Noosa Alive a few years ago.
The multi-arts festival has retained its philosophy of not being too cutting-edge and elitist, rather appealing to everyone with low-cost tickets and free open-air events and experiences attracting the best talent from interstate, abroad and of course, locally.
“The tradition continues with a vengeance and diversity from a cross-section of contemporary Australia,” says David. “It appears my son Rory, now working in property but with an acting and directing background, is reviving a play from my repertoire to celebrate my 50 years in theatre. He’s casting from local talent and whilst I cannot reveal the play, I can say it is being produced by Noosa Arts, it’s never been staged in Queensland, is a fun romp and in its sell-out London season starred one of the world’s most famous entertainers.”
The mind boggles!
Ian McKellar, who was appointed festival director in 2008, has returned after a short absence. He’s revived his passion for orchestrating a festival program with an outstanding array of world-class performers, entertainers, and special guests; all set with a backdrop of some of the most beautiful locations in Noosa.
“Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the festival, the 2021 July program promises to include something for everyone,” comments Ian. “From traditional favourites to vibrant new and quirky event offerings never seen before in Noosa, expect the best of the best, including international performers and unique World Premiere experiences.
“But the question on everyone’s lips is ‘who is BOOFF’?”
We’ll have to wait for the answer to that one too! In the meantime, be tantalised by the Queensland premiere gala as mentioned previously; a world-class ballet; sharp-edged comedy; an international cabaret diva; the Bellissimo Opera; Cirque Fantasy International; an orchestral choir spectacular; a multiple Aria Award-winning artist; jazz served Smokin’ Hot; award-winning literary showcase; celebrity guest speaker; gala dinner celebration; progressive lunch favourites; visual arts; and fascinating heritage walks.
Continuing the tradition of truly offering something for everyone.
While the program is still being finalised, President for the last three years Andrew Squires reminds everyone to check the website for full program details and ticketing, including how to become a volunteer, sponsor or service provider.
