
Noosa Alive with Star-Spangled Events
Expect ten days of sheer delight mixed with mesmerising sights and sounds, a cacophony of laughter, riot of colour and a cultural feast like no other, effuses Helen Flanagan.
Curtains up, lights dimmed, sound on and tables set. It’s almost time to tune in and get ready to be enthralled when the stars align for the 22nd year of Noosa Alive!
Imagine Australian’s theatre royalty; a ballet world premiere; alluring sopranos; a country and western superstar; Gold Logie award-winning comedian; intoxicating musical artistry; operatic arias on the beach; literary masterminds; now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t magic; a Taylor Swift extravaganza and so much more!
A multiplicity of stages have been chosen from Noosa Main Beach to the Hinterland and in-between.
Queensland Ballet opens the Festival for the 11th consecutive year with two breathtaking works, including Papillon, a world premiere by acclaimed Australian choreographer Jack Lister; and Holberg Suite by Greg Horsman. Join Queensland Ballet’s new Artistic Director Leanne Benjamin AM OBE in conversation.
Noosa Main Beach ignites with Seaside Vibes a two day music festival with local bands The Froth, Gold Creek and Waiting For Tom, and ex-Noosa local, now multi-instrumental Nashville star, Wesley Dean (formerly Wes Carr) headlining day one; while a line up of DJs, De Saint, Joskie, Greg Sara & Tilly Saunders with headliner Luke Millions aka ‘The Synth Lord’ leading the dance party on day two.
The 7 Sopranos, Australia’s most beautiful voices, are a high impact classical spectacle, a unique fusion of contemporary and classical style combining entertainment, glamour, and power vocal! International cabaret diva Meow Meow returns to Noosa, direct from her sold out Carnegie Hall, New York debut, for one show only. Whilst there it only took one call from Festival Director Ian Mackellar, with an invitation to which Meow replied, “Absolutely! I adore Noosa Alive and would love to return… so excited!”
Bask in the dangerous realism of electro-acoustic collaboration by Satu In The Beyond, featuring an all-star cast of Australian musicians drawn from punk, indie and classical genres. Virtuoso violinist and vocalist Satu Vänskä leads ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti on electric violin, Midnight Oil’s Jim Moginie on guitar, Paul Beard on keyboards, Kiah Gossner on bass and Declan Kelly on drums to deliver a uniquely intoxicating blend of genre-defying artistry and experimentation.
The Box Show by Junkyard Beats provides something unique, a beautifully crafted ecofriendly performance revealing the transformation of discarded Junk, converted into unique sounds and musical instruments. You’ll never look at a cardboard box the same way again!
A one-woman tour-de-force, a story about love, loss, laughter, surviving, and the dance of life set to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tell Me On A Sunday features at Noosa Arts Theatre; and at The J, Sunny Coast Showdown will showcase the award winners amongst 20 locally produced short films and documentaries.
Join the fun with Murder Village, two interactive improv theatre performances, where the audience decides whodunnit.
Are you ready for Taylor Swift? Reputation Preview — the ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show happens under a marquee on Main Beach. If you miss this Tay-Tay tribute, prepare to dance your heart out at the full production Reputation show at The J Theatre.
Opera on the beach with Twilight Classics, is an evening of fine food and wine plus exceptional music with a trio of flute, cello and harp by Carisma ABC classics group, String Quartet by Bridgerton Strings performing music from the hit period drama and superb vocalists Tarita Botsman, Natasha Veselinovic and James Shaw performing a mix of operatic arias, art song, musical theatre and contemporary classics.
Words & Music is an intimate event with Australian theatre royalty John Bell AO OBE who with extraordinary pianist Simon Tedeschi, will give a sneak peek into life ‘behind the curtain’. After decades of celebrated performances between them, they’re sure to have some wicked backstage stories from the Opera House to the Concert Hall.
Tim Ellis has been wowing audiences around the world including Hollywood’s Magic Castle, Le Double Fond in Paris and New York’s world-famous Monday Night Magic. He is the Guinness Record Holder for The World’s Longest Magic Show at 85 hours non-stop and his exclusive Timeless Magic show will broaden the mindset of what is possible.
Close Encounters with Harry Milas invites you to get up close and personal in an intimate performance and teaching of sleight-of hand magic and card tricks. His Sydney Harbour Bridge shows have completely sold out for the remainder of the year. Be prepared to be astounded and amazed!
Amongst the literati, actor and writer William McInnes will share his journey and latest book Yeah, Nah!; a Crime Writing Panel brings together authors Michael Robotham, Candice Fox and JP Pomare for some whodunnit hi-jinx; enjoy morning tea with sexologist, counsellor and special education teacher, Jodi Rodgers as she comes to the rescue of families who deal with autism and spectrum disorder with the release of Unique a book about difference, connection and belonging; or brave breakfast with crime writer Chris Hammer to discuss his latest book, The Seven; also multiple Walkley Award and Logie Award–winning Australian journalist and author Chris Masters will discuss his book on Ben Roberts-Smith, Flawed Hero: Truth, Lies and War Crimes.
Sensational Seafood is a 3-course lunch at Ricky’s River Bar & Restaurant where seafood is the indisputable star of the show and Estampa entertains. The Italian Long Lunch at popular Noosa Waterfront Restaurant, inspired by Italian families enjoying warm conversation, good wine, and beautifully prepared food. Includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival, and entertainment.
Join the free Festival Wrap Closing Party on the Noosa River at the Lions Park and stage. A line-up of local bands will play into the winter sunset as the water laps the foreshore. Hosted by Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi (aka Mr. Hollywood in OZ) the event will also include the STARS alive! finalists who will battle it out on stage. Slow Food Noosa’s Film with Food is already SOLD OUT, as is Tom Gleeson (hard luck!) with many others close to capacity so look alive and book now!
The 10-day annual arts and cultural festival NOOSA Alive! returns from Friday 19 to Sunday 28 July 2024 with a jam-packed program of tantalising events to suit all budgets – even FREE. Visit www.noosaalive.com.au for more information and to purchase tickets.