Star-Spangled Noosa Alive!
An international-standard program will captivate minds, hit the high notes and fill hearts with theatre, music, literature, laughter and joy, effuses Helen Flanagan.
Imagine a lavish cultural feast, two world premieres, three Queensland premieres, and an array of genres from indulgent enriching music and dance to literature, theatre and much in between during ten magical days and nights when Noosa Alive returns from Friday 17 July to Sunday 26 July.
Celebrating 24 years since the festival’s inception there will be in excess of 50 ticketed and free events, 100 actors, singers, dancers, musicians, authors and associates taking part, and let’s not forget the culinary heroes behind the food-based events, as well as discovering the future superstars of Stars Alive.
Get a taste for what will be on offer with an exclusive Queensland Festival precursor that will have the literati lost for words. In Conversation will be media power couple Lisa Wilkinson AM and husband Peter FitzSimons AM for the launch of their latest books on 11 May from 5pm to 7.30pm at The J Theatre.
Author of highly successful books, including Breaker Morant, Burke and Wills, Kokoda, Ned Kelly and Gallipoli, biographies of notables such as Sir Douglas Mawson and John Eales, Peter is Australia’s bestselling non-fiction writer. His latest is the brilliantly-told The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop, an extraordinary story of the heroic doctor whose courage and leadership were a lifeline for thousands of Australian prisoners-of-war on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway of World War II.
Following Peter at 6.30pm is Lisa Wilkinson one of Australia’s most well-known, admired and respected media identities, from youngest-ever editor of Dolly to Cleo magazine editor at 21, she followed with a television success story as one of the most accomplished journalists on the Nine and Ten Networks.
Lisa’s The Titanic Story of Evelyn brings together the incredible drama of the sinking of the Titanic and the never-before-told true story of Evelyn Marsden, a brave Australian nurse who was the only Australian-born survivor on the doomed ship. It is an unforgettable uniquely Australian epic tale of the best and worst of humanity.
Together, Peter and Lisa will present a fascinating fundraiser to help fill the coffers and create anticipation before the ten day festival begins in July. They will be available for book signings on the deck after the conversation.
No one knows more about the Noosa multi-arts festival than David Williamson AO, Australia’s most successful playwright, who has spent a lifetime in the theatre and been Patron since the inception of the Noosa Long Weekend, which morphed into the Noosa Alive festival we know today.
The tradition of creativity and diversity from a cross section of contemporary Australia continues, none more exciting than the World Premiere of a new play by David Williamson, once again headlining Noosa Alive.
Coping with Winter is certain to be a TRIumph in more ways than one! It stars Erik Thomson, well known for many roles including All Saints and Packed to the Rafters, playing the role of Gabriel; Renai Caruso whose film work includes Sea Patrol, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Neighbours plays Elle; and Janneke Williamson who has built a diverse career over 25 years, working as a director, editor, producer, and actor across film, TV and commercials, has been cast as Amy.
Making up the trio of Williamsons connected to the play is Janneke’s husband and David’s son Rory Williamson who beyond numerous standout acting roles has made his mark as a notable producer and director. A role he will relish for Coping With Winter.
Described as ‘a blacky funny play of sexual intrigue and deceit, that also manages to hold up a mirror to the kind of country that has allowed Gabriel and his mates to ensure that the land of the Fair Go is nothing more than a rapidly disappearing speck in our national rear vision mirror.’
Plaudits for passionate Festival Director Ian Mackellar who, for 16-years has orchestrated an outstanding program whilst retaining it philosophy of not being too cutting edge and elitist, rather appealing to everyone, with low-cost tickets, some free open-air events, as well as attracting the best talent from interstate, abroad and our own backyard.
The comprehensive Noosa Alive! program will be launched in April, in the meantime apart from breakfast, lunch, dinner and canapes with bubbles events, these teasers will further tickle your fancy.
Exclusive Queensland Premieres will include Music of the Night, a dinner and operatic performance; as well as the much-anticipated Queensland Ballet’s special performance. An extended Literary and In Conversation program with an impressive lineup of extra special guests and award-winning authors; The Grigoryan Brothers Past, Present & Future Concert; and the 5th annual STARS alive! showcasing our local stars of the future.
No stranger to steering and avidly supporting the arts for over two decades is recently appointed President, Sharon Wright, a local media and events specialist.
“Noosa Alive is highly regarded as Noosa’s premier arts and entertainment event,” Sharon said, “and this year our small but mighty talented team has attracted incredible national and internationally renowned talent to our shores, alongside local artists, and those up-and-coming stars. It’s hugely exciting and we can’t wait for the curtain to go up on Friday 17 July!
“And don’t forget we’re always on the lookout for generous sponsors and volunteers.”
Tickets for In Conversation with Peter and Lisa are now on sale with the full Noosa Alive 2026 program to be released in April. Sign up to the Noosa Alive enewsletter for early release tickets and event announcements: www.noosaalive.com.au
IN CONVERSATION
Don’t miss the opportunity for an exclusive evening In Conversation with media power couple Lisa Wilkinson AM and Peter FitzSimons AM.
Monday 11 May, 2026, 5pm-7.30pm.
Doors open from 4pm with book signings after.
The J Noosa, 60 Noosa Drive Noosa Junction.
Ticket prices: $40 / $35 concession.
To book or visit www.noosaalive.com.au
