9 shows you’d be mad to miss at this year’s Anywhere Festival in Queensland

Anywhere Festival returns to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast for a jam-packed seventh year, boldly breaking shows out of the confines of the theatre and putting them on just about anywhere. From local shops and bars to train stations and burnt out skate arenas, no location is off limits for Anywhere’s collection of emerging artists and performers.

Running from May 10th to May 27th, there’s a lot to choose from, but never fear – here at The AU Review, we’ve picked a few of our must-see shows this festival season!

Much Ado
Presented by Shakespeare Plugged In

A twist on the Shakespeare favourite Much Ado About Nothing, this wild collaboration places the classic play in the heart of the Aussie indie music scene. The immersive performance takes place at a legendary Brisbane venue, with the cast performing original music by Michael Whittred and Ella Fence. It’s Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it – but something tells me he’d approve!

When: 15th – 17th May, 23rd May
Where: The Zoo, 711 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley.
Tickets and more info here.

Brisbane’s HerStory Tours
Presented by Talk of the Town Storytelling Services

Novelist Rosa Caroline Praed (1851-1935) is your guide for this tour of Brisbane and the extraordinary women throughout its history. Sunscreen and good walking shoes are a must!

Where: School of the Arts, 166 Ann Street, Brisbane
When: 10th – 26th May (Walking tour will run from 10am-1pm)
Tickets and more info here.

The Bohemian and the Machine
Presented by A Very Theatre Company

A brilliant religious girl meets a brilliant not-so religious boy. Both fascinated by the universe and the great expanse of the rural night sky, their different interpretations of it make for a decade of clashes of fact and faith. How much longer can they compromise their beliefs for one another?

 

Where: Commissariat Story, 115 William Street, Brisbane
When: 11th May, 18th May, 25th May
Tickets and more info here.

The Ballad of Rosie Quinn
Presented by Republic of Song

From the team that brought you The Medium, enter the Spring Hill Reservoir, put on your blindfold and prepare for a spine tingling night that combines campfire ghost stories, folk song, and a true crime podcast.

Where: Spring Hill Reservoir, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane
When: 18th – 20th May
Tickets and more info here.

Z24
Presented by Kristian Fletcher Events

The apocalypse is nigh and it will be televised! With shows from 8am until 8pm, Z24‘s dedicated team of newscasters will take you from slow news day to an end-of-the-world studio lock in. Take a seat in the studio audience or stream the show live from the comfort of your own home!

When: 26th May
Where: Mowbray Town Hall, 26 Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane
Tickets and more info here.

Half-World
Presented by Rebecca Cheers and Chris Batkin

Feminist fantasy meets 1920s Australian history, as two very different women who share a name meet. A Sydney free spirit, a Melbourne lawyer, and a Brisbane substation collide in this new short play, that’s equal parts funny, wistful, and mad as hell.

When: 10th-11th May, 15th May, 17th May, 22nd May, 24th-25th May
Where: Woolloongabba Substation, 45 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Tickets and more info here.

Kiss of the Vampire Squid
Presented by Act/React Theatre

The historic HMAS Diamantia is one of the more unique venues for this year’s Anywhere Festival, transformed by the Act/React team into Able Seaman Jack’s vessel The Widow’s Delight. Promising superstition, silliness, curses and comedy, Kiss of the Vampire Squid is the latest production from the team behind Speed: The Movie, The Play and Titanic: The Movie, The Play.

When: 10th-12th May, 17th-18th May, 20th May
Where: Queensland Maritime Museum, 412 Stanley Street, South Brisbane
Tickets and more info here.

Songs for Nobodies
Presented by Red Umbrella Theatre Co-Operative

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgot about you Sunshine Coast kids! Dress in your finest vintage and set out on the Nambour Vintage Theatre Trail with five nobodies, as they discover themselves through the music of great songstresses from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Your ticket also includes dinner!

This event will raise money for Laurel House and BRISSC, who provide services for survivors of sexual violence.

When: 13th May, 19th May
Where: C-Square, 52-64 Currie St, Nambour QLD 4560
Tickets and more info here.

Full Steam Ahead
Presented by InsideOut Theatre

Another one for you Sunshine Coasters, Full Steam Ahead is an interactive murder mystery, taking place at Eumundi’s stunning Imperial Hotel. Work with a detective to solve the case, by questioning witnesses, establishing motive, and (unrelated but equally important) eating lots of delicious food. Prizes for the best and worst teams!

Another performance will take place at the Spring Hill Reservoir, as a double bill with The Ballad of Rosie Quinn.

When: 11th May, 19th May (Imperial Hotel), 18th-20th May (Spring Hill Reservoir)
Where: Imperial Hotel, 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi/Spring Hill Reservoir, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane
Tickets and more info here.

And that’s just the tip of the Anywhere Festival iceberg! Be sure to check out the Anywhere Festival website for even more emerging theatre goodness, in the wildest of locations!

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Jodie Sloan

Living, writing, and reading in Brisbane/Meanjin. Likes spooky books, strong cocktails, and pro-wrestling.