Performing Arts Events
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Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts - Echoes of Cirque
City Hall Concerts presents Echoes of Cirque. Echoes of Cirque is a Brisbane-based Gypsy Jazz quartet born out of the magic of the Woodford Folk Festival 2023, where its members first joined forces as part of the Cirque Hot Club program. Inspired by the timeless swing of Django Reinhardt and the charm of 1930s Paris, their music blends traditional jazz manouche with a vibrant modern edge. Featuring Rory Dollard (guitar), Rodrigo Santiago (guitar), Lachie Alexander (clarinet), and Benja King (double bass), the group draws influence from leading voices in today’s European Gypsy Jazz scene across the UK, France, Italy, and Germany. After returning to the festival and wowing audiences with three standout shows at The Parlour stage during Woodford 2024, Echoes of Cirque are now set to release their debut album - a dynamic collection of Django classics, bebop-inspired tunes, early jazz standards, and original compositions. Their performances capture both the heart of tradition and the thrill of innovation, making them one of Australia’s most exciting new voices in Gypsy Jazz. This Lord Mayor's City Hall Concert is produced by Anje West.
Bands in Parks: Twilight Jazz by the River
Bands in Parks performs at Queensland Maritime Museum Park. Kick back and watch the sunset over the Brisbane River from this beautiful vantage point near the Goodwill Bridge. Before the city warms up to Friday evening, take some time to enjoy some big band jazz with the fabulous Brass Roots Live. Please note - entry is alongside the Maritime Museum Ferry terminal, via Dock Street. The main Museum entry is closed on Friday Nights. There is no BYO food or drinks at this venue. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
The Music of John Williams
Few composers have shaped the sound of modern cinema like John Williams. With soaring melodies, unforgettable motifs, and pure orchestral imagination, his music has become as iconic as the films themselves. Under the baton of Nicholas Buc, Queensland Symphony Orchestra brings his greatest scores to life - from the swells of adventure to the hush of mystery and wonder. You’ll hear music from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and more, in a concert that celebrates the drama, joy, and emotion of the silver screen. Whether you’re reliving your favourite film moments or discovering this music for the first time, this is a night for the imagination to take flight. Experience the unforgettable sound of cinema, live with Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Queensland Symphony Orchestra is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council.
The Australian Landscape in Poetry and Music
For centuries, composers have set poetry to music, giving us chant, chanson, lieder, art song and even opera and music theatre. Joined by orator, Susan Ellis, Catherine Broadstock has taken a slightly different approach, choosing poetry that expresses and celebrates the wonder of our Australian landscape and matched it to evocative and beautiful works by Australian composers. Hear music by Anne Carr-Boyd, Miriam Hyde, Wendy Hiscocks, Kitty Parker (student of Percy Grainger), plus Queensland composers Rhoderick McNeill, Learne Faint, Graeme Denniss and Brenton Broadstock. With poetry by Roland Robinson, David Campbell, Judith Wright, W. Flexmore Hudson, Rex Ingamells, Gail Kay and Barcroft Boake.
The Music of John Williams
Few composers have shaped the sound of modern cinema like John Williams. With soaring melodies, unforgettable motifs, and pure orchestral imagination, his music has become as iconic as the films themselves. Under the baton of Nicholas Buc, Queensland Symphony Orchestra brings his greatest scores to life – from the swells of adventure to the hush of mystery and wonder. You’ll hear music from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and more, in a concert that celebrates the drama, joy, and emotion of the silver screen. Whether you’re reliving your favourite film moments or discovering this music for the first time, this is a night for the imagination to take flight. Experience the unforgettable sound of cinema, live with Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Queensland Symphony Orchestra is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council.
Bands in Parks: Music on the Green
Bands in Parks performs at Lanham Park. Join New Groove Jazz Band for a late afternoon concert on the green. The bar will be trading and there will be food and drinks for purchase so round up your family and friends to finish off your weekend with a concert that will guarantee a smile on your face.
Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts - Mariana Verna Sextet
Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts presents Mariana Verna Sextet. Returning to the Lord Mayor's City Hall Concert Series after a celebrated debut in April of 2025, Mariana Verna is a Magandjin-based jazz vocalist and educator recognised for her warm tone, expressive phrasing, and deep passion for improvisation. A captivating performer, Mariana brings spontaneity and soul to every stage she graces, from the Brisbane Jazz Club to intimate venues across the city. In addition to her performance work, Mariana is the creator of the BNE Jazz Guide, a dedicated platform that supports and promotes Brisbane's vibrant jazz community. Her dual role as both artist and advocate has made her a vital voice in keeping the city's jazz culture thriving and accessible. For this special midday performance, Mariana will be joined by an outstanding ensemble of local talent: Harry Beeton (drums), Joe Machen (piano), Connor Perkins (upright bass), Alyssa Sinclair (trumpet), and Chris James (alto saxophone). Together, they'll deliver an hour of swing, soul, and inventive improvisation, a performance sure to delight jazz lovers and newcomers alike. This performance is AUSLAN interpreted. This Lord Mayor's City Hall Concert is produced by Evolution Productions.
Antigone
La Boite Theatre presents a Show of Rage and Defiance! Antigone explodes onto the Roundhouse stage with raw energy and unflinching relevance. A dynamic interpretation of Sophocles’ timeless tragedy, centered on a fearless young woman who refuses to stay silent. When Antigone defies the king’s command to leave her brother unburied, she ignites a brutal clash between personal conviction and authoritarian power. This is no dusty myth. It’s a charged story of protest, conscience, and defiance, set against a backdrop of political turmoil that feels both ancient and alarmingly current. Antigone’s act of resistance sparks questions that burn with urgency today: Who gets to decide what is just? Where does loyalty lie? With the state, or with family, or with ourselves? And what price are we prepared to pay for the truth? Visceral, poetic and uncompromising, this energetic reimagining of Antigone—directed by La Boite’s Artistic Director Courtney Stewart (Macbeth, Congratulations, Get Rich!) and award-winning fight, movement and intimacy director Nigel Poulton (Closer, The Poison of Polygamy)—thrusts Sophocles’ classic into the heart of our fractured world. Starring Maddison Burridge as Antigone, this three-hander production ignites a rallying cry for courage in the face of oppression. Discover more at La Boite.
EVRY1: Season 1, Episode 1
EVRY1 - Where your world shapes ours. This is a stage where anything can happen. Real stories are shared live by everyday people, artists, comedians and musicians. They will share their most intimate moments, both good, bad, uplifting and harrowing. EVRY1 isn’t theatre, comedy, or a gig: It’s all of them at once, and more.
Antigone
La Boite Theatre presents a Show of Rage and Defiance! Antigone explodes onto the Roundhouse stage with raw energy and unflinching relevance. A dynamic interpretation of Sophocles’ timeless tragedy, centered on a fearless young woman who refuses to stay silent. When Antigone defies the king’s command to leave her brother unburied, she ignites a brutal clash between personal conviction and authoritarian power. This is no dusty myth. It’s a charged story of protest, conscience, and defiance, set against a backdrop of political turmoil that feels both ancient and alarmingly current. Antigone’s act of resistance sparks questions that burn with urgency today: Who gets to decide what is just? Where does loyalty lie? With the state, or with family, or with ourselves? And what price are we prepared to pay for the truth? Visceral, poetic and uncompromising, this energetic reimagining of Antigone—directed by La Boite’s Artistic Director Courtney Stewart (Macbeth, Congratulations, Get Rich!) and award-winning fight, movement and intimacy director Nigel Poulton (Closer, The Poison of Polygamy)—thrusts Sophocles’ classic into the heart of our fractured world. Starring Maddison Burridge as Antigone, this three-hander production ignites a rallying cry for courage in the face of oppression. Discover more at La Boite.
The Talent Scout
Step into the world of The Talent Scout. A heartwarming new musical that celebrates the power of being yourself. When Mike, a booking agent, scrambles to find a last-minute act for a glamorous gala, he stumbles upon the House of Soul community choir. They are just what he needs - unique, original and unexpected - if only he can convince his boss. Featuring infectious original music and an all-abilities ensemble cast, The Talent Scout is a celebration of community, courage and the magic of music which unites us all. "One choir. One chance. One unforgettable performance." More information via the Brisbane Powerhouse website: http://brisbanepowerhouse.org
Heart of Scotland show
Bright Starr Entertainment presents Australian Celtic Women – Heart of Scotland - Live at Sandgate Town Hall. Step into the spirit of Scotland as Australian Celtic Women present Heart of Scotland—a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage, music, and storytelling. The stage comes alive with fierce battle tales, soaring bagpipes, electrifying fiddle, and the irresistible pulse of the drum. Enjoy beloved classics such as Caledonia, Flower of Scotland, Wild Mountain Thyme and Auld Lang Syne, woven together with rich cultural traditions including the Address to the Haggis, waulking songs, ceilidh dancing, Gaelic language, reels, and Highland flings. Featuring the acclaimed Australian Celtic Women, the energetic Scotia Highland dancers, and special guest performers, Heart of Scotland invites you to relive cherished memories while discovering something new about Scotland’s enduring legacy. Expect soaring harmonies, heartfelt ballads, toe-tapping tunes, and an evening brimming with spirit, laughter, and spine-tingling moments. Arrive early or enjoy the interval with tea, coffee, and Scottish treats – the perfect accompaniment to an unforgettable musical and cultural experience.
Antigone
La Boite Theatre presents a Show of Rage and Defiance! Antigone explodes onto the Roundhouse stage with raw energy and unflinching relevance. A dynamic interpretation of Sophocles’ timeless tragedy, centered on a fearless young woman who refuses to stay silent. When Antigone defies the king’s command to leave her brother unburied, she ignites a brutal clash between personal conviction and authoritarian power. This is no dusty myth. It’s a charged story of protest, conscience, and defiance, set against a backdrop of political turmoil that feels both ancient and alarmingly current. Antigone’s act of resistance sparks questions that burn with urgency today: Who gets to decide what is just? Where does loyalty lie? With the state, or with family, or with ourselves? And what price are we prepared to pay for the truth? Visceral, poetic and uncompromising, this energetic reimagining of Antigone—directed by La Boite’s Artistic Director Courtney Stewart (Macbeth, Congratulations, Get Rich!) and award-winning fight, movement and intimacy director Nigel Poulton (Closer, The Poison of Polygamy)—thrusts Sophocles’ classic into the heart of our fractured world. Starring Maddison Burridge as Antigone, this three-hander production ignites a rallying cry for courage in the face of oppression. Discover more at La Boite.
Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts - Rocus Big Band
Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts presents Rocus Big Band. Under the baton of Paul Radford, Rocus Big Band was born in the 1960’s as a result of Dutch immigrant, Rocus van Yperan who had great aspirations to become a drummer. Like all Dutch men aged 17 to 40, he was rounded up by the Gestapo who, recognising his drumming talent, forced him to ride his bike, festooned with drum set, to entertain Nazi chiefs. Rocus left his beloved Rotterdam with family and 300 musical scores settling at The Gap in Brisbane. He formed a band of 8 musicians performing at dance halls around the City like Cloudland, Riverside and South Brisbane growing to a full big band. Rocus Big Band have continued on to this day, arguably the oldest big band in Brisbane playing hit songs and many new ones acquired over the years. Some of the players have been with the band for many years and Rocus lives on. This Lord Mayor's City Hall Concert is produced by Viva La Musica - Rhonda Davidson-Irwin. Image credit: Viva La Musica
The Riddle of Washpool Gully
Far beyond the outskirts of the big city, near a tiny town that nearly everyone forgot, lay a dry creek bed of no special significance. Once upon a time it had been called Washpool Gully. But the world had moved on from insignificant things, and no one had time for dry creek beds. Except in Washpool Gully something was stirring. Shaken by the rumble of engines and darkening of the sky, something long asleep had decided to wake up. Combining old-fashioned storytelling with contemporary puppetry and miniature sets, The Riddle of Washpool Gully is a reimagined tale of Australian mythology about the incredible creatures that might still live in the uncharted corners of our vast country - brought to life by internationally acclaimed Dead Puppet Society (Peter and the Starcatcher, Ishmael, Holding Achilles, The Wider Earth). Dead Puppet Society is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council.
Antigone
La Boite Theatre presents a Show of Rage and Defiance! Antigone explodes onto the Roundhouse stage with raw energy and unflinching relevance. A dynamic interpretation of Sophocles’ timeless tragedy, centered on a fearless young woman who refuses to stay silent. When Antigone defies the king’s command to leave her brother unburied, she ignites a brutal clash between personal conviction and authoritarian power. This is no dusty myth. It’s a charged story of protest, conscience, and defiance, set against a backdrop of political turmoil that feels both ancient and alarmingly current. Antigone’s act of resistance sparks questions that burn with urgency today: Who gets to decide what is just? Where does loyalty lie? With the state, or with family, or with ourselves? And what price are we prepared to pay for the truth? Visceral, poetic and uncompromising, this energetic reimagining of Antigone—directed by La Boite’s Artistic Director Courtney Stewart (Macbeth, Congratulations, Get Rich!) and award-winning fight, movement and intimacy director Nigel Poulton (Closer, The Poison of Polygamy)—thrusts Sophocles’ classic into the heart of our fractured world. Starring Maddison Burridge as Antigone, this three-hander production ignites a rallying cry for courage in the face of oppression. Discover more at La Boite.