Six Events to See at Brisbane Powerhouse's Wonderland 2017

Call it the Outlander effect. Call it a way to spice up history. Call it comedy that blends the past with the present. Whatever description you throw Elizabeth I‘s way, this comedic stage show isn’t going to turn out how you expect — much like its namesake.

In this instance, the production isn’t only referring to the first monarch to go by Lizzie. It’s also about a Sydney-based royal enthusiast who shares her name and experiences a vision of the past queen. The two combine in a work by the folks behind A Tribute of Sorts and Klutz  , and so does stand-up and fan fiction.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it yet another superhero movie? These days, we see the latter as often as flying animals and aircraft. If you’re not drowning in comic book film fatigue — or even if you are — you probably have a few questions about these caped crusaders. Let The Modern Guide to Heroism and Sidekickery both pose and answer them.

Playing as part of Wonderland, the show comes from the mind of Michelle Zahner, who’ll be on stage pondering things like “why are there never pockets in lycra costumes?”  and “how do heroes make rent?” Expect comedy, poetry, stories and physical theatre as she delves into our fascination with the folks we expect to swoop in and save the day over and over again.

The catchphrase for Jamie MacDowell and Tom Thum‘s collaboration says it all, really. In this long-running, highly inventive meeting of musical minds and talents (and styles and genres, too), one is good with his fingers while the other is good with his mouth. Make no mistake: when their guitar strumming and beat boxing combine, a unique sound eventuates.

Here, indie-folk meets dynamic rhythms, in a show that won the best music awards at Brighton Fringe 2014 and Adelaide Fringe 2016. It’s a one-night-only addition to this year’s Wonderland, and it’s bound to prove a hot ticket.

Christmas is one of those things people either love or hate. Love Actually, the Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Emma Thompson-starring festive flick, is too. Both have been known to cause arguments — and that’s bound to prove the case at Wonderland‘s Love/Hate Actually.

Actually, the entire event is based on a disagreement between pals and creative collaborators. Amy couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the movie, Natalie feels the other way. As part of their show, you’ll hear their opposing sides and then you’ll take part of a vote. Expect to leave airing your own affection for, or grievances about, the film in question.

When it comes to Common Thread Circus’ latest show, we’d tell you to come for the acrobatics and stay for the societal commentary, except they’re both intertwined. You don’t call a performance Resting B*tch Face without wanting to make a cheeky statement, after all. Here, playing at this year’s Wonderland Festival, it’s delivered one aerial feat at a time.

The production stars four women eager to challenge expectations — and everything from stereotypes and struggles to online stars and social media in the process. Who knew group circus acts could engage, amuse and say something meaningful?

Over the past couple of decades, Brisbanites have become accustomed to seeing Ben Ely in the city’s live music venues — either as part of Regurgitator, or with one of his many other projects. An artist of the visual as well as musical kind, he’s also becoming a fixture of Brissie gallery spaces. In fact, just months after bringing his Everything Must Go exhibition to Brisbane Powerhouse, he’s back again.

Where his last creative showcase focused on the business of selling courtesy of promotional material for a few fictitious items, Ely is focusing on something that’s been part and parcel of his on-stage efforts this time around. You can’t be a rock star without walking up to the mic, picking up an instrument and putting on one hell of a performance — yep, as the exhibition’s title exclaims, it’s SHOWTIME!

All types of performance, spanning punk rock, circus, burlesque, dance, theatre and comedy, and including everything from behind-the-scenes preparations to post-show antics, fall into this colourful, character-filled display. Gracing the Powerhouse’s walls from November 7 to December 3 as part of the venue’s Wonderland festival, it’s also a chance for fans to snap up a piece for their walls at home, with Ely’s artwork also for sale.