10+ things not to miss at Spiegeltent Canberra 2018

Posted on 19 February, 2018

World-class music, comedy and cabaret are coming to Canberra for Spiegeltent 2018.

Last week, Canberra Theatre Centre announced that the line up for Spiegeltent Canberra 2018 will include some of Australia’s biggest touring artists, including Dan Sultan, Sam Simmons, The Black Sorrows, Gawurra, Rove McManus, Trevor Ashley, Yana Alana, Livvy & Pete, Gretel Killeen and Celia Pacquola.

These artists will join the adults-only headline act BLANC de BLANC in the Fortuna Spiegeltent when it descends on Canberra Theatre Centre’s forecourt from 26 April – 20 May.

Created by the minds behind Madonna’s recent Rebel Heart tour, adults-only show BLANC de BLANC will run the length of the season alongside the extended program of music, cabaret and comedy shows. BLANC de BLANC brings the finest cabaret and acrobatic talent from around the world to serve a blend of vintage glamour, high-end spectacle and titillating acts to infatuate and delight.

This ‘champagne cabaret’ event has played to sold-out audiences from the Sydney Opera House to London’s West End. Now it’s Canberra’s chance to come to experience a place where the champagne sparkles, eyes glimmer, and the sensual and salacious combine for an evening of breathless abandon. But that’s just the beginning…

Here are 11 events that will have you booking your tickets quicker than you can pop a champagne cork.

Rove McManus: That’ Me Talking

Rove McManus started his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian and has gone on to become Australia’s most successful talk show host. Now he joins the line-up for the 2018 Spiegeltent Canberra for a return to his comic roots.

Sam Simmons: Radical Women of Latin American Art, 1960-1985

Think you know everything about the feminist Latin art movement of urban Puerto Rico in the 1970s?!?! Well think again as Sam Simmons turns this world inside out and upside down.
 One of the most daring and unconventional comedians in Australia, Sam Simmons is a multi-award winning showman.

BLANC de BLANC

From the acclaimed creative minds behind Madonna’s recent Rebel Heart tour BLANC de BLANC is a sell-out sensation, delighting audiences from Sydney Opera House to London’s West End. Now it’s Canberra’s turn for a seductive, immersive and naughty night out inside the Fortuna Spiegeltent.

IMPORTANT: Age Suitability: 18+. Contains adult concepts, full frontal nudity and references to alcohol consumption, as well as theatrical haze, strobe lighting and limited herbal cigarette smoking. This show has an intermission.

Gretel Killeen & The Gretskys: Love Love Klub

The Love Love Klub features comedian, best-selling writer and TV legend, Gretel Killeen and her band The Gretskys in a hilarious, ridiculous and joyful celebration of love and agony expressed through comedy, song, poetry, philosophy and interpretive dance.

Celia Pacquola: All Talk

A multi-award winning performer, it is Celia’s ability as a writer that makes her stand up so damn good. A comedian who takes stories in unexpected and delightful directions, Celia is sharp, frank, honest, deft and smart as hell.

Dan Sultan

Leaving his incredible band at home, the Killer Solo Tour will see the Melbourne musician strip things back to basics – just Dan Sultan, his piano and guitar.

The Black Sorrows

Led by ARIA Hall of Famer and onstage powerhouse, Joe Camilleri, The Black Sorrows are multi-platinum Australian icons with a 30-year history.

Gawurra

Singer-songwriter and ARIA Award nominee, Gawurra Gaykamangu is a Yolngu professional performing artist hailing from Milingimbi (Yurrwi), North East Arnhem Land. With an emotional and resonant voice, Gawurra’s performances deliver a masterful musical sensitivity.

Trash and Trevor: The Best of Trevor Ashley

Lavish and loud, brazen and bold, Trevor Ashley presents an evening of his greatest hits! Known for his knockout performances this will be the way to kick off your night in style. Together with his live band, TrAshley will sing your favourite divas like you’ve never heard them before. Expect Cher, Tina, Liza and of course Bassey: this will be a diva degustation.

Yana Alana’s Greatest Tits

Queen of queer cabaret and determined to never be a national treasure; Yana Alana is a multi-award winning punk, anti-glamour, cabaret performance anarchist.

Livvy & Pete: The songs of Olivia Newton-John and Peter Allen

Helpmann Award winner Michael Griffiths and acclaimed cabaret darling Amelia Ryan celebrate the songbooks of Olivia Newton-John and Peter Allen.

the essentials

What: Spiegeltent Canberra 2018 
When: 26 April – 20 May 2018
Where: Canberra Canberra Theatre Centre Forecourt
More information and tickets: canberratheatrecentre.com.au