The nights are warming up and for party people that is a sure sign that Brisbane Festival has begun.
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For three weeks in September the city drags itself out late into the night to sample the best arts from around the city, around the country and around the world.
From world class Spiegeltent shows to world-leading ballet production to a smattering of world firsts, Brisbane Festival is kind of like World Expo only infinitely cooler.
This year the festival boasts productions from as far afield as Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, The United States and, of course, all around Australia.
This year Brisbane itself offers a smattering of productions from world premiere from local circus and physical theatre troupe Circa in the Suncorp Piazza, to a variety of works in the Theatre Republic; Brisbane Festival's independent theatre festival held within the broader festival.
Whether you love dance, theatre, music or art, David Berthold has curated a festival that will appeal to at least one of your interests and even if you aren't a regular arts consumer, there will be at least one event in the program that you can try.
With hundreds of events on offer over the three weeks, our Brisbane Festival expert (and reigning mayor of the Spiegeltent according to Foursquare) Nathanael Cooper has narrowed it down to the top seven things you should get to this week.
The Game
This is innovative and explorative theatre at its absolute finest. The Game gives audiences a look into a world we all know about but few of us enter - buying sex. Each night five male volunteers, who have no idea what they are in for, enter the stage without a script and without being told what is about to happen. The piece explores the role of sex workers and people who buy sex in a fascinating way for what is sure to be a confronting, exciting and challenging night at the theatre.
September 3 - 5, Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse.
California Crooners Club
Packed to the Rafters hottie Hugh Sheridan made a run at a recording career a few years ago and it, sadly, slipped past most people's ears. His stunning voice has now been added to this modern-day Rat Pack which combines the group's love of jazz with a variety of other styles as they take on everything from the classics to Sia. A perfect Spiegeltent show.
September 3 - 11, Aurora Spiegeltent, Southbank
Snow White (opera)
An unlikely collaboration between La Boite Theatre Company and Opera Queensland this most-definitely-not-kid-friendly take on the classic Grimm fairytale isn't for the faint hearted. Exploring the grit and grime of a wicked woman out to slay her beautiful young step daughter comes with a warning - it contains adult themes, sexual references and violence. If you like your fairytales twisted, make some tickets be in your possession, this is dirtiest way to twist them.
September 3 - 24 Roundhouse Theatre, Kelvin Grove
Game Show-Off
With the last game show to be shot in Brisbane, Family Feud, hosted by the inimitable Rob Brough finishing in the 90s, there's very few opportunities to exercise your game show genius without travelling interstate. Fortunately some of Queensland's most eminent theatre makers have given us a theatrical version to show off our talents. But be warned, this won't be your basic Baby John Burgess episode of Wheel of Fortune. Rounds include 'Garbage Couture' and 'Shitty Poetry', so brace yourself.
Thursday and Friday nights until September 23, Theatre Republic Bar, Kelvin Grove
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Shakespeare's appeal has barely faded despite him being in the ground for 400 years and theatre makers' appetite to put fun new interpretations on his works is only growing. While many interpretations are dreadful, the Lyric Hammersmith and Filter Theatre production from the UK was raved about. Nerf guns, a food fight and a live band, this is Shakespeare for the generation that filters all things through Instagram.
September 9 - 17, The Playhouse, QPAC
george
They didn't make a lot of music but the music they made left an indellible mark on the Australian music scene, and now george is back together. Originally planned as a secret gig at The Zoo, the fans demanded more and now the band will play a public show for the special ones whose youth played out to a soundtrack of george songs. The show is almost sold out, so get in quick.
September 9, Concert Hall, QPAC.
Blanc de Blanc
It's sexy, it's naughty, it's silly and somehow it still manages to maintain artistic integrity. Blanc de Blanc brings together the best of circus, cabaret, burlesque and comedy from around the world in the perfect Spiegeltent show. And to cap it all off, it was made by a local. This is not a show for prudes, so pack that away, grip onto your seat and take yourself of the bubbliest ride you are ever likely to have.
September 3 - 24, Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Southbank
Snow White
One of the major highlights of this year's Brisbane Festival is the inclusion of Snow White from France's Ballet Preljocaj.
The dance company of acclaimed choreographer Angelin Preljocaj is bringing the production to Australia for the very first time combining Preljocaj's extraordinary choreography with costumes by legendary fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier and music by Gustav Mahler, the piece has been acclaimed around the world.
One of the most contemporary ballet work's in the company's repertoire the piece will introduce audiences to an entirely different style of choreography and dance in theme with QPAC's other International Series performances from the likes of The Hamburg Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet and the Cuba National Ballet.
The International Series has been such a success the State Government has committed extra funds to help lure the best international companies from around the world to Brisbane for exclusive performances.
Funding for three years has been given which means QPAC can continue working with companies from around the world to bring their works here.
And with major successes already under their belt, QPAC is also considering inviting back some past guests for another visit.
"We are looking to find the best and perhaps one or two returns," QPAC boss John Kotzas said.
"At the moment our minds are open and we are reading some fantastic reviews from lots of companies."
Snow White opened on Friday night and will continue until September 11.
Tickets and information are available at qpac.com.au.
