Billy Elliot will come to life at The Star Gold Coast
Billy Elliot will come to life at The Star Gold Coast
Good news Gold Coasters – in more than ways that one. Word on the street is that one of the most heart-warming coming-of-age stories, the iconic Billy Elliot, will be brought to life right here on the GC! Not only do we get the chance to see this much-loved stage show on home turf #fistpump, but this epic production will further boost our local flourishing arts and cultural events calendar. Win win!
Securing the rights to recreate this award-winning musical is the incredible Matt Ward of Matt Ward Entertainment. Naturally, he chose the Gold Coast to stage the Queensland premiere coz we’re awesome, but also coz we house the perfect venue and entertainment hub to do such an epic production justice, The Star Gold Coast.
The limited season production will kick off Saturday 1st of July (#diarise!). Set during the 1984-85 coal miner’s strike in a Northern England town, it’s the story of child prodigy and working-class kid Billy Elliot. His discovery of dance and ballet and subsequent battle to pursue his passion against the odds is truly unforgettable #PackYourKleenex.
With a whopping production value estimated to exceed $2 million dollars, producer Matt Ward will transcend his theatre credits to create more than 100 jobs across cast and crew. His biggest musical to date, Billy Elliot includes 23 in-the-spotlight roles for kids so stage mums and dads of the GC, it could your mini-me’s big break #NextStopHollywood!
During national auditions this month, he’ll be meeting triple-threat actors aged between 12 and 13 years for the lead role of Billy. They must be able to act, entertain and connect with audiences (obvs), plus have exceptional ballet technique, and outstanding tap and acrobatic abilities. Translation, he’s looking for Hugo Jackman circa 1980 and where’s a time machine when you need one.
Tipped to attract over 15,000 visitors and create more than 100 jobs for the local arts industry, Gold Coast Major Tom Tate is one of the many supporters of this major coup. Not just because it’s sure to be a cracking night out, but because it will contribute significantly to our local economy.
The icing on the cake for us is that the musical score is written entirely by the legendary Elton John and after his recent concert, we concur that yes sir, you’re still standing better than you ever did #KaraokeGoTo.
Embracing the powerful message “accept yourself and never give up your dreams”, the musical will resonate with anyone who has battled inner dialogue, self-doubt, and/or external pressures which LBR, is basically all of us.
In Matt’s oh-so-wise words, “whether you want to be a musician, makeup artist, dancer – if you dare to dream it, you can do it. Don’t listen to what anyone else says, and that’s part of the message of this musical: You can do it”.
And he should know, because he did it.
Watch this space for more updates and more information.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: From Saturday 1st July 2023. More information to come.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
If one thing’s for sure, drag is most certainly anything but a drag. We’re eternally here for the bold, brashy, trashy, OTT fabulousness of it all, so when someone spills the tea about a new drag show, guuuuuurl just sign us up! With more glittery goodness than a five year old’s unicorn party, the ultimate drag extravaganza is coming to The Star Gold Coast. Yas queens that’s right, Thursday’s a Drag is kicking off in March at Atrium Bar, featuring a line-up of sassy sistas from RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under.
With master’s degrees in fierce, these queens are our kind of royalty. Sprinkling their divalicious magic and slinging endless naughty lols, this 90-minute high-energy drag show is a vibe. Think sickening (drag slang for epic) performances, death drops (dance move where a queen dramatically falls back into a stroke pose) and lip syncs for your life #ShadeFreeZone.
So just who will be showing up to dazzle the pants off us? Grab your autograph books peeps coz the cast is lit. We’re talking a different headliner for each of the four performances during March and April, plus appearances by local drag icons including Natasha St James, Dixie Wrecked, Scarlett Fever, and Shu Shu Funtanna. With line-ups like these, it’s gonna slay slay slay like a Tay Tay tune.
First up on Thursday 9th March, Karen From Finance will do what she does best which is, umm, not finance. The ‘corporate’ queen of Melbourne, Karen enjoys tax time, office-based bonding activities, and invoice archiving and well, her name is Karen after all #CallTheManager. Placing in the top four finalists in season one of Drag Race Down Under, she recently completed a three-year international tour of her award-winning debut solo comedy ‘Out Of Office’, among several other high profile gigs.
On Thursday 23rd March, another season one fave Maxi Shield will be in the house with her signature sass and fun fact; she’s toured and performed with Madonna #ded. #NoReallyDed.
Thursday 6th April brings ‘The Thunder from Down Under’ Molly Poppinz to our hood. This bae took out the ‘Fierce Queen’ title at Vancouver Pride, pioneered MISFITS in Newcastle, and finished in season two’s top four on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under. You go gurl!
And last but by no means least, the sassy Spankie Jackzon will shake it like a polaroid picture on Thursday 20th of April. Winner of season two of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, New Zealand’s TVNZ House of Drag (season two), and has appeared on X Factor Australia and Australian Idol.
All four shows are hosted by Brisbane drag darling, Beverly Kills, mixing her skills of sideshow and burlesque with high energy, sparkly drag. Placing in the top five of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season two, she’s ultimate whip crackin’, fire eatin’, jump splittin’, tail waggin’ queen.
Tickets are $25 each and include a welcome cocktail on arrival to set the tone. We’re not just talking any old cocktail here, it’s Belvedere darling and if it’s good enough for Daniel Craig… Special food and cocktail menus will be available to purchase throughout the night to keep you fed and watered and hot tip; take Friday off, coz the frivolity will keep on keeping on long after the show ends.
So round up your crew and get ready to lol, rofl, twerk and werk it with the best! For tickets and more information, go here.
Where: Atrium Bar, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Doors open 6pm for a 7.30pm start. Show concludes at 9.30pm. Thursday 9th & 23rd of March and Thursday 6th & 20th of April
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
Guests must be 18 years or over to enter Atrium Bar and the Casino. The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Bet with your head, not over it
Are you ‘drawn’ to art? Would you spend all your ‘Monet’ flitting around art exhibitions? Does the prospect of missing a Pop Art exhibition make you hot under the ‘collage’? Well listen up friends because our contemporary cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts, is gearing up to host Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York, opening 18 February 2023. This world premiere exhibition is sourced entirely from the famed private collection of one of the world’s most prominent art collectors, Jose Mugrabi, which will impress the ‘paints’ right off any art enthusiast. And yes we agree, we should draw the line with the puns right about now, coz they’re getting a bit sketchy.
Celebrating the origins and ongoing legacy of Pop Art, this blockbuster spectacle will showcase more than 40 works never-before-seen here in Australia. Created by the who’s who of legendary artist notoriety, even those of us who nodded off in year nine art class will know these household names. We’re talking art world royalty like 1970’s and 80’s icons Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol in conversation with artists at the top of their trade today.
To ensure things get off to a flying ‘art’, more than ten awe-inspiring works by the Pop Art movement personified, Mr Andy Warhol, will introduce the showcase. Not only did this man redirect the course of art history but thanks to him, Campbell’s soup will always be a vibe. This exciting collection includes iconic portraits Sixteen Jackies (1964) and his deeply personal painting, Cross (1982), and will leave us all fangirling/fanboying/fantheying. But deep breathing guys and take it ‘easel’, coz this exhibition is packed to the ‘crafters’ with a lot more ‘draw’ stopping art.
Speaking of, Keith Haring’s works are also a big drawcard, famed for their morphing of Pop Art and Street Art. Visitors will be privy to a viewing of the celebrated Untitled (Dancing Dogs), alongside one of his earliest works from 1979 and no, there is no connection to the Smashing Pumpkins banger #soz.
Also on the list is one of the most influential artists this century, Jean-Michel Basquiat, including his iconic painting New York, New York (1981), and a collaboration between himself and Andy Warhol. We haven’t been this excited about a collab since Brittany and Madge teamed up in the noughties, or since Ed Sheeran teamed up with e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e.
Other artists on display include Katherine Bernhardt, Kwesi Botchway, George Condo, Damien Hirst, KAWS, Barbara Kruger, Joel Mesler, Richard Prince, Tom Sachs, Julian Schnabel, Mickalene Thomas and Tom Wesselmann. Contemporary highlights include works by KAWS such as the 2.8-metre-tall sculpture What Party (2018), and If it sees, blind it. There’s also a section from Barbara Kruger’s famed 2009 installation Between being born and dying.
Showing locals and visitors just how culturally on-point we are, this is a unique and bespoke experience not to be missed. So be sm-art, round up your arty farty mates, and get ready to book pronto. Tickets are priced from $25 and will go on sale from Thursday 24th of November for HOTA members, Monday 28th for HOTA subscribers and Thursday 1st of December for the general public.
Where: HOTA, Home of The Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: 10am – 4pm Monday – Friday, Saturday 18 February – Sunday 4 June 2023
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.
Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.
Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show (which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)
Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen.
