The popcorn-popping, umbrella-juggling Queen of chaos... and star performer in the world-famous La Clique.
The popcorn-popping, umbrella-juggling Queen of chaos... and star performer in the world-famous La Clique.
Tara Boom isn’t your average circus performer, unless your average includes hula-hooping with a popcorn machine on your head and juggling umbrellas with your feet. Yep, she’s as delightfully unhinged as she sounds.
Tara is a standout star of La Clique, the world-famous cabaret and circus sensation currently lighting up the stage at HOTA. On stage, she’s a mix of elegance and absurdity; off stage, she’s a self-described beach-dwelling recluse with a love of surfing, pancakes, and patting strangers’ dogs.
She’s here to confuse, amuse, and probably spill popcorn on your lap. Buckle up, Gold Coast!
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I have never seen more dogs who look like their owners. Sometimes, I get confused about who I want to pat first: the dog or the owner. Either way, both tend to have wet noses.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was the kid at school who played the recorder at assembly. Two at a time. One from each nostril. Do you remember that weirdo?
So, it was inevitable or potentially fundamental for my mental well-being and those around me that I found the arts.
When I’m not on tour, I am a recluse in a beach bungalow at the bottom of Victoria. I have a penchant for sunsets, surfing, cooking up pancakes and stupid ideas.
Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your act?
I had the idea for my infamous ‘Popcorn’ act whilst taking a hot shower after binge-watching The Muppets. I owe my career to the Swedish chef.
What career achievement are you most proud of?
Getting the nickname ‘our little liability’ for ‘achievements’ that I have been sworn to secrecy over… So, let’s stick to performing with La Clique at the Sydney Opera House!
I dreamt of being in this show growing up, and there I was in one of the world’s most iconic venues celebrating their 20th anniversary. It was surreal.
Oh! And that I can tie shoelaces with my toes!
What does your role in La Clique entail?
My role is to confuse and amuse. I present two acts in La Clique, one that is a hula-hooping fever dream of comedy and chaos. And the other which is a searingly beautiful and elegant foot-juggling routine.
My role is to simply have the best time ever and bring audiences along for the ride.
What can Gold Coasters expect seeing the show?
T*** and d***! Joking! (But not really). For this anniversary season, La Clique is combining the new generation of performers whilst bringing back original cast favourites. The acts that made this the genre-defining show it is today. Expect to see aerial acrobatics, comedy routines, unicycling and a truly ridiculous contortion act that will make you question your daily skincare routine. No spoilers- come see!
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café/Coffee spot: Board Short Barista at the Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club. My order? An iced latte and an Acai bowl. Nothing quite like blended superfoods to support the delusion that you are living a healthy lifestyle.
Restaurant: Eeeek! I couldn’t tell you. As a performer, I’m on a pretty strict diet of crippling self-doubt and an insatiable need for attention.
Bar or place for a drink: When I’m not drinking from the hotel dehumidifier I can be found in the Chevron Tavern, it is the closest watering hole to our venue and we’re down with the locals. Currently, I am strictly on the soda water as I do not need any encouragement to make dubious decisions.
Beach: The walk between Tallebudgera Creek and Mermaid Beach. I sat in the rock pools for hours playing ‘What Whale am I?’ Think charades but solely with whale species. It is captivating.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
If today is anything to go by then it is indulging in psychedelics, love affairs and witnessing legal documents. But if you can’t witness (and be written into) your new Gold Coast lovers will, then can you really call it a day off?
From serving coffees at the fictional Ocean Café to starring in a rock star romance, Brooke Lee is diving headfirst into her next big adventure – and it’s turning up the heat.
You might remember her as Carly Morgan, the ever-suspicious café worker from the hit series Mako Mermaids, but Brooke’s latest role is a whole new vibe. Starring as Evelyn Thomas in Lick, the much-anticipated rock star romance from PASSIONFLIX, Brooke is helping bring Aussie author Kylie Scott’s beloved novel to life, complete with whirlwind Vegas weddings, passion, and plenty of heart. Lick premieres on PASSIONFLIX, a premium streaming service dedicated to bringing romance novels to life, on December 20th.
While her career has taken her across the globe, Brooke’s roots are firmly planted on the Gold Coast. A St. Hilda’s alum and a self-described creative powerhouse, she’s made waves as an actor, model, writer, and artist, celebrating storytelling, body positivity, and the magic of creativity. Now, she’s back on our screens, stepping into the role of Evelyn, a character who’s quirky, relatable, and ready to steal hearts.
We caught up with Brooke to talk all things Lick, working with PASSIONFLIX founder Tosca Musk, and how she navigated a very different on-screen world compared to Mako Mermaids. Plus, she spills on her ultimate Vegas bucket list moment, Gold Coast favourites and why we’re about to fall in love with this rock star romance.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve been a Gold Coast gal my whole life! St. Hilda’s girl. I grew up here, and even though my work takes me around the world, the Gold Coast has just always been home to me.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a creative through and through. An actor, a model, a writer, an artist. If it’s a creative outlet, you know I’m deep down the rabbit hole. I’ve always been so passionate about storytelling through many different mediums (canvas, screen, books). It really makes up a huge part of who I am both professionally and personally.
Outside of my passions, I love spending time with my family, friends and my dog Raven.
Tell us a bit about your career to date.
I started my career not long out of school on the hit series Mako Mermaids, where I played Carly in 52 episodes.
Following that, I built a strong platform on social media through my focus on body positivity, which opened the door to a very successful modelling career. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with incredible brands such Bra’s N Things, Just Jeans, Lorna Jane, Skims (to name a few).
While I’ve loved modelling and feel I truly thrived in that space, I knew it was time to dive back into acting – and what better way to do it than by leading an American feature film?
What initially sparked your passion for drama?
I am sure my mother will tell you I have always been a drama queen. And she would be right. I don’t remember a time in my life that this isn’t what I wanted to do. It has always been my passion for literally as long as I can remember. Maybe I was born this way?
Tell us about your latest movie, Lick.
Lick is best described as a ‘Rock Star Romance’. Ever had the dream of marrying a rockstar? Well, it happens to 21-year old Evelyn (me) in Vegas on a wild night out and what follows is a story of passion, the rock star life in the spotlight, heartwarming moments and light-hearted fun.
What drew you to this role and the world of PASSIONFLIX?
As a huge book lover myself, I’ve always loved seeing characters brought to life from the page, so working on an adaptation felt like a dream. Evelyn is strong, relatable, and quirky – she is the kind of character you root for. I loved diving into her journey and finally getting to bring to life a character from the pages of a novel to the screen. It’s a dream come true and a collision of my creative outlets.
How does working on a romance adaptation like Lick compare to a series like Mako Mermaids? What surprised you most about the process?
I thought the difference would feel bigger than it actually was. Being on set is just like riding a bike, and my focus remained the same: staying true to the character and fully immersing myself in her story. The only difference was the intimate scenes, which I initially thought might be challenging. However, with the guidance of our intimacy coordinator and the collaborative environment on set, the process was a lot less daunting and we were able to create real *Movie Magic*.
Lick is helping introduce PASSIONFLIX to more Australian viewers. Why do you think Aussies will love it?
Everyone loves a good romance, and Lick has all the elements – humour, heart, and drama. Plus there’s a strong Australian connection with an Aussie author, director and two Aussie leads. The whole ‘Book-Tok” community is going to love this one.
We know Evelyn wakes up married in Vegas—but what’s your ultimate Vegas ‘bucket list’ moment?
I just got engaged myself just after we finished filming. Maybe we’ll elope…
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
DONT MAKE ME CHOOSE!
Café: Palm Springs at Burleigh or Hot Shott at Tedder Ave.
Restaurant: Gosh this is hard. Social Eating House or La Luna.
Bar: Roosevelt Lounge or the Aviary Bar
Beach: Bum’s Bay at The Spit
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Watching movies, reading or hiking up the mountain.
