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Dracula Presented by: BIG Live (Ballet International Gala Live) Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC Date Attended: 29 July 2026 Choreographer: Joel Burke Director: Khalid Tarabay Original Music: Jason Fernandez and Toby Alexander Set Designer: Martin Thomas Costume Designers: Sophia Drakos and Fiona Holley Lighting Designer: Steven May Photography: Andre Uspenski Small spoilers ahead. BIG Live’s Dracula is for anyone who thinks ballet could use a bit more bite. Joel Burke’s production sinks its teeth in and draws out every drop of theatre it can find - gothic romance, supernatural spectacle, punishing choreography, and enough dramatic cape work to make Elphaba green with envy. It’s easily the most dramatic ballet I’ve seen. Anyone expecting a page-by-page retelling of Bram Stoker’s story may need to loosen their corset... The novel unfolds through letters, journals, and testimonies, which isn’t particularly helpful when nobody onstage is allowed to speak. Burke creates something quite different. I’d say it’s more like a vampire version of Phantom meets Romeo and Juliet, with a dash of Rocky Horror sneaking around in the shadows. The story begins centuries before the Harkers decide to vacation in Transylvania. Vlad, a formidable warrior, returns from battle to discover that his wife has been offed by the enemy. In his grief, he sells his soul and turns into Dracula. Overreaction much? Fast forward two hundred years, and newlyweds Jonathan and Mina Harker are gifted a honeymoon at the Count’s castle. It’s a thoughtful gesture, right? Apart from the ghosts, imprisonment, vampirism, and eventual massacre... The first act begins in considerably sweeter territory. Wedding guests resemble the porcelain dolls from my childhood brought to life, dressed in pale pastels and dainty bonnets, while dashing gents in tails twirl them around the stage. The corps creates a picture of Victorian happiness, blissfully unaware that the evening is heading towards bloodshed. Once the familiar organ chords of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor begin, murmurs of happy recognition ripple through the audience. Martin Thomas’ set is a gothic beauty, with painted backdrops, dramatic archways, stained-glass windows, and physical scenery. There are no projections pretending to be walls here. The castle dominates the QPAC Lyric Theatre stage, and the twilight (yeah, I went there) pouring through the stained glass is one of the show's loveliest images. Steven May’s lighting shifts between cold moonlight, blinding white, violent red, and softer washes for the human scenes. Dracula can appear or disappear in a breath, while the supernatural stagecraft remains hidden enough to preserve the magic. Sophia Drakos and Fiona Holley’s costumes are the secret sauce of the storytelling. The designs retain their period detail while allowing the dancers to move freely through demanding choreography. The ghosts wear weathered grey-white fabrics and long pale wigs, giving them a wonderfully dramatic 'Mother of Dragons' appearance. They bourrée across the stage en pointe, weave around one another in exact formations, and attack each sequence with control. Much of their choreography depends on perfect timing. These scenes appear among the most physically demanding in the production, yet the dancers maintain their eerie synchronicity while giving each ghost her own threatening presence. The choreography asks an enormous amount of its principal dancers. Naturally, Dracula is the epitome of melodrama. Ervin Zagidullan stalks through the castle with a winged cape billowing behind him. Zagidullan moves as though the normal rules of the stage don’t apply to him. He glides like an ice dancer, then launches into the air with the power of a gymnast. He folds inward through tortured phrases to reveal the grief that created the monster. With no dialogue, every look and gesture must do serious work. Zagidullan gives Dracula command, danger, seduction, and despair. Yet, when he sees Mina and mistakes her for his dead wife, we witness a flicker of humanity peeking through. Abbey Hansen as Mina initially brings beautiful warmth, which gradually grows into extreme fear. At the wedding, she flits around with the excitement of a new bride. Inside the castle, her resistance emerges as Dracula’s control closes around her. During their second-act pas de deux to Lacrimosa, Hansen's terror is so apparent that it can be seen from the back of the stalls. She is pulled, lifted, twisted, and carried through challenging combinations, appearing weightless in Dracula's grasp. Hansen's emotional clarity ensures that the beauty of the movement never obscures Mina's horror though. The dancer portraying Jonathan Harker at my performance was a spinning sensation - like he had wheels on his feet! His movements begin with the strength of a romantic lead, then grows frenzied and animalistic after Dracula transforms him. The encounter between Jonathan and Dracula becomes a pas de deux, stage combat, and a supernatural dance-off. They match each other move for move in an epic battle, all set to the thundering force of Dies Irae. Mina and Jonathan’s honeymoon pas de deux unfolds to Clair de Lune (because apparently all vampires are Debussy fans). It’s tender, with the newlyweds moving through the castle in their own private world. But, surprise, surprise, their romantic escapade gets cut short. Cue the spooky strings, harp, organ, and winds crashing the party, effectively putting a damper on Mina and Jonathan’s steamy moment. Enter the ghostly brides, who emerge from the castle and torment the couple through some of the production’s most imaginative choreography. The four ghostly bridal ballerinas unleash a ferocious second-act performance, shifting from elegant lines to predatory attacks. The climax is a whirlwind of flight, combat, blood, sorrow, and sacrifice that had the audience around me gasping. That audience response says a great deal about how well the storytelling works. Ballet can sometimes feel a bit distant for those who aren't fluent in its silent language. But Dracula keeps its central emotions and themes clear (at least to me) through its movement, music, and visual storytelling. During the break, I overheard someone confess, “I usually get bored during ballets,”with the clear implication that this one had them completely gripped. Joel Burke’s choreography is rooted in classical technique and driven by theatrical momentum. Original compositions by Jason Fernandez and Toby Alexander are woven through familiar repertoire, including Clair de Lune, Liebestraum, Isle of the Dead, Dies Irae, and Lacrimosa. The softer pieces carry tenderness and yearning, while the darker works bring weight to Dracula’s dark world. The theatrical effects add another layer of drama. Dracula vanishes through perfectly timed lighting, writhes in the sunlight, and defies gravity to fly like a bat. These effects are woven into the choreography, and the audience reacts every time somebody starts levitating. I'm a sucker for stage magic, and this ballet knows when to use it for maximum effect. There are moments when the plot moves quickly enough to challenge anyone who skipped reading the synopsis. Seriously, learning the summary before the performance will help, especially since this adaptation travels far from Bram Stoker’s original plot. Burke’s reimagining gives the ballet its own identity, using familiar Dracula lore to explore grief, obsession, doomed love, and darkness. It finds fresh visual possibilities within a story that has already been adapted countless times. BIG Live’s Dracula gives regular ballet audiences plenty to admire, while luring newcomers with a gripping introduction to classical dance. I especially recommend it for those who enjoy a bit of gothic drama, horror, fantasy, or anyone who thinks ballet could use a few more vampires.

Title: The Paige Turner Bookshop Presented By: Play on Stage Genre: Original Youth Play / Family Theatre Synopsis: When six young people visit the new neighbourhood bookshop run by the mysterious Miss Paige, all they are looking for is a good read. What they find within those walls are stories they could never expect. Written by Harry Fritsch and directed by Virag Dombay, The Paige Turner Bookshop is a new original Brisbane youth play about the power of books and how stories can help us find meaning in our lives. Filled with heart, humour, warmth, emotional depth and just a dash of magic, this production is sure to surprise and delight every member of the family. Audition Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026 (Ekka Public Holiday) Audition Time: 9:00am–9:30am 9:30am–10:00am 10:00am–10:30am 10:30am–11:00am Audition Location and Address: 97 Fernberg Road, Paddington QLD 4064 Audition Requirements: Arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time. Complete the official audition form before attending. Check your availability against the rehearsal and performance schedule. Submit your completed audition form, including your first, second and third preferred audition time slots. Be prepared to read from the script if requested. Audition Registration: Complete and submit the official audition form and submit HERE. Performance Dates: 17-25 October 2026 Performance Times: 10:30AM & 7PM Performance Location: The Enoggera Performing Arts Centre (EPAC), 52 Laurel St, Enoggera Rehearsal Dates: Weekly Wednesday evening rehearsals, with additional Monday and Tuesday rehearsals during the school holidays, plus selected additional rehearsal dates as required. Rehearsal Times:Wednesday evenings and selected holiday rehearsals (times to be advised). Rehearsal Location: 97 Fernberg Road, Paddington QLD 4064 Performer Age: Adults (18+) Teenagers Children Creative Team: Playwright - Harry Fritsch Director - Virag Dombay Production Website: Play on Stage - The Paige Turner Bookshop Other information: This is a professional production. All young performers cast in the production will be paid. Auditionees are encouraged to carefully review the rehearsal schedule before submitting their audition form. Please arrive early to complete check-in and availability confirmation before your audition. Available Roles/Character Breakdown: Miss Paige (Adult Female) - A mysterious yet charming bookshop owner determined to finish a book for which she only possesses the final chapter. Kaiden (Teenage Male) - Rosie's older brother. A hopeless romantic who struggles to communicate his feelings. Georgia (Teenage Female) - An aspiring author and devoted fan of romantasy novels. Rosie (Child Female) - Kaiden's younger sister, vice-captain of her school's Under-12 girls' soccer team who loves reading soccer-themed manga. Robin (Child – Female or Male) - A curious child obsessed with explosives and scientific experiments that create as much chaos as possible. Jude (Child – Female or Male) - A hardworking, academically focused student who spends most of their time studying. Chelsea (Child Female) - A quiet young girl who prefers to lose herself in the worlds found within books.

Title: Morning Melodies Touring Presented By: Stage Queensland Genre: Morning Melodies Concert Series / Live Music Touring Program Synopsis: Morning Melodies Touring is a statewide touring initiative presented by Stage Queensland, bringing high-quality live music performances to regional and metropolitan venues across Queensland. Featuring Australia's leading tribute artists, cabaret performers and entertainers, the program offers engaging daytime concerts designed primarily for senior audiences, while remaining enjoyable for music lovers of all ages. The 2026 season includes tributes to iconic artists and musical eras, with performances touring to participating venues throughout Queensland. Application Date: Applications close 11:59PM, August 10th, 2026 Application Requirements: Include the following information in the Morning Melodies application form Show details (name of show, synopsis, duration) Performer details (number of performers, their roles e.g. singer, piano player) Production images Song list Links to video footage if available Tech specs (LX & sound requirements, bump-in / out times, what gear you will tour with, what the venue needs to provide etc.) Reviews and history of performance (where else you have performed) Marketing materials to be provided Details of any value-ads such as “meet the performers” Fully-delivered performance fee details (includes costs of travel and accommodation and provision of raw marketing materials) Available / preferred dates Contact details Registration: Morning Melodies Application Form Application Pack: Morning Melodies Application Pack Performance Dates: Touring throughout Queensland during 2026. Individual performance dates vary by venue. Performance Times: Morning performances (times vary by venue). Performance Location: Participating performing arts centres and theatres throughout Queensland. Warnings: Suitable for general audiences. Individual venues may utilise standard theatrical lighting, haze or smoke effects where applicable. Performer Age: Professional adult performers. Creative Team: Presented and coordinated by Stage Queensland in partnership with participating Queensland venues. Production Website: Stage Queensland - Morning Melodies Touring Other information: Designed to bring affordable, professional live entertainment to communities across Queensland. Primarily presented as weekday morning performances. Many participating venues include complimentary morning tea with admission (venue dependent). Touring productions vary throughout the season and include tributes to artists such as The Seekers, Elton John, Michael Bublé, Tom Jones and Frankie Valli, among others. Available Roles/Character Breakdown: Not applicable. Morning Melodies Touring is a touring concert program featuring different professional performers, musicians and tribute artists depending on the production being presented at each venue.

Discover the latest in Brisbane theatre auditions and reviews on Stage Buzz Brisbane. Your go-to source for all things theatre in the Queensland capital. WELCOME TO STAGE BUZZ BRISBANE This dynamic hub for South-East Queensland thespians is your go-to source for audition updates, performance reviews, and engaging content that celebrates the vibrant local theatre scene. From spotlighting talented actors to providing valuable tips, it's a community-driven platform that brings the magic of the stage to the forefront, fostering connection and celebration among theatre enthusiasts in the region. NICE TO MEET YOU Embrace the enchanting world of South-East Queensland's theatre scene right here on Stage Buzz Brisbane! We're your go-to hub for all things theatrical: upcoming performances adult audition alerts youth auditions performance reviews exclusive spotlight interviews with local talents rehearsal/performance venue database Whether you're a seasoned thespian or a passionate supporter of the arts, join us on this exciting journey as we celebrate the magic that unfolds on our local stages. At Stage Buzz Brisbane, we believe every production deserves its moment in the spotlight. If you know of any upcoming productions or hidden gems that have slipped under the radar, don't hesitate to reach out and share your insights or let us know about the productions that deserve extra applause. Together, let's shine a light on the vibrant and thriving community theatre culture in South-East Queensland. Let the curtains rise, and let the show begin! Contact

< Back THEATRE: The Removalists - Bear Minimum Theatre, Empire Theatre 13 Aug 2026 Season: August 13th - 15th, 2026 Title: The Removalists Presented By: Bear Minimum Theatre, Empire Theatre Genre: Drama / Black Comedy Synopsis: David Williamson's groundbreaking Australian classic returns in a gripping new production that remains as confronting and relevant today as when it premiered in 1971. When two police officers agree to help a young woman escape her abusive husband, a seemingly routine domestic dispute spirals into a disturbing examination of authority, violence and abuse of power. Blending razor-sharp humour with unflinching social commentary, The Removalists explores toxic masculinity, institutional corruption and personal responsibility in one of Australia's most influential plays. Performance Dates: August 13th - 15th, 2026 Performance Times: Thursday & Friday – 7:30PM Saturday – 2:30PM & 7:3PM Performance Location and Address: Armitage Centre, Empire Theatre, 54–56 Neil Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350 Ticket Costs: Adult – $45 Concession – $38 Ticket Link: Buy Tickets - The Removalists Warnings: Rated M Strong language Violence On-stage smoking Recommended Age: Recommended for mature audiences (15+). Duration: Approximately 2 hours, with no interval. Creative Team: Playwright – David Williamson Presented by Peter Bevan and Bear Minimum Theatre Production Website: Empire Theatre - The Removalists Other Information: First performed in 1971, The Removalists is regarded as one of the defining works of Australian theatre. More than fifty years after its premiere, David Williamson's incisive examination of power, gender and institutional violence continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. The Armitage Centre offers wheelchair-accessible seating and Companion Card bookings. Please note that some seating requires patrons to climb stairs. Wheelchair seating and Companion Card bookings (limited availability) should be arranged through the Empire Theatre Box Office on 1300 655 299. Previous Next

< Back THEATRE: The True Midnight Cry - Minola Theatre, PIP Theatre 13 Aug 2026 Season: August 13th - 22nd, 2026 Title: The True Midnight Cry Presented By: Minola Theatre, PIP Theatre Genre: Drama Synopsis: If you knew the world was about to end, would you try to stop it—or run towards it with open arms? Award-winning playwright Bianca Butler Reynolds' The True Midnight Cry is an intimate and thought-provoking two-hander that intertwines the true story of the 1840s Millerite religious movement with a chilling vision of near-future Australia. As one timeline follows believers predicting the Second Coming of Christ, another explores technology capable of foreseeing acts of mass violence. Blending history with speculative fiction, the play examines faith, free will, trauma and the dangers of absolute certainty. Performance Dates: August 13th - 22nd, 2026 Performance Times: Wednesday, Thursdays & Fridays – 7PM Saturdays – 1:30PM & 7PM Performance Location and Address: PIP Theatre, Level 2 Theatre, 20 Park Road, Milton QLD 4064 Ticket Costs: Preview – $30 Adult – $45 Concession – $35 Companion Card accepted. Ticket Link: Buy Tickets - The True Midnight City Warnings: Adult themes Coarse language Themes of death and grief Depictions of self-harm and suicide References to sexual assault Depictions of miscarriage References to terrorism Recommended Age: Recommended for ages 15+. Duration: Approximately 160 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Cast: Bianca Butler Reynolds Colin W. Smith Creative Team: Playwright – Bianca Butler Reynolds Director – Kat Dekker Produced by Minola Theatre as a co-production with PIP Theatre Production Website: PIP Theatre - The True Midnight City Other Information: Following the success of Love You Hate You Drive You Wild , Minola Theatre returns to PIP Theatre with this ambitious new Australian work. Combining historical drama with speculative fiction, The True Midnight Cry poses compelling questions about science, faith and humanity's future. Doors and bar open one hour before each performance. PIP Theatre is fully accessible via the foyer lift and offers dedicated wheelchair spaces, accessible toilet facilities and Companion Card bookings. Patrons requiring accessibility assistance are encouraged to contact PIP Theatre prior to attending. Parking is available beneath the theatre in the Savoir Faire Car Park (free after 4:00pm weekdays and on weekends), with additional street parking nearby. Previous Next