Kings of Comedy
With seven killer comics on the bill the Kings of Comedy tour is set to wow audiences. Touring more than 20 dates across NSW, this rare treat will be at Ballina RSL Club for a one-night gala of spectacular back-to-back comedy.
Over two hilarious hours you will see true masters of their craft all for remarkable value. Starring Mikey Robbins, Chris Wainhouse, Cam Night, Katie Burch, Simon Kennedy, Steady Eddy and Tommy Dean.
All tickets through Ballina RSL Club Reception, via phone 6686 2544 or online at www.ballinarsl.com.au/entertainment/.
Giggles at the Tav
Since winning Foxtel’s national Be A Comedian Competition in 2006 and performing as a national finalist in Triple J’s 2007 Raw Comedy Competition, Ellen Briggs hasn’t looked back.
Ellen has an easygoing, friendly nature that belies the dark wit that she presents. It’s been said that ‘Ellen says out loud the things other mothers only dare to even think’, and that ‘with her tales of parenting, she could well become Australia’s next Fiona O’Loughlin’.
See Ellen and eight other fantastic acts on Thursday at 8pm at the Ocean Shores Tavern. Free entry.
Kids Cleaning Up the Beach
Last year, Southern Cross K–12, East Ballina, registered as an eco-school (eco-schools.org.au/). As a part of being a registered eco-school, Southern Cross has formed an eco-committee to implement projects in the school and wider community to achieve a more sustainable, Earth-friendly future. The eco-committee has organised a beach clean-up for this Friday at 9.30am. It will be held at the southern end of Angels Beach, Ballina, and all bags and gloves are provided.
All welcome, especially kids!
Project ZED
ZED Project consists of a half-dome structure, of 10m by 5m, built with bamboo sticks, that holds a translucent projection screen inside and large-format banners as background. Inside this bubble, ZED, a multimedia artist, controls and mixes audio and video streams (through projectors) using just his hands.
The multi-layer effect of projection and background banners among music creates an immersive feeling that generates excitement and reflection from audience. This is a research and graduation project in his study completion, at SAE Byron Bay. The presentation will last for one hour of intense use of senses and promises to be an enjoyment experience that will reach all ages with the same effect.
Saturday at the Byron YAC – from 8.30pm.
Palace Ballet
The Paris Opera Ballet special presentation Celebrate Dance is a must-see for dance beginners, enthusiasts and aficionados alike.
Director of dance Brigitte Lefévre has created a three-part cinema program including The Défilé (parade) of the Paris Opera Ballet, which has been filmed for the first time ever. This 300-year tradition presents the entire company – 154 Paris Opera Ballet dancers, and 100 or so pupils from the Ballet School – under full stage conditions and is an amazing spectacle.
Celebrate Dance screens at Palace Byron Bay Cinema on Sunday at 1pm and Wednesday at 11am. Tickets $15–24 available now at Palace box office or online at www.palacecinemas.com.au.
Allo Allo, it’s the French Film Festival!
Romance, excitement, humour, high drama and high fashion – there’s something for every taste in the Alliance Française French Film Festival screening this week at Palace Byron Bay Cinema. Highlights of the 18-film program include Chance Encounter, which brings together two of France’s favourite stars, Sophie Marceau and Françoise Cluzet, in a romantic comedy about a couple who seem perfect for each other – but, he is married and she has vowed never to date a married man.
French cinema legend Catherine Deneuve continues her brilliant career in the subtly nuanced In The Courtyard, where Deneuve’s panic-prone Mathilde develops an unlikely bond with ex-musician Antoine.
Saint Laurent, a spectacular celebration of the famous and flamboyant designer’s artistry, drive and inspiration, is a fascinating biopic about Yves Saint Laurent, exploring his relationships, neuroses, addictions and insecurities. One of the most-loved movies of 2011 was The Intouchables and Samba reunites that film’s writing-directing duo Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache with its star Omar Sy, in a story of a cross-cultural romance set against the backdrop of France’s immigration challenges. Samba is a Senegalese refugee working as a dishwasher who dreams of being a chef.
Charlotte Gainsbourg stars as his immigration caseworker and his only hope to stay in France. Another highly praised film that explores the less glamorous side of French life is Girlhood, a sensational film of female empowerment set in the tough neighbourhoods of Paris, described by The Guardian as ‘a work of cinematic art’.
Program and tickets available at Palace Byron Bay box office or online at www.palacecinemas.com.au.
Zen and the Art of Dying
For locals who missed this great and innovative film about local deathwalker and celebrant Zenith Virago at the recent Byron Bay Film Festival, there’s a second chance, when Zen and the Art of Dying screens at Pighouse Flicks next Monday.
The film is a study of Zenith, her valuable work, and what led her to become a pioneer for our community in the way we do death and ceremony over the past 20 years.
It is also a wonderful celebration of our community, our deathstyle, one that really matches our lifestyle, and it features many people speaking about their loss, their loved ones, and their experience of a more meaningful and empowered approach.
In Zenith’s words, ‘Byron is a great place to live, but it is a GREAT place to die’. Come and find out more about the extraordinary work of this very extraordinary woman. Starts at 8.30pm.
A Cabaret Drill
The Drill Hall Theatre Company’s next production, A CABARET Alastair and Alice present… opens next Friday. Enjoy amazing tapas, plus a drink or two with friends before the show, in an intimate cafe-style setting.
Say ‘Hello’ to the protagonists, Alastair and Alice, but, be aware they dream of doing something really exciting. Something as mind-blowing as producing their very own cabaret – a cabaret overflowing with a cast of almost 20 performers showcasing some hysterical comedy, unforgettable singing, sizzling electrifying dance routines, dazzling lighting effects and breath-taking specialty acts. With a little added help from their guardian angel, and, if the big-name cabaret artist agrees to perform, the show will definitely be a truly, unparalleled ‘spectacular spectacular’ entertainment event.
Friday and Saturday from 8pm and Sunday at 5pm. Shows also the same times the following week.