Thanks to the vision of circus-cabaret-variety La Soirée producer Brett Haylock, the Brunswick Picture House is no longer an abandoned building ghosting on Fingal Street. This week the curtain lifts on what was almost a lost gem!
‘I just stumbled across it,’ says Brett, who has had a long association with the area. ‘I saw it and had an epiphany. I thought, I can see my future here! So I pursued it like a crazy man!’
The property was owned by Norma Keir, a colourful Brunswick character. It took Brett six weeks to negotiate with her family to secure the Picture House so the dream could begin.
‘It wasn’t planned,’ laughs Brett, who admits that clapping eyes on the building was a bit like love at first sight. ‘It’s old school: our signage, our lights, it’s going to look a million dollars! It’s been a labour of love to rebuild her, but I feel it is vital to create places to foster arts and entertainment, rather than let them perish, particularly in vibrant communities like this one.’
The Brunswick Picture House will become home to La Soirée, the critically acclaimed Olivier Award-winning show that has toured for the past 11 years. This is quite the win for the seaside village of Brunswick Heads, which now has a world-class vaudeville come circus come cabaret venue right in the heart of town! Haylock will be using his national and international connections to attract talent to the venue, with the Brunswick Picture House opening this weekend with a full vibrant program!
Featured shows are:
The Really Good Good Friday Circus Bonanza – Friday 2pm.
An extravaganza of performances from an array of local and international performers, this all-ages gala of epic proportions will tickle the funnybones of the young and young at heart.
The Inaugural Picture House Cheeky Cabaret – Saturday 7.30pm.In the tradition of La Soirée and Club Swizzle, this cabaret variety night is guaranteed to tantalise and titillate. A star-studded lineup of Australian and international darlings of the cabaret circuit will leave you begging for more. Bring Grandma, but leave the little ones at home.
Kaput – Saturday, Sunday and Monday 2pm.
Direct from a sell-out North American tour, self-proclaimed ‘elegant buffoon’ Tom Flanagan presents his award-winning show throughout the Easter weekend. Described as ‘physical comedy at its best,’ Kaput revives the art of silent movie-esque slapstick. An hilariously funny mix of chaos, comedy and acrobatics for all ages.
The Pitts Family Circus – Saturday 12pm.
Everyone’s favourite local dysfunctional family circus is here. Employing spectacular circus, quirky characters and more child labour than ever, the Pitts Family will impress, surprise and touch you, in more ways than one.
Cinema Classic: The Wizard of Oz – Sunday 7pm.
Born of the same era as the original Brunswick Pictures, then named the Victory Theatre, this iconic Hollywood masterpiece in all its Technicolor glory is the perfect film to propel the Brunswick Picture House into her new existence. No, Dorothy, we’re not in Kansas any more.
For more program information and to book, please go to: brunswickpicturehouse.com.
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