Putting comedy in the picture
The Brunswick Picture House has an impressive summer program of stand up as comedians are getting their shows sharpened for the festival season ahead.
Running until Saturday 23 January is Arj Barker, Australia’s adopted son of comedy. Arj says ‘Come revel in a positive and nurturing, almost womb-like comedic experience! Together we’ll create an environment where I know it’s okay to fail, because of your unconditional acceptance. And therefore I can take chances, and come up with brand new insta-classics, unhindered by fear and insecurity. Join me, special friend, and become part of The Process.’
Also running until 23 January is Anne Edmonds and Lloyd Langford. After spending a large part of 2020 in a Melbourne lockdown together, Anne and Lloyd have decided now is the time to go on a national tour. Come and witness these two comedians live. There’ll be jokes, stories, gossip and quite possibly the thrilling spectacle of the onstage breakdown of their relationship. Anne Edmonds is uncompromising, fearless and hilarious. Lloyd Langford is a stand-up comedian, writer and actor from Wales, who is fast making his mark here in Australia.
And our wonderful Wil presents Whatchu Talkin’ ‘Bout Wil? – in a completely improvised night of stand-up comedy. Two shows only, each show completely different, made up on the spot, with the help of the audience. Monday 25 January and Sunday 30 January.
To find out more go to brunswickpicturehouse.com
Rich, Zwar & Nolan
Comedy is back on at the Big Gig this month when Mandy Nolan shares the stage with her comedy friends Dusty Rich and Adam Zwar.
Dusty Rich, the wild man of South African comedy is sharp, freewheeling and electrified. Rich shot to fame for the off-the-wall style of his shows, for throwing the rehearsed, practised stand-up format out the window and replacing it with a fire and ice rollercoaster of continual spontaneous improvisation and crowd interaction. A huge name in South Africa where he toured as support for Trevor Noah, Rich moved to Australia just a few years back where his star is definitely on the rise.
Adam Zwar is an actor, voice artist, writer and comedian. He is best known for his comedy series Squinters, Lowdown, and Wilfred and creating the critically acclaimed Channel 10 comedy Mr Black, as well as the ABC hit shows Agony Aunts, Agony Uncles, The Agony of Life, The Agony of Modern Manners and Agony. Zwar also presented and produced seminal cricket documentaries Underarm: The Ball That Changed Cricket and Bodyline: The Ultimate Test that took a forensic look at the infamous 1931-32 Ashes series between Australia and England. Currently writing his cricket-infused memoir, Zwar steps it up at the Ballina RSL with comedian and mama of mirth, Mandy Nolan.
Thursday 28 January at 8pm.
This is a free COVID Safe event, so bookings are essential!
ballinarsl.com.au
The Talk Bank
Do ideas excite you? Do you love to hear the inspiring stories of others?
In an era of social media hype, people are seeking what’s real. It’s how we connect, and it’s we broaden our knowledge – by paying heed to the experience, insight and lived experience of another. The global success of TED talks – curated talks that speak to our human experience and evolution – has shown that human beings love to learn from and hear about the ideas and experiences of others. Mandy Nolan and Dr George Catsi run Authentic You Masterclasses; crafting dynamic narratives from the experiences of people who work across many sectors: from scientists to healers, to academics, to dancers, to doctors, to psychologists. From published authors to bloggers, to ordinary people who have done extraordinary things! Like the woman and her architect husband who almost lost everything, but decided to take their family and secretly live the simple life in a tent for a year to save the farm. These are stories that go deep. These are stories that will captivate you. Some may even change you!
The Talk Bank is the presentation event from the participants of the second stage intensive of Authentic You Masterclasses. Prepare to be inspired, amazed, and moved by these seven-minute presentations by twelve incredible speakers. MC Mandy Nolan.
Byron Theatre, Sunday 7 February, 1pm.
Tickets are $15 online at byroncentre.com.au
Caribé comes to Mullum
Sydney-based group Caribé are excited to be part of the 2021 live music revival bringing their Havana Return show to the Mullumbimby Ex-Services club, featuring some of Australia’s leading jazz and Latin musicians, who have crafted an outstanding performance of traditional and classic Cuban music forms. The percussion and rhythm section set up a crackling, thunderous bed for expatriate Cuban, Adrian Medina, to dance and for the group to solo over. The constant push-and-pull between powerful percussion and stunning melodies creates a dynamic tension that draws you in and invites you to dance in your seat – and hopefully on the dance floor as COVID Safe restrictions are relaxed.
They play Mullum Ex-Services Friday 29 January – tix on mullumexservices.com.au
High Ground
Palace Cinemas is pleased to invite you to a special fine wine preview of the critically-acclaimed Colonial Western, High Ground – an engrossing revisionist Western that elevates the stories and voices of Indigenous Australians.
Set against the stunning natural beauty of the Northern Territory’s 1930s Arnhem Land, High Ground chronicles how young Aboriginal man, Gutjuk (Jacob Junior Nayinggul), in a bid to save the last of his family, teamed up with ex-soldier Travis (Baker) to track down Baywara (Sean Mununggurr) – the most dangerous warrior in the Territory, who was also his uncle. As Travis and Gutjuk journey through the outback, they begin to earn each other’s trust, but when the truths of Travis’ past actions are suddenly revealed, it is he who becomes the hunted.
Tuesday, 26 January, 6.15pm arrival for choice of Oatley Red or White variety, 6.30pm film starts.
Palace Movie Club (max 2): $18.00
Palace Golden Club (max 2): $18.00
General Admission: $24.00
Book at palacecinemas.com.au/cinemas/palace-byron-bay
Surfing to survive
The surf is a place where many find restoration and healing. This is the case for Karin who lives with a rare illness. Surfing to Survive is a film that shows how surfing, and the ocean, offer Karin the energy to deal with her challenges and bring her happiness. Interviews are held with surfers Pauline Menczer, Danny Wills, Ozzie Wight, health professionals, neighbours and more. With a Welcome to Country by Delta Kay, the screening will also be attended by former Surf World Champion, Pauline Menczer, and musicians Sali Bracewell and Mandy Hawkes.
Wednesday 10 February at the Byron Theatre. Tix $24 on byroncentre.com.au
Dancing the Invisible at Bangalow Film Festival
Jill Bilcock: Dancing the Invisible is an unprecedented feature documentary about one of the world’s leading film artists – Australian film editor Jill Bilcock.
Her work on beloved films such as Strictly Ballroom, Romeo & Juliet, Muriel’s Wedding, The Dressmaker, Road to Perdition, Japanese Story, Moulin Rouge, Red Dog and Elizabeth, has established her as one of the world’s most daring and in-demand film editors, highly sought after by leading international film directors and top film studios – yet she remains relatively unknown.
Interviews include luminary directors Shekhar Kapur, Baz Luhrmann, Fred Schepisi, Jocelyn Moorhouse and Ana Kokkinos together with actor Cate Blanchett. This, combined with rare and previously unseen footage of Jill’s process in the editing suite, provides an utterly captivating and unprecedented insight into the artistry of film editing.
Jill Bilcock: Dancing the Invisible will be introduced by acclaimed producer Faramarz Rahber. There will also be a Q&A after the film for ticket holders to this session.
Thursday at 2.30pm at the Bangalow A&I Hall. For info go to bangalowfilmfestival.com.au
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