New Adelaide Fringe hub opens with a bang
Live performance returned to the historic Queens Theatre in spectacular fashion with the opening of new Adelaide Fringe hub, THE QUEENS on 19 February 2021.
Presented by AAPPAC Business Circle member GWB Entertainment (Richelle and Torben Brookman) in association with Amelia Ryan and Release Creative’s Zac Tyler, Adelaide newest Fringe venue has transformed the historic Queens Theatre into the Fringe’s home of cabaret, comedy and live music in the West End of the city.
Image Courtesy of GWB Entertainment
THE QUEENS’ opening weekend saw sell-out performances by the legendary Carlotta and the ever-popular Michael Griffiths while a variety of Fringe and cabaret stars were part of the raucous late-night cabaret showcase that is Club Queens on Friday and Saturday nights, including Amelia Ryan, Max Savage, Libby O’Donovan and Paulini.
Image Courtesy of GWB Entertainment
Image Courtesy of GWB Entertainment
“We are thrilled that we were able to bring live performance back to the Queens Theatre and be part of the wonderful Adelaide Fringe to present live arts to the city after a challenging 2020 for the industry,” says Torben Brookman. “Nothing beats seeing artists live on stage, especially after the year we’ve experienced.”
The new Fringe hub has delivered on its promise of presenting ‘Fringe at its finest’ with its curated line-up of Australia’s best acts that is only matched by the breathtaking venue and the bars, laneway areas and cellar doors that can be found in THE QUEENS.
“It’s incredibly exciting to throw open the doors to this iconic venue and welcome some of our favourite artists from across the country into the Queens Theatre,” says Richelle Brookman. “We’ve got a fantastic mix of music, comedy and cabaret that are delighting audiences right here in the heart of the city’s West End.”
“THE QUEENS is an amazing venue and a great addition to the Fringe landscape,” says Fringe director and CEO Heather Croall. “It’s an incredible piece of South Australian and Australian history and now it’s a spectacular Fringe venue.”
The socially-distance friendly venue featured an inviting bar (The Queens Bar), cellar door (Clare at the Queens), lounge area and laneway garden (Channel 10 Lane) that hosted people pre- and post-shows, while the main performance area, The Chamber, houses 220 seats, including premium tables, theatre-style seating and high-table options.
Image Courtesy of GWB Entertainment
Joining Carlotta and Michael Griffiths at THE QUEENS was some of Australia’s great comedy, music and cabaret talent including Paul McDermott and Catherine Alcorn, Prinnie Stevens, Amity Dry and Jo Lawry.
The Queens Theatre will continue to house shows after the Fringe period. Keep your eyes peeled to thequeensadelaide.com.au for updates.
THE QUEENS
February 19 to March 21
Queens Theatre, Playhouse Lane and Gilles Arcade
thequeensadelaide.com.au.