The show was good, but the seats are absolutely horrible! Who on earth designed and what idiot…read moreaccepted these painfully uncomfortable seats? Were they made for actual people or just slapped together for the sake of ticking a box? Seriously, how could anyone think this level of discomfort was acceptable?

Beautiful venue…read more This is a lovely venue, I've seen two shows here, Ludo Enauldi and Brian Cox with the Brisbane Symphony. Both were great shows! It's very quick to get seated in this venue which is nice not having to cue or feel packed in line with its multiple mezzanine doors. My only gripe with this building is its lack of bathrooms. There's only one or two urinals per floor left and right of the stage and they can be accessed via two bathroom doors, it usually results in a huge line of people on both sides of the doors and is quite cumbersome navigating around when people are crammed into the bathrooms. Other than pre-planning your toilet pit-stops, enjoy the next show here!

We really are lucky here in Brisbane. Say what you will, but with a theatre company such as QTC in…read moreour midst, there's creativity in abundance in the River City. I've seen several shows at QTC's Billie Brown Studios and each has been a unique and clever look into the lives of us mere humans. Some expose our flaws, others commiserate with our human condition, then there's the ones that are just laugh out loud funny. QTC aren't afraid to shy away from the confrontational and they stand behind supporting local artists and playwrights. And despite the calibre of performances, the tickets are affordable. The most recent show we saw here was $30 a ticket. For a performance that left us roaring with laughter, almost bought to tears and back to knowing smirks - it was worth every cent. Want even more value? Buy a season pass. In these crazy times when we're more in-tune with our iDevice screen than our next door neighbours, it's refreshing to have a sanctuary to escape and be immersed into the story of others.

In the relatively quiet Montague road stands the Majestic…read morelooking Queensland theatre company. Being the state run theatre you expect things to be of a high calibre ...and my friend you will not be disappointed. I frankly can't wait to see what these guys have cooked up for the 2012 season (Especially the saucy looking Romeo & Juliet.) Their play's are entertaining, thought provoking and make for a perfect evening out. What I really love about QTC is their support of emerging artists. With anything creative the job market can get crazy competitive and tough so it is great to see they offer special productions, writing programs, workshops, graduate auditions and work experience. (Basically every opportunity you need to develop into a theatre buff.) So if you have thespian tendencies or just really love the theatre, QTC is the place to be.

KIMBRA - Tivoli 15/05/2012 support acts Daniel Merriweather…read moreand Sam Lawrence First time I saw Kimbra in a smaller scale more "intimate"concert, was at the Spiegeltent Brisbane Festival 2011. At the time, momentum was gathering with Gotye's track "Somebody I useto know" in the Aussie charts, and Kimbra had been signed to Warnerby the same guy who signed Prince. Having seen her videos on YouTubeand acoustic renditions of her own tracks, one could tell, this gir lwas headed for big, big things. Last night's concert at the Tivoli showed just that. KIMBRA is an international superstar! Its no wonder, there'sso much buzz in the USA and Europe for her album "VOWS", which has been re-released for the US market with 4 new tracks. The show was on a larger scale, and with new fans on board, KIMBRA was electrifying in her performance and stage presence. Her vocal chemistry with her band is undeniable, and they delivered a show that even the Pope would be bobbing his head rhythmically to as well as cure any bad day. This time around, touring in Oz, KIMBRA has achieved even more since the Brisbane Festival in 2011. #1 in the US Billboard's with Gotye, appearanceson Saturday Night Live, toured all over USA, Canada & Europe, performed at South-by-Southwest Festival, as well as collaborations with Foster the people's Mark Foster & Dance producer A-Track on "Warrior" (http://www.journeys.com/pluginto/). Kimbra has Capped this off by winning the Grand Prize for International Song-Writing for "Cameo Lover" earlier this month. All of this at just 22 years old.Despite tired legs from standing at length, thirst, sweat, the humidity of having many bodies around you, all was forgotten as KIMBRA took to the stage. She delivers a very quirky, eclectic, energetic, infectious, and most of all, unique performance. Her distinct hook-laden vocals, the faces she makes whilst passionately delivering a song, her weird little dances, and cute outfits, make for a memorable night. It's easy to put KIMBRA in the "pop" category, but she is so much more than that. I would even go as far to say, that if any artist in this day and age can create their own genre, then KIMBRA may have just achieved it. Each of the songs she delivered & performed are all different musically, deriving sounds and elements from various genres. From "settle down", "call me", "cameo lover", "samaritan","wandering limbs", "old flame", there's Soul, Blues, R&B, funk, rock, gospel and of course her latest offering "warrior", is an 80's pop-synth dance sound..which was absolutely mind-blowing liVE, and totally got the crowd off their feet and dancing.Amazing night, great show, and considering Kimbra's star is rising, great value for money @ $50. Special mention to Daniel Merriweather.. an artist who has worked with Mark Ronson (one of the best producers out there, known for his work with Amy Winehouse on Back to black), Daniel has a UK platinum selling album, LOve & War, various collaborations, including a duet on that album with Adele, as well as tours in the USA under his belt.It's a shame, that he is probably more known overseas, than he is in his own country. Melbourne talent, represent!He definitely got the crowd even more pumped for KIMBRA..memorable peformance from Merriweather signature song "Change". Sam Lawrence, who features on Kimbra's track "Wandering Limbs", was first up as support-act, and delivered a soulful jeff buckley-esque performance on keyboard. Keep a look out for this guy in future.

First time I went here was for a music concert, and it took me a little while to figure out that…read morethe plain-looking building I had walked past about twenty times was actually the venue. Don't let the outside of the Tivoli fool you, though. It may look a little plain and generic, but the interior decoration and design looks like it jumped out of a storybook. One of my friends had her high school formal there, and I've been to a handful of music concerts there. Each time, I've had a great time. The staff are patient and friendly, so long as you adhere to the house rules, and most of the security guards are friendly, despite looking scary. The Tivoli is available as both an 18+ venue, and an all ages venue, and the main floor can be either a dance floor, seating, or a writhing mass of bodies pressed together into a mosh pit. If you do attend a concert there, make sure you follow the first rule of moshing when it comes to water: take a sip and pass it back. The Tivoli is one of my favourite venues, very intimate between the performers and the audience, and if a band you like is playing there, definitely check it out. But because it sits out of the way a little, make sure you scope the area first, as I know friends who have gotten lost the first time they have tried venturing there. Don't be scared to ask the locals for directions, though.

What an inconspicuous place to find a little bit of culture! Metro Arts is huddled in next to Verve…read moreand provides a great little space to get a taste of some truly great theatre; theatre that is a little eccentric and not so mainstream; theatre that you would be sad to miss out on. You'll get a little blown away when you come to see a show at Metro Arts so take an open mind and a strong stomach with you because more often than not, you're in for a bumpy, albeit highly interesting, ride. I've seen a few friends' plays here and I've been both shocked and amazed in equal measure. Don't bring expectations with you when you come to see a performance at Metro Arts; it's best to just sit back and let the magic happen. There's also a little coffee bar out front that is open and selling Di Bella coffee to all you artsy enthusiasts. Come for the performance, stay for the coffee and the second half.

You may not know it but Metro Arts is one of the most important cogs in establishing the arts scene…read morein Brisbane. In terms of theatre, Metro Arts has a reputation of embracing new artists with even newer ideas and giving them a professional opportunity to present their work. This being said, audiences need abandon their televisions for a single evening for these opportunities to continue, otherwise the cynics win and theatre will officially be declared dead in Brisbane. Metro Arts puts on so many shocking, invigorating, chilling and baffling productions each and every year. Some of my best memories at Metro Arts involves a young man bleeding fountains of blood from his nose for over a minute, a woman trapped beneath a trapdoor begging for her release and a clown exploring his sexuality in a men's restroom. As you can tell, much of the content at Metro Arts may not be suited for children but for adults and teenagers it's a perfect outlet for both entertainment and cultural enrichment. Some of the productions that played at Metro Arts, such as Boy Girl Wall and shows by The Dead Puppet Society, have gone on to have greater success at theatres such as LaBoite. So you never know, you may see the next "big" thing during you trip to Metro Arts. The venue itself is quite intimate compared to some of the larger theatres around Brisbane. Personally I prefer shows that are performed in smaller venues, as there is a greater sense of connectedness to both other audience members and the performers. This being said, it is unlikely that you'll see any massive chandeliers being raised three stories at Metro Arts. Instead, you may experience an aesthetically charged moment or witness and innovation in form. Take your pick. Onsite there is also a café and bar located downstairs which is perfect for post-show/preshow drink. Alternatively a number of reputable bars are just a hop, skip and a jump away. Ultimately, Metro Arts is a great venue for anyone interested in theatre. I would really encourage everyone out there to give it a go at least once, cause you never know, it may prove to be, dare I say, a life changing moment for you. Alternatively, you'll go along, have a few drinks with a friend, see a relatively interesting show and only be down approximately $30. You really have nothing to lose. P.s. reception is open from Monday-Friday from 9-5 however shows start normally between 7-8pm. Check event information or at reception. Also, for those who aren't familiar with theatre protocol, you can't really show up late. Try to arrive 15-30 minutes before the show starts.

Danibelle's Musicadium is located at the PCYC Lang Park. Not only is it a great time for the kids…read morebut its very affordable. ($8 a session (or 10 for $70) with a $20 PCYC yearly membership fee) it is well worth it. Danibelle sings, dances and gets the children up and exercising. Each week she has a different theme and always dresses in costume which the children love. Her love of children is evident the first time you go to class. Each class consists of 15 mins of music- singing dancing and exercise, 15 mins of play time in the incredible tot gym at the PCYC and then 15 mins of play with the toys, balls, hoops, cars etc. Classes are broken down by Babies to Walkers Tues-Friday 11.15am - 12 noon - 3months - walking Walkers to 2yrs Monday - Friday 9.15 - 10am 14 months-2 years Climbers (2yrs-5yrs) Monday - Friday 10.15 - 11am 2 years - 5 years My son loves the class and its a great hour to spend with him as he learns songs, dances and has fun. Its also great for the mums to meet other mums.

Got kids and kids parties to cater for? Then check out Fairy Jules!…read more This busy fairy has been entertaining kids all over Brisbane for a while now. I know, you are asking, how did I end up at a children's party? Well I have a lot of friends who have kids. And I happened to be at one (in the grown-up area!) recently and caught part of Fairy Jules and her act. She is really good! Genuinely showing interest in the kids and having a real knack for them. I myself am not that good with the little humans, so naturally I admire people who are and Jules definitely is. Plus her prices were pretty reasonable. Yes. I asked! So if you know of a little girl who would love to be a fairy for a day I recommend that you turn to Fairy Jules for a bit of help!

After reading about Dr Sketchy's online I got curious and wandered on down, sketchpad in hand…read more Spending an hour and a half sketching a gorgeous burlesque dancer is not the way I usually spend my Thursday nights. The experience, though, was a heap of fun and something I intend to do more often when Sketchy's starts up again in 2012. The event I attended was the end of year celebration, and took place in Puritan, a lingerie store on James Street, rather than the usual Glass Bar. This setting made the night even more unusual and surreal. The lighting was a little bright and took away from the intimacy of the night, but the enthusiasm and sense of community among the attendees more than made up for it. We were treated to a variety of costumes and poses by reigning Miss Burlesque Australia, Sina King, who was enthusiastic and friendly. Tickets were $20, which bought a Strom cocktail on arrival (Strom being the event's sponsor) and wine throughout the night. Nibblies were also provided. Normal Sketchy's events are $15 entry, so keep an eye out for next years' events, and remember to take your sketchpad and pencils!

Dr Sketchy's Anti Art School isn't so much an art class as a social event, one where you get to…read moredraw scantily clad burlesque dancers. The first time my friend invited me to join him for a Dr Sketchy's night I did not know what to expect. As soon as I walked in I was greeted with a free cocktail and a lot of smiling faces (both from regulars and the folks running the show). A very voluptuous and stunning woman in a red corset happily posed and chatted to the "artists" sitting closest to her. Now I say "artists" in inverted commas because Dr Sketchy's is an Anti Art class. They don't teach you how to draw nor expect you to have any talent whatsoever. They just encourage you to enjoy yourself and sketch away. This encouragement also comes in the shape of prizes given out throughout the night for things such as "most creative incorporation of Santa into the sketch" or just "model's favourite". You don't have to be the most artistic in the room to win these either. I was definitely not the best but got a prize anyway (I think they were being nice because I was a Dr Sketchy's virgin). There are plenty of opportunities to sketch away, chat and drink throughout the night. The model poses for different periods of time ranging from 1 min to 15 min poses, allowing you to practice different techniques. She also had a costume change half way through to mix things up a bit. There were some poses where her breasts were almost exploding out of her corset but everything stayed quite PG the whole night, much to some of the "artist's" dismay. The whole night cost fifteen dollars which sounds like a lot but for such a fun, interesting and unique night out in Brisbane the price it is totally worth it. It is best to keep an eye out on the Dr Sketchy's Brisbane facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DrSketchysBrisbane?sk=info) for info on upcoming sketch nights usually held on the first Tuesday of every month, as the website (http://www.drsketchy.com) covers the Dr Sketchy's chain across the entire globe. The Brisbane Sketchy's is held at the Glass bar at the Judith Wright Centre on Brunswick Street, which is the perfect, classy venue for it. Whether you go to draw, drink, or just have fun socialising while doing something completely different, I highly recommend checking out Dr Sketchy's.