Something electric, dazzling and a little bit scandalous has hit the city’s cultural scene. Brisbane-bred, globally prolific production house, Strut & Fret has created a permanent new Brisbane theatre in West End. Think vaudeville, New York cabaret, Moulin Rouge vibes mixed with cocktails upon cocktails. What’s not to love? And if you've already checked it out, here's a reason to grab tickets once again—hitting the stage in November is a new season of their infamous cheeky circus-cabaret, Blanc de Blanc Encore.
If you haven't heard of Strut & Fret before, you will grow to love them now. Founded in our very own backyard, they've become a global production powerhouse known for designing and producing hugely popular theatre, festivals and venues around the world. Following the unprecedented success of their Sydney theatre, The Grand Electric, the Brisbane company founders thought it was about time they create something special in their hometown. Cue, The West End Electric, a 400+ seat theatre in West End.
“Brisbane is where Sarah Stewart and I founded Strut & Fret in 1997. It’s also our home city, where we grew up and where I still have a home,” said Creative Director and Company Founder, Scott Maidment. “We staged our first Brisbane Festival production over 25 years ago in 1998, so it feels very fitting to launch The West End Electric with this year’s festival.”
With LIMBO - THE RETURN launching the bespoke new live entertainment space to rapturous applause, the team has already announced the next show they'll be bringing to the stage—Blanc de Blanc Encore, opening on Thursday 21 November. One of Strut & Fret's signature shows, this titilating circus-cabaret spectacle is champagne-inspired and features the world’s finest acrobatic talent (including Cirque du Soleil alumni), great tunes, big laughs, lots of skin and more than a few surprises—basically, it's a must-see.
Don't arrive just in time for the show either—the night starts off with sips and bites in the upstairs balcony bar, with a list of classic and creative cocktails to work through and nibbles like gourmet toasties and cheese boards. According to Maidment, the must-order is a Naked & Famous—a little-known classic cocktail that blends mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice. Yes, more than one may have you on the floor—but the show downstairs will lift you right back up again.
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