The temp might be dropping but your social calendar needn’t take a hit, with HOTA serving up some truly epic events well worth braving the cold for. We’re talking immersive art experiences, the world’s longest-running play, live music gigs and one of the coolest festivals we’ve heard about with something extra special for all the true crime buffs out there.
Whip out your diary and get scheduling, your winter is about to heat up.
Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap
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There are plays, and then there’s Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap. This iconic theatre experience is the longest-running play ever, hitting stages around the globe for the last 70 years! Seen and loved by millions, this classic whodunnit comes from the Queen of murder mysteries and follows a group of seven strangers who find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police officer arrives, the guests discover there is a killer amongst them and one by one they each reveal their sordid past.
Your job? Figure out who’s guilty before the cop does. Make the experience extra special with a meal at HOTA’s stunning fine-dining restaurant, Palette before the curtains come up, or grab a cocktail with a side of incredible views at the rooftop bar, The Exhibitionist. The West End play runs from 29 May to 2 June so get your tix here, quick.
Elvis: A Musical Revolution
If, like us, you were lowkey obsessed with Baz Luhrmann’s 2023 Oscar-nominated flick, Elvis, then you’ll absolutely want to snag yourself a seat to this incredible musical. Celebrating the life of one of the biggest names in music, this brand-new show was authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises so you know it’s legit.
Boasting an all-star Aussie cast (High Country’s Annie Chiswell, Home and Away’s Rob Mallett) and an electric set, the bio-musical will explore the most defining moments of Presley’s life, from his childhood in Mississippi to his epic rise to become the true king of roll ‘n’ roll. Featuring over 40 of the king’s most iconic songs (think: Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes and Can’t Help Falling In Love), you’ll be shimmying in your seat until the curtain closes. Kicking off 15 June, grab your tickets here.
Italian Renaissance Alive
Prepare for goosebumps at Italian Renaissance Alive, a digital immersive experience featuring iconic artworks from the Italian Renaissance period. Travel back in time to history’s most influential art period and walk amongst large-scale light installations featuring iconic works from the 14th to 17th centuries like the Sistine Chapel, Mona Lisa and the Birth of Venus.
As you weave through the multisensory gallery taking in the beauty and brilliance of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, your ears will be blessed by an accompanying operatic musical score. A celebration of art, sound and history, culture seekers won’t want to miss this special experience, from now until 4 August. Book your tickets here.
Underground Festival
The Gold Coast isn’t short of a festival, but this one might just be our fave yet. Underground Festival (running 6 - 8 June), promises unique wonders, secret adventures and hidden thrills via a stacked schedule of live music, comedy, art and genre-busting performances. While we recommend you explore and discover as much as possible across the three nights, you simply cannot miss Berlin (7 June), a theatrical performance that delves into the opulent underworld of the queer club scene of 1930s Berlin.
And you’ll have your mind boggled with The Unfair Advantage (6 June), where Australia’s leading sleight-of-hand specialist take us on a journey of deception. And if you’re a true crime buff *raises hand*, you’ll absolutely want to make space in your cal for Casefile Presents: Criminal Conversations on 6 June. Award-winning true crime authors and top-charting podcasters Vikki Petraitis and Emily Webb will take to the stage for a live conversation about a thrilling true crime case. For more info, head here.
Māui
Be inspired by the achingly cool Fresh Movement Arts and Freshman’s Dance Crew as they take to the HOTA stage to present Māui, an inspiring dance theatre work that seamlessly blends hip hop, Pacific, Māori and contemporary dance.
You’ll be hypnotised by their moves as they use dance, live tunes, spoken word and enchanting animation to tell the tale of Pacific demi-god Māui. The magical story opens with the Pacific migration and how the mighty warrior conquered the largest of all of the oceans, before gradually unfolding each chapter, highlighting tales of Māui and his adventures. It’s absolutely spellbinding, snag yourself a ticket to Māui here.
Want to check out more of HOTA’s goosebump-inducing events? Head here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by HOTA and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied.