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A message from our Festival Director... As festival director of Short+Sweet QLD since 2019, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of running this iconic festival for one incredible year of unique and engaging performances, and one year of utter B.S.
Not to dwell, but the pandemic has really put some stuff into perspective about this festival and the nature of theatre. I won’t bore you with any philosophical ramblings, but I can say that there’s a LOT that is new, different, and unique about this year’s Short+Sweet festival.
So, what’s changed?
This year, for the first time, Short+Sweet QLD will be operating through a SUITE of venues in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. These venues include exciting upand-comers, indie arts hubs, iconic Queensland heritages, and old festival favourites, all of which offer a brand new experience for performers, audiences, and creatives alike.
We are also introducing a brand new strand alongside Cabaret and Theatre. Our inaugural Short+Sweet Alternative is set to feature freestyle rap, stand-up, and performative sex-ed, all delivered in our signature bite-sized chunks.
Lastly, we know that theatre is a luxury that we can’t always afford. So we’re offering discounted artist tickets, giveaways, and our cheapest general tickets in years!
All of this, and we’ll still be showcasing our usual brand of 10 minute silliness, taking you on weird and wonderful adventures through comedy, drama, and music, across 8-12 performances a night, week in week out, for most of June and July.
I’ll meet you in the bar.
Josh Lyons
Festival Director
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Festival Calendar Brisbane Theatre 9th - 12th June 2021 (Strand 1)
23rd - 26th June 2021 (Strand 2)
Goldcoast Theatre 16th - 18th June 2021
Brisbane Cabaret/Alternative 30th June - 3rd July 2021 (Cabaret Strand 1)
7th - 10th July 2021 (Alternative & Cabaret Strand 2)
Gala Finals 29th August 2021
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Festival Locations Theatres across Brisbane & Gold Coast.
Brisbane Ron Hurley Theatre (Theatre Strand 1)
Queensland Multicultural Centre (Theatre Strand 2)
Backdock Arts (Cabaret & Alternative)
The Tivoli (Gala Finals)
Gold Coast Home of the Arts (HOTA)
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9th - 12th June
THEATRE Brisbane Strand 1
Ron Hurley
Cyrano, No, No! Written by: John Levine | Directed by: Arryn Leigh Cox Performed by: Malika Savory as Chris and Ilana Rae as Seer-I-Know
When an unwanted software update connects an artificial intelligence to Chris’ computer, the AI, named ‘SEER-I-KNOW’ deepdives into his personal information, wreaking havoc upon Chris’ life.
EMPTY Presented by: Brymore Productions | Written & Performed by: Hollie Bryan & Sean Bryan
One empty space, two performers, unlimited possibilities. Through clowning, physical theatre and a seemingly never ending series of spontaneous props an empty world is transformed into a marvellous mess and a vignette of scenes filled with life and laughter.
Honey, I'm Home! Presented by: Lightning Bolt Creative | Written & Directed by: Willem Whitfield Performed by: Tenielle Plunkett, Trevor McMillan, and Willem Whitfield
'Honey, I'm Home!' is a kaleidoscopic investigation into the meaning of love. Why do we love? What do we love? How do we love? No, really, how??
Judgement Day Written by: Katrina Samaras | Directed by: Hannah Falconer Performed by Eve Conomos, Dudley Powell and Leah Mustard
Kate Sutherland has been badly inconvenienced by her fatal brain injury. As if her sudden demise wasn’t enough for her to deal with, she now needs to handle the seven deadly sins and an increasingly impatient angel as they try to figure out which afterlife she belongs to.
Little Creatures Written and Directed by: Amy Shelford Poster Artwork by: Isabella Rix | Performed by: Rahel Stanley as Heather, Dudley Powell as Johnny, Isabella Rix as Creature A, Becky Cole as Creature B, and Amy Shelford as JC.
First dates are already stressful enough; what if some uninvited guests decided to show up? A humorous take on a first date, join Johnny and Heather as they navigate their way through flirting, awkwardness, and even their own emotions
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9th - 12th June
THEATRE Brisbane Strand 1
Ron Hurley
More of Us Presented by: The Reaction Theory | Written by: Egan Sun-Bin Directed by: Chelsea August | Sound Designed by: Hadyn Imhoff Performed by: Peter Irankunda as Jet, Triona Giles as Ahn
War on one side, freedom on the other and a couple in between.
Party In A Port-a-loo Written by: Kelly O’Meara | Directed by: Kylie Fuad Production Manager: Elyse Dallinger | Sound Design by: Jim Dodd Performed by: Richard John Taylor, River Elyse Dallinger, Zena Rohini Drury, Nathaniel Brian Pamphilon, Valerie Jennie Hicks, Jess V/O Kelly O’Meara, Fabio V/O John Morrison
Midnight approaches on New Year’s Eve 1999. Karma is snaking up the S bend. One man - one port a loo - one hell of a way to start the new millennium.
RED Written by: Paula Armstrong | Directed by: Shiloh Blachut Performed by: Vanessa Joy Bristow as Mother, Lachlan Dodd as Sam, and Jesse Blachut as Jamie
A mother returns home after an accident that has left her with amnesia.Her children have mixed emotions about her memory returning.
STARK Presented by: Orphan Collective Written, Directed & Performed by: Matthew James French | Poster Artwork by: Matthew James French and Trixie Kaelyn
Coach Rip U.A. Newan might be a surly old weightlifting coach from texas, but he'll do whatever it takes to show you that there's no weakness to becoming strong.
To Whom It May Concern Presented by: Lightning Bolt Creative Written & Directed by: Brittany Taylor Hetherington Performed by: Willem Whitfield, Tenielle Plunkett, Brittany Taylor Hetherington, Ghoul Shadows
Battle of bin night may be won, but war never ends.
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16th - 18th June
THEATRE Gold Coast
HOTA
Charlotte's Room Written by: Michael Sams | Directed by: Jade Hassett Production Co-ordination by: Gemma Hassett Performed by: Michael Deeds as Joe
Charlotte’s Room is an intimate portrait of a Joe, and his relationship with his five-year old daughter Charlotte. Throughout the story, the audience is drawn into the highs and lows of fatherhood, only to be confronted with an unexpected and tragic turn of events.
Elephant Jazz and Intergalatic Spores Written by: Barry Wood | Directed & Designed by: Krishna Patel Performed by: Josiah Hayton as Adam, Grace Wriggles as Martha, and Patrick Moroney as Steve
First Date Presented by: Down&Out Production Co. Written by: Grace Malouf | Directed by: Grace Malouf & Bridget O'Brien | Choreography by: Emily Stockwell | Performed by: Emily Stockwell as Annie, Lia Walsh as Annie's Subconcious, Nick Boxall as Mark, Cade Fasala as Mark's Subconcious
A man, a woman, absolutely no common ground, three courses and plenty of wine. Mark and Annie learn just how much you can learn and should learn about someone on your first date
Good Different
16th - 18th June
Written & Directed by: Lia Hope
THEATRE THEATRE
Performed by: Laura Coulton as Tracey, and Lia Hope as Bridget
Ron Hurley
Bridget will never turn her music down. She will, however, acquaint you with the finer things in life-specifically the treasures that appear every Wednesday and Saturday.
More of a Jan Presented by: White Rabbit Theatre Ensemble Written & Directed by: Lisa Smith | Performed by: Cameron Hurry
It’s his best mate’s engagement party, and Kevin is determined to make the best of it. He’s not so keen on dancing, but the drinks table seems like a good place to meet people … right?
Small Blessings Created collaboratively by: White Rabbit Theatre Ensemble Performed by: Ainslee Palmer and Cameron Hurry
A woman awakens in a hotel room. The name of the person beside her now forgotten, she begins the delicate dance of dressing, seeking her discarded clothing from around the room … all the while trying desperately not to wake the sleeping man in the bed.
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16th - 18th June
THEATRE Gold Coast
HOTA
Star Fighter Written & Directed by: Jonny Haselam Performed by: Brad McDonald as Blue Leader, Jermia Turner as Blue Two, Jonny Haselam as Blue Three, and Brittany Bell as Blue Five
In space no-one can hear you scream… unless you’re like really loud. Set in the outer limits of deep space we meet NOVA team. A squad of ace pilots on a mission to destroy a mysterious threat. Relationships become strained between our heroes as the mission falls apart and egos are bruised as light speed is engaged, yet again! *pew pew*
True To You Written by: Nicky Denovan | Directed by: Egan Sun-Bin Design by: Mia McGavin | Performed by: Declan Coyle as Richard, Georgia Perry as Jane, and Eva Megaloconomos as Waitress
Richard and Jane are seeking a powerful love connection. But will each meet their match - or their nemesis?
We Are Now Ten Written by: Frank Leggett | Directed by: Tianna Paget Performed by: Holly Leeson
A story that starts back in the deep dark past of half a decade ago has Abigail theatrically unburden herself as she deep dives into a confession about her viscous dog breeding monster of a father, the importance of meal time and the art of not feeling guilty.
Working 19-84 Presented by: Lightning Bolt Creative Written by: Brittany Taylor Hetherington | Directed by: Joshua Mclean Performed by: Bronte Nelson, Marisa Bucolo, Joshua Mclean, Silvana Freeman, and Brenton Smith
If you love totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation- then you'll love 'Working 19-84'. This workplace is doing its best to cut through the red tape and deliver George Orwell's nightmares to you within seven working days.
Good Different Written & Directed by: Lia Hope Performed by: Laura Coulton as Tracey, and Lia Hope as Bridget
Bridget will never turn her music down. She will, however, acquaint you with the finer things in life-specifically the treasures that appear every Wednesday and Saturday.
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24th - 27th June
THEATRE Brisbane Strand 2
QMC
Accountant From Hell Written by: Barry Claire | Directed by: Lara Rix & John Caswell
Performed by: Melanie Bolovan playing Karen, Evie Ford as Michelle and John Caswell as Father Murphy.
Michelle's girlfriend has been possessed by the most vile of demonsan accountant! Can Father Murphy exorcise the accountant from Karen, or is this possession more than meets the eye?
Dive Written by: Waverley Stanley Jr. | Directed by: Egan Sun-Bin Originally Devised with: Sophie Kleinschmidt Performed by: Grace Teng as Anna
Snags, Chocolate crackles, the crunch of hundreds and thousands on white bread, the smell of chlorine, the sounds of bomb-dives and laughter. Nostalgia slowly turned into, nightmare.
DOOMED Written by: Mikki Finn & Sheldon McLoughlin Performed by: Grace Sankey, and Lara Rix
If a demon asked for your soul what would you do? For some people a soul is priceless and others it’s worth an endless supply of chicken nuggets.
Faffing Amongst the Stars Written, Directed & Performed by: Adam Hasa and Jordan Schulte
408km above Earth on the International Space Station, Adam and Jordan are there for some reason.
It Was Tuesday Written by: Donna Hughes | Stage & Sound Design, and Direction by: Wayne McPhee | Lighting Design by: Beth Scott Performed by: Amanda McErlean as Terry, Lisa Hickey as Riley, Sarah Wrigley as Lucy, Alastair Orr as Charlie and Caroline Sparrow as Figure
Four people are forced to confront the reality of what people will do to make ends meet when they enter a suburban newsagent on a fateful Tuesday afternoon. Inspired by the reality of homelessness in Australia. An issue right on our doorstep.
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24th - 27th June
THEATRE Brisbane Strand 2
QMC
Naturally Confused Presented by: Maybe Mad Theatre Company Written by: Bridget Ward & George Harris | Directed by: Tyler Harlum Performed by: George Harris as Boris, and Bridget Ward as Blane
Boris and Blane are back with their fantastical nature show, Naturally Confused. This time they present to you the wondrous workings of the wombat, but will everything go to plan? Absotootly, positivically, rectifiably not.
Storm Clouds Written & Directed by: Sarah Jarvis Performed by: Amanda Lay as May, Hannah Flannery as Rosie
Rosie has lost her Father, and her Mother May has lost her husband. Stormy weather brews and everything has changed, will home ever be the same?
The Angels Presented by: Down&Out Production Co. Written by: Kate, Grace & Sam Malouf | Directed by: Grace Malouf, Bridget O'Brien, and Kate Malouf | Movement Direction by: Emily Stockwell | Performed by: Nicholas Boxall as Public Sector Angel, Cade Fasala as Private Sector Angel, and Emily Stockwell as Reviewer
Identical twins, Harold and Tom Remy, were meant to lead extremely successful, parallel lives. They didn't. When Harold dies prematurely, their guardian angels are called for a review and it quickly becomes very apparent what went wrong in Harold's life.
The Grave Yard Shift Written by: Catherine McKernan Doris | Directed by: Janet Palmer Performed by: Pauline Clyne as Iris
Thrust together during Covid lockdown, a husband and wife try to make the best of things. Who will crack first?
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CABARET Brisbane Strand 1
30th June - 3rd July
Backdock Arts
Borris the SEXplorer Written, Directed and Performed by: Mia Watanabe
Good evening fellow adventurers! Join Borris the SEXplorer for a weird, wild, wet & whacky quest to find the mystical, magical, mysteeerious & misunderstood CLITORIS! Strap on & strap in, who’s ready for a SEXPEDITION!
Did You Hear Something Funny? Presented by: Jess Ham Productions Written & Performed by: Laura Fois | Piano Accompaniment by: Dan Jess
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to make a performance career in a foreign country? What if the native language was different to your own? Enter Laura Fois, our resident Italian talent! With her knockout voice and high energy, Laura shares with us the trials and tribulations of being a Brisbane actor with a thick Italian accent in Did You Hear Something Funny?
Hey Keith! Written, Directed & Performed by: Hayley Stein
Career woman Cathy says she doesn't need a man because traditional 80s aerobics is her one true love, and anyone who tries to tell her otherwise can "shut their pie hole". That was until Keith stepped into the picture... (and quite literally swept her off her feet).
Intolerant Written, Directed & Performed by: Shannon Brooke Composed by: Matthew England
Shannon Brooke is a Brisbane based comedian, cabaret artist and peanut butter advocate. Most importantly, she’s intolerant to a lot of foods and she’s using this show as a method of getting empathy from strangers. Please come.
Plant Based Disgrace Written & Directed by: Sharmanee Jenkins & Jay Bloodsworth Performed by: Plant Based Disgrace
What is it to be a performer without an audience? Cabaret-punk band Plant Based Disgrace leaves their lockdown cave to face a strange new world.
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30th June - 3rd July
CABARET Strand 1
Backdock Arts
Sister Kenny Written, Directed & Performed by: Becky Cole
The incredible true story of Sister Elizabeth Kenny - a Queensland bush nurse who defied the medical establishment and revolutionized the treatment of polio.
The Adventures of Metal Dude Written by: Rex J Ablett, Oliver Samson & Alex Bayliss Directed by: Oliver Samson | Composed by: Rex J Ablett Arranged by: Luke Volker | Performed by: Rex J Ablett as Metal Dude, Luke Volker as Keyboards
A struggling actor is overjoyed when the girl of his dreams agrees to marry him. Finding himself unable to afford their perfect wedding, he takes on a second job as an unlicensed costumed hero at children's parties
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CABARET Backdock Arts Alternative 1 & Cabaret 2
7th - 11th July
Alex and Ebony! Written & Performed by: Alex Lamont and Ebony Hall
Love is in the air, and also in Alex and Ebony's ukulele! Listen to these absolute silly billies spin you the stories of their wins and woes in love.
Big Willy Shakes Pears Written, Directed & Performed by: Bella Abraham
Big Willy Shakes-Pears drag king show introduces you to a night of raunchy, rousing, roasting and red scarlet letters of sex, scandal and plain old penis jokes! He’s an icon with a massive Shlong who puts the hoe back in panty-hoes. Can you help Big Willy find his oomph again so that Romeo and Juliet wasn’t his last one hit wonder medieval porno?
Enpito's Bee Bar Written & Directed by: Rhys McCane | Poster Artwork Icons Designed by: Freepik | Performed by: Rhys McCane, Olivia Windsor, and Bren Binmore
Years ago Enpito joined a cult and started acting differently. But now he's fine, he's an entrepreneur and his bar only serves bees.
Expression of Interest Written & Performed by: Reegan Milne | Directed by: Nicolas Angelosanto
Opinion polls, surveys, elections, ratings, sales. Large sections of our society are decided by popularity and if majority rule is the best way to govern a country then why not crowdsource individual morality?
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CABARET Backdock Arts Alternative 1 & Cabaret 2
7th - 11th July
Middle Age Mermaids Presented by: Moment of Inertia Productions Performed by: Maddy Grant, Nadia Jade Adam Wood, Jayne Dough, and Linda Brown
Batten down the hatches and prepare yourselves for a rollicking good time, spiced with badly sung sea shanties, tall tales about pirates, and various uncouth nautical hijinks. Wet and fishy, and well past their prime, the Middle-Aged Mermaids are here to lure men to the pub. To buy them a nice glass of chardy.
The Freestyle Show Performed by Jordan Schulte
100% improvised freestyle rap.
The Shazza Show Written & Performed by Rianna Hollsten-Provenzano (as Shazza) Directed by: Tyler Harlum
Come join Shazza for a night under the constipations, as she leads us through a journey of self discovery, astrology and paw paw ointment - all without her glass of champaz leaving her hand.
Vote 4 Me! Written, Directed & Performed by: Garth Remington
Garth is on the campaign trail and needs your vote! As your prime minister he plans to fix this country by sounding sincere, maintaining eye contact and a proper handshake but due to COVID19 it will just be the sincerity and eye contact.
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Booking Your Seat! To book your ticket, please follow the links below. For easy access, and for more information head to our social media.
Brisbane Theatre 1 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/152674007065
Brisbane Theatre 2 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/152804064069
Gold Coast Theatre https://hota.com.au/theatre/short-sweet/
Brisbane Cabaret https://buytickets.at/backdockarts/520336
Brisbane Alternative/Cabaret https://buytickets.at/backdockarts/520333
2021 Festival Team Executive Producer | Sean Dennehy Festival Director | Josh Lyons Festival Manager | Molly St John Mosse Festival Stage Manager | Lauren O'Neill
@shortsweetqld
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