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Brisbane Annies And Child Cast Announced!

10/11/2025 Breaking News

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live today revealed the young actors who will be playing the roles of Annie and her orphan friends in the upcoming Brisbane season of the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie, which opens at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC next month. Three gifted young performers will share the titular role of Annie – Matilda Casey, Dakota Chanel and Isabella Hayden. Playing the role of Pepper will be Stella Shiels-Winters and Kensi Simpson, while Violet Knight and Aenorah Wallace will share the role of Duffy. As Kate will be Jessica Kime and Aubrie Wildman, with Tessie played by Zara Boldery and Sienna Hannant. July will be played by Tilly Love and Claire Taylor, and Molly by Indigo Ohlin and Macy Salvana. Emily Birch, Dakota Bolt, Charlotte Edwards and Aneka Mitchell have been cast as Friday.

They will join the stellar cast led by Anthony Warlow as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, the role which took him to Broadway, and Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan. Rising star Mackenzie Dunn plays Lily St. Regis, Keanu Gonzalez steps into the role of “Rooster” Hannigan, while Amanda Lea LaVergne plays Grace Farrell. The original Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, plays President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his musical theatre debut.

The talented ensemble cast is comprised of Luke Alleva, Cameron Boxall, Tim Brown, Emily Casey, Nakita Clarke, Andrew Dunne, Sebastian Johnston, Anna Mallows, Chloë Marshall, Kristina McNamara, Tom New, Ryan Orphel, Madeline Pratt, Lisa Sontag, Suzanne Steele and Dean Vince.

“I’m extremely excited to announced this wonderfully talented group of young actresses who will be playing Annie and her orphan friends in Brisbane. They were chosen from hundreds of girls who registered for an audition, and all stood out as marvellous performers. They join the rest of the cast led by Anthony, Deb, Mackenzie, Keanu, Amanda and Greg – we have a spectacular company,” said John Frost. “This is a magnificent new production of Annie for a whole new generation. Line up now to buy your tickets to one of the most delightful and inspiring musicals of all time. Don’t wait until Tomorrow!”

Sydney child cast in ANNIE (c) Daniel Boud (1).jpg

This inspiring new Australian production, directed by Karen Johnson Mortimer and choreographed by Mitchell Woodcock, has been playing in Sydney and Melbourne to packed audiences and standing ovations. Here is what critics have to say about this unmissable production: ★★★★★ “The production was a knockout” – Melbournise Me; ★★★★ “Filled with optimism, joy and hope … a great reason for a night on the town” – Time Out; ★★★★ ½ “Annie offers a fun night out with its simple, classic storyline, beloved by many for generations” – Theatre Matters; ★★★★ “Theatrical sunshine” – Limelight; “This production is a triumph” – Australian Stage; “Annie proves the golden age of musical theatre is here…Broadway is so back” – thescoop.au

One of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time, with its iconic score featuring classics like It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Tomorrow, Easy Street and N.Y.C, Annie is truly a timeless masterpiece, with a book and score written by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin.

Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” which debuted in 1924 and ran for over 80 years, the musical Annie burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. The musical won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin), the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, and the Grammy® for Best Cast Show Album. After the Broadway run of almost six years, it has played in more than 22 countries worldwide including the UK, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Australia. Annie became a smash-hit movie musical in 1982 starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett that is adored worldwide and a fixture of popular culture references.

A celebration of hope, family and friendship. This small but mighty young girl has returned to stick out her chin and grin once more!

BRISBANE SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Season: 27 December – 31 January
Performance Times: Tue 7:30pm; Wed, Fri, Sat 7pm; Matinees Wed & Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm; Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $70 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: anniemusical.com.au

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A Feast for the Palate-Good Food & Wine Show Brisbane

27/10/2025 Jules Hart🥉

Good Food & Wine Show – Brisbane Rating

★★★★★

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With over 300 local and national exhibitors, the Good Food and Wine show returns to Brisbane (Oct 24-26), and after two decades it doesn’t fail to deliver.

From the moment we joined the entry queue, the energy buzzed in anticipation of what our tastebuds would be dazzled with. The well prepared and seasoned regulars came armed with empty shopping trolley bags to fill with goodies.

Once inside, the layout is very organised, with a large physical map also offered as digital/hard copy form. Merchandise is very practical with tasting glass lanyards, aforementioned trolley-style shopping bags and large totes for stocking up. An Australia Post booth is a clever addition to offer postage for those purchases you’d rather not haul around for the day.

Figuring I have two options for my approach, either going in with a definite plan or allowing my senses to guide me, I take the latter approach and veer off to the Cheese corner. I was happily halted by the Smelly Cheese Co display and enjoyed a Raclette ($15) a generous serve of traditional melted French cheese scraped onto sourdough bread. Cheesy heaven!

Navigating away from the cheese corner, I sample ‘Tipsy Tea’s’ vodka iced tea which offered a refreshing reset to continue my mobile tasting journey. At about this time I felt like a walking human charcuterie board-sampling, sipping and nibbling my way through a range of flavours all vying for attention. If you can’t satisfy your tastebuds with food or drink at this event, then it might be time to question how fussy you are!

The Harvey Norman Kitchen offers free live on-stage demonstrations from some well-known culinary icons. Chocolate Queen Kirsten Tibballs engaged us with her warm and playful energy and there was a sense that we were guests in her own kitchen with her sharing tips for the perfect choux pastry and chocolate Chantilly cream. Host Alistair McLeod kept the atmosphere lively with his humorous asides and even cameraman Ben had a playful rapport with Kirsten giving the demonstration a behind-the-scenes vibe. Generous giveaways added to the fun, including a challenge to name the dessert with a Brisbane tribute-my favourite being the cheeky “Sunny Choux Drops”.

Just when we were on the verge of our mid-afternoon lull, Miguel Maestre’s session, provided a true to life ‘fiesta en la cocina’ with a lively atmosphere, with music playing for his guests. A dash of playful chaos added to the mix with the audience dancing quite literally for the chance to catch flying bags of crisps. In his demonstration of the ‘2-minute noodle’ challenge, quick fire tips created a frenzy of energy. Special mention to the multi-media team for adding quick-witted on-screen puns with the aim of tripping up Miguel and adding to the fun.

Overall, there was a robust crowd present, and given everyone’s many opportunities to satisfy their hangry undertones, people were polite and pleasant.

And finally at the end of the day the free slushie station at the Smooth FM stall is a refreshing pitstop before heading home!
Watch out for next years show release dates and get those trolley cases ready!

To book tickets to Good Food & Wine Show – Brisbane, please visit https://goodfoodshow.com.au/.

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A Gastronomical Heaven

27/10/2025 Virginia Gray⭐🎭

Good Food & Wine Show – Brisbane Rating

★★★★★

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The ‘Good Food & Wine Show’ needs to be on your radar. Installed at the Brisbane Convention Centre over 3 days, 24-26 October, it was a wonderful addition to the many attractions Brisbane and Southbank have to offer. Minimal queuing to enter, although a couple of feather flags to indicate you are on the right track would have reassured those new to the area.

Upon entry there were helpful items like wine glass lanyards, so you didn’t put your glass down and lose it and helped free up your hands. Shopping trolleys for those serious shoppers, honestly take a wheeled bag – there is so much to choose from, luckily some stalls offered free shipping. The stalls and walkways coped with the crowds and the large spacious hall ideal.

There were special ticketed offers and masterclasses. A great gift idea – from cheese, chocolate, wine and even pasta making. Tasting rooms, free experiences, celebrity chefs. Think Christmas and birthday gifts – either produce or tickets for next year.

With stall holders from all over Australia and New Zealand on offer was such a wide variety of good food and great wine – from Olives to Martinis- cheese to nuts – gourmet meats and some very tasty and innovative ideas this show had something to offer everyone.

Did I try the chocolate infused French wine – you bet I did – and although not a fan of hazelnut, I was converted, the wine as we say was divine, light bubbly, chocolatey with a subtle hazelnut. The stall holder was passionate and protective and imports the wine for distribution after stumbling across it doing an OE in Europe.

With wines from the Granite belt – a reminder of what a great wine making country we live in and to get out West more often, Adelaide and the Hunter Valley, it was a reminder don’t leave home until you’ve seen the country. Sparkling Pinot Noirs and refreshing Pinot Gris and everything in between.

Then the boutique spirits – gin (Sambuca is a favourite), peanut butter whiskey (my new favourite ice cream topper), yup everything you can imagine someone has put it in a bottle.

The cheese stands just made you wish for a 7-day weekend, a back deck with a park view or a balcony overlooking the sea, surrounded by those you love to indulge with.

Try as I might I could not make it around every stall and the 3-day flexi pass is probably the best bet if you are going to make a weekend of it, as you need the time and tummy room to savour this gastronomical extravaganza.

Salute – or gānbēi!

However, you say it – put the Good Food & Wine Show on your to do list next year. Or maybe try to get to a Christmas Market in Sydney and Melbourne.

To book tickets to Good Food & Wine Show – Brisbane, please visit https://goodfoodshow.com.au/.

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Blanc de Blanc Encore

26/10/2025 Amanda Harrison⭐

Blanc de Blanc Encore (World Champagne Day) Rating

★★★★★

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Blanc De Blanc Encore is a cheeky cabaret-cirque fusion that contains more fizz than the champagne it’s themed around. Masterfully weaving elements of comedy, cirque, dance, cabaret and singing; it’s a titillating time. Furthermore, the West End Electrique feels like the perfect venue allowing for action in, on, amongst and over the audience proving to never allow a dull moment. The interactivity between the performers and audience provides an experience that will be ever changing with each show, making it feel fresh and unpredictable. An all-star cast also elevates this performance to be a next-level experience.

Dylan Ingwersen and Eric Allen enthrall the audience, be it through their comedy or the anxiety of knowing no-one is safe from their crowd work. Ingwersen does a great job embodying his outrageous French character, and has an almost sweet chemistry with Allen. Allen is no-joke, flexing his muscles in skillful work on a static pole as well as for some fun bits that play with physicality and sound recordings. The entire cast show great skill in group dance numbers, most with a fun champagne flair or mischievous twist. Abi Wells uses her talent to mesmerise us with great fluidity and control throughout her dance numbers, showcasing her temptress abilities. Brett Rosengreen is equally as established, showcasing a diverse dance skillset from thigh-high heels to isolations to feather fans. Rosengreen had great on-stage presence, constantly flirting with the audience.

Ruby McQueen makes a great addition to the dance team, but really proves herself in her aerial number. McQueen shows confidence and makes her technical movements through the air look effortless, all while remaining connected to the audience. Similarly, Maria Moncheva does expert work on the aerial chains, captivating attention skyward. Moncheva interestingly doesn’t emphasise the ‘danger’ or metallic clanking of the chains during her performance, which assists it to feel gentler and more high-class. Finally, Lily Bourne offers some vocal talent to the mix, with sassy powerful vocals that feel stylistically perfect for the show. She teases and at times bullies the audience all through song, showcasing her vocal range and character capabilities.

All the great talent on display really shines through thanks to adventurous and creative staging. Performers are often situated right amongst the audience, or doing numbers that include interaction such as a giant parachute being sent out over everyone. These interactive additions elevate this from a show to an experience that really includes everyone present. The choreography felt well suited, combining elements and style from more classical jazz with a contemporary flare. The lighting design created a heightened atmosphere, with fantastic use of backlighting to provide silhouettes at times, or spots to highlight performers situated throughout the venue. The content of the show was unique and didn’t feel contrived or dated; bringing an exciting modern feel to the classic tropes of cabaret. With the exception of two numbers, the pacing felt perfect throughout the show with well placed transitions driving us forward. Blanc De Blanc Encore is an exceptional, classy and playful experience that ensures every member of the audience will leave with a smile. Be sure to catch this one before February, when the fizz runs out and they leave the West End Electrique.

To book tickets to Blanc de Blanc Encore (World Champagne Day), please visit https://strutnfret.com/shows/blanc-de-blanc-west-end-electric/.

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