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Take the Grand Pacific Drive to Wollongong, a coastal capital that has it all – surfing, fishing, hiking the Illawarra mountains! And this June, there’s another great reason to stay and play in "The Gong"…
From family-friendly fun to the ultimate adults-only nights out, The Spiegeltent returns to Wollongong's art precinct from 7 – 25 June, bringing with it the very best in circus, comedy, music and cabaret acts. This year’s program is jam-packed with electrifying live performances. Not sure where to start? Here are our top tips.
1. Not To Be Missed Headliners
Not one.. not two… but three heavy hitting headliner acts are appearing at the Wollongong Spiegeltent.
Paul Dabek’s “London Calling” puts on a spectacular night of magic, circus, comedy, and jaw-dropping variety. The Dummies Corp’s “The Dumtectives in Cirque Noir” is set in a bygone era of cheap dames and dirty dicks. Expect a smooth blend of awe-inspiring acrobatics, shaken with Charlie Chaplin-esque comedy and a dash of burlesque - this is a slap in the face you won’t want to miss!
Finally, Le Coup transforms the glittering Aurora Spiegeltent into a neo vaudeville speakeasy, where it’s “Fight Night at the Circus.” Watch as a bunch of Australia’s finest cabaret and circus stars mix fire breathing, daring aerial feats, and breathtaking acrobatics.
2. Laugh Till It Hurts
The Spiegeltent stage is hosting a top-tier line-up of comedians including larrikin Aussie Dave Hughes; the fierce Karen From Finance; everybody’s favourite, Akmal; the charming Gabbi Bolt; dynamic duo Charles Firth (The Chaser); and James Schloeffel (The Shovel), You can also expect plenty of laughs from the spectacular line up at the Multicultural Comedy Gala.
3. A Feast For The Ears
Singer Prinnie Stevens transports you from a tent by the ocean to a speak easy in New York city. Enjoy a sultry, smooth modern cabaret show as Prinnner sings from the greats like Billie Holiday, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald; along with the modern-day favourites, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé and more!
For a mash of rock music and comedy join Berlin’s prince and princess of Europop, Otto & Astrid as they perform their critically acclaimed Joint Solo Project.
4. Homegrown Fun!
The Spiegeltent showcases outstanding local talent, including drag queen extraordinaire Roxee Horror, performing Roxee Horror’s Movie Maniacs. Expect drama, romance, and comedy galore!
The Strangeways Cabaret perform comedic capers that take you on a wild ride whilst the Shammgods, dressed in op shop-sourced active wear, try to rule the stage.
5. For The Kids!
Woody from The Ukulele Kids Show takes kids and parents on a musical journey as they follow the story of Jasmina, a shy young girl at school who learns to unlock her musical potential. While the award-winning Trash Test Dummies brings an imaginative adventure to the stage with comedy, daring acrobatics, juggling, ballet, and balloons thrown in for good measure.
6. Fancy A Bite To Eat And Drink?
Perch yourself under a heater and soak up the outdoor atmosphere with local entertainers pre-show. The recently refurbished The Social café is ready to sling out a selection of coffee, drinks and light refreshments, while the pop-up bar offers mulled wines and warm snacks.
7. A Place To Crash When The Fun Is Done!
The Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong is just 500m from the Spiegeltent fun, making it the perfect base for your Wollongong staycay. Spacious rooms are warm and welcoming, offering all the comforts of home with kitchen facilities, laundry amenities, separate living areas and private balconies. The hotel also features include a pool, spa, sauna, gym and on-site parking for those wanting to make a weekend of it.
