PLAYTIME

Contributor
August 25, 2009

STAGE

NEW THEATRE
Don Juan in Soho is a modern tale about the world’s obsession with celebrity, sex, wealth and seduction in the pursuit of happiness. This reworking of Moliere’s 17th century classic is set in contemporary London and stars Fayssal Bazzi, Michael Briggs, Donna Brooks and Blair Cutting. Catch the play at the New Theatre from Thursday, August 27. Tickets start at $22.
info: Bookings on 1300 306 776 or visit www.mca-tix.com.au

STREETCAR
Liv Ullmann will direct Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire as part of the Sydney Theatre Company’s 2009 Mainstage Program. The cast includes Cate Blanchett as Blanche, Joel Edgerton as Stanley and Robin McLeavy as Stella. The production opens Tuesday, September 1, and will run for two months.
info: Bookings on 9250 1777 or visit www.sydneytheatre.com.au.

AIDA RETURNS
Verdi’s Aida is an ancient Egyptian extravaganza and has returned in a new production at the Sydney Opera House until Saturday, September 19. Under the direction of Graeme Murphy, the production stars Teresa La Rocca, Claire Rutter and Elizabeth Campbell.
info: Bookings on www.opera-australia.org.au

The Ten Sopranos
To promote their new self-titled album, The Ten Sopranos are touring Australia for the first time. Featuring Penny Pavlakis, the group delivers a varied repertoire of operatic favourites and popular songs. Catch them at Riverside Theatres on Saturday, August 29, and at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre on Friday, September 18.
info: www.thetensopranos.com.au

SONG

SEMI-FINALS
Ten opera singers have been selected for the Australian Singing Competition and will perform on Wednesday, September 2 at the semi-finals to be held at the Independent Theatre, North Sydney. At the semi-finals five singers will be chosen to perform at the finals concert at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth on Monday, November 2. The competition starts at 7pm and general tickets are available.
info: Bookings on 9955 6580 or visit
www.theindependent.org.au

CHOIRS GET SINGING
More than 450 performers will fill the stage when the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs present Italy’s most poignant non-operatic work, Messa da Requiem, at Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall for three consecutive nights from Friday, September 11.
info: Bookings on 9251 3115 or visit
www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au

OPHELIA OF THE SPIRITS
Ophelia of the Spirits will return to The Vanguard to launch her mini-album, The Secret Garden. Scheduled for Thursday, August 27, join her to celebrate this new release. Tickets are $18 and doors open at 7pm.
info: Bookings on 9020 6959 or visit
www.thevanguard.com.au

ON SCREEN

JUSTIN GREEN
The Justin Green Room is a show in pre-production by Delicatessen Films. Each episode will feature a celebrity guest. For the pilot show, host Justin Green will interview fashion designer and judge on Australia’s Next Top Model Alex Perry. The first episode is being filmed at City Gym on Saturday, August 29. The show is scheduled to air on Foxtel next year on the Aurora Channel.
info: If you would like to be in the audience SMS 0404 212 200 with the word 29 and full name to confirm you place. Futher details will be provided.

POKER AUSTRALIA
Poker in Australia is about to reach new heights with a new television series, Australian Poker Hero. The series will pit poker players from across Australia against each other in weekly qualifiers, which also feature celebrity guests. Players will battle for a share of the weekly $25,000 prize pool, which includes $10,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.
info: Visit www.fulltilitpoker.org to register your interest in participating.

QUEERDOC 2009
Punch like a Girl tells the story of three of Sully’s Gym’s best female boxers as they go head to head with the reigning champion, Mary from Cabbagetown. Part of QueerDoc 2009, the documentary screens at the Dendy Newtown on Monday, September 7, at 7pm.
info: Bookings on www.queerscreen.com.au

LITTLE BIG SHOTS
Little Big Shots is a three-day film festival at the Sydney Opera House for children and boasts 80 Australian and international shorts, animations and documentaries. The festival starts on Wednesday, September 9, with bookings on 9250 7777 or online at www.sydneyoperahouse.com.
info: For information on screening times visit www.littlebigshots.com.au

FREE

Q STATION
On Saturday, September 5, Q Station will immerse visitors in its history, heritage, architecture and design during its annual Community Day as part of History Week. The official theme for this year’s History Week is Scandals, Crime and Corruption, which promises a wild journey of discovery through the dark shadows of Q Station’s past. Doors open at 10am. Q Station is located at North Head Scenic Drive, Manly.
info: www.qstation.com.au
FRINGE MARKETS
The Fringe Bar markets is on every Saturday from 10am at Fringe Bar in Paddington. It is home to a collection of emerging fashion designers and vintage clothing dealers.
info: [email protected]
EVELEIGH MARKET
Eveleigh Market is an undercover, traditional, authentic weekly Saturday farmers’ market starting at 8am. The market is home to more than 80 regular stallholders and has a vast array of seasonal fresh produce.
info: www.eveleighmarket.com.au
TWILIGHT RIDES
Every second Tuesday of the month Bikes Sydney meets at the GPO steps in Martin Place for a twilight ride. Departing at 6pm, the group rides for two hours.
info: [email protected] or bikesydney.org/new.
HIKE TO JINKI RIDGE
The Southern Cross Outdoors Group is heading to Jinki Ridge for a bushwalk on Saturday, September 5. The group will meet at Richmond station in the morning. Lifts in cars will need to be organised by leader (Peter), so train travellers need to let him know before the date.
info: To find out more about the bushwalk, times and to RSVP for transport call Peter on 0400 257 656 or email [email protected].

FUTURE FUN

CLUBS

GIRLS NIGHT
Moist will bring a black and white party to Arq Sydney on Friday, August 28. DJs include Sandi Hotrod and Shalyn Gray plus a special guest performance by drag kings Javante Swing and Mytee Max. Doors open at 9pm and entry is $10.
info: www.arqsydney.com.au

DARLENE PERFORMS
Entertainer Darlene will bring her live transsexual cabaret show, Bollywood Diva, to the Taxi Club on Saturday, 29 August. The show starts at 11.30pm with special guest performers.
info: www.thetaxi.com.au

COCK UP
DJ Fiesty will celebrate 10 years of DJing at Phoenix on Saturday, August 29. The night’s called Cock Up and DJ Mandy Rollins will also make an appearance. Entry is $10 before midnight or $15 after. Doors open at 10pm. info: www.djfeisty.com

PORN AND GLITTER
Perfect Day at the Gaff will hold a porn and glitter-themed party on Sunday, August 30. Kicking off at midday, DJs include Murray Hood, Mark Alsop, Man and Justin Scott. The party will also feature a live performance from singer/songwriter Ray Isaac. Cover change is only $10 for those who dress up or $15 otherwise.
info: www.PerfectDayClub.com.au.

RUGGER BUGGER
The Sydney Convicts rugby team will bring their popular Rugger Bugger show to the Midnightshift on Saturday, 5 September. Maxi Shield will host the night. Doors open at 8pm. Pre-sale tickets are $20 from the venue or $25 at the door.
info: www.themidnightshift.com.

PUBS + BARS

SAME-SEX SALSA
Catch same-sex salsa classes every Monday night at the Colombian Hotel from 8pm. with salsa teacher Gabriela Alegria from the Latin Dance Academy.
info: 9518 3247
VINTAGE NIGHTS
Zeta Bar’s famous VIP Room will hold a new event called Vintage Nights. Inspired by Prohibition, a time in American history when alcohol consumption and distribution were illegal. Mixologist Grant Collins has put together a Vintage and Forgotten Classics cocktail list designed to conjure up thoughts of the era. Vintage Night will be held on Thursday, August 27. Cost is $40 including cocktails, canapes and recipes to take home.
info: www.zetabar.com.au/Vintage.

LEATHER
MEN
The Clarence Hotel and Manacle will hold Mr Leather Men United at The Clarence Hotel on Saturday, August 29.The competition winner will compete in the national competition in Melbourne in September. Doors open at 8pm and entry is $10.
info: Competitors application pack is available by visiting www.clarencehotel.com.au.

THE ALEXANDER
Every Friday night the Alexander Hotel in Leura holds a gay and lesbian-friendly night from 7pm. A bistro is also available for dinner.
info: The Alexander Hotel is at 62 Great Western Hwy, Leura.

BEARY FRIDAY
It’s Den Night every Friday at the Flinders Hotel with the Harbour City Bears and DJ Man from 6pm.
info: www.hcbears.com

COMMUNITY

SUPPORT GROUP
Neon is a support and social group for transgender people on the Central Coast and will meet on Wednesday, August 26, from 7pm. info: 4927 6808.
TEA CEREMONY
On Sunday, August 30, the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Sydney Association will hold its annual Chakai ceremony. Partake of this traditional Japanese tea ceremony and stroll through the delightful display gardens of the Eden Garden Centre in North Ryde. The centre opens 11am and entry is $15.
info: 9251 4787 or email
[email protected]

PSYCHIC EVENT
On Sunday, August 30, join two of Sydney’s top psychics, Imelda Penny and Marcia Quinton, as they share messages between two worlds upstairs at the TAP Gallery. Entry is $25 with proceeds going to the Soi Dog Foundation. Doors open at 3pm and the TAP Gallery coffee shop will be open for light refreshments.
info: www.dogsandcats.com.au

OPEN DOOR
The Open Door is a Christian support group for the GLBT community in Penrith and the Blue mountains. The group follows a simple format of coffee, discussion, reflection and prayer time. They meet every Sunday at 74 Laycock St, Cranebrook from 6pm.
info: Pastor Sue Palmer on 0411 330 212 or visit www.theopendoor.org.au.

BACK TO SCHOOL
The Pollys Club will hold a Back to School party on Saturday, September 5, at Marrickville Town Hall. The night will feature shows from Miss Lulu and the Pollys Class of 2009.Â Tickets are $20 or $15 for concession.
info: Bookings on 9557 6739 or email [email protected].