Visiting Australia? See What's On In Brisbane In April

ANZAC Day casts a long, respectful shadow over events in Brisbane this month. That’s why we’ve split April’s pages into two. Here you’ll find a cultured blend of ballet, baroque, big show tunes and, er, Olivia Newton John. If you’re looking for Brisbane’s ANZAC Day commemorations, take a look at part 2 of our What’s on in Brisbane in April review.

Cirque Du Soleil
Is it circus or is it ballet? You decide as Cirque Du Soleil presents Totem, a journey through man’s evolution with the aid of lights, music, jugglers, gymnasts and even a human glitter ball. Prepare yourself for two hours of dazzling spectacle.

Where: The Grand Chapiteau, 257 Macarthur Avenue Central, Eagle Farm, Brisbane, QLD 4009
When: 10 April – 24 May 2015 at 8pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with matinee performances at 4:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Sunday performances at 1:30pm and 5pm. No performance on Mondays.
The performance lasts 2 hours and 10 minutes. Late-comers will only be allowed in at a suitable break in the show.
Cost: Prices vary dependent upon the day and the seat type. Weekday prices: Adult $84 to $265; Child $64 to $245; Senior and Full-Time Student $74 to $265. Weekend prices: Adult $99 to $235; Child $79 to $215; Seniors and Full-Time Student $89 to $235

Photo courtesy of Cirque Du Soleil Website

Paris Opera Ballet
Travelling Australia can be a demanding experience – on the wallet if nothing else. If your funds won’t run to seeing live ballet then watching the Paris Opera Ballet on the cinema screen has to be the next best thing. It promises to be a stunning programme of dance. The Defile (or parade), where the entire company of 154 dancers and around 100 students take to the stage, will be filmed for the first time in the company’s 300 hundred year history. Etudes will place a dance class on stage to display the perfection of classical ballet. Finally, a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker will bring a masterpiece to life.

The film is being shown at cities across Australia on the same days (although times vary). Check the above link for a venue that fits with your Australian travel plans.

Where: Palace Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane
When: Friday 10 April at 11am, Saturday 11 April at 1pm, Sunday 12 April at 1pm and Wednesday 15 April at 11am
Cost: Adult $24; Child $15; Senior $18; Full Time Student $21

Photo courtesy of Palace Opera and Ballet Website

Brisbane Baroque
Baroque may not be the first thing you think about when you’re planning your trip to Australia, but life isn’t all about snags and sunnies and budgie smugglers, you know? If your Australian adventures have left you in need of some serious culture, catch up with some heavenly Handel.

Where: Various venues around the city
When: 10 – 18 April 2015
Cost: Prices vary, but there is a free organ recital at the Brisbane City Hall. Check website for details.

Photo courtesy of Brisbane Baroque Website

Wicked the Musical
Take a trip to Oz. No, the other one. If you’ve not yet caught what the New York Times called “the defining musical of the decade” then it’s high time you did. Discover the story of the two girls who went on to become The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, long before Dorothy and Toto followed the Yellow Brick Road.

Where: The Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Melbourne Street, Brisbane
When: Showing until 19 April 2015. Evening performances at 8pm apart from Sunday at 6:30pm. Saturday matinee is at 2pm; Sunday and Wednesday matinees at 1pm. No performance on Monday and Tuesday.
Cost: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evening $89.90 – $120.90; Wednesday matinee $60.90 – $112.90; Saturday and Sunday matinee $89.90 – $140.90; Friday and Saturday evening $89.90 – $140.90, plus $6.20 transaction fee.

Photo courtesy of Wicked Musical Australia Website

John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John
Add their careers together and these Australian music legends have been performing for the best part of a century. Olivia Newton-John was Grease’s Sandy (as if you needed telling). John Farnham is Australia’s Cliff Richard having had a no. 1 single in every decade from the 60s to the 00s. He also stomped his way through 80s mega-hit You’re the Voice. Also performing will be the Farnham Band, singers and a 60 piece orchestra.

Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, G.P.O. Box 2005, Brisbane
When: 8pm, Tuesday 14 April. Doors open at 5:30pm
Cost: $115 to $195

Ricky Martin
Performing with Delta Goodrem in support, the man formerly known as Enrique Martín Morales continues his ONE WORLD Tour.

Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, G.P.O. Box 2005, Brisbane
When: 7:30pm, Tuesday 28 April 2015
Cost: $99.90 to $169.90

Medibank Feel Good Program
Free classes in everything from yoga to Zumba if you need to keep fit while visiting Brisbane this April.

Where: Little Stanley Street, SOUTH BANK, QLD 4101
When: From now until the end of the month
Cost: Free

Photo courtesy of Visit Brisbane Website