Melbourne's Famous Spiegeltent Lineup Announced

A Hawaiian themed macaron-and-music extravaganza; a hip-hop meets TV game show; a whimsical look at the time Hollywood movie star Ava Gardner game to Melbourne; indie rock darlings Sally Seltmann and songwriter Ross McClennan, jazz veteran Julie O'Hara; award winning transgender performer Justin VivIan Bond and Antipodean success story EastEnd Cabaret are among additional shows confirmed for The Famous Spiegeltent season taking place at Arts Centre Melbourne Forecourt from Tuesday 5 February to 21 April 2013.

Several of just-announced events form part of Other Adventures, a new Spiegeltent program strand featuring eclectic and exciting series of interactive events that push the boundaries of traditional performance.

Once such event is The Macaron Luau, where Patissier, chef and lover of all things Hawaiian Pierrick Boyer will demonstrate the art of creating delicious macarons, while accompanied by the gorgeous sound of The Ukeladies. Timed to coincide with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, audiences will learn some tips and tricks on how to make macarons at home and taste a selection of stunning sweet treats.

Another highlight of this program is Ava (At the End of the World), a work-in-progress concert version of a new musical based on the true story of Ava Gardner's memorable visit to Melbourne in 1959. Written by Mondo Rock's Eric McClusker and accompanied by a nine-piece band, Ava (at the End of the Word) is a compelling true story about Ava's colourful life, including her dealings with local jazz musicians and the drama that ensued following the arrival of her then-lover Frank Sinatra.

Sketch the Rhyme, is a strikingly original and daringly entertaining show that captivated audiences at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Inspired by Mr Squiggle and Pictionary, it is a series of playoffs and games between three artists, three rappers and a live band.

DJ and comic Fiona Scott-Norman returns to The Famous Spiegeltent to host The Vinyl Evolution, part record fair and part discussion. Guests can come and spend a morning celebrating the history and exploring the future of the vinyl record, listen to experts drawn from a range of music traditions, engage in spirited discussion about the endurance, evolution and relevance of vinyl and take a nostalgic look back at album covers through the ages.
The Famous Spiegeltent has always been a hive for live music, including the cream of the Australian contemporary rock scene. This year is no different with dates just confirmed for "chamber rock auteur" Ross McLennan (ex-Snout), who will perform during Melbourne's first White Night event; award-winning singer songwriter Sally Seltmann, The Pigs (aka Our Heroes) performing hits from their long-awaited album The Great Bluegrass Swindle and Triple J unearthed favourites Kira Puru and the Bruise. The tent will also debut a new series The Story So Far, a Monday night program featuring country's finest musicians - including Russell Morris, Paul Dempsey, Mick Harvey and Dave - discussing and performing songs that shaped their career.
There is of course, plenty of new sultry cabaret and jazz performers to add to the already impressive line-up. In Mx America transdisciplinary artist Justin VivIan Bond explores "ways of seeing and being seen" as a patriot, a gender non-conformist and a cabaret artist. Originally Melbourne-born and now London-based, the divas Bernadette Byrne and half-moustachioed musician Victor Victoria, who make up EastEnd Cabaret are provocateurs, gin connoisseurs and purveyors of all that is playfully perverse. Melbourne's own Bert LaBonte will also star in the When I fall in Love' The Nat King Cole story, taking audiences on a journey through the life of one of the worlds most loved singers while Meow Meow, the queen of kamikaze cabaret kitsch, returns for two intimate shows.
In addition to the new shows, season extensions have been announced for two of tent's headlining shows - silent 'sideshow noir', The Dark Party will run for an additional week in February and while inventive and elegant circus troupe Casus will perform an extra week in March.

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