Magic is in the air as the 23rd NOOSA alive! festival is more than 60 per cent sold with one month to go.
From 18 to 27 July, Noosa will come alive with 10 magical days and nights filled with theatre, music, ballet and world-class performances.
“We’re thrilled to see such a positive early response to this year’s program which will truly ignite your senses! Our program of live shows, thought-provoking literary events, and exclusive premiere performances married with Noosa’s finest food and wine experiences is one not to be missed,” festival director Ian Mackellar said.
“The NOOSA alive! Festival is known for selling out early and our Noosa Jazz Cruise sold out in just one week after launch. We urge folks to check out the full program and book early.”
Headlining the program is the world premiere of Sleeping Dogs by acclaimed Australian playwright David Williamson, directed by Ian Mackellar and starring Erik Thomson (All Saints, Packed to the Rafters), Alison Venning, Jo Hendrie, Louisa Williamson, and Samantha Sherrin.
Presented across three exclusive performances at The J Theatre, the darkly funny and emotionally resonant Sleeping Dogs, is a piercing look at memory, regret and the lingering impact of the past.
Over two spectacular nights, Queensland Ballet presents a special double bill performance by its Jette Parker Young Artists. Back to Bach by Greg Horsman is an elegant return of the 2016 world premiere, while Curious Beings is a world premiere by Amelia Waller in collaboration with Dead Puppet Society. The combination is a blend of classical ballet with bold contemporary storytelling, puppetry, and imagination.
Continuing with the classics, audiences will be swept away to the grand opera houses of Europe without leaving Noosa. A Night At The Opera presents the sensational Brisbane-based trio Divina delivering some of opera’s greatest hits, including Carmen and The Magic Flute and served as an intimate dinner at the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant.
While two of Australia’s finest classical musicians, Sharon and Slava Grigoryan will perform works for cello and guitar at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
For those who love their music live and loud, award-winning country star Amber Lawrence will transport audiences from Noosa to Tennessee with her full band performance to The J Theatre. The 2023 Female Artist of the Year is set to deliver a powerhouse night of high energy music infused with humour, honesty and heart.
For theatre buffs, stage and screen legend Caroline O’Connor will present her exclusive Queensland performance, My Musical Life sharing intimate stories and performing numbers from her musical career here in Australia, London, Paris and on Broadway.
Mackeller says the NOOSA alive! festival continues to attract the very best of Australian and international performers, writers, musicians and artists to Noosa.
“This year’s program focuses on intimate, thought-provoking and spellbinding performances offering exclusive Australian launches and world premieres,” said Mackellar.
The program’s literary series features three captivating conversations with food, including two exclusive Australian book launches from leading Australian authors, Adam Courtenay (son of Bryce Courtenay) and Kimberley Freeman, as well as Bec Wilson and her reflection on modern ageing and retirement.
NOOSA alive! 2025 will close with a free community event at Noosaville’s foreshore that is set to spark imaginations of young and old.
Festival-goers can view the program and book tickets at noosaalive.com.au
