The Whitsundays are invited to head north this February for the latest cultural instalment from the Burdekin Theatre which is showcasing a magical story of finding true love.

Hans Christian Andersen’s classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, has been transformed into a beautiful musical that the Whitsunday region is invited to enjoy under the talents of The Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company.

The tale begins in a magical deep-sea kingdom where a young mermaid, Ariel, dreams of leaving her ocean home to live in the world above. With the help of her comedic companions, Flounder, Scuttle, and of course Sebastian, her journey becomes a heart-warming quest to find true love as a mermaid in a world full of humans.

With this lovable production live in the Burdekin Theatre from next week, the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company along with volunteers, community support, and sponsors, have been working tirelessly to polish off what is set to be one of their best shows yet with audiences set to be blown away.

The magical approach the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company have taken to the direction of The Little Mermaid will prove to be celebrated from their opening night on Friday, February 2.

This production would not be possible without the broader community’s support, and the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company wishes to express their immense gratitude to every member of the audience.

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WHAT: The Little Mermaid Musical

WHERE: Burdekin Theatre

WHEN: 2-4 and 9-11 February

TICKETS: burdekintheatre.com.au

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It is the match of the century, with the likes of Rock Queen Pink going up against Pop Goddess Lady Gaga, a heated battle set to ignite the music world on fire!

In one corner, we have Pink, with countless top 10 singles, this rock vixen has sold out more tours and broken countless records for attracting larger audiences than ever before.

We’ll be yelling ‘So What’ with the energy, ‘Just Give Me A Reason’ and we’ll be jumping to the beat of the hits.

The audience is guaranteed to be high energy with amazing beats, because ‘All I Know So Far’ is that Pink will ‘Get The Party Started’.

In the opposing corner, we have the iconic Lady Gaga. Known for her unstoppable music prowess and record breaking, chart-topping singles, Lady Gaga will be putting on her ‘Poker Face’, giving the audience ‘Bad Romance’ and showing us we’re just ‘Born This Way’ to party.

‘The Edge of Glory’ will be a tightrope during these two massive two and a half hour shows, set to keep audiences rocking out at the match of the century, two iconic legends of music making Airlie Beach sing the weekend away!

The Pink Vs Lady Ga Ga Tribute act boasts a history that encompasses some of the best Aussie events, including the Gympie Muster, closing the Tumbafest Festival, being main act for the Mount Isa Camel Race - the calibre of this show is unstoppable.

Travelling world-wide and entertaining audiences in every corner of the globe, this tribute is like none other – with two of the most influential female artists of all time, the show is packed with two and a half hours of pure entertainment, costume changes, and two stunning performers ―’Raise Your Glass’, it’s time to ‘Marry the Night Away!’ at The Pub.

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WHAT: Pink VS Gaga
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: Saturday February 3 and Sunday February 4, from 2pm to 5.30pm
TICKETS: Completely Free! But it’s recommended to book a table

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Photos supplied

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Next Thursday (1 February) sees the opening of Kucom Theatre’s first offering for 2024, a season of one-act plays collectively titled Odd Couples – for a very good reason.

Odd Couples is a trio of one-act plays that take a grown-up look at relationships between men and women - some quirky, some weird or even downright kinky, but all in a richly comic vein:

The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish, by David Tristram

For Henry Smith life was rarely dull. For Alice Smith life was rarely anything else. Enter Michel - French waiter - tall, dark, and available. Exactly what happened next, no-one's quite sure...

Call Centre Call, by Bruce Olive

Henry is just an ordinary man, living on his own and trying unsuccessfully to connect with the world in which he finds himself. After many frustrating and hilarious interactions with automated voice response systems, he is desperate to talk to a real person.

What's For Pudding? by David Tristram

Mary and Jack's dull Saturday evening is interrupted by the arrival of Maureen, Ted and Dennis. The occasion rapidly dissolves into a drunken gathering as Ted's intellect is likened to that of a paper clip, his wife Maureen reveals a liking for Jack, and Jack rapidly cultivates a taste for pouring whisky over his head.

Special Sunday Matinee

On Sunday 4 February Kucom will be staging a special matinee performance of Odd Couples, starting at 2pm.

Relax and enjoy a pleasant Sunday afternoon of live comedy, in an air-conditioned theatre with comfortable seats. Kucom's licensed bar serves soft drinks as well as alcoholic beverages. Our comfortable new seating system even has grab rails in the aisles to enable the less mobile among us to manage the stairs!

Please note that bookings are essential: https://bit.ly/3QTZJ2a.

Men Needed For Upcoming Production!

Auditions were held last Sunday for Kucom’s April production Bob’s Your Auntie. In true community theatre tradition, men were scarce, and director Maureen Coleman is still on the lookout for another one or two males to complete the cast. Some of the male roles are not very big and would be perfect for anyone wanting to try their hand at acting for the first time.

More information is available from Kucom Theatre: admin@ucom.org.au or phone 0439 684 548.

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Australia Day at the Palace Hotel & MC’s place

12pm

Crickey! chuck on your best Aussie attire and sharpen your singing skills as you belt out all your favorite Aussie classics. Pluggers and boardshorts are encouraged! From 8pm score a $100 bar voucher just by showing off your best rendition of an Aussie classic. The audience will determine the winner! Will the winner be you?

The Palace Hotel & MC’s Place 82 Victoria St

Australia Day Family Beach Party

12pm

Live music by Significant Other, glitter tattoos, inflatable slides, bubbles and a special Aussie menu… what more could you want for a typical Aussie day! Join the locals at Seabreeze Hotel for a fun packed celebration down under!

Seabreeze Hotel, Slade Point

General Gordon Aussie Party

12pm

All day BBQ, live music and a title of Tug-o-War champion is up for grabs in a battle against Tradies vs Cane farmers! Got good throwing skills? Wonder who can toss the thong the furthest? Only the General Gordon Hotel will know! Join in on the fantastic family day to celebrate the land of the mighty kangaroo!

General Gordon Hotel, Homebush

Elementary Australian Party

5pm

Dust off your tent and throw it in the back of the car! We’re going on a little road trip to Kinchant Dam! Camping from just $12.50 per person/per night, Vans $30 (unpowered). Stay the night at the beautiful, scenic Kinchant Dam and enjoy bangin’ Aussie tunes all night, hosted by the Elementary – Mackay!

Kinchant Dam – Kinchant Waters

Karaoke Celebrations at the Burb

6:30pm

Do you have the voice of an angel? It doesn’t even matter if you don’t! Show off your karaoke skills at the Karaoke Under the Stars Event! You’re in for a joyous family night! Featuring great meals, a supervised kid’s room and an available courtesy bus. Kids are also allowed to join in on the fun!

South Suburban Bowls Club

Karaoke – All weekend!

8pm

Did someone say Karaoke? All weekend? To celebrate Australia day? You guessed it, an all-weekender karaoke event held at McGuires Hotel. Sing along to all the Aussie classics for Australia day! FREE entry! Don’t miss out on a cracking good weekend!

McGuires Hotel, 17 Wood St Mackay

Family Fun Packed Australia Day

11am

Australia day celebrations are nearing with a fun packed day for you and the family! Music, food and activities involved including a jumping castle, waterslide as well as face painting! FREE snags, thong throwing comp and lamington eating comp! Meat tray raffles happening on the day to raise funds for the Cyclone Jasper Far North QLD & SEQ Storm Relief Fund.

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Please note, details were correct at time of printing, please check with organising venues before attending if inclement weather could affect these events.

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KC’s Bar and Grill are back with their great line-up of entertainment for Australia Day celebrations.

Crab Races return, with Smally, The crab man Bob and Thomo, taking his hand at the microphone and ready to get the big bucks for these crabby creatures. And the excitement doesn’t stop there, with KC’s Bar and Grill pledging 50 per cent of the winnings from the crab races to be donated to our local Tiny Homes Project. This project fundraises tirelessly to construct tiny homes for homeless women in the Whitsundays over the age of 55.

Celebrations continue inside and outside KC’s, with the newly renovated courtyard out the back of KC’s with it’s new pop-up can bar – only open for Australia Day.

“We are excited to kick off a thong throwing competition with cash prizes, and even more excited to have Shaun Diver playing for us throughout the day” explained Smally, owner and operator of KC’s Bar and Grill.

“And don’t miss the pie eating competition! Best pies in town, proudly bought from Airlie Pies!”

With this and so much more, including a colouring in competition perfect to keep the kids entertained!

Check out KC’s Bar and Grill this Australia Day.

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Doors Open At 11.30am, with Live Music till Midnight

WHAT: Rock On Australia Day
WHERE: KC’s Bar and Grill, Airlie Beach Main Stret
WHEN: Friday, January 26, from 11.30am

Caption: Thomo, Smally and The Crab Man Bob, gearing up for an Australia Day like no other. Photo supplied

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Carter Entertainment invites you to a night of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty at the MECC this February.

Celebrating the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands– from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others. From their album debut in 1968 to their last album in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival was a juggernaut of phenomenal proportions. No other band has created such an impact in such a short time.

There's something about Creedence Clearwater’s music that just makes you want to put your arms in the air and sing along. With their rootsy sound and incredible lyrics, CCR has produced some of the most unforgettable songs of all time. Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Fortunate Son and Bad Moon Rising are only a few of their iconic hits.

The Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a band that captures the unique CCR sound. You do not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed out on this fun, hit-packed live concert.

Join Creedence Clearwater Collective at The MECC on 17 February, a real-life travelling band.

Please note: This is a tribute show.

What: Creedence Clearwater Collective

When: Saturday 17 February 2024, 7.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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No need for Australia Day plans, with the Airlie Beach Hotel booking one of the best parties to celebrate this long weekend.

From 12pm

From midday, get the party started with the Aussie Rock Chicks, featuring none other than Tara Graham and the Captain Thunderbolt Band.

New to the scene, this band bring big beats and even better energy, with all the attitude of the Aussie rock legends that they embody.

Featuring the very best of the Aussie rock, all the legends will be covered, from Sia’s ‘Cheap Thrills’ and Veronica’s ‘4ever’ and ‘Untouched’, to Tones & I’s ‘Dance Monkey’, no beat will be missed.

Will you be dancing to Natalia Imbruglia’s ‘Torn’ or jumping for Bachelor Girls’ ‘Buses and Trains’?

You can be rest assured that this will be non-stop rock chaos for three unforgettable hours.

From 3pm

Taking over the celebrations from 3pm, three absolute powerhouses of rock legendary, The Angels, Midnight Oil, and The Divinyls, will be gracing the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

Energy is the bread and butter of these three.

All three perfectly articulated in this amazing and powerful show, where every single classic from these legends will not be missed.

“It’s fully costumed, high energy,” explained drummer Jim Cowling.

“To represent all the amazing characters that embody these acts.”

The show starts with Midnight Oil, with Jim the character of the enigmatic Rob Hurst, and Peter Garret being played by the band’s very own Peter.

“When I was 17, I saw Rob Hurst playing and wanted to play like that, so it took me no time to get into character, and Peter was the same. He was quick to pick up Peter Garret’s dance and his political rants,” Jim explained.

Next up is the Divinyls, with Emily becoming vocal powerhouse Chrissy Amphlett, with all the best tracks.

The finale of the show is The Angels, with Doc Neeson and Rick Brewster making a legendary comeback.

“Our Peter plays Rick Brewster and it’s amazing. Rick has these dark sunnies, and doesn’t move at all in the show. He’s like a statue and its always great to see people trying to get him to smile and move through the show,” Jim said.

“We have so many characters, that often people go ‘Where’d that other drummer go?’ and it’s all the same people!”

Now, what can Airlie Beach expect?

“We play the shows that everyone knows. This is a high energy, hard Aussie rock show. And we finish the show off right, with Chrissy Amphlett coming on stage with the Angels, and send off the night with ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’, and of course the great audience participation with that.”

WHAT: Australia Day Party 2024, featuring Angels, Oils & Divinyls plus Aussie Rock Chicks
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: Friday, January 26, from 12pm

Tickets: Absolutely free! But it’s recommended to reserve a table

Lay back and get ready for an afternoon of relaxation like none before, with the cool tunes of the Beach Boys waving over you.

With cruising vocals and that perfect classic 60s feel, The Beach Boys have never gone out of style, only reimagined with all time fans, with the Australian Beach Boys Tribute paying homage to the nostalgia of our time.

A brainchild of performer Will Siska, the Australian Beach Boys Tribute is a loving recreation of the nostalgic legends that are the Beach Boys.

“We chose to go with the Beach Boys because they have these great harmonies and vocals that just transcend, and have the nostalgic energy that we craved,” explained Will.

Having been touring Australia with their Australian Beach Boys Tribute for over seven years, the team know how to get the crowd going, with amazing vocals, and authentic recreations of the energy and costuming.

Will acts as one of the lead vocalists and on rhythm guitar.

With him is Greg, with lead vocals, Gerry as vocalist and the band's drummers, Michael as vocalist and lead guitar and Ian on bass guitar.

The crew also enlist the powerful presence and vocals of Anita, who is backing vocals and feature vocalist.

“Anita highlights many of the songs, and she’s amazing in her own right,” Will explained.

Altogether, this crew ensures the perfect energy for a performance like no other.

“This is more than just a tribute show,” Will explained.

“We have meticulously recreated the Beach Boys song, look, instruments, and stage presence.”

And now, what is Will’s favourite track that the band performs?

“Hands down ‘Don’t Worry Baby' is my favourite,” he explained.

“That song has always resonated with me. It has this beautiful feel, beautiful harmonies, and beautiful vocals.

“However, Under the Boardwalk and Kokomo are massive crowd favourites. They just put this energy into the audience that is amazing.”

Now, what can Airlie Beach expect?

“Expect the best of the best,” Will laughed.

“This show will be high energy, with amazing harmonies, great costumes, and even better vocals. And don’t miss that nostalgic feel!”

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January is shaping up to be a super busy month for Kucom.

AUDITIONS

On Sunday 14 January there will be auditions for the April production, a comedy by Thomas Amo titled Bob’s Your Auntie. Director Maureen Coleman is looking for a cast of nine actors to entertain audiences in this deliciously politically incorrect farce.

Audition packs are available online at https://bit.ly/471B68P.

Season dates will be 11, 12 ,13, 14, 18, 19, 20 April.

ONE-ACT PLAYS

Auditions were held in November for Odd Couples, a season of one-act plays opening on 1 February, and cast members are returning to rehearsals after their Christmas break for an intensive four weeks of preparation.

The season comprises three plays:

The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish, by David Tristram (dir. Hayley Long), featuring Geoff Stewart-McLean and Bronwyn Grannall

Call Centre Call, by Bruce Olive (dir. James Hunter), featuring Michael Brennan, Jaki Pianta and Rebecca Williamson

What’s for Pudding? by David Tristram (dir. Bronwyn Grannall), featuring Pia Larsen, James Hunter, Tessa King, John Irvine and Andrew Deguara

Book online at https://bit.ly/3QTZJ2a and be among the first to enjoy the comfort of Kucom’s new retractable raked seating.

Season dates: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 February.

For updates on these and other forthcoming Kucom events, please visit the Kucom website, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter:

Phone 0439 684 548

Email admin@kucom.org.au

Website www.kucom.org.au

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kucomtheatre/

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kucom.theatre/?hl=en

Twitter https://twitter.com/kucomtheatre

1 Thomsett family. Photo: Photos by Nell

2 McCallum family, taken at the RSPCA Santa paws fund raising event. Photo: Coffee and Hops

3 Rootes family. Photo: Mad for Media

4 Parter family. Photo: Whitsunday Shopping Centre

5 Sullivan family. Photo: Photos by Nell

6 Smith family. Photo: Mad for Media

7 Fields Family with mum dressed as the Grinch. Photo: Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre

8 Walton family. Photo: Bee Me Photography

9 Batley family. Photo: Mad for Media

10 Vickery family. Photo: Mad for Media

11 Wright family. Photo: Caneland Central

12 Dougan family. The Grove, Los Angeles

Rubble & Crew toys bring the new series to life

Still scratching your head for those last-minute Christmas gifts?

Don't panic! We’ve found some of the season's hottest toys that'll save your holiday shopping in the nick of time!

After nearly 10 years of success, top-rated preschool hit series PAW Patrol has just launched a spin-off series titled Rubble & Crew, streaming on Paramount+.

As a proud member of the PAW Patrol, Rubble has stolen the hearts of preschoolers around the world with his loyal, optimistic nature and penchant for treats. The new series expands Rubble's world with storytelling that digs into amazing construction projects and the importance of family, combined with high-stakes action, fun adventures and messy demolition that preschoolers will love.

Set in the community of Builder Cove, a neighbouring town to PAW Patrol 's Adventure Bay, Rubble & Crew centres on Rubble, the funny and optimistic leader of the construction crew.

In the small, quickly growing town, lots of things are still needed for the community to come together, including a bigger airport, train station, bridges, tunnels, schools, fire stations, parks and more. Rubble and his construction pup family - his pup cousins Mix, Wheeler and Charger - must work together to tackle and build all the projects the town needs.

The new series follows Rubble & Crew as they go on high-stakes adventures.  To coincide with the new series and bring the excitement of the PAW Patrol world to life, PAW Patrol has released four new Rubble & Crew toys with life-like construction toys and pup figures; Wheeler’s Dump Truck, Charger’s Crane Grabber Truck, Mix’s Cement Mixer Truck and Rubble’s Bulldozer.

Kids can join Rubble & Crew on their big adventures, recreating their favourite building projects from the show, with their own true-to-life construction vehicles that feature real working wheels, and true to life construction features like movable scoops, rotating mixing drums and extendable crane arms – all the things that kids love.

Sure to be a pre-school favourite, Rubble & Crew’s all new construction vehicles encourage kids to develop construction adventures and ideas of their own, and let children engage in a story that’s grounded in family and community values.

Rubble & Crew Construction Vehicles are $24.99 each and available exclusively at Kmart.

INTO THE NEW YEAR THANKS TO SPECIAL BLUE DUO

The Bluewater Quay is set to get even bluer thanks to a pair of special visitors this New Year’s Eve.

Smurfette and Papa Smurf will be taking the stage at the Mackay Regional Council New Years Eve River Party.

Families can expect to sing and dance along to a rock’n’roll party from the duo – as long as Papa Smurf can overcome his stage fright.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Smurfs would be just two of the performers at the expanded River Party.

“This year’s event will be spread across both the Bluewater Quay and River Wharves,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There will be live music and entertainment at both locations – Smurfs, Jonte and Matt Tandy at Bluewater Quay and Kate Lockyer at River Wharves,” he said.

“As always, entry to this family friendly event is free and there will be something for everyone – markets, food vendors, facepainting, amusement rides, fireworks and families can even meet and grab a photo with the Smurfs.”

Festival and Events Coordinator Sarah Porter said the amazing team at Muscle Garden had supported the two fireworks displays this year as naming rights sponsor.

“The Muscle Garden Fireworks will be at 9pm and midnight and will be a great spectacle to welcome in 2024,” Ms Porter said.

“We hope everyone has a fantastic night enjoying some great local music and family entertainment,” she said.

Ms Porter said there would be some very talented local musicians on stage.

“Jonte is known for his unique covers from a range of eras, and his growing collection of really catchy, thoughtful originals.

“Matt Tandy is a blues and roots musician whose songs tell stories and really draw you in with foot-stomping goodness and a dash of humour.

“And Kate Lockyer has an amazing chilled, acoustic vibe that is perfect for kicking back to while you enjoy the selections from the food vendors.

“There will be a lot of fun on offer, so hopefully the only ones feeling blue seeing in 2024 will be the Smurfs.”

Schedule of entertainment

Bluewater Quay:

● 6pm – Mayor’s welcome

● 6.05pm - Welcome to Country

● 6.15pm – Kids’ Smurf Show #1

● 6.45pm – Jonte

● 7.15pm – Meet & Greet

● 7.45pm – Matt Tandy

● 8.40pm – Kids’ Smurf Show #2

● 9pm – Muscle Garden Fireworks

● Midnight – Muscle Garden Fireworks

River Wharves:

● 6pm to 9pm – Kids’ face painting

● 6.30pm to 9pm – Kate Lockyer

● ZIFFY'S Ice Cream Truck

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Local singers, Jonte and Matt Tandy, will be performing at the Bluewater Quay on New Years Eve, with the Smurfs set to delight children with a special show