BONDI FEAST FESTIVAL
This winter the Tamarama Rock Surfers will be feeding Sydneysiders a ridiculously-talented line-up of artists including The Chaser’s Chris Taylor; award-winning playwright/actor/general superstar Toby Schmitz; Eddie Sharp of Erotic Fan Fiction and Imperial Panda fame; and next big thing, writer Jess Bellamy. I caught up with co-director Phil Spencer who along with Zoe Norton Lodge has created this inaugural event where festival-goers can rug up with mulled wine and one of the world’s most iconic ocean views. “It’s old school, like a variety night, and a throwback to a seaside vaudeville venue,” he explains. “We are celebrating this fantastic space through comedy, music and theatre really intimately.”
As with all Rock Surfers festivals this is a time for pushing boundaries and the most exciting event looks to be the Experimental Dance Party by Request. Axis of Awesome’s Benny Davis and charisma-filled Holly Austin will throw a beach dance party where punters can tweet their requests. “They’re trying out a brand new concept where they will amalgamate ten songs. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch them,” Spencer explains. “People are going to brave the cold but go home with rosy cheeks and grins on their faces.”
Jul 17-28, The Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, $15-25, 1300 241 167, www.rocksurfers.org
