For those who have read my theatre-oriented articles over the last few years, you will know how enthusiastic I am personally about the works of the Brisbane-based theatre company, shake & stir theatre co. In addition to producing their own works, some of which are based on the works of literary icons, dabbling in the Australian tour of American Idiot the Musical and even a new Brisbane Christmas tradition in A Christmas Carol – they also do wonders in bringing educational works to schools and theatres across the country.
shake & stir theatre co’s next major work is set to be GRIMM: Tales from the Brothers Grimm, set to debut at Brisbane Festival from 31 August to 6 October 2024 – an impressively long season for the company. This work reimagines classic Brothers Grimm tales. Audiences can expect a haunting theatre experience as characters like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood emerge from darkened corridors, revealing the truths behind their stories.
Shake & Stir Artistic Director Nick Skubij expressed the company’s long-term fascination with the Brothers Grimm.
Adapting these stories has been on Shake & Stir’s radar for many years. The deliciously dark overtones and the fascinating and iconic locations are already so theatrical. Now seems like the perfect time to bring them to life, and with our partners at QPAC and Brisbane Festival, we can’t wait to unravel these tales, extracting their morals, and pushing the limits of what people think they know and understand about them.
GRIMM will mark the company’s first collaboration with writer and director Daniel Evans, whose previous works include Vietgone, Drizzle Boy, and Medea (Queensland Theatre). Evans, currently Queensland Theatre’s Associate Artistic Director (Programming), will direct the production. On this collaboration, Skubij further shared:
We are excited to welcome Daniel Evans in his Shake & Stir debut as director. Dan has been a great friend of the company for many years and we’re sure his quirky ability to surprise and serve up spectacle whilst delivering precision-cut storytelling will explode from the stage. Expect the unexpected
Another major collaboration for the production will be around its costumes, which come from Australian fashion industry icon and proud Marrithiyal man Paul McCann. Celebrated as one of the top-performing First Nations designers, McCann is known for his luxurious, high-end garments. On this additional collaboration, Skubij also stated:
Paul’s work, like the man himself, is fabulous, fierce, and forward thinking. From the pages of Vogue, via the Grimm Brothers, we can’t wait to applaud Paul’s designs as they fill the stage
The cast includes acclaimed singer/songwriter and actor Brendan Maclean (The Great Gatsby), AFI Award nominee Angie Millikan (Elvis), stage and screen star Aljin Abella (The Artful Dodger), and Nelle Lee (Jane Eyre).
Did you read all this and find yourself keen on booking tickets for GRIMM: Tales from the Brothers Grimm? Tickets are now available to purchase via the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) website, or by calling their box office during business hours on 136 246. Taking place in the intimate Cremorne Theatre, tickets are available from $69.00 to $89.00 inclusive, excluding a $7.20 fee per transaction.
