Bananaland and Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!: World Premieres Set for Brisbane Festival 2023

Can’t wait for Brisbane Festival 2023 to kick off later this year? In an joint announcement between Brisbane Festival and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), we have received word about two world premieres to be co-presented during the festivities. Scroll down to read more!

Bananaland and Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!: World Premieres Set for Brisbane Festival 2023 1
Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall. Image Credit: Jo Duck

Brisbane Festival and QPAC are gearing up to host the world premiere season of Bananaland, a new musical comedy crafted by Australian composers Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall. Set to debut in QPAC’s Playhouse as part of the 2023 Brisbane Festival festivities, Bananaland promises to be both hilarious and uplifting, and running for half a month from 16 September until 1 October 2023 inclusive. Pre-sales have commenced, with general public sales commencing on Friday.

Meet Ruby Semblance, a 21-year-old idealist. She believes in art, music and angry choreography. Ruby is the lead singer/songwriter of Kitty Litter. Not Kitty Litter ‘the band’ mind you – according to Ruby, an “Onstage Conceptual Art / Music Oriented Happening”. 
If that sounds unappealing, you’re right. Kitty Litter have been together for four years, have played five hundred shows, and have one fan. One.

One fateful day Kitty Litter take the stage to be greeted by a sold-out audience… of small children. It turns out their furious protest song “Bananaland” has accidently become a hit on the kids’ music charts!  

Is Kitty Litter destined to become the next Wiggles? Spoiler: yes. And it’s our total delight as the audience to witness them rail against this destiny. Do they allow themselves to be consumed with the notion of ‘selling out’ or do they buy into their accidental ‘kids’ band’ fame?

And whilst we’re on the topic… if you think you’re coming to a show for kids, think again. The Kitty Litter to kids’ band journey is a rollercoaster romp full of heart, music, comedy, pathos and lovable characters… with plenty of ‘choice’ words and cheeky ‘adult-friendly’ content thrown in to make this unlike any musical you’ve seen before.

Official Synopsis

Bananaland and Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!: World Premieres Set for Brisbane Festival 2023 2
Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! Hero Image. Photography by Damien Bredberg

Furthermore, the festival will mark the return of shake & stir theatre co with their new work, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!. After their successful sold-out season of Fourteen in 2022, this latest performance will be co-presented by QPAC and Brisbane Festival at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre from 25 August until 17 September 2023 inclusive.

Inspired by the true story of Estee Lee and written by her sister shake & stir‘s Nelle LeeTae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! is a confronting, honest, heart-warming retelling of Tae’s journey from heartbreaking loss to a life top full of adventure, success and love. All bolstered by the support of a phenomenal family and a loving community – and a fabulously flawed Drag Queen.

Paralysed at six years old in a car accident, Tae struggles to come to terms with her readjusted reality. Lying in her hospital bed after yet another spinal surgery, she questions what the future holds for her and her family.

Resigned to let go of her futile fantasies, Tae’s world is suddenly flipped upside down by the loud and proud arrival of her fabulous Fairy Godmother – magic dust at the ready and poised to rewrite the narrative.

Together, they embark on a glittery adventure that challenges outdated notions of happily ever after and proves that true joy and fulfilment can be found in the most unexpected – and FABULOUS – of places.

Featuring internationally renowned Drag Queen Maxi Shield (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and introducing Maya Dove as Tae, supported by a cast of QLD favourites, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! is a magical, camp, song and dance fairy tale of epic proportions with a heart of glittery gold.

Official Synopsis

With these announcements, come a medley of statements from various stakeholders. You can read the statements from the creatives behind Bananaland and Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! below, and additional statements if you so wish on the next page:

Kate Miller-Heidke, one of the creators of Bananaland, shared her exhilaration in creating a completely new Australian musical:

It has been exhilarating creating a completely new Australian musical from the ground up. With renowned Director Simon Phillips at the helm, we have assembled a dream team of the most talented actors, musicians and designers. To able to achieve this in our hometown of Brisbane has been particularly thrilling. Lou Bezzina and Brisbane Festival’s vision and ongoing commitment to create new original work is inspiring, and we are incredibly privileged to be a part of that.

Additionally, Simon Phillips, the director of Bananaland, echoed Miller-Heidke’s sentiments:

I thought the contribution Kate and Keir made with their music and lyrics for Muriel’s Wedding was inestimable, when I heard they were working together on an original work, I couldn’t wait to get involved. It’s been a complete joy – smart, left-field and hilarious – they really are a bright light in the world of musical theatre.

shake & stir’s co-director Nelle Lee, described their new work as a story of hope and fortitude, backed by the power of love and human connection:

This project has been one of my most demanding undertakings to date, as it hits so close to home. My sister, Tae, has always been fabulous, and her uncanny ability to discover happiness in the unlikeliest of places has always left me in awe. We are thrilled to share this story with the world, and to have it brought to life by an incredible cast. It’s going to be honest and heartbreaking, but also camp, positive and uplifting

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