This year, the Noosa Long Weekend Festival is changing things up. This year, the 2017 festival will take the form of ‘Noosa: Alive!’. Ten incredible days celebrating and showcasing the very best we have to offer in terms of artists, performers, authors, visual art, film, food and all the good things about life in Noosa and on the Sunshine Coast. Beginning on Friday the 21st of July, running until Sunday the 30th – with the biggest array of entertainment and creativity ever before collated for the event, there is sure to be something for every taste, sight and sound you might be hankering for, no matter the budget.

For those in the mood to indulge in some cheeky Cabaret, then you’re in luck – Noosa Alive! has you covered, not once but twice. On the 27th of July a double bill will be presented, telling the story of Matthew Mitcham. If you haven’t heard of him, or his book, here’s some background on the man himself, and the story to be told:

“Twists and Turns”
On the 23 August 2008, a young Australian athlete made Olympic history. Coming from 30 points behind, and on his final dive, he scored 112.10 to shock himself and the diving world and rob the Chinese of a full sweep of Olympic diving gold medals. On that day Matthew Mitcham OAM became Australia’s first male diving Olympic gold medallist since 1924, and the only diver ever in Olympic history, to produce a perfect 10 point score from all judges – winning the 2008 Beijing Olympics 10m platform title.

Grinning with pride from front pages around the world, there was no hint of the personal demons that had led this supremely talented young dynamo to quit diving less than two years before his famous win at Beijing. Based on his book of the same name, and told with the honesty and courage he is admired for, this live production of Twists and Turns is an inspiring story of a true champion – in and out of the pool.

“Under The Covers”
You can expect more effervescence, charm and hilariously-brutal honesty as Matthew delivers a few Public Service Announcements he’s learnt through trial and (mostly) error.

Accompanied by Spanky and pianist Matthew Ogle, this brand new all singing, all dancing production will make you feel better about your life choices in perfect 3-part harmony.

Twists and Turns and Under the Covers was created by Matthew Mitcham, award winning director Nigel Turner-Carroll and international cabaret sensation Spanky (aka Rhys Morgan).

For those in the mood for something a little more classical, again, Noosa Alive has you covered. This year the Queensland Ballet is set to return to Noosa stages with an incredible and awe-inspiring program just for the festival’s audience. The program will include classical, contemporary, and neo-classical ballet performed by Queensland Ballet, and Jette Parker Young Artists.

The program will include:

“Glass Heart”
Exploring the intensely close relationship between the beauty and ugliness of human nature, Glass Heart illustrates the very human struggle to know how to ‘be’ in the world and the challenges we may need to confront. Created this year for Queensland Ballet’s inaugural Bespoke season, this is a contemporary work that incorporates remarkable movement, music and lighting design.

“A classical pas de deux – from Queensland Ballet’s repertoire”
Performed by Artists of Queensland Ballet ‘In-Conversation’ with Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin.

“Baroque Beatles”
This neo-classical work was inspired by the unusual arrangements and interpretations of songs of The Beatles when set in the Baroque style of music. Baroque Beatles is an exciting and vibrant work that showcases the technique and precision of the dancers.

And of course there is still PLENTY more on offer over the chock-full ten day long festival. Tickets to all events are not only limited, but also hotly contested, so I suggest getting in early!

For more information on the event, its sponsors, accommodation or anything else, visit their comprehensive website.