From Wynnum to The Empire: Queensland Fringe goes on the road
As the award-winning Wynnum Fringe draws to a close on Sunday, the team are taking the show on the road for the first Queensland Fringe, kicking off in Charleville and making its way through Augathella and Roma before its final stop at The Empire in Toowoomba from August 6-7.
The start of the journey west comes with the official release of the full program of events for the Toowoomba leg, which will transform The Empire into a two-day hub of creative energy, with an exciting mix of comedy, music and live performance, headlined by comedian Jim Jefferies, and musicians, Dami Im, Vanessa Amorosi and Queensland Fringe Ambassador Wes Carr.
Performances at The Empire during Queensland Fringe include MOCKINGBIRD starring Mark Sholtez and Luke Kennedy, the launch of a new single by acclaimed singer-songwriter Sue Ray, and a cheeky and heartfelt cabaret by Papuan-Australian songstress Heru Pinkasova, Songs My Aunties Taught Me.
Film also takes centre stage with regional short film challenge and screening, Shine Shootout as well as a unique peek behind the scenes at the acclaimed film Don't Tell, partially filmed at The Empire, in a live conversation between producers Stephen Roche and Scott Corfield.
Also included in the festivities is a hypnotic solo performance by David Fenton in Twelve Days of Stillness, an Auslan interpreted collection of short theatrical works in From Page To Stage, more live music and theatre, as well as the work of festival Artist-In-Residence Phoebe Paradise who has created signature artwork inspired by the people, landscapes and stories of the inaugural journey. The Empire CEO, Giuliana Bonel said she was delighted to unveil the full program on offer during The Empire's two-day Queensland Fringe hub, which will also bring the festival to a close.
"The Empire is committed to bringing outstanding arts experiences to our community, with our precinct to come alive with comedy, live music, film, art, theatre, mime and storytelling for this incredible event," Ms Bonel said
Queensland Fringe shines a spotlight on regional arts and creates opportunities for artists and audiences as it travels through the regions before culminating in a spectacular two-day grand finale at The Empire.
The Empire CEO- Giuliana Bonel
"We are very pleased to partner with Queensland Fringe as they establish this festival as a much-anticipated annual event, greatly adding to our region's cultural calendar and tourism landscape."
After 6 years developing Wynnum Fringe, Queensland Fringe Founder and Artistic Director, Tom Oliver said it was the perfect time to take the event west.
“I’ve had so many incredible moments performing at The Empire, so it’s exciting to now be presenting the Queensland Fringe Festival in partnership with The Empire and the local community in Toowoomba,” Mr Oliver said.
Toowoomba is perfectly placed for a fringe festival; it’s got a world class theatre in the middle of town, beautiful parks, quirky laneways, amazing local hospitality businesses and most importantly world-class local artists who deserve to sit alongside international headline acts.
Queensland Fringe Founder and Artistic Director - Tom Oliver
“In six short years, Wynnum Fringe has injected millions into Brisbane's bayside, employed thousands from our creative sector and brought the community together for a lifetime of memories. With another six years until the Olympics, I could not be more excited to establish an annual fringe hub in Toowoomba.
“I am absolutely loving the collaboration with the local community. Toowoomba is a special place.”
Queensland Fringe is presented in partnership with The Empire, alongside major partners including Toowoomba Regional Council, Enterprise Legal, Newlands Group, Oztix, Ale, Bartons, Jayco Brisbane Camperland, Port of Brisbane and Subfracture, with sponsorship from Bunker Insurance, Hutchison Builders, Murweh Shire Council, Tilly's, Toowoomba Grammar School, Western Queensland Spirit The Distilling Co and Liquidity Marketing with additional support from ABC Radio, Queensland Country Tourism, Triple M Darling Downs and Festival Group Partners, Tom Oliver Productions, University of Southern Queensland and Queensland Government.
Queensland Fringe runs at The Empire from 6-7 August. For the full program, visit empiretheatre.com.au.
#What’s New
The Matilda Award-winning production, Your Song, is set to dazzle at The Empire on Wednesday 8 July, bringing together a star-studded cast, a talented group of local singers and the unforgettable music of Elton John for a one-night-only celebration
From outback skies to theatre stages and township main streets, Queensland Fringe is hitting the road for its inaugural year, bringing live music, comedy and cabaret to communities across regional Queensland.
The Empire faces the future with a clear vision and renewed direction following the appointment of a new Chair and four additional Directors to its Board.
The Empire celebrates a million-dollar milestone this month, with the Friends of The Empire having donated more than $1M to the theatre since the group’s formation in 1997.
The Empire has lowered the curtain on a dazzling season of the global pop musical & JULIET, with the hit production wrapping up its sensational six-show run on Sunday 22 March.
The Empire today announced that Mr Andrew Wielandt will retire from the Board of Empire Theatres Pty Ltd and step down as Chair on 17 April 2026, marking the conclusion of 19 years of dedicated service to the organisation and the arts community.
