Women Like Us Bring it Home!

Women Like Us is the stand up comedy sensation created by local comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs.  With over  320 performances in cities and regional centres, big city theatres and dusty regional halls they are excited to dust off their heels for a gig at some local Halls – Rous Community Hall and Coorabell Hall with some of the proceeds going to Grandcarers Project for grandparents caring for their grandkids.

An anomaly in their industry – kickass comics AND middle-aged women – they realised that it didn’t matter how good they were, they were always going to be behind the 8 ball in an industry that favours under 30’s and is dominated by blokes. After years of performing for women’s luncheons and fundraisers to audiences that fangirled them like crazy, they both decided that there was an audience out there for them – they just had to go out there and find them. And so began Women Like Us.

Nearly a decade on, with sell out shows across the country  and a fan base that is now truly nationwide, Mandy reflects on the success of a show she thought might last a year.

The magic of the show is the combination of talents. The big, warm, outrageous Nolan and the laid back charisma of sharp shooting, natural born storyteller  Ellen Briggs.

‘We’ve had heaps of 5 star reviews from Australia’s premier comedy festivals’ says Ellen, ‘ but the reviews we take to heart are the ones we get from audiences show after show. They keep turning up, some coming back for the 4th and 5th time.’

Ellen Briggs is a nationally recognised headline comic, a RAW finalist, she’s featured on Hughesie We Have a Problem and is  regular on ABC radio. Mandy Nolan is a columnist for the Byron Shire Echo, a writer for Mamamia, and most recently took her Award winning show The Candidate about her tilt to Melbourne Town Hall for the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

Women Like Us is Stand up comedy  at its best. It’s about housework, chickens, love, feminism, small dogs, big butts, disappointment, resentment, sex when you’re drunk, fit bits, yoga farts and being a menopausal woman dealing with teenage angst. They’re overworked, overweight and over it…

Women Like Us bring the comedy love – Rous Mill Community Hall on 12 October and Coorabell Hall on November 30. Both shows at 7.30pm. Tickets are available here.

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NORTHERN RIVERS YOUTH ORCHESTRA 2024

Calling all young musicians! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra in Lismore this July.

Hosted by the esteemed Northern Rivers Conservatorium, this orchestra brings together talented young musicians from all over the region for a three-day-long intensive program of rehearsals, workshops, and performances. Led by inspiring guest conductors from associated regional conservatoriums, you’ll have the chance to work with some of the best music educators in the country and learn from their wealth of experience. As a member of the NRYO, you’ll be honing your skills, collaborating with other talented musicians, and getting to perform at the Whitebrook Theatre in a public grand finale concert!

Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra 2024

You’ll also make new friends and be part of a supportive and inspiring community of young musicians who share your passion for music. Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra participants can expect to learn a wide range of music from the high energy to the sublime, sourced from blockbuster movies, iconic bands and famous classical works, featuring many well-known composers both contemporary and historical.

Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra 2024

‘Speaking as someone who has done it every year since 2012, it is such an incredibly fun, rewarding and motivating experience… alumni from NRYO have gone on to be world-class soloists and ensemble performers,’ says Tilly Jones, local performer/composer and Northern Rivers Conservatorium librarian.
The Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra is comprised of full orchestras, concert bands, and string ensembles. The cost for seniors (AMEB 4+) is $190, and for juniors (AMEB 1–3) it is $170. An early bird discount of $20 applies until 3rd June. So why wait? Apply now for the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra and join us for an unforgettable three days of music-making. Learning, and inspiration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this amazing experience!

The Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra will be held 9–11 July, 2024.
ENROL HERE: https://enrol.nrcac.edu.au/enrol-workshops/
ENQUIRIES: nryo@nrcac.edu.au
SUBSCRIBE: subscribe.nrcac.edu.au

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival

The St Jerome’s Laneway Festival is back in a BIG way, announcing a stellar line-up featuring some big names.

Leading the charge is British rap maestro, Stormzy, marking his grand return to the Australian stage after a seven-year hiatus. Known for his magnetic stage presence, this Laneway exclusive offers fans a golden chance to witness his live prowess. Alongside him, Steve Lacy, a sensation who rose to stardom with hits like ‘Bad Habit’, is set to grace the festival stages in various cities, promising performances that resonate with both energy and passion.

Adding depth to the line-up is RAYE, bringing her poignant narratives to the Laneway stages, and the ever-enchanting Unknown Mortal Orchestra, ready to mesmerise audiences with their latest album, “V”. For those seeking a vibrant dance experience, Nia Archives stands as a must-see, blending diverse musical genres into a futuristic soundscape.

The festival also welcomes first-timers like the soulful Faye Webster and the dynamic duo DOMi & JD Beck, alongside other promising artists ready to leave their mark on the Australian music scene. From the gritty rhymes of AJ Tracey to the melodious tunes of Angie McMahon, the festival promises a rich musical journey.

So, mark your calendars and gear up for a musical fiesta that promises unforgettable moments and ground-breaking performances.

Check out the full St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Lineup

Details:

• When: Saturday 3 February
• Where: Brisbane Showgrounds
• More Details: www.lanewayfestival.com
• Tickets: Available here.

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