Hot Dates

FRIGHT NIGHT

Richard O’Brien’s timeless classic – The Rocky Horror Show – returns to the Australian stage this month with a hot Australian cast as the opening act at Sydney’s new Star Theatre. We caught up with iOTA, one of Australia’s most original singer/songwriters, who will be playing the lead role of transsexual Frank-N-Furter in the rock ’n’ roll musical.

What attracted you to The Rocky Horror Show and the role of Frank-N-Furter?
I fi rst saw Rocky Horror at the State Theatre in Perth when I was 13 with Daniel Abineri playing Frank. I was totally blown away by it. I bought the movie soundtrack and later saw the fi lm. I guess the attraction is rock ’n’ roll, glitter, rich dark colours, make-up, sex, drama, footlights, theatre, red curtains. It was one of the fi rst times I realised I was different or unique and in time I discovered that there are others out there that feel the same. I hold onto that feeling even now with stubborn pride; it’s how I’ve lived my life for almost 30 years.

Why do you think The Rocky Horror Show has such timeless appeal?
I think it gives us permission to rebel, to be different. Everyone needs an escape, whether it be by seeing a fi lm, driving fast, playing guitar, getting drunk, riding a rollercoaster, or wearing stockings and heels.

What’s your favourite moment in the show?
Frank’s entrance, singing “Sweet Transvestite”.

What is it about performing musical theatre that gets to you?
I just like performing; it gives me a place to be. It has immediate rewards and lessons, and it’s dangerous! For 90mins every night, you’re at the mercy of the gods: it could go well, it could go badly, it could be incredibly average. You take a journey down a familiar path every night, but anything could jump out and grab you in the heat of the moment. You don’t know what you might have to do to save your arse.

The Rocky Horror Show starts 12 February at Star Theatre, Star City, Sydney. Call Ticketmaster 1300 795 267.

19–24 Feb HOBART
Clarence Jazz Festival

Get your groove on at Tasmania’s premier jazz festival which opens with a festival at Simmons Parks, Lindisfarne, then offers six days of free concerts and good vibes at various riverside venues. Things wrap up with a rousing high energy fi nale at the Bellerive Boardwalk featuring the George Washingmachine All Stars. Festival director Wendy Moles recommends a visit to the Barn for “fantastic contemporary groove jazz, video installations, great food and a bar – we can’t wait to introduce it to our patrons.” Call Clarence City Council on +61 (3) 6245 8600 for details.

19–28 Feb NATIONWIDE
Moon Bear Rescue Fundraising Talks

Jill Robinson MBE, founder of Animals Asia Foundation, is touring Australia this month to update campaign supporters on efforts to end bear bile farming in China and Vietnam. Don’t miss the passionate campaigner’s talks in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast. Tel: 1800 666 004.

09 Feb to 01 Mar
SYDNEY

Mardi Gras
Sydney’s most colourful festival turns 30 this year! Catch special guest star Cyndi Lauper performing at the State Theatre on 29 Feb to 2 Mar, the sunset party Harbour 2008 Sol Y Luna held on Fleet Steps for the fi rst time, and don’t miss the Mardi Gras Parade fi nale which winds down Oxford Street ending at the Hall of Industries for a party to end all parties. Check www.mardigras.org.au for info.

23–24 Feb MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY
Bacardi Express

Bacardi is jumping onto the 1960s Southern Aurora Heritage train, renaming it the Bacardi Express, and throwing fi ve bands onboard, including New Zealand’s Scribe, Australian band Faker and UK’s beatbox champ Beardyman for a two-day run from Melbourne to Sydney. If you miss these moving gigs, catch the four concerts in Melbourne, Albury, Wollongong and Sydney. To win your train or concert tickets, register at www.yahoo7.com.au/ bacardiexpress

29 Feb to 02 Mar VICTORIA
2008 Yamaha World
Superbike Championships

Head to Phillip Island for 16 hours of sizzling World Superbike Championships action during the Australian leg of the tournament. Top Aussie riders Troy Bayliss, Troy Corser and Karl Muggeridge are revved to take on the world’s best. Tickets from Ticketmaster 7 on 1300 136 122 or call the Superbike Hotline on +61 (3) 5952 2710.


Photo: Reuters03 Feb to 07 Mar NATIONWIDE

One Day International Tri-Series

The 2008 cricket season has been nothing short of sensational and things look set to get even hotter when Australia takes on Sri Lanka and India in 12 one-day matches held across the country. It all culminates in three fi nals: 2 Mar at Sydney Cricket Ground, 4 Mar at The Gabba in Brisbane and 7 Mar at Adelaide Oval. Call Ticketmaster on 1300 136 122.

08 Feb to 02 Mar
PERTH
Perth International Arts Festival

Cesária Évora
The city’s biggest arts festival returns with a new artistic director, Shelagh Magadza, and a line-up that includes dance choreography by Chrissie Parrott and Lucy Guerin, theatre based on Tim Winton’s novel The Turning, the great voice of the “barefoot diva” Cesária Évora, plus Sonic Youth, Nouvelle Vague and Feist at Beck’s Music Box. The Perth Writers’ Festival (20–24 Feb) hosts social critic Naomi Wolf and families are spoilt for choice with free events galore. Tickets from BOCS, tel: 1800 193 300.

07–10 Mar CAIRNS & BYRON BAY
Plant a Rainforest Day

Do your part to fi ght climate change by helping plant 3,000 rainforest trees. The fi rst day is a major replanting of the Daintree Rainforest on the northern side of the Daintree River.
Then head to New South Wales in March to help regenerate the Crystal Castle near Byron Bay.
Everyone is welcome to plant or sponsor a tree.
Tel: 1300 763 611.

BOOK FLIGHTS NOW!

02–09 Mar
L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival

It’s time to breathe fashion and spy pcoming trends.
Fashionistas, tickets for Runways 1–7 are now on sale!

07–10 Mar
Moomba Waterfest
Melbourne’s longest-running free festival hits town. Expect the Yarra River, Birrarung Marr and the Melbourne Docklands to be abuzz with antics, while Little Bourke Street parties on with a street parade.

Photo: JNTO09–23 Mar

Grand Sumo Tournament

It’s one of the biggest sporting events in Japan, literally. Don’t miss getting a seat at the 2008 March Tournament in Osaka. Tickets sell like hot cakes to this beefcake bash.

13–16 Mar

Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix

Albert Park, Melbourne rumbles with the roar of Formula 1 super machines and legendary rock band KISS performing the closing concert. Don’t miss the showdown between Holden and Ford in the V8 Supercars Manufacturers’ Challenge.