There’s just three short weeks until HubBub – A Festival by the Sea hits the Mandurah Boardwalk once again – and if you think you were prepared, think again.
Now, with the official release of the festival’s program and full-line-up, this year’s event looks to be one of the biggest arts and entertainment events to be held in Mandurah – fitting, as Perth Fringe continues to become one of the world’s eminent Fringe Festivals.
Now in it’s third year, the festival – which will run from January 31 to February 5 in the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and surrounds – will welcome more than 50 artists in 30 different shows across the centre’s three stages, with plenty more action going on in the mean time.
HubBub in 2017 will welcome a team of ambassadors, who will give punters their picks for top shows over the event’s run.
2017’s first ambassador is Sacha Mahboub, better known around town as the choir leader of Morning Melodies, who this year is celebrating his 50th year in showbusiness.
“As you know, I love entertainment from Debbie Reynolds to Wagner and HubBub is a melting pot of all types of entertainment for all ages,” he said.
“There’s something for everyone – comedy, cabaret, dance and theatre. Whatever blows your hair back. Actually, some shows will blow you hair back. And it’s right here in Mandurah by the bay - the best place ever.”
Topping Sacha’s hot list are American classical pianist gone all cruise ship headliner, Amy Abler with Pianodivalicious – the ‘love child’ of Liberace and Victor Borge; multiple award-winning Australian comedian, Lawrence Mooney in his incredibly funny and moving Moonman; the UK’s fabulous cabaret diva, Dolly Diamond with tales of her life, loves and lascivious behaviour in The Lady is a Tramp; and local Mandurah legends Poles Apart with the inspirational drama, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Festival director Tomás Ford, in between running aorund madly and attempting to avoid stress ulcers, is becoming ever-more excited for the smorgasbord of entertainment available this year.
“It’s is a smorgasbord of comedy and drama - no wait, a banquet, a feast, an out-and-out EAT ME binge,” Ford said.
The whole shebang kicks off on Tuesday January 31, with The Big HubBub Gala taking over the Boradwalk from 8pm.
Shows then run until Saturday February 5 at various times: go to manpac.com.au or visit the Box Office for a copy of the full program.
