Black Is The New White
Last year was a stellar year for the Queensland Theatre and 2018 is off to a cracking start with the opening of the hilarious action rom- com “Black is the New White”. Written by the talented Nakkiah Lui the play, at QPAC […]
Michelle Beesley
Cirque Africa Comes To Brisbane
I have been missing the excitement and colours of Africa since coming home from my recent trip. So imagine my delight upon receiving my invitation to see Cirque Africa right here in Brisbane. The critically acclaimed Cirque Africa is a jaw dropping […]
The Talk of Newstead
Following the former Brisbane Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson’s talk, two more of Brisbane’s favourite speakers will be speaking at some iconic Newstead locations in a series of evening talks from November through December. Presented by Aveo Newstead these free talks will showcase […]
Love and other ruses – an interview with Amy Andrews
On Valentine’s Day six years ago, romance writers Amy Andrews and Anna Cleary gave a funny and informative talk at the library. They suggested that we form a writing group; today we are all still writing. Amy Andrews showed us the power […]
Tim Winton Talks
As testimony to one of Australia’s most celebrated authors, Brisbane readers filled the Ithaca Room at City Hall to meet with Writer in Residence, author Tim Winton. The author of Cloudstreet, Dirt Music and My Island Home, has penned a non-fiction book—The […]
Downward dog anyone?
When a star All Blacks player—Beauden Barrett ( number 10)—is crediting yoga for his recent sensational form, you realise it must work some magic. Once thought of as a little alternative and a bit of a soft option in the exercise world, […]
A girl, a ghost, and the many faces of Hanako
I was excited to attend the world premiere of Hanako: Desire & other Secret Weapons created by talented Brisbane team, Katherine Lyall-Watson (read our previous interview with Katherine – here) and Caroline Dunphy. It was inspired by Japanese plays, contemporary culture including […]
Treasure at the Garage Sale Trail
My very first bike came from a garage sale and I whizzed around on it for years. We repainted it red and doing it up with my father and grandfather was a treasured experience. It gave me instant independence and taught me […]
The library through every season of my life
Do you remember the heartbreaking scene where Carrie Bradshaw was on her way to marry Mr Big and he didn’t arrive? I was so jealous of Carrie for thinking of having a wedding in such a beautiful library. Why hadn’t I thought […]
Morphing Miss Fisher
Clue: where would you find the loot, the dame, and the most fabulous costumes from the heady 1920s? Answer: Aha … at the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries Costume Exhibition at Old Government House, of course. I have long been a fan of […]
Coffee and conversation with author, Kylie Kaden
(Pictured left, writer Michelle Beesley with successful Brisbane author, Kylie Kaden) In the northern suburbs, managing a writing career, and a hectic house with a husband and three boys, you will find the delightful author, Kylie Kaden. Kylie is the author of […]
Sister, I’ve got your back: the women of rugby
Above: The extended women’s rugby family happy after a win (wearing charity jerseys) We hear them before we see them… boom box blaring in the change rooms, then chattering like a flock of beautiful, bright rainbow lorikeets as they head to their warm-up. […]
Christine Wells: writing history from the heart
If you enjoy the novels of Brisbane authors, Kate Morton and Kimberley Freeman, you can now add the name Christine Wells to your reading list. The Brisbane author who writes historical fiction, started her working life as a corporate lawyer. No stranger […]
An interview with Killer Queen, Casey Donovan
While waiting to speak with Casey Donovan—singer, actress, author and champion of Indigenous causes—I do the maths. It has been 12 years since as a 16-year-old, she took out the coveted Australian Idol title, beating one of Australia’s other favourite performers, Anthony […]
What the Wallabies have taught my sons
As a mother of three sons I have spent a large portion of my life standing beside a rugby field: in torrential rain, searing heat and gale force winds. My rugby handbag contains all necessary essentials – sunscreen , spare mouthguards, a […]
Desert dweller – walking 250km across the Simpson Desert
Would you agree to trek 32 kilometres a day across a desert in over 40 degree heat with no access to a shower or phone for eight days? Of course not – no coffee, no comfy bed or social media! But Channel […]
The girl on the train gets off in Brisbane by Michelle Beesley
“Having your agent say your book is good is like having your mum say you’re pretty,” says Paula Hawkins, author of the best-selling novel, The Girl on the Train. A worldwide sensation, the novel was optioned by a film company before it […]
Gina Liano … sense and scent-sibility
My not so guilty pleasure on a Sunday night is popping the bubbles and sitting down to watch the glitz and glamour that is The Real Housewives of Melbourne. It never fails to entertain. Some love it, some hate it; but it […]
I fell in love with my husband… again
A funny thing happened on my last holiday… but I’m getting ahead of myself. This is how it began, with me crying: “no, I can’t go! I’m terrified even watching lions on the television.” Yet, here I am with my husband and […]