There will be a celebration of the female form at this year’s Childers Festival with the new addition of A Night of Burlesque at the Paragon Theatre.
The annual four-day event, held on the last weekend in July, draws visitors from around the country to Childers to celebrate culture, food and history.
The Friday evening will come alive with cabaret featuring some of Queensland’s favourite performers, including The Kitty Kats, Scarlet Tinkabelle, plus special guests including Bundaberg’s own The Neon Sparkles.
Renowned vocalists Michelle Brown, Renae Suttie and Susanne Campbell make up The Kitty Kats trio.
Renae said they were thrilled to celebrate the female form through song, dance, costume, and even fire, during the Childers Festival.
“Childers is a picturesque and vibrant heritage town with a very strong, passionate and progressive community,” Renae said.
“We first learned about the Childers Festival a few years ago through the Paragon Theatre’s darling owner, Merissa Ricciardi.
“The whole concept sounded so exciting – a fabulous way to celebrate the history and beauty of the town along with the creativity and energy of the local community.”
Renae said A Night of Burlesque would have guests loving the skin they’re in, with a burlesque boudoir theme.
“We have individually had our own solo careers for over 30 years but came together in 2015 and launched our vocal group, The Kitty Kats,” she said.
“We have an absolute ball working together – not only for the singing, harmonies, costuming, choreography etc, but we have become the closest of friends.
“It’s been wonderful to join forces with these fellow female singers and through our music connect with the community.”
Performing at Paragon a pleasure for Kitty Kats
Renae said performing at the Paragon Theatre was always a pleasure for the Kitty Kats.
“The Paragon Theatre is an absolute gem and, in my opinion, a national treasure,” she said.
“Most heritage theatres in Australia are sadly knocked down and turned into housing or commercial buildings.
“As a singer there is nothing like performing in an authentic art deco theatre which was built for the exact purpose of live performance.
“We are honoured to be performing at the Paragon and to be a part of this iconic festival.”
The trio performs in the Bundaberg Region often and they always looked forward to returning.
“It’s like coming home! We venture up to the Bundaberg Region at least twice a year, to perform at the Paragon and also Palm Lake Resort Bargara,” she said.
“We love the region and the people.
“We are always welcomed with open arms and made to feel at home.
“We love the enthusiasm of the crowds in Childers and Bundaberg, who are never shy to dress up, and always let their hair down and get up and dance.
“They create the most amazing atmosphere and vibe.
“We also have our favourite must-do coffee shops, dress shops and op shops that we visit every time.
“It’s a great weekend getaway for us and we are super excited about visiting again this July.”
A sassy mix of three-part acapella harmonies, cabaret, swing, blues and rockabilly, The Kitty Kats will have Paragon Theatre guests dancing, crying, singing and laughing out loud during the Childers Festival’s adults-only event.
A Night of Burlesque at the Childers Festival
When: 6 pm Friday 28 July
Where: Paragon Theatre, Childers
Tickets: $50 or VIP $75. On sale Monday 29 May
- Other news: How to: find out what’s on at Childers Festival
