january-2010

GIVE ME FIVE!
Australia’s popular children’s entertainment
troupe hits the road with the Hi-5 Surprise!
tour to celebrate a birthday. We speak to new
member Fely Irvine before the upcoming
road trip.
How does it feel to be the newest
Hi-5 member?
I’m absolutely loving being a part of Hi-5 — it’s
truly one of the best jobs in the world! Singing,
dancing and acting, on screen and on stage,
all to get the kids up and joining in; making
children giggle and smile is the best!
Tell us more about the nationwide Hi-5
Surprise! tour.
Th e tour is one big party and who doesn’t like a
party? We’re planning a surprise birthday party
for our good friend Chats, but you can’t tell
Chats because it’s a surprise! My favourite part
of the show is when we play the party games,
watching the audience as they throw around a
huge balloon. It’s just so much fun!
Where are you looking forward
to performing?
Tasmania, because I’ve never been. I love that
this job takes me to so many places I otherwise
may not experience.
What activities would you suggest children
do to improve their music, singing and
dancing skills?
It’s always fun to do dance classes. Th ere are a
lot of friends to be made, and lots of music to
dance to. I joined a choir when I was in primary
school — I think anything that involves lots of
friends and music is bound to be fun.
What will you and Hi-5 be doing during the
February break?
We’ve actually been planning a group trip to
Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. I went recently and saw
the baby elephant who is just adorable. And
the new marine enclosure is amazing — I could
watch the seals and penguins for hours, they’re
mesmerising. Th e gorillas and chimpanzees are
guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.
I just love animals!
Hi-5 Surprise! premieres at Melbourne’s Arts
Centre Playhouse and tours 38 theatres in Victoria,
New South Wales, South
Australia, Queensland
and Tasmania ’til 18
April. Ticket details
on www.hi-5.com.au
4 JANUARY 2010
Fun in the
Sun.
Stay entertained this month
with dance, art, comedy and
sports events galore
Peter Helliar
WORDS ANNE LOH
5–17 JAN SYDNEY
Peter Helliar’s Dreamboat Tour
Stand-up comedian and ex-ROVE regular
Peter Helliar is back with a vengeance after an
absence from the stage for the last couple of
years. For a limited time only, be sure not to
miss the boat. Playhouse at the Sydney Opera
House. Tickets from Ticketek 132 849.
8 JAN–11 FEB PERTH, SYDNEY, BRISBANE,
MELBOURNE, ADELAIDE
Warriors of Brazil
Get caught up in the energy of the world’s
greatest Capoeira experts when they take to
the stage in gravity-defying leaps and spins for
the fi rst time in Australia. They’re spreading
a message of hope to Brazilian youth. Ticket
details on www.warriorsofbrazil.com
Le Grand Cirque
8–24 JAN BRISBANE
Le Grand Cirque
For the fi rst time in Brisbane, and as part of
an international tour, box offi ce hit Le Grand
Cirque is poised to wow audiences with acts
by 35 champion acrobats from Brazil, Russia,
Mongolia, Canada and China. You’ll be on the
edge of your seat. Lyric Theatre, South Bank.
Tickets from qtix 136 246.
10–16 JAN QUEENSTOWN
Challenge Wanaka 2010
Australian reigning champion Chris McDonald
returns to “the world’s most scenic longdistance
triathlon” in a fi eld of competitors
that includes the 2008 winner from Germany
and rising star Keegan Williams of New
Zealand. There’s a junior segment as well from
six years old. Tel: +64 (3) 443 2700.