Do you think you’re funny? Maybe you fancy yourself as a bit of a comedian but don’t know how to give it a red-hot go. Well friends, do we have some news for you, but please don’t tell your dad because they all think they’re hilarious and well…. #dadjokes. The Star Gold Coast is teaming up with comedy superstar, the wet-your-daks-funny Joel Creasey, for a comedian recruitment drive! That’s right, rising LGBTQIA+ comedians (and everyone else), irrespective of how you identify – have the chance to vie for a gig in Joel’s Camp Comedy tour next year! Like, SHUT UP!! Which reminds us, why did the mushroom get invited to the party? Because he’s a fun-gi. Get it – ‘fun guy’ and we probably should stick to our day job.

Taking place at the Atrium Bar on Wednesday 3rd August from 7.30pm, Super Funny With Joel Creasey will be a career launchpad for one extremely humorous human, and a guaranteed funnybone tickler for anyone who loves a bit of a LOL. Oh, and did we mention it’s free entry so even if you’re not the open-mic type, there’s really no excuse not to pop down for a laugh and a lager.

Wannabe stand-ups will take the stage alongside Joel for a five-minute set and their chance to join the tour, and merely standing next to this unfiltered comic genius is surely any aspiring comedian’s dream! Whoever takes the crown will also work alongside some of Australia’s other comedic greats on said tour, plus can brag that their funniness is officiated by people with blue ticks #InstaVerified.

A media sensation and proud LGBTQIA+ flag-flier, Creasey drew inspo for this casting call collab from his own personal experiences. Despite society becoming more pro-diversity and pro-inclusion, that first crack at live comedy remained an ever-daunting prospect. A staunch supporter of the next generation of comedic talent embracing all backgrounds, genders and orientations, Joel is keen to give a voice…and a mic…to a new generation of diverse and of course side-splittingly funny comedians.

Now there are two things that go hand-in-hand with comedy and no, we don’t mean running mascara and jaw spasms from all the laughs. We’re talking food and beverages of course, because aren’t we always?! There’s an exclusive menu for the night, with $10 pizzas and snacks and yes, this is the gift that just keeps on giving. Pizza wise, how about Roasted Pumpkin, Mushroom, Capsicum and Olives or Chicken, Red Onion, Mushroom and Aioli? Perhaps a good ‘ole fashioned Ham, Pineapple and Napoli Sauce variety is more to your liking, or Pepperoni with Napoli sauce, Red Onion and Oregano? Not a pizza fan? Firstly, we cannot be friends anymore and secondly, how about Aioli Fries, Seasoned Wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli, Onion Rings with BBQ sauce, or Salt and Pepper Calamari with aioli. No judgey eyes from us if you want to order the lot coz #samesies.

And to make things that much more fun at this entertainment hub, Hump Day Comedy at Atrium Bar will kick off from Wednesday 14 September. *pencils into social calendar.* So prepare to pack lots of socks. Because you’re going to be laughing them off on the reg!

Where: Atrium Bar, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Doors open at 6pm for a 7.30pm start, Wednesday 3rd August

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.

As our city swiftly changes around us, it’s sometimes a little startling. New shiny places to bust a move spring up continually, but sometimes, this can be at the cost of losing our classic favourites. Often, a place with memories for those who sipped drinks, danced the night away, and possibly even fallen in love.

For most of us, it’s probably safe to say a night at The Star’s old Atrium Bar held some of those fond and late-night memories!

We don’t think we’re over-exaggerating when we say that this venue has been a Gold Coast institution for more than three decades. A place for after-work drinks, catch-ups and nights filled with the revelry of the highest order.

We all shed a silent disco tear when we thought the good ol’ Atrium Bar was closing for good, but we were thrilled to learn, The Star had a brighter future ahead and now the Atrium Bar is back! Bigger and better than ever before (and in a fun new location), the revived design is underpinned by a sensational cocktail list and a matching next-level food menu. We are going to go ahead and say it; it’s the glow-up of the year. And we are confident you are all going to love the fabulous new venue with its respectable nod to yesteryear!

Put on your dancing shoes, folks, because their new and impressive dance floor with a retro disco ball and state-of-the-art sound ceiling — that keeps the music centralised above the action— will keep you up on your feet all night. The weekly entertainment is guaranteed to be nothing short of ultimate party vibes. There’s a mix of DJs and popular live bands on rotation every Thursday through to Sunday playing all your favourites, classic anthems, and guilty pleasures, you know the ones.

To keep you hydrated, the team have worked hard to create an eye-catching cocktail menu with drinks such as The Bowie, a sweet and sour concoction with apple liqueur and lemon, inspired by the one and only David Bowie. Other treats include Breakfast at Tiffany’s with vodka and hints of passionfruit and mango, as well as the Blossom Martini with gin, lychee, and cherry. A great selection of craft and premium beers, alongside a wine list featuring fine local and international drops cater to every taste.

The food menu focus is on platters and plates ideal for sharing between couples and bigger groups. Expect delectable antipasto boards with cured meats, grilled vegetables, olives, feta, and focaccia, besides decadent Australian cheese platters featuring brie, blue and cheddar, dried fruits, quince and crackers.

For those who still cherish memories of the old Atrium Bar, fear not. This reboot has been done with you in mind, the dancefloor is bigger, meaning more room to crack out those dance moves!

Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach.
Hours: Every day 4pm — late.

Words By Alex Mitcheson.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

Ah May, the month when we’re officially on the downhill slide into winter and the scantily clad poolside hangs are temporarily switched out for fully clothed and cozy catch ups. Living in this beautiful part of the world, we only have cooler weather for a blink-and-you-miss-it snippet of time, so seize the moment coz it’s seriously just that – a moment! Treat yo’self to a cute new jacket, enjoy your makeup actually staying on your face, and lock in some fun at places which embrace the change of season. The Star Gold Coast is your one stop shop for winter-friendly entertainment and trust us – it’s all that and some!

Wine & Cheese Evening
If there was ever a match more perfect than Bennifer, this is it. The ultimate first winter warmer event of the season, Garden Kitchen & Bar invites us all to gather at sunset with mulled wine and firepits on Thursday 2nd June for an indulgent food and wine experience on The Lawn – and we accept! This all-inclusive event features wine stalls and tastings from a variety of premium local and international wineries – think rosé, chardonnay, sparkling, gris, pinot noir, shiraz and more, all paired to perfection with a selection of cheeses, charcuterie and roaming canapes. Taste your way through locally and imported cheese, served with quince paste, falwasser, lavosh, and fresh and dried fruit. Feast on San Danielle prosciutto and tartufo salami individually served with pickled figs, giardiniera and artisan bread, plus cured meats, pickled vegetables and olives with grana Padano. And when you’re looking for more lining in that stomach, there’s Milly Hill lamb cutlets wrapped in vine leaves with cumin spiced yogurt, Parmigiano Reggiano risotto with fresh chives, and truffled mac n cheese to soak up the grapes. We. Are. So. There.

There’s even a live performance from ‘Mr Entertainment’ GC himself, Danny Faifai. This legend knows how to get a crowd in dance-mode, playing all your fave high energy hits and flexing his redonkulously impressive vocal range. Tickets to this 2 hour bottomless event are $120pp and can be purchased here.

Azure Spa & Fitness – Absolute Renewal Ritual
Throughout May, get your pamper on with an extra special spa experience! Enjoy 2 hours of pure bliss with their Absolute Renewal Ritual offering which includes an energy restoring massage followed by a customised Skinovage facial. Focussed on obtaining total body harmony, you’re guaranteed to have your tension and tightness totally melted away. The package is just $280pp and strictly available until 31^st May. What are you waiting for? Book here!

Mark Vincent and Mirusia – Together In Concert
Huddle up in comfort at The Theatre on Saturday 14^th May, and witness two of Australia’s most loved classical crossover artists join forces! Internationally acclaimed sensations Mark Vincent and Andre Rieu’s ’Angel Of Australia’ and Leading Soprano Mirusia will perform songs from your fave hit musicals and their new show ’From London’s West End To Broadway Orchestrated’. Tickets are $89.90pp and can be snapped up here.

Elvis – If I Can Dream
Also in The Theatre, it’s time to get all shook up on Saturday 21^st May, with world-class Elvis tribute artist Mark Anthony. Experience the iconic music, the costumes, the emotion and the unmistakable energy! Tickets are $79.90pp and can be purchased here. 

Touch Sensitive (DJ Set)
If he’s good enough to collab with Flume and tour with Flight Facilities, we’re sold. Head to The Lawn on Saturday 28^th May for this triple threat’s winning combo of 80’s sky-high falsetto, floor-filling disco and the rhythmic dynamism of his frenetic live performances. Entry is free but if you need more reasons to be sold (as if), find more info here.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations throughout May. Wine & Cheese Evening Thursday 2^nd June.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.