He’s the creative genius who brought us Blanc de Blanc in 2017 and now, Scott Maidment and his production company Strut & Fret, is set to blow your minds again.

His latest production, Deluxe Deluxe, is showing at Home of the Arts until July 27^th and you will not want to miss this one.

We sat down for a chat with Scott about bananas, maple syrup and bringing the Spiegeltent back to the Gold Coast.

Tell us what we can expect from Deluxe Deluxe?
Deluxe Deluxe is a crazy mashup of dance, music, cabaret, circus, comedy and good times. 

Why did you decide to debut it on the Gold Coast?
We had such a big response to Blanc de Blanc, people loved it here. We could play it again here another time I think, people keep asking about it. Because of that response we thought, let’s make a new show and let’s start it on the Gold Coast, which not many people do.

What’s the process of finding such incredible talent for the show?
Some of these people I’ve worked with for the last five or six years and some I’ve only just met. It’s kind of a mix of having people you know will be amazing and then throwing in a few new ingredients.

Do you plan the show first and then find the talent?
No, it works the other way. I choose the people and try to make a vibe and then go okay now we’ve got these people, lets make the show.

Why does creating this type of show appeal to you?
I want to make a show that really involves the audience so they’re are as much a part of the action as the performers. It’s not like a play where they’re pretending to be something else, there’s no doubt the audience are as involved in what’s happening on stage as the performers are. I think that kind of real and immediate entertainment is what people want as opposed to sitting at home watching Netflix.

What does it take to bring such an incredible production together?
There’s quite a lot of logistics obviously because people are flying in from all around the world and you’re trying to organise schedules. You have to work and fast and hard but you also want to be crazy and anarchic at the same time. So you need that structure and room to play.

Do you have a favourite act you can give us some insight into?
Somehow the show ended up having a lot to do with bananas, maple syrup and pancakes so obviously that’s very deluxe. 

You gave us Blanc de Blanc last year, how are the two shows different?
The energy is the same in terms of fun and great music but the show, the mix of characters and the entire cast is totally different. 

What’s on for the rest of 2018 for Strut & Fret?
After this we’re doing a show we’ve been touring for five years, Limbo, which is playing for Darwin Festival. The Spiegeltent will come back to the Gold Coast at some stage; I think we’re going to announce that before the end of this year.

What do you love most about the Gold Coast?
Someone sent me a message yesterday, its two degrees in Melbourne and it’s 25 here, it’s the perfect winter and it’s great for the performers to be here at this time of year. It’s deluxe.

The Groundwater Country Music Festival is up us and our beloved Broadbeach is set to be one hectic hive of activity.

As you’d well know, dancing up a storm makes you hungry and thus, here we have a list of 8 beaut restaurants in the main Broadbeach precinct.

Harajuku Gyoza
A Japanese beer stadium and gyoza bar with plenty of good vibes. Choose from lots of gyoza varieties or a bigger meal if you’re extra hungry. Or both. Harajuku Gyoza is perfect for a quick tasty meal on the go with plenty of people watching opps.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach 

Elk Espresso
Home of some of the most epic, Insta-worthy breakfasts on the Gold Coast, Elk Espresso is a must visit. The Breakfast Gnocchi is where it’s at.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach 

Mamasan Kitchen and Bar
It’s modern Asian dining offering Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai dishes with a modern twist and it’s all absolutely delicious. As are the cocktails.
Where: The Oracle, Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

Bavarian Bier Café
Mmm bier. This German gem is always a good time and with traditional food and quite the array of biers, you best pop it on your list.
Where: The Oracle, Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach 

Nahm Kitchen & Bar
The newest eatery on the scene is Nahm Kitchen & Bar at the Oasis Shopping Centre. Serving up some of the tastiest Thai food we’ve ever experienced, the crew is all about authentic eats with an Aussie twist. They’re contemporary, flavourful and paired perfectly with the venues carefully curated wine list. We absolutely loved the Three Flavours Crispy Fish with Barramundi fillets, lychee, pineapple, three flavours chilli sauce and coriander. YUM.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose
This speak easy style establishment is a whiskey bar slash eatery offering some of the tastiest southern eats around. The Loose Moose does tasty hot dogs, buffalo wings, loaded fries, it’s all good.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

Rivea Italian
Having recently relocated to Surf Pde, Rivea Italian is already a firm favourite. They’ve got all your authentic Italian needs covered. It’s absolutely incredible food from some of the best in the biz.
Where: 89 Surf Pde, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar
Absolutely next-level eats, Social Eating House is one of the best there is. It’s casual fine dining with share plates the name of the game. They’re all taste sensations.
Where: The Oracle, Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Surf Club
With 180-degree ocean views and a huge menu filled with all the old faithfuls, the brand new Kurrawa Surf Club is a must-visit. There’s very cold beer there too.
Where: Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

Words by Kirra Smith

Strap on your dancing shoes Gold Coasters, Broadbeach is set to gain a world class entertainment venue that will further ignite the suburbs’ good time scene.

Over the last couple of years Broadbeach has seen a resurgence in high quality venues from hidden, back alley drinking holes to fancy five-star lounge bars and the new venue, announced this week, will up the ante even further.

The space is the work of hospitality honcho Tony Rigas and entertainment extraordinaire Sue Porrett who have teamed up to revamp the building on the corner of Surf Pde and Victoria Ave (formerly East Nightclub).

The double storey space has been empty for over two years but, with the signing of a 10-year lease, you can expect many good times in your futures friends.

Tony Rigas’ career spans 30 years and his experience working with some of the Coast’s most successful venues, including Shooters Saloon Bar, Quest Lounge Bar & Club, Mybar, Love Nightlife, Opium Restaurant & Champagne Bar and The Oriental Whiskey, means we’re in good hands.

Not to mention Sue Porrett who, as the founder of Aerial Angels Australia and with over 30 years (the magic number) experience in any and all forms of live shows and theatre, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Sue’s experience spans The Great Moscow Circus 50th Anniversary Australian Tour, the absolutely mind-blowing Infamous, LumiAir and Viva Tropicana at Ocean Park in Hong Kong to name a few.

They sound like the perfect pair to us.

You may have noticed an absolute influx of cabaret shows across the Coast of late and we are all for more feathers, champagne and debauchery in our lives.

Which is what we’re going to get from this epic new space. Plus, of course, any number of unique shows and experiences that’ll surely blow our minds.

Bring on mid-2019.

Stay tuned for more details, we’ll let you know as soon as we do.

LOCATION: Victoria Ave and Surf Pde, Broadbeach