Puffio

Unrolling the information as a teaser campaign for the Adelaide International Film Festival is the news that the opening and closing night features for the event have been revealed. The film festival runs from Thurs 22 Feb to Sun 4 March, and a grand total of twelve new Australian films will make their premiere at the event. For opening night it will be Michael James Rowland's debut feature 'Lucky Miles' and on closing night Rolf De Heer's newest feature film 'Dr Plonk' will grace the screen. Readers will recall De Heer's 'Ten Canoes' was a highlight of the last Adelaide film Festival, the movie going on to win accolades from critics and cinema audiences worldwide.

Workers in the city can 'spice' up their lunchtimes by taking Studio Flamenco's Flamenco dance course for beginners (ie people with no previous experience in flamenco dance). You don't need a partner, you just need lunchtimes on Tuesdays from the end of this month. Contact Studio Flamenco on 8297 3351 or email studioflamenco@adelaide.on.net.

It's not been performed in Adelaide (yet, fingers are crossed) but 'Honour Bound', directed by Nigel Jamieson and choreographed by Australian Dance Theatre's Garry Stewart dominated the Sydney Theatre awards, held last week. A play about David Hicks incarceration at Camp X-Ray at Guantanamo Bay, 'Honour Bound' took out the awards for Best New Australian Production, Best New Mainstream Production and Best Score.

In other topical news from the Sydney Theatre Awards, actor Victoria Longley won the Best Actress award for her role as Stevie in 'The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?', the much admired State Theatre Company's production of 2005. Onya!!

You may need to move smartly: the current production of 'The Pirates Of Penzance' closes in the Festival Theatre on Sat 27 Jan.

In what must be a first for this state over the current summer season, the Hill Smith Gallery claims it "will be transformed into a lush garden of native flowers and fresh fruits this summer when the vivid canvases of gifted South Australian artist Stephen Trebilcock take to the walls from February 7 to February 25." That's a lot of colour to splash around on our hitherto parched landcape. Trebilcock's 'Of Fruits & Flowers' comprises some 25 oil paintings on canvas - each piece inspired by a staunch vegetarian's passion for horticulture. This is Oranges And Grapes.

The Adelaide Fringe team has taken inspiration from their chubby little icon, the Pork Chopper, to create a 'Wishing Pole' of oversized piggys for all to admire at the Opening Night Party on Thursday 8 March.Sculpted out of wire, each pig on the totem pole will be hollow with a wish belly spanning 65cm in diametre. But these piggys need a little heart, a little soul, and a stomach full... The theme for this year's Fringe is unpredictable, and that's what they want our chubby little friends to represent. Along with their very own personality, these pigs want to carry key messages from community groups or individuals and share their wishes for the future. Hearts, leaves, barbed wire or plastic bags, each pig needs a full belly before the opening night. The stackable totem pole of pigs will be crafted and designed by the Fringe production team but they need wishes as soon as possible! The Pig Totem Pole will not only be displayed at the Fringe Opening Night Party, but will also feature at other Fringe events and venues. So, if community groups or individuals want to be a part of this iconic Adelaide Fringe 2007 creation, they can register their interest now! To cast your wish...Register with Penny Camens penny@adelaidefringe.com.au or call (08) 8110 2555. An information night will be held on the 29th of January.

Is it exciting news? Should you rush on down there to catch all the action? All this week at Skycity Casino they're deep into the cutthroat competition which is the 'Australia Week Poker Challenge' (it runs until Sun 28 Jan). If you're one of those people who watch late night TV shows featuring deadbeats losing money they don't have whilst wearing mirror shades, this is the place for you. After all, someone must be watching those shows or they wouldn't be screening them.... Right?

It really, really, really must be that time of the year again... time for the 'ASO Alfresco' which this year will Celebrate the Botanic Gardens 150th Year with a special concert of popular classics. On Sat 17 Feb from the unfeasibly early time of 6.30pm, the 'ASO Alfresco' will celebrate the Adelaide Botanic Gardens with what has become a staple event on the ASO annual calendar. Resident conductor David Sharp will harness the orchestra through a selection of music with horticultural associations is featured.

According to the 'Sydney Morning Herald' earlier this month, the Windmill Theatre production 'The Adventures Of Snugglepot And Cuddlepie And Little Ragged Blossom' has been listed as number 2 on the list of Top 10 shows to see at the Sydney Festival. This news makes the company very happy indeed, and they're tipping a sell out season. Will it be so when 'Snugglepot & Cuddlepie' hit Adelaide for their hometown season, from Fri 2 to Wed 14 March at the Playhouse, Festival Centre?

Having been headhunted over the holiday period - after what was a simply super Christmas Party - Executive Producer Rachael Azzeopardi leaves Brink Productions and goes to the Melbourne Dance Company - Chunky Move, in February, as their General Manager. Azzeopardi says she's a bit sad to be leaving Brink with such rapidity but looking forward to the challenges awaiting her. Actually, she told at least one person it was a thrill to have been personally approached to fill the position.

'Menopause: The Musical' is still on at Her Majesty's Theatre, having set all sorts of box office records for audience numbers, according to the shows producer, Jim McPherson.

"It is now official - Adelaide, at 10am Wednesday, broke the world record for advance sales prior to the first Preview for Menopause The Musical. Not bad when you consider you were competing with 38 other cities, including little joints like New York, L.A, Chicago and Boston" he emailed through to staff in Adelaide.

'Under The Big Top' is a new free display at the Art Gallery of South Australia which features a fascinating selection of objects which reflect on the broad themes of the circus and popular entertainment. There's the Circus dinner set designed by British artist Laura Knight (1934); there's Lorraine Jenyns studio ceramic piece Brigitte The Bearded Lady (1977); and Burt Flugelman 's Tattooed lady (1974) has also found a new home in the circus. The exhibition is open daily until the end of March.