Each month, sa move brings you our pick of SA events that everyone should have on their calendar.

April 2026

Autumn continues to arrive across the state, and the calendar is filled with occasions to dance, feast, create, and soak up the season’s vibes. Here is what’s on across SA in April.

1. Feast on the Foreshore

When: 3 April
Where: Port Broughton Foreshore, Yorke Peninsula

Good times and fab food go together like a knife and fork, and the Yorke Peninsula are serving up great vibes. Head to the Port Broughton Foreshore, roll out the picnic rug and enjoy the Feast on the Foreshore festivities.

Bring your own food or follow your nose to one (or three) of the tantalising treat trucks. Feast on overflowing burgers from Oh My Grill, spuds and more from… Spuds & More, and tickle the tastebuds with dessert from Rock’n Soft Serve. Throw in live music and fresh sea air, and you’ve got a recipe for a great afternoon and evening out.

2. McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic

When: 12 April
Where: Multiple locations, McLaren Vale

Like a fine McLaren Vale wine, this celebration of vintage and classic motoring gets better with age. Motoring enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic (pictured at top) which has returned after putting the brakes on in 2025.

Hit the road with your crew to celebrate 20 years of motoring and community spirit, and line the main street to watch hundreds of historic vehicles roll by in the Grand Parade. Then, shift gears and pair the parade with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and gourmet food and drink at nearby world-class wineries.

3. Re:PLAY

When: 15–18 April
Where: Artspace, Adelaide Festival Centre

Little Frida Kahlo or Salvador Dali in the family? Join your master-artists-in-the-making at Re:PLAY Families Workshops during the school holidays and create something extraordinary together.

Prominent South Australian artists guide the hands-on sustainable art creation. Let your imagination run wild transforming recycled and repurposed materials into imaginative masterpieces – whether it’s painting with unconventional tools or building sculptures from everyday items.

4. Lime Green: A climate action music festival

When: 18 April
Where: Adelaide University Cloisters

Louis Armstrong knew it was a wonderful world, and music festival Lime Green is doing its bit to try to keep it that way. Launching in Adelaide and aiming to be the greenest festival Australia has ever seen, this bold, experimental all-ages event is proving that you can have a good time – while also treading lightly and looking after our planet.

Aussie pop rockers Lime Cordiale is hosting and headlining the concert, alongside loads of national and local talent including the yet-to-be-announced Triple J Unearthed winner. This festival is 100 per cent off-grid using renewable power, and has local organic and carbon-neutral food and drink vendors, along with reusable and upcycled merch. Be part of the next stage of concert evolution, where music, community and sustainability strike just the right chord.

5. Gem and Mineral Show

Lucy in the sky may have diamonds, but there’s loads of treasures to be found closer to home. The annual Gem and Mineral Show is a mother lode of sparkling discoveries. Hosted by the Tea Tree Gully Gem and Mineral Club Inc, the event celebrates the crafts of mineral collecting, gem cutting and silver-smithing.

Curb your hunger pangs at the canteen or sausage sizzle and enter the raffle to win great prizes. You can also polish up your knowledge chatting with passionate traders, and take home your own eye-catching crystals, fossils, rough and cut gemstones, handcrafted jewellery, lapidary tools and equipment and much more. Entry is $5 (children under 12 free).

6. Alliance Française French Film Festival

When: Until 22 April
Where:  Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect; Victor Harbor

Ready to rendezvous with fellow film lovers and Francophiles? The pièce de resistance of Australia’s cultural calendar, the Alliance Française French Film Festival, is lighting up big screens at the Palace Nova and Victor Harbor cinemas from 18 March to 22 April and 25 March to 1 April respectively.

Discover the story behind one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks in darkly comic The Great Arch (L’inconnu de la grande arche), lift the veil on the fashion world in Couture (Coutures) and find out what could have transpired during one of the art world’s most daring (and to this day, unsolved) heists in The French Job (Les règles de l’art). With more than 450 screenings showcasing the crème de la crème of contemporary French film, this is your chance to plan a chic date night, gather your film-loving friends or enjoy a little solo cinema escape, French style.

7. 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge

When: 23–26 April
Where: State Basketball Centre, Wayville

Do you know where to find elite athleticism, non-stop action and loads of wheel power all under one roof? After last year’s successful inaugural kick-off, players are back for round two: don’t miss the Australian Steelers battling it out against teams from around the world at the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge.

Welcome back and introduce new countries to the competition here in Adelaide, as well as cheering on the junior division – a real fan-favourite. Don’t miss the skill, strategy and full-throttle clashes in this powerhouse showcase of inclusive sport.

The post Events around South Australia in 2026 appeared first on samove.com.au.

The Adelaide Fringe program is just shy of 1600 shows. You’d need to see 42 shows every single day to catch them all and, without a time machine, that’s… well, impossible.

That’s where we come in. We’ve narrowed the lineup down to some of the standout shows, so you don’t have to.

Not only that, if you are an RAA member, you can enjoy each of them and get a discount.

So, what sparks your Fringe? Whether you love comedy, music, theatre, circus, or something completely unexpected, there’s a show waiting to become your new favourite.

Looking for a laugh

What: Danielle Walker: Bittersweet
Where: Le Cascadeur at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 9–15 March

The Adelaide Fringe is bursting at the seams with side-splitting comedy, including Danielle Walker’s Australian premiere of Bittersweet. Known for her appearances on Taskmaster, Gold Diggers and Thank God You’re Here, the award-winning comedian’s new show doesn’t “put lipstick on a pig”. A little bit country farmer and a little bit big-city charm, you’ll just have to see for yourself what makes this show bittersweet.

Music to your ears

What: Gigs @ Gluttony presented by Pirate Life
Where: The Fantail (Open-Air) at Gluttony
When: 19 February – 22 March

Turn up the volume on your Fringe soundtrack with Gluttony’s live music program. Presented by Pirate Life, Gigs @ Gluttony is a mixtape of local favourites, international stars, cult bands and seasoned DJs. Relive the iconic sounds of the ’90s at Anthems: Old School Edition, catch the long-awaited return of indie legends Faker, or be moved by the powerful vocals of First Nations singer-songwriter Adrian Eagle. With a lineup as diverse as the Fringe itself, there’s a gig to suit everyone.

Free entertainment

What: The RAA Garden Party
Where: The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: Every Sunday, 15 February – 22 March

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun in The Garden (pictured at top). Emceed by crowd favourites and showcasing the best Garden artists from across the globe, the RAA Garden Party will delight audiences of all ages. Best of all, it’s free. Come back each Sunday for a new lineup, because no two shows are ever the same.

Touring the regions

What: Ministry of Laughs: Fringe Comedy Roadshow
Where: Bordertown, Penola, Adelaide and Renmark
When: 13 February – 6 March

Some of the finest local and international comics hit the road to bring laughs from the city to the regions. Ministry of Laughs will tour the state, starting in Bordertown before heading to Penola and the Riverland via Adelaide. When the touring comedians arrive at Raidis Event Shed in Penola, the night will double as the kick-off to the Coonawarra Fringe suite of shows. RAA members can save on full-price tickets in Penola on Saturday 14 February, as well as a range of others, surrounded by the vineyards of SA’s oldest wine region.

Highbrow art and sculpture

What: Gluttony Sculpture Walk
Where: Gluttony parkland, Murlawirrapurka/Rymill Park
When: 19 February – 22 March

For the very first time – and completely free – you’re invited to stroll through the Adelaide Park Lands to discover the work of talented artists, from striking large-scale visual art installations to outdoor sculptures. The Gluttony Sculpture Walk is free to explore anytime that Gluttony is open, or grab a ticket for the free guided tour on 28 February. At the end of your stroll, cast your vote for your favourite to win the People’s Choice Award presented by Foodland – it’ll be a tough decision!

Something for the kids (and the young at heart)

What: The Alphabet of Awesome Science
Where: The Roundhouse at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 24 February – 22 March

Science is fun and it’s even cooler to see it in action. Kids and parents alike will be gobsmacked and entertained by the onstage shenanigans of The Alphabet of Awesome Science. Race through the alphabet of fast facts, wily words and scientific surprises – including 26 quirky onstage demonstrations. From the hilarious to the messy (with a few explosions thrown in), this is a show the whole family will be talking about long after it’s over.

Circus and acrobatics

What: Primal
Where: The Octagon at Gluttony
When: 20 February – 22 March

How can the human body even bend that way? Circus is a huge part of the Adelaide Fringe, and the creators of Rouge bring all the raw energy of the animal kingdom to the stage in Primal. With a splash of cabaret, a pinch of burlesque and simmering aerial artistry acts, this is a show that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Featuring flavours and food

What: THE FEAST – Decanted Delights and Fermented Fun
Where: Coonawarra Hall at Coonawarra Community Club
When: 21 February

Does award-winning Coonawarra wines paired with a decadent feast sound delicious? How about a generous helping of comedy on the side? Enjoy a long-lunch among the vines as local chefs and Coonawarra winemakers share their stories, and host Damian Callinan brings hilarity to the table. Get in quick because seats are limited.

Magic moments

What: Charlie Caper – The Future
Where: The Paragon at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 13 February – 22 March

He’s dazzled audiences in more than 70 countries, performing in seven different languages, and won Sweden’s Got Talent. But enough about the past – magic man Charlie Caper has his sights set on the future. Combining illusion, comedy and cutting-edge robotics, this family-friendly show will make every person in the audience believe in magic.

Theatre on stage

What: Casual Receptionist of the Quarter
Where: The Lark at Gluttony
When: 17–22 March

Have you ever worked in customer service? Even if you haven’t, nearly everyone has been (and routinely is) on the other side as a customer. This live workplace mockumentary will feel all too familiar.  Step behind the counter with this people-pleasing receptionist as she navigates the treadmill of customer service at a commercial gym. Warning: your laughter muscles are in for a serious workout.

The variety of cabaret

What: FLOP! The Best Songs from the Worst Musicals
Where: Spiegal Zelt at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 13 February – 8 March

Returning to the Fringe for its second time, FLOP! proves that this show is anything but. Join The Voice finalist Arthur Hall as he showcases hidden gems from musicals that didn’t quite make it. From hidden gems in the failed Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, to songs that have outshone their shows (like My Funny Valentine from the unsuccessful Babe in Arms), Arthur pairs his impressive musicality (and occasional acrobatics) with charming insights into why these productions missed the mark.

The post Which 2026 Fringe show should you see? appeared first on samove.com.au.

In the idyllic Coonawarra, you’ll find a mini Fringe within a Fringe, packed with wining and dining, cabaret songs and cabernet sauvignon, laughter and the hereafter.

After a sellout season in 2024, the Coonawarra Fringe returns to the region with four diverse acts to suit all tastes. Throw in a splash of red wine (you’re in SA’s own ‘red centre’ after all), the free Wineries Walking Trail and historic landmarks, and you have a recipe for a great weekend.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a suggested itinerary for your Coonawarra Fringe.

Friday 21 February

If you’re lucky enough to already live in the Coonawarra or Limestone Coast, you won’t have far to travel, and for everyone else, make your way leisurely and safely to the region.

Friday night: Secure a spot on the lawns at DiGiorgio Family Wines with your deck chair, and prepare for a night filled with laughter.

To kick off your Coonawarra Fringe, SA’s own Kel Balnaves and the Northern Territory’s Amy Hetherington take you on a raucous road trip in Kel & Amy’s Comedy Road Trip. Filled with relatable travelling stories and jokes, this is the second night of their lap around SA during the Fringe.

Saturday 22 February

Saturday (late) morning: We know your sides are aching from laughing at last night’s show, but it’s time for brunch. Try the sourdough woodfired pizzas at Ottelia’s or take a short drive into Penola where you’ll find a range of bakeries and cafes.

The next show on your Coonawarra Fringe schedule is at Redman Wines. Start with a wine tasting, then settle in and prepare to be thoroughly spooked.

Not for the faint-hearted, this immersive experience by paranormalist Kevin Kopfstein will have you jumping out of your seats as he shows off his collection of haunted and cursed objects – recounting their grisly and ghostly stories. Thank goodness Haunting 2.0 The Witching Hour isn’t at night.

Saturday night: For a change of pace and to settle the nerves after your supernatural afternoon, it’s time for dinner. But this isn’t your regular run-of-the-mill restaurant.

Take a seat at your table in the Coonawarra Community Hall and prepare to be served – and entertained – by none other than grumpy Basil, down-to-earth Sybil and well-meaning Manuel. In Faulty Towers The Dining Experience, your three-course meal comes with a side of chaos and hilarity.

Sunday 23 February

Sunday (late) morning: How did you sleep? After yesterday’s ghouls and giggles, Sunday’s pace is much more leisurely. You’ll be visiting Parker Estate’s cellar door for today’s Coonawarra Fringe show.

Parker Estate opens at 10am so if it’s a little early for their gin or regional wine tasting, try one of their homemade pies and locally made arancini before the show. Let SA vocalist Bonnie Lee Galea and her Jazz in Cheek Quartet put a spell on you in NINA SIMONE – A Musical Life. Their midday revue honours the legendary Nina Simone as they take the audience on a journey through jazz, gospel, blues and funk.

Bringing the Fringe to the regions

What a wonderful way to spend a weekend. The Coonawarra Fringe is brought to you by co-producers Belinda Redman and Deb Redman, who are passionate about bringing the Adelaide Fringe to the region.

RAA members are in for an extra special treat, with 10 per cent off all four Coonawarra Fringe shows as well as the chance to win great prizes.

The post Decanting Coonawarra’s Fringe appeared first on samove.com.au.

Watt’s up, Adelaide? Illuminate Adelaide’s celebration of technology, innovation, music, and art returns to brighten the darkest corners of the city this winter.

Now in its fourth year, creative directors and co-founders Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge are excited to see how Illuminate Adelaide has been accepted into the Adelaide festival scene.

“Human beings are drawn to light,” Lee says. “So, we’ve extended that idea of a light festival into the areas of science and technology and music. Adelaide isn’t just a summer-time place.

“We wanted something different for Adelaide and to give people an opportunity to come out in winter.”

Both creative directors encourage festival goers to embrace the cold, and support their favourite city restaurants by warming up while on route. And if it’s raining?

“You can buy an Illuminate Adelaide umbrella,” Lee laughs.

Rain, hail or shine, here’s a snapshot of some of the new installations to check out this year.

Universal Kingdom: Prehistoric Nights

When: Thursday through Sunday, 4–21 July
Where: Adelaide Zoo

Calling all future zoologists, palaeontologists and conservationists – get ready to step back in time! Adelaide Zoo’s inhabitants will live side-by-side with creatures from our prehistoric past in this brand-new event, featuring a world crafted by renowned creative studios ERTH and A Blanck Canvas. Walk among bioluminescent early life forms, see dinosaurs frolic with their hatchlings, and even look Australia’s own sharp-toothed megaraptor in the eye.

“This is the first chapter,” Lee hints, “and over the next three years the story will evolve.”

Gather your intrepid explorers and be immersed in a land before time.

Fire Gardens

When: Thursday through Sunday, 4–21 July
Where: Adelaide Botanic Garden

Fire was our first form of light. Return to a time before incandescent bulbs and be mesmerised by the ever-changing flames that transform the Adelaide Botanic Garden in this brand-new experience. Renowned French creators Compagnie Carabosse paint with a palette of fire, colour, warmth, sound and scent to create entrancing flaming sculptures using thousands of burning fire pots, complete with live performers and musicians.

Lee says Fire Gardens is a massive immersive experience.

“Each night, it gets lit in a ceremony with the artists from France lighting all of the sculptures and installations,” Lee says.

Eden

When: Thursday through Sunday, 4–21 July
Where: The Light Room Studio at ILA

Be like Alice in your own wonderland as you’re enchanted by a world where art and nature collide, created by Berlin studio flora&faunavisions. An Adelaide exclusive event, create your own paradise in a digital garden using cutting-edge technology as it merges on ILA’s top of- the-range digital screens. Let curiosity and movement guide you and see firsthand how every little action you take can have a big impact on the world around you.

Rachael says you’ll feel like you’re in a vibrant, imaginative garden at the Light Room Studio.

“It’s a really beautiful screen-based work that really intersects art and nature,” she says.

The City Lights Trail

When: Every evening, 5–21 July
Where: Across the Adelaide CBD

At the flick of a switch, the City Lights trail will transform the city centre into a wonderland of immersive light and sound. From the new time of 5:30pm each night, play and interact with more than 30 installations for free.

“It’s a very important part of what Lee and I set out to do: to make art accessible to everyone,” Rachael says.

“You can come into the city, rove around for free and have a great time. we’re very proud of the City Lights program.”

Here are a few installations on display this year from local, national and international artists.

Launch your evening at Base Camp, located this year at Lot Fourteen on North Terrace. Warm up with delicious food and beverages and plot your course for the evening. While you’re there, check out the ever-changing archways of Proximity State by Miles Dunne who is returning to Illuminate Adelaide after a successful run last year.

RAA members can get the VIP treatment at the new and exclusive RAA Lounge, right in the heart of Base Camp.

A stop at Bonython Hall is a must on this year’s trail, with the historic space opened especially for City Lights to help celebrate The University of Adelaide’s 150th anniversary. Your focus will be laser sharp gazing wide-eyed at Japanese artist Shohei Fujimoto’s dazzling display intangible #form. Tailored to fit one of Adelaide’s most beautiful buildings, more than 1000 laser beams have been used to craft a magical, high-tech world.

Outside, near the moreton bay fig tree at the front of the university, you’ll find a glowing enchanted forest. Local talent Bailey Donovan presents the sweet-like-candy Incandescent, featuring more than 30 unique handmade glassworks illuminated from within. Take a moment to relax and reset while watching the tranquil colours and sounds.

Continue along North Terrace until you reach the State Library of South Australia. Be moved by the epic Ngarrindjeri Ruwi tale, beamed directly on the library’s surface. Using imagery and artificial intelligence, Tjarutja Dance Theatre Collective retells the Ngarrindjeri story of Kondili – the whale who is the keeper of the spark of fire.

A bit further along at Flinders University’s new city campus, located at Festival Plaza, you’ll find STORM. This artwork has been created by local Tim Gruchy, one of Australia’s longest-running multimedia artists. Dance like nobody’s watching at this interactive installation and be amazed at the intersection of technology and the human experience.

These radiant works of art and more are scattered throughout the city, so plan your journey with the online City Lights map and let the lights guide you.

The post Dark nights, bright lights appeared first on samove.com.au.

“I want it on my tombstone!” says Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director Virginia Gay when I ask about her self-appointed chief mischief maker title.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Virginia about the program for this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival and the event’s world-class reputation.

In the role of chief mischief maker, the star of screen and stage has used her effervescent energy to curate a smorgasbord of acts.

Virginia travelled to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to scope international acts to bring to Adelaide,

“I would say [to acts], ‘We would love you to join us at the Adelaide Cab’,” she says.

“The international stars would interrupt, responding ‘Oh, we’ve heard about the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. We hear it is so much fun, so warm, the audiences are so loving, it’s such a brilliant vibe – yes, we want to be involved.’”

Variety is the spice of life

When shaping the festival, Virginia was particularly eager to cater to all tastes.

“I wanted to offer the audience as much variety as possible,” she says. “Not only incredible cultural and linguistic diversity, and body [and gender] diversity but also age diversity.”

Cabaret fans may recognise iconic trio Fascinating Aïda, who are celebrating their ruby stage anniversary with The 40^th Anniversary Show! Three-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone will be premiering A Life in Notes – a retrospective look at the music that shaped her life.

Virginia considered all generations when creating the program for this year’s Cabaret Festival.

“When I was thinking about this program, I wondered ‘what is Generation Z doing with cabaret, and what that looks like,” she says.

Fringe favourites Mel and Sam fit that bill perfectly. Birthed from Instagram and TikTok, the young comedy cabaret duo will be performing the best of their original hits in a show called, naturally, The Best of.

And what better variety than to see Christina Bianco’s In Divine Comedy, where the world-class impressionist uncannily performs with the voices of your favourites, from Celine Dion to Bernadette Peters.

Virginia says that show alone is worth a trip to Adelaide alone because none of us can afford to go to New York to see these performers.

Why cabaret?

I asked Virginia what makes cabaret so special.

“For me cabaret is sex, mischief, wit, community, celebration – and it’s funny,” Virginia gushes.

“It’s joyful. These beautiful [cabaret] performers will have the audience laughing and laughing and laughing – and then sing a ballad and rip our hearts out.

“It’s such a wonderful artform.”

Virginia was adamant the festival should be accessible no matter a person’s budget.

“We want to be whatever the opposite is of gatekeepers,” she says.

“We want to be welcomers. Especially as it’s a mid-winter festival. We don’t want you out there in the cold – we want you in here in our warm, sequin-y embrace!”

New to 2024, the Festival Late Nights variety show is capped at $39 and features performers from across the program. Artists will perform regular numbers as well as some that aren’t in their shows. No two nights will be the same.

“We [also] have free shows that exist in the foyers that are about singing along. Sometimes you’ll be standing beside and singing along with big stars from across the festival!” Virginia says.

Top-notch audiences

While not performing a solo show of her own, you’ll see Virginia in her ‘glad rags’ meeting and greeting audiences in the foyers before and after shows.

“Adelaide Cabaret Festival audiences are so loyal,” Virginia says. “They’re so wonderful and welcoming. They’re the most integral part of the feeling of the festival.”

You may even spot her in some cameos across the program including Comedians on Stage Auditioning for Musicals, which she described as “every actor’s nightmare turned into audience gold”.

This year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival is running from 7–22 June and features 79 performances from spectacular local and international artists. I told Virginia that I am very excited about the line up.

“I’m really excited that you’re excited,” she says. “It’s a magical, magical collection – I really love that it made you feel like that too. I’ll see you in the foyer!”

The post Virginia Gay talks cabaret appeared first on samove.com.au.

Adelaide is set to experience the electrifying and inspiring smash hit show, TINA – the Tina Turner Musical.

We sit down with Adelaide-born cast member Nadia Komazec to discuss her background and role as Tina Turner’s long-time friend and manager, Rhonda Graam.

sa move: How did you get into dance and theatre?

My mum owns the Barbara Jayne Dance Centre in Norwood. When she was eight months pregnant with me, she was still teaching six days a week, so the rhythm got into me. From walking age, I was learning the different facets of dance from Mum, and I had some singing lessons along the way.

I auditioned for the role when I was 39 weeks pregnant and wasn’t sure I could go through with it – I could barely breathe, let alone sing. A week or so after I auditioned, I gave birth and soon after I had a callback for another audition. I still had stitches during the second audition but received a call from my agent a couple of weeks later saying I had the role.

sa move: What’s best about visiting and performing in your hometown?

I love performing to Adelaide audiences. They’re welcoming and very excited because we don’t always get every mainstream musical here. When one arrives, everyone seems to go wild for it. It’s nice to bring a show back home where everyone can see the hard work that goes into it.

My husband and I are big foodies and love the Adelaide Central Market. We might also do a Barossa trip in our decked-out camper van which has a built-in cot for our toddler.

There’ll be lots of family time and catching up too. After a show, I love seeing the reactions of people I know. And my family is so proud. That means the world after years of being away on tour.

sa move: Tell us about your role in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical.

I play Rhonda Graam, who was Tina’s friend and original manager. Rhonda managed Tina and her husband Ike and they became best friends. Rhonda was Tina’s maid of honour when she married [her second husband] Erwin Bach. She stood by Tina through her adversities with Ike and the music industry. They were a powerhouse female friendship duo.

sa move: What can audiences expect from the show?

First and foremost, a rock and roll concert, because Tina was the queen of rock and roll. Towards the end, in particular, you feel as if you’re watching Tina in concert.

Expect to be confronted by the adversities she faced when she was with Ike. We take a hard look at their relationship and some of the abuse she endured, so it can be quite confronting. But above all, it’s a story of inspiration that she had the most success in her 40s. That doesn’t happen very often for women in the entertainment industry.

You leave thinking, ‘What a woman’. Many people don’t realise what she went through behind the scenes, so you’ll learn about her upbringing and her life. You’ll probably leave belting out Tina Turner songs all the way home and for the rest of the week.

Tina was a powerhouse – a wonderful, strong, fierce woman, and that’s what this show is about.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is on from 24 April to 31 May at the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre.

The post Simply the best appeared first on samove.com.au.

Acclaimed global artistic director Ruth Mackenzie speaks to sa move about what makes the Adelaide Festival unique and shares some insight into the line-up.

History of greatness

Adelaide Festival brings some of the most acclaimed events, artists, authors and performances to Adelaide from 1–17 March. This is the first time Ruth has curated the program, and her world-class selections will continue in 2025 and 2026.

“When I started thinking about curating the program for this year’s festival, I started with the incredible tradition of the Adelaide Festival,” Ruth says.

“It was founded in 1960 with the ambition to be one of the world’s great festivals.

“The traditions and the values are about world-class excellence, but also about surprise, giving you not just the big stars of today, but the artists we think may be the big stars of tomorrow.”

Adelaide on the world stage

This year’s program boasts 16 world premieres, 12 Australian premieres and 23 South Australian exclusives.

“I’m the luckiest person in the world,” Ruth says.

“I sold my flat in London and I moved to Glenelg. I think sometimes we take for granted how amazing our home is. Not only do we have the Adelaide Festival, but we are inviting visitors from all around the world to come and discover the wonders of Adelaide and South Australia – our beaches, our food, our wine, our wildlife.”

More for less

This year’s Adelaide Festival has more than 100 free events, exhibitions and talks, which Ruth says makes the event more accessible.

“One of the great glories of the Adelaide Festival is Adelaide Writers’ Week,” Ruth says.

“You can see up to 160 writers from all around the world talking about the books they have written, debating and giving you the change to ask questions.

“Honestly, in the Southern Hemisphere, I cannot tell you of another opportunity to meet some of these great writers.”

Another important part of the festival line-up, Create4Adelaide is a new addition. For this event, Ruth handed her artistic directorial reigns to the young people of South Australia. The result is an exciting exhibition in the Botanic Gardens Conservatory focusing on climate change and featuring poignant artwork made by young people from across the state.

Ruth suggests visiting the Adelaide Festival website to explore the many exhibitions on offer; “All of them are free; all of them are fascinating.”

The importance of the arts

As a child, Ruth loved arts in all its forms, but her main talent was music. She sang in choirs and played in the old London Schools Orchestra.

“All children adore playing with art, and one of my missions as a festival director is to rekindle that creativity in everybody,” Ruth says.

“As a young singer, I performed in opera houses and concert halls in London. This opened my eyes to what the arts could be.

“It gave me my first sense of the inspiration and joy that music and the arts can give.”

The post Hitting the high notes with the Adelaide Festival appeared first on samove.com.au.