WRITTEN BY KYM BROWN
Christmas. A magical time of year that resonates with everyone for different reasons and in different ways. It’s a time when families gather, generations celebrating old and new traditions. Young children with wide eyes, eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival. More food than those gathered could ever consume, perhaps a few too many cold brews, presents, laughter, music…The most wonderful time of the year.
And much like young children trying to stay awake to catch Santa on Christmas Eve, there was an excited, festive buzz in the air among the opening night crowd gathered to view Cirque Du Sleigh which kicked off Wynnum Wonderland Christmas Festival for 2025. And while we often associate Christmas events with children and families, be warned – Cirque Du Sleigh is definitely not for the kiddies! Ever wondered what the kids on Santa’s naughty list get up to at Christmas? They’re over at the Augathella Spiegeltent having a riotously good time.
Wynnum Fringe hit the scene with a bang only a few years ago and has already become a staple in the Brisbane arts calendar, bring top notch local, interstate and international performers to the bayside suburb. The massive project to bring the Spiegeltent from Augathella to Wynnum has expanded the festival’s capabilities, giving it a semi-permanent home on the Bay Terrace site. Pair that with the open-air foyer that hosts food trucks and drink stalls as well as beautiful bay breezes and views of the water, the Spiegeltent is always in party mode.
The thought of what is essentially a tin shed in Queensland spring (read: summer heat) filled with people and stage lights is an exceptionally unappealing one – but good news! The Spiegeltent is air conditioned and was an extremely comfortable temperature. The flexible seating arrangements (ie moveable chairs) could be slightly uncomfortable, however the bonus of having raised stools in the back rows was a thrill for this 5 foot 2 girl who had an uninterrupted view of the thrust stage in the circular venue. Booming disco covers of Christmas tunes filled the venue as audiences rolled inside, visiting the internal bar and being greeted by Santa and Mrs Claus selling raffle tickets.
Lights dim, the ever-familiar opening chord of Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You rings out, and we meet the cast of Cirque Du Sleigh as they enter from all parts of the venue. Mrs Claus, aka host Tash York, takes over Mariah’s vocals as the party kicks off and we jump into the show. York’s stage presentation is full drag and she explains her journey to being an AFAB Drag Queen (come along to find out what that means!) and is an exceptionally brilliant host throughout the two-act show. Self-billed as a Triple A Host (Anxious, ADHD, Alcoholic), York is rarely on stage without a glass of wine in hand and has a goodie bag full of quips, jokes, innuendo and sass. Alongside her is Trigger Happy posing as Santa Claus, presenting the cheeky underside to the jolly Father Christmas.
The cabaret rolls on at a quick pace and features a mix of stunning circus performances, including hula hoops, trapeze, aerials and a heart stopping knife throwing act from Head First Acrobatics alongside some very naughty burlesque numbers presented by a rotating roster of special guest artists each night. For an extra fee, you can purchase the VIP seats down the front but be warned – there is audience participation! All the performers were highly skilled, polished and enjoying their work just as much as the crowd, who were very vocal in their appreciation.
The festival line up has something for everyone including comedian Dave Hughes, kids shows Bubble Show In Space, Kaboom: Christmas Chaos science show and all-ages All Star Circus plus Carols in the Spiegeltent and Wynnum Wonderland Choir if you want some interactive sing-a-longs. But if you’ve been a good kid all year and really want to let your hair down for a night, grab your mates and a designated driver and head to Cirque Du Sleigh for a raunchy, raucous, ridiculous night of Christmas shenanigans at the Augathella Spiegeltent till 22nd December.
WHAT: Cirque du Sleigh at Wynnum Wonderland
WHERE: Augathella Spiegeltent, Bay Terrace, Wynnum
WHEN: Until December 22
TICKETS: Get tickets to Cirque Du Sleigh and Wynnum Wonderland Christmas Festival here.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
