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Entertainment group Funlab has opened its first Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Brisbane at the Toombul Shopping Centre

An entertainment group has opened its fifth venue in Brisbane aimed at “kidults” seeking new fun social experiences away from the screen.

Funlab chief executive Michael Schreiber at new Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in the new UPSTAIRS by Toombul precinct.
Funlab chief executive Michael Schreiber at new Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in the new UPSTAIRS by Toombul precinct.

IT’s called the ‘Science of Wow’.

And in the information age where social lives have become increasingly an online experience entertainment group Funlab aims to draw Millennials away from their screens and put the ‘Wow’ back into their social lives.

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The Melbourne-based business has just opened its fifth Brisbane venue, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, at the Mirvac-owned Toombul Shopping Centre’s new UPSTAIRS dining and entertainment precinct.

Funlab chief executive Michael Schreiber said there has been strong growth in the company over the last five years.

“That’s because there’s been a shift in consumer behaviour away from material acquisition to the acquisition of experiences,” he said.

“Along with that you can have 5000 friends on Facebook but there’s actually a loneliness epidemic out there.

“So we provide places that people can come to and socialise and have fun with friends which is beyond going to a pub or nightclub. It all about have fun while socialising.”

Brisbane’s first Archie Brothers is a 1600sq m circus-themed fun zone aimed at “kidults”.

It’s a mix of modern and retro arcade games, virtual reality experiences, indoor bowling and dodgems, theme park-type adventures. with bar and dining options packed with quirky offerings.

Fitted out by Tonic Projects you enter through red velvet drapes with flashing arcade game signs and booth seating is modelled around classic theme park rides like the Cha-Cha and Tea-Cup Ride.

Inside Archie Brothers Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq at UPSTAIRS By Toombul dining and entertainment precinct at the Toombul Shopping Centre.
Inside Archie Brothers Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq at UPSTAIRS By Toombul dining and entertainment precinct at the Toombul Shopping Centre.

With a 10-year lease, Archie Brothers is Funlab’s fifth Brisbane venue along with Holey Moley Fortitude Valley, Strike Bowling in the Wintergarden, B Lucky & Sons in Brunswick Mall and Skyzone at McGregor.

There are also venues on the Gold and Sunshine coasts with all offer their own version of adult-tainment.

Mr Schreiber, who founded the company in 2002 and is in partnership with mid-tier private equity firm Next Capital, said major shopping centres responses to the online challenge was an opportunity with owners re-imagining their billion dollar portfolios with the focus on creating town centres and “consumer experiences”.

“As they reposition their assets for offer more on-site consumer experiences they will need more entertainment venues,” he said.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/business/prime-site/entertainment-group-funlab-has-opened-its-first-archie-brothers-cirque-electriq-in-brisbane-at-the-toombul-shopping-centre/news-story/2db9ebbd6ee34564af368ce3ebfbea67