From the Daily Mercury editor’s desk: Much mirth and cheesy goodness
Mackay has a lot to offer when it comes to events and experiences. Come at me with more adventures, says Merc editor Rae Wilson
Opinion
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The depth of experiences available in Mackay continues to amaze me.
Last year was about exploring nature and I did a bunch of hikes in the Mackay region’s pristine environment. And beach walks. So many beach walks during the Covid-19 lockdown.
While my meniscus tear after a hike in February has prevented me indulging in any sporty activities this year, I’ve been trying to go to as many events and experiences as I can.
It’s one of the things I loved most about living in Brisbane and Mexico City — so many fun offerings every night of the week. How I miss my salsa classes and my Spanish lessons!
But my latest adventures here have included Haunt Mackay’s dinner theatre evening Nocturnal.
As a lover of all things theatre, cabaret, burlesque and, let’s be honest, food — it was truly spooktacular.
The comedy was top notch – a solid mix of silly and crude.
But owner Stuart Read’s Beetlejuice-inspired character was the standout.
I was crying with laughter when he came in like a Wrecking Ball on the stage.
And his rendition of Creep was just one of the fantastic music choices to fit the Nocturnal theme.
Check out the videos they encouraged the audience to take above.
The comedy-cross-horror show featured other hilarious characters like the monster-hunter Van Helsing who mistakenly believed her cloak of invisibility actually worked, a blood-addicted vampire trying to quit the habit, a fallen angel, Satan and a she-wolf.
And the two burlesque dancers certainly know how to put on a show.
As a former theatre, ballet and dance reviewer in Brisbane (a side hustle), I was impressed at the quality of the performance delivered in our regional city.
The owners Stuart and Debbie Read quit their day jobs in 2018 to begin studying a Bachelor of Theatre at CQUniversity.
“I was an electrician and Stuart was a long distance truck driver, but we both love singing and theatre and already owned an entertainment company,” Mrs Read said when the new bar opened in 2019.
They have just moved to new premises, complete with a spooky tunnel, so they can house more people for the popular experience.
The ladies at our table were comparing it to Dracula’s on the Gold Coast so that was great kudos.
This past week, I also went to a cheesemaking class at a Habana farm and praise cheesus it was good!
We made fresh pastizzis with fresh cheese. We made feta and haloumi, then used the whey to make ricotta.
About a dozen women, and one bloke, sitting around a table learning from 75-year-old Phyllis Abela.
She has been crafting her own cheese since she was a little girl.
I haven’t had a shot yet with the cheese starter she gave us but the idea of making mountains of haloumi fills me with much joy. How gouda!
Tonight I’ll be in the audience for the world premiere of Joel Bow’s musical Heading North – a production he says Graeme Connors’ songs inspired.
The one-hour taster performance is billed as one that will transport the audience to the tropical north where friendships are formed and memories are created.
I’m also looking forward to the upcoming Mackay Festival of Arts events, including the food and wine festival next weekend.
And I will try to get to Savour Seaforth too if time allows
But one of the next things on my list to get to is Escape Rooms Mackay.
I love a good mystery (I’m one of those people who has a How to Host a Murder party game on the bookshelf) and the one with the missing journalist sounds like a bit of fun.
You put on a good show, Mackay. A city where we can enjoy our natural surrounds and the arts with quality all around.
Is there any great experiences you’ve had that you reckon I should try?
Email me at rae.wilson@news.com.au
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