Vegas flair coming to Broadbeach thanks to Tony Rigas, Sue Porrett

A nightclub veteran and highly-regarded live performance art promoter are teaming up to launch a “next level” theatre cabaret night spot on the Gold Coast.

A NIGHTCLUB veteran and live performance art promoter are teaming up to launch a “next level” theatre cabaret night spot on the Gold Coast.

Tony Rigas who has owned a raft of top Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach nightclubs spanning 30 years is joining forces with Burleigh’s Aerial Angels Australia founder Sue Porrett for the new venture.

They have signed a 10-year lease in the two-storey building which was home to Broadbeach nightclub institution East, the Bulletin can reveal.

Hospitality identity Tony Rigas and entertainment promoter and founder of Aerial Angels Australia Sue Porrett in front of the old East nightclub building they plan to relaunch as a “next level” venue. Picture: Glenn Hampson

They plan to revamp the interior of the 797-square-metre site and launch an ambitious live performance venue by the middle of the year.

The pair said they believed the project would breathe new life into the corner of Surf Parade and Victoria Avenue.

Mr Rigas: “Our venue will be an eclectic playground bringing entertainment with a Las Vegas flare back to Broadbeach.”

They wouldn’t divulge its working name or acts but said it would focus on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, intimate cabaret and afterparties following the shows.

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Tony Rigas and entertainment promoter Sue Porrett. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ms Porrett is advertising for performers and wants 15 for year-long show seasons.

It is not their first collaboration or involvement with the corner site. Back in the early 2000s, Mr Rigas opened then-Quest Lounge Bar and Club in the same building.

Ms Porrett organised aerial performers and circus-style entertainment at his venue.

Quest later became East nightclub which Mr Rigas was involved with before James Tweddell ran it up until it abruptly closed 12 months ago.

The former East site has been vacant since.

Get ready for something different Broadbeach. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Rigas, who consulted to Love Nightlife before his partner sold it last year, said: “Now teaming up with Sue again it’s going to be on steroids. This is going to be next level stuff.

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“We chose East because of the height of the ceilings and being very open. It was purpose-built for that sort of style of show plus live music and bands — and having that amphitheatre setting.”

Mr Rigas said he wanted to be clear the new venue would not be a nightclub: “If it was a nightclub, I wouldn’t be interested and if Sue wasn’t involved, I wouldn’t be doing it either.

“I didn’t even ring up about the space until Sue gave me a commitment because we really want to do something different.”