Month: September 2015

Kidding Around … Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games

| Kidding Around Australia

It’s been 20 years since Michael Flatley and Lord of the Dance burst onto the world stage and we were lucky enough to be given tickets to Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games and the show had me shaking my head in amazement.

LOTD Logo New

The basic story of the show sees the Dark Lord threatening the Lord of the Dance with his robotic “army”. The beginning of the show is set in a fantasyland of waterfalls and unicorns (where all is pure and white) until the Dark Lord wreaks destruction with fire (real feel it on your face fire!), breaking the magic flute of Little Spirit and stealing the Lord of the Dance’s belt. The Lord of the Dance then sets out to get it back! To find out how it ends… well, you’ll just have to go and see it!

Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied

The show stars stiletto-wearing violinists Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Eimear Reilly, Rachel O’Connor singing and Erin-Kate McIlravey performing contortionist maneuvers that would be at home at Cirque du Soleil.

Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Eimear Reilly
Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Eimear Reilly Photo: Supplied

The performers I came to see were the 34 Irish dancers that  the Lord of the Dance is famous for and they were BRILLIANT! Individually, the lead performers (“Lord of the Dance” Morgan Comer, “Dark Lord” Tom Cunningham and Andrea Kren) are impressive but when the entire company are together they are AMAZING!

A scene from Lord Of The Dance, Dangerous Games by Michael Flatley @ London Palladium (Opening 2-09-14) ©Tristram Kenton 08/14 (3 Raveley Street, LONDON NW5 2HX TEL 0207 267 5550 Mob 07973 617 355)email: tristram@tristramkenton.com
A scene from Lord Of The Dance, Dangerous Games by Michael Flatley @ London Palladium
(Opening 2-09-14)
©Tristram Kenton 08/14
(3 Raveley Street, LONDON NW5 2HX TEL 0207 267 5550 Mob 07973 617 355)email: tristram@tristramkenton.com

I have no idea how it all comes together – however, I can only assume it is hours and hours (and hours!) of rehearsal and I am sure some blood, sweat and tears. The dancers feet move at lightning speed in tap shoes and specially designed lace-up ballet shoes. There is disagreement in our house as to whether the tap beats were pre-recorded or not – I suspect a little of both. The costumes range from Feis dresses with traditional Irish embroidery, to shirtless men and women in bras and barely-there-clothes –  a point that divided attendees as to whether it was necessary.

Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied

Michael Flatley (who retired in July, appears via a pre-recorded video at the beginning and end of the show) “lives” on in Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games – I just would have loved to have seen him perform live!

MORE INFORMATION

Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is at State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne until 4 October 2015.

Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is created, directed and choreographed by Michael Flatley and is produced in Australia by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Base Entertainment Asia.

WEBSITE www.lordofthedance.com 

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/MichaelFlatleysLordoftheDance

SEASON DETAILS

MELBOURNE

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 29 September – Sunday 4 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday-Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Arts Centre Melbourne 1300 182 183 or artscentremelbourne.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

CANBERRA

Venue: Canberra Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 6 October – Sunday 11 Oct 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday-Friday 730pm, Saturday 2pm & 730pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Canberra Theatre Centre 02 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 02 6275 2727

BRISBANE

Venue: Concert Hall, QPAC

Dates: Tuesday 13 October – Friday 16 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 1pm & 8pm, Thursday & Friday 8pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: QPAC 136 246 or qpac.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on (07) 3840 7466

GOLD COAST

Venue: Jupiters Hotel & Casino

Dates: Saturday 17 October – Sunday 18 October 2015

Times:  Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm & 7pm

Prices: From $79.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Ticketek 132 849 or ticketek.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 364 001

SYDNEY

Venue: Capitol Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 20 October – Sunday 25 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 1pm & 8pm, Thursday – Friday 8pm,

Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 3pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

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Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.

Winners Announced … Lord of the Dance – Dangerous Games

| Kidding Around Australia

MICHAEL FLATLEY’S LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS GAMES is coming to Melbourne this week and we have chosen our winners to attend it’s opening night! We loved your entries – thank you for taking the time to enter.

lotd1

Anita and Sandy please keep an eye out for an email from us to confirm delivery details for your tickets! Have a great time!

If you would like to book tickets to Melbourne – it’s not too late … here are the details!

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 29 September – Sunday 4 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday-Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Arts Centre Melbourne 1300 182 183 or atrscentremelbourne.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

Kidding Around Essentials … Bravecto Flea and Tick Protection

| Kidding Around Australia

When we go on holidays, I am always concerned about preparing the kids and thinking about all the things I have to do! This year we adopted a Cocker Spaniel “Duke” – those of you who follow us on Instagram or Facebook will have seen this cute little face!

Our
Our “Duke”

Whilst we are unsure how old Duke is (estimates range from 2 – 5 years old), he has bought immeasurable joy to our family and I would highly recommend everyone consider an older dog as your new family member!

The thing is, not only do I have the kids to plan for anymore! Owning a dog brings us more responsibility and more things to consider before we head off on another Kidding Around adventure!

Dr Katrina Warren & The Wonderdogs BRAVECTO FLEA & TICK PREVENTION LAUNCH & LUNCH SYDNEY FLYING FISH RESTAURANT, PYRMONT FRIDAY 24TH APRIL, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: BELINDA ROLLAND © 2015
Dr Katrina Warren & The Wonderdogs
BRAVECTO FLEA & TICK PREVENTION LAUNCH & LUNCH SYDNEY
FLYING FISH RESTAURANT, PYRMONT
FRIDAY 24TH APRIL, 2015
PHOTOGRAPHER: BELINDA ROLLAND © 2015

That’s why we were happy to hear from veterinarian and Bravecto brand ambassador Dr Katrina Warren about a revolutionary development in tick and flea protection. Bravecto is the first and only oral chew to deliver extended protection for three months against fleas and four months against paralysis ticks – all in a single chew.

For a busy family who has so many things to think about – 4 doses per year versus 12 doses per year equals a no-brainer.

Georgina Says

As an added bonus, dog owners can register for the free Bravecto reminder email service at www.bravecto.com.au so you don’t miss a dose! A free Bravecto reminder app is also available for iOS and Android as well.

This all sounded great, and the only questions we had were: Is it safe and will he voluntarily eat it (because I am not forcing it down his throat!)?

After reading that Bravecto has been subjected to many trials and has been proven safe for pregnant and lactating dogs as well as puppies from 8 weeks of age I was happy to give it to Duke. Further safety information can be found in the following links www.bravecto.com.au and http://www.bravecto.com.au/vetresources (this link contains links to research test papers).

So, the second question is “Will he happily eat the chew?”

I don’t think you can get any better endorsement than that 🙂

What do you think? Would you like to try Bravecto? We are giving one lucky reader a chance to win a years’ supply of Bravecto for their dog. That’s 4 chews worth up to $200!

To enter:

  • Like our page on Facebook (and Instagram if you have it!)
  • Like Bravecto on Facebook
  • Fill in the following entry form and answer the question “In 25 words or less, What do you love about your dog?

COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED … CONGRATULATIONS TO NICOLE T!

YOU WILL GET YOUR BRAVECTO IN THE MAIL SOON 🙂

Terms & Conditions
1. Entry is open to Australian residents only who are aged 18 years and over and only one entry per household is permitted.
2. Entries open on 4/10/2015 and close at 11:59pm AEST on 18/10/2015.
3. This competition is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winners.
4. To enter the competition, entrants must fill in all fields of the form above.
5. One winner will be selected and receive a years supply of Bravecto (4 packs) valued at up to $200 (depending on the weight of the dog).
6. The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
7. The winner will be drawn within 48hrs of the closing date and the winning entry will be announced on this website. The prize will be posted to the address supplied at the time of entry.  The promoter will not be held responsible if the address supplied is incorrect.

MORE INFORMATION

Bravecto is available from leading veterinarians across Australia.

For the latest news and information about Bravecto visit www.bravecto.com.au and “LIKE” Bravecto on Facebook at www.facebook.com.au/bravectoau

Please note – we were given a 12 months supply of Bravecto for Duke so that we could review the product. As always, we give our honest, unbiased opinion.

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Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.

Competition Time! … Lord of the Dance

| Kidding Around Australia

We are really looking forward to going to MICHAEL FLATLEY’ S LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS GAMES which opens in Melbourne this week! Are you going? Would you like to go TOMORROW night? We have a two double passes to give away!

lord of the dance 2

The world’s most successful dance show explodes onto the Australian stage from 10 September opening in Hobart with a spectacular new staging of Michael Flatley’s masterpiece – Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games.  The theatrical extravaganza will then tour to Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney.

Michael Flatley brought Irish Dance into the global spotlight more than 21 years ago, going on to create Lord of the Dance in 1996.  Since then his name and the Lord of the Dance brand have become synonymous with spectacular artistry and grand scale productions that have mesmerized more than 60 million people in 68 countries around the world. Flatley’s new show Dangerous Games has exciting and ground-breaking new technology, including holographs, dancing robots, world champion acrobats, and 34 of the greatest Irish Dancers in the world.

A new score composed by Gerard Fahy, new choreography, stunning new costumes and special effect lighting add a breath-taking new dimension to the original masterpiece.

Please note: Michael Flatley will not be performing in the Australian tour.  Michael Flatley danced for the last time at Wembley Stadium, London on 4 July 2015.

Enter Now

1. LIKE our page on Facebook (click HERE to be taken to Facebook).

2. Fill out your details below and answer the question! Please only enter if you are able to attend the show. Tickets are non-transferable.

3. Once you have submitted the form, you will be sent an email. Please confirm your subscription to Kidding Around Australia (this will only be for new subscribers). If you don’t confirm your subscription your entry will be invalid.

*If you can’t see the entry form please go to our website as some phones and media do not support this application.

Competition closes 6pm AEST Monday September 28 2015.  Winners will be announced shortly thereafter.

Terms and Conditions:

Open to residents of Victoria, Australia only.  By entering this competition, you agree to subscribe to the Kidding Around Australia mailing list, if you are not already subscribed. Your privacy is protected and you can unsubscribe at any time. 

By entering this competition, you are also agreeing to all other terms and conditions.

This is a game of skill not a game of chance. Entries not filling in all the required fields and answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, by a non involved party. The Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The winner will be drawn 28/09/15 5.30pm AEST and announced on this website. The winner will also be contacted via email.

There are two (2) prizes each consisting of two (2) tickets to Lord of The Dance : Dangerous Games on Tuesday 29th September, 7pm performance at the Arts Centre, State Theatre Melbourne. They are valued at $89.90/ticket, so $179.80/double pass.

One entry per household. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. Kidding Around Australia will not be held responsible for any loss, injury or damage that occurs in connection with the prize or the winners participation in the promotion.

MORE INFORMATION

“your jaw is in your lap watching their feet move almost as fast as sound itself.” –

LondonTheatre.co.uk

“Fascinating, rewarding & above all entertaining” – New York Post

“An awesome sight” – The Hollywood Reporter

 “A 5-star evening of entertainment.” – LondonTheatre.co.uk

Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is created, directed and choreographed by Michael Flatley and is produced in Australia by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Base Entertainment Asia.

WEBSITE www.lordofthedance.com

SEASON DETAILS

MELBOURNE

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 29 September – Sunday 4 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday-Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Arts Centre Melbourne 1300 182 183 or atrscentremelbourne.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

CANBERRA

Venue: Canberra Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 6 October – Sunday 11 Oct 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday-Friday 730pm, Saturday 2pm & 730pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Canberra Theatre Centre 02 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 02 6275 2727

BRISBANE

Venue: Concert Hall, QPAC

Dates: Tuesday 13 October – Friday 16 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 1pm & 8pm, Thursday & Friday 8pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: QPAC 136 246 or qpac.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on (07) 3840 7466

GOLD COAST

Venue: Jupiters Hotel & Casino

Dates: Saturday 17 October – Sunday 18 October 2015

Times:  Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm & 7pm

Prices: From $79.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Ticketek 132 849 or ticketek.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 364 001

SYDNEY

Venue: Capitol Theatre

Dates: Tuesday 20 October – Sunday 25 October 2015

Times:  Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 1pm & 8pm, Thursday – Friday 8pm,

Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 3pm

Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)

Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

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Kidding Around Essentials … Novapel Eczema Cream

| Kidding Around Australia

Kidding Around Essentials

I love online communities! For the most part, people are so generous with sharing information and there is always someone (friend or stranger) that has advice for whatever challenges you might be experiencing. I have seen many online discussions with desperate parents reaching out for advice on treating their little ones eczema. This was me 2 years ago. I ended up going to 4 different doctors who all gave different explanations as to what was wrong with my baby. Talk about frustrating! It turned out to be eczema and I learned more about the world of having kids with allergies … oh, how I should write a book!

Although eczema affects all ages, more than half of all eczema sufferers show signs within their first 12 months of life and 20 per cent of people develop eczema before the age of five. Whilst we treated the initial eczema diagnosis with medicated creams and a strict moisturising regime we have now eased off into a maintenance phase where we are mindful of triggers, moisturise and ideally treat our kids precious skin with natural products.

When we were approached to try a new cortisone-free solution that aims to bring natural relief to eczema sufferers, I was really excited. Novapel Eczema Cream is Australian made and owned and is professionally formulated with specific herbal ingredients traditionally used for the symptomatic relief and treatment of eczema by providing soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and hydration to the skin. As an added bonus, it’s suitable for nappy rash and skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and is perfect for sensitive skin! I love that it is free from harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, lanolin, propylene glycol and has no artificial fragrances or colours.

novapel
Sometimes, one is just itching for a hand massage from one’s little brother …

We were given a tube of Novapel Eczema Cream to try and I must say I am impressed, however, I feel it is important to note that the kids have very mild symptoms and we are using it when they do not have a nasty flair up. The cream smells “yummy” according to Alegría and feels really nice when applied. It wasn’t greasy and definitely alleviated the dryness on Alegría’s hands caused by playing with clay (a known trigger for kids).

We will definitely be using it as part of our eczema management plan going forward.

HOW DO YOU TREAT ECZEMA? WE WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO LEAVE YOUR BEST ADVICE IN THE COMMENTS … YOU NEVER KNOW YOU MIGHT BE THE VOICE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

MORE INFORMATION

Novapel Eczema Cream retails for $24.99 AUD and can be purchased online at: www.novapelaustralia.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovapelAustralia

Please note: Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own and are based on my experience from trialing this product.

Kidding Around … Melbourne Star

| Kidding Around Australia

MS2We have wanted to go to the Melbourne Star for such a long time, and now that we have finally experienced it, I don’t know why we waited so long! It’s fantastic!

When we were discussing going, my thoughts always led back to “Do I REALLY want to be stuck with two kids for 30 minutes with no way of getting out?” My answer to that question is always Um, NO!! Ever the optimist, I thought “How bad can it be?” and off we went.

Driving to the Melbourne Star we crossed our fingers that the rain held off, although we really shouldn’t have worried as the cabins are heated and air-conditioned. On our approach, we were excitedly pointing out the “Big Wheel” when Alegría states matter-of-factly “I don’t like heights, remember.” With little more than a “You’ll be right” we didn’t give that statement much more thought…

MS1

We arrived, and of course “Andrea” Georgina’s childhood doll (who is enjoying a second chance at life through Alegría) had to come too. We parked both Isaac and Andrea’s prams in the pram bay and made our way through the interesting facts about Melbourne and onto our cabin.

MS5
Hilarious! Even dolly prams are not allowed on board!
There are so many interesting facts regarding Melbourne that adorn the walls! Perfect for visitors.
There are so many interesting facts regarding Melbourne that adorn the walls! Perfect for visitors.

The cabin’s don’t actually stop as you step on board (although they can if need be) and we were surprised as to how big the cabins are. 20 adults can fit comfortably and there is a bench seat in the middle for resting or little girls who don’t like heights. Yes, it turns out Alegría doesn’t like heights after all. Parents. Of. The Year.

This little man was fascinated!
This little man was fascinated!

Georgina Says

Isaac loved it and was free to move around – and as we were in the cabin by ourselves we weren’t worried about the kids at all. I get notoriously motion sick and the movement was so smooth that I didn’t get sick! Woo Hoo!

The 21 Melbourne Star cabins effortlessly glide through the air reaching a height of 120 metres – or the equivalent of a 40 story building. From our cabin, we had a 360-degree view and could see all of Melbourne’s landmarks and the surrounding areas.

 

With on board commentary, we did our best pointing out all of the interesting places and when we were stumped we used the map provided (with a clever compass that you line up with the ceiling of cabin) to identify points of interest. 

Can you see the (Port Melbourne) beach?
Can you see the (Port Melbourne) beach?

Tim Says

The Melbourne Star is close to Docklands and Harbour Town’s restaurants, public toilets and is easily accessible with a pram. Make sure you take your valuables with you on board though as you do have to leave your pram at the entrance.

We are so glad that we went, and you’ll be pleased to know that Alegría got brave towards the end of the flight!

MS7

And was it as bad as I had imagined? No. It was not bad, not bad at all!

Why not treat the family to a nice day out on Father’s Day, 2015 and head to Melbourne Star where Dads will fly for $1! For more details click HERE

*We were guests of Melbourne Star, however our opinion’s are authentically our own.

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times:

10am – 10pm daily.  Last flight departs at 9.30pm, ticket purchases for the final flight of the evening must be made by 9.15pm.

1pm – 10pm Christmas Day (December 25) and Anzac Day (April 25).

Operational hours are subject to weather conditions and may be changed without notice.

Location: 

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
101 Waterfront Way
Docklands, Melbourne Vic. 3008
T: 61 3 8688 9688 (please press 5 to speak with a member of our Guest Relations Team)
E: contactus@melbournestar.com

Cost:

Admission
Pricing		 Single
Flight		 Day & Night Flight*

(Previously known as the Encore Ticket)
Adult $34.00 $45.00
Child (5 – 15 Years) $20.00 $29.00
Children (up to 4 Years) Free Free
Family (1 Adult & 2 Children) $60.00 $90.00
Family (2 Adults & 1 Child) $72.00 $99.00
Family – Additional Children $16.00 $24.00
Seniors / Concession $30.00 $41.00
Adult Groups (Min. of 10) $28.00 $36.00
Child Groups (Min. of 10) $16.00 $27.00
Annual Pass $79.00 per person

Website: www.melbournestar.com

Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.