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What’s On… STORIES UP HIGH, SKYHIGH MOUNT DANDENONG

| Kidding Around Australia

STORIES UP HIGH, SKYHIGH MOUNT DANDENONG

Source: http://skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/
Source: http://skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/

If you are looking for something to do tomorrow or Sunday, Skyhigh, Mount Dandenong is featuring two events included in the STORIES UP HIGH Festival to be held at venues in the Dandenong Ranges and Healesville from May 10, 2015.

Stories Up High is a festival of ideas, imagination, and laughter. It includes a range of author talks, including two of the biggest names in children’s literature, David Walliams and Andy Griffiths! There will be exhibitions, movies, storytelling, competitions, cooking, writing, gardening, reading, and train rides.

This Festival has something for everyone. Whether you are a child, or the parent of a child, or the grandparent, or aunt, uncle, or friend, there is an event for you! Visit iconic venues throughout the beautiful Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley during autumn, when they are at their very best!

12 May 2015 – David Walliams hosted by Eddie Perfect 

David Walliams, the new Roald Dahl, has taken the children’s literary world by storm. He is the biggest UK children’s author to debut this century.  His books have been translated into forty languages and have sold over four million copies in the UK alone. Hosted by Eddie Perfect, David will discuss his stories and read from one of his bestselling books. He will be available for book signings following the talk.

Time: 5 pm to 6pm

17 May 2015 – Andy Griffiths headlines Stories Up High.  

A day of literary excitement, including puppet shows and fun activities.  Andrew “Andy” Griffiths is an Australian children’s book author and comedy writer. He is most notable for his Just! series, which was converted into an animated television series called What’s with Andy?.

At Skyhigh Mount Dandenong, share a hilarious morning with Andy Griffiths and follwing book signings, be entertained by Punch and Judy, enjoy stories from fairies and pirates and participate in fun literacy games

Time: 10.30am to 4pm

For further information on the events to be held Skyhigh Mount Dandenong as part of the Stories Up High Festival:   www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au

MORE INFORMATION

Dates and Times:

Tuesday May 12– David Walliams Hosted by Eddie Perfect – 5 to 6pm

Sunday May 17 – Andy Griffiths – 10.30am to 4pm

Venue: Skyhigh Mount Dandenong, 26 Observatory Road, Mount Dandenong

Phone: (03) 9751 0443

Ticket Prices:

David Walliams $20 and $12 Concession

Andy Griffiths – $25

Car fees apply for entry

Competition Time! … The Greatest Love of All – The Whitney Houston Show

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To celebrate the opening of The Greatest Love of All – The Whitney Houston Show at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre we have 2 x Double Passes (worth $100 each) for Friday 15th May at 8pm to give away!

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The show is playing in Melbourne from 15 to 23 May 2015 and is a tribute to a woman who has long been an icon of pop music and vocal ability, The Greatest Love Of All – The Whitney Houston Show celebrates Whitney Houston’s most loved songs with the breathtaking voice of South African singer Belinda Davids (pictured above).

After conducting over 15,000 auditions in 12 countries, accomplished South African vocalist Belinda Davids was selected to pay reverence to Houston with her carefully crafted renditions. She delivers the voice, charm and even the nuances and gestures of Houston.

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The 2 ½ hour concert and stage show spans Houston’s 29 year career and includes hits How Will I Know, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Where Do Broken Hearts Go, Didn’t We Almost Have It All, I’m Every Woman, Exhale (Shoop Shoop), Step by Step and I Will Always Love You.

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You can see more of Belinda Davids’ amazing talent in this clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PLWi3Q6xZU

To WIN one of two DOUBLE PASSES (worth $100 each) to The Greatest Love Of All – The Whitney Houston Show’s performance on Friday 15 May 2015 at 8pm simply fill in the form below.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Open to Australian residents only. Competition Closes 14/05/2015 at 9am AEST. Winner will be announced on 14/05/2015 at 9.30pm AEST. By entering, you agree to be subscriber to the Kidding Around Australia website.

MORE INFORMATION

VENUE  Athenaeum Theatre

ADDRESS 188 Collins St, Melbourne

DATE/S  Friday 15 May to Saturday 23 May 2015

TICKETS Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au, tickets from $49.90

WEBSITE www.thegreatestloveofall.com.au

Promo Trailer:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PLWi3Q6xZU

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/WhitneyHoustonShow 

Random Acts of Kid-ness – Silvers Circus

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We are so excited to launch Random Acts of Kid-ness and tell you all about our May, 2015 sponsor Silvers Circus!

We are all about sharing the love around here. We are very privileged to be able to experience the things we do Kidding Around Australia and we are grateful every day that our health and lifestyle allows us to do so. Each month we will be partnering with one of our fantastic brands to give someone a Random Act of Kid-ness!

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Silvers Circus is a household name in Australia and after nearly three decades on the road maintains all the sparkle, glamour and death defying acts expected of Australia’s premier circus. Silvers Circus continues to provide draw dropping entertainment for the whole family with new locations just announced:

* PORTLAND,  Alexandra Park – (First visit to Portland in 20 years) 6 May – 10 May

* MT GAMBIER, Mt Gambier Showgrounds    13 May – 24 May

* HAMILTON, Hamilton Showgrounds      27 May – 31 May

Established in 1976, Silvers Circus provides world class family entertainment and fun. With extraordinary artists continually arriving from all parts of the world, Silvers are proud of the ever changing program they are able to present. There is no other circus like Silvers Circus.

For all show details visit – www.silverscircus.com.au

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KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA’S RANDOM ACTS OF KID-NESS

This month, Silvers Circus has generously given us a family pass to their show in Portland and it just so happens that we know a family that would love to go!

Joan, Richard and their two boys

In February 2014, Joan found a breast lump through self examination and after various testing was found to have stage 3 Breast cancer. Not exactly what you expect when you’re a young family in your 30’s with 2 kids under 5. Joan has been through a whirlwind of tests and medical treatments; chemo, surgery, radiation and targeted treatment which has required travel to various hospitals throughout the state and Richard has been there right by her side. It has been a physical, mental & psychological battle for them all but with the love and care of family & friends and a positive attitude they aim to overcome this.

“It has made us look at life with a totally different perspective, things that seemed important, aren’t so important now. Quality time together and living the now is what it’s all about. Enjoying and appreciating the simple things in life. It is imperative that people (both female and male) do regular Breast checks – Breast Cancer is not gender nor age discriminative.” – Joan

Please remember to check your breasts – information on breast awareness and screening can be found HERE.

Joan and Richard are participating in the Mothers Day Classic to help raise money for the ‘National Breast Cancer Foundation’. Both the NBCF and the ‘Breast Cancer Network Australia’  are very worthy recipients of your charitable dollar.

We can’t wait to hear all about Silvers Circus and hope you all enjoy the show!

NOMINATE FOR OUR NEXT RANDOM ACTS OF KID-NESS NOW

If you would like to nominate yourself, or someone you know, for a Random Acts of Kid-ness please fill out the form located HERE.

We take your privacy seriously and will only disclose information you approve.

 

Octonauts Prize Pack Giveaway Winner Announced! Congratulations to …

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OctonautsLive who will win

FLAPPITY FLIPPERS!

We were overwhelmed with the amount of entries to our Octonauts Live Australia giveaway!

In the interest of fairness, we selected our Top 10 and gave those entries (without names) to an independent person to select the winner. Thank you so much for entering – we loved reading about your favourite Octonauts characters!

Shiver Me Whiskers, drum roll please ….

Octonauts WINNER

Kristy, we loved your entry and hope Harper enjoys her prizes! Please email us at info@kiddingaroundaustralia.com to organise delivery of your prize.

We are big Octonauts fans in the Kidding Around Australia house and can’t wait to see Octonauts Live! Operation Reef Shield again next month! It’s not to late to get your tickets either by visiting www.octonautslive.com.au.

Last chance to Enter … Octonauts Prize Pack Giveaway

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What a day it has been! I managed to lock myself out of the house this morning thereby making it impossible to get Alegría to kindergarten and Isaac to swimming lessons on time. I had to wait in the cold for 35 minutes for a spare set of house keys to be delivered (got to love family that get you out of a bind), I then get the kids piled in the car only to discover halfway there that Alegría has left her lunch on the front lawn and has decided to pull out her ponytail which I had strategically placed to hide the fact that I hadn’t brushed her hair … so after piling her hair back into a pony/bun that wasn’t fooling anyone, Alegría was safely delivered to kinder and Isaac and I made the last 10 minutes of his lesson for which he screamed the whole time. Little man loves the pool, dislikes lessons! Back home to grab the lunch off the lawn, deliver that and back for Isaac’s nap which he is now resisting…. seriously. one. of. those. days.

But, I digress.

If you haven’t entered our Octonauts competition you have until 5pm AEST to do so by clicking HERE and filling out the form.

Good Luck and I hope your day is going smoothly!

– Georgina

Kidding Around… The Memorial Cross, Mount Macedon

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Mount Macedon is our go-to when we have interstate or international guests or want to have a fun day trip. At the top of Mount Macedon is the Memorial Cross which commemorates those who gave their lives in the 1914 – 1918 war.

After the Shrine of Remembrance, many consider the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross to be the most significant war memorial in Victoria and it is a popular destination on ANZAC day where thousands gather for the dawn service each year.

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After a short 200m walk from the car park, on a sealed path which is pram and wheelchair friendly, you will reach the Memorial Cross and lookout. The view from the Cross is simply breathtaking and takes in the entire southern plain towards Port Philip Bay. There are other lookouts along the path for those who wish to extend their visit.

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The Cross is 21 metres in height and 1001 metres above sea level and was originally unveiled in 1935. The current structure was constructed in 1995 as the old cross was damaged due to storm and fire.

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Georgina Says

Mount Macedon is great during any season – when it snows in Winter it is a perfect place for free snow play or for enjoying the open gardens of houses you wish you owned in Autumn and Spring.

When visiting you should stop at the Top of the Range Tea Rooms and Gallery for a meal, beverage or Devonshire tea – it’s become an institution! Alternatively, bring your own supplies and stop at one of the six picnic grounds on the 4km stretch of road on Cameron Drive leading to Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Kenneth, the Park Ranger Peacock and the array of native birds and animals that call the Macedon Regional Park their home!

MORE INFORMATION

Location: The end of Cameron Drive, Mount Macedon, Victoria 3441

Cost: Free

Website: Parks Victoria look after the Macedon Regional Park http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/macedon-r.p. and the Top of the Range http://topoftherange.net/mountmacedon/ is a great website and will tell you all you need to know!

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! … Octonauts Prize Pack

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To celebrate the launch of NEW regional and suburban tour dates and shows for Octonauts Live! Operation Reef Shield – touring Australia from June 2015, we’re giving away this awesome Octonauts Prize Pack. To read what we thought of the show click here.

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This awesome prize pack includes:

1 x Octonauts and the Orcas’ Book worth $9.99
1 x Octonauts to the Rescue’ Sticker Book worth $8.99
1 x Octonauts and the Adelie Penguins Book worth $11.99
1 x Octonauts: The Amazing Octopod’ Book worth $25.99
2 x Octonauts Magazine worth $11.90
1 x Octonauts Flappity Flippers! DVD worth $15.00

Total Prize Value $83.86

Enter now, and get your tickets to Octonauts Live! Operation Reef Shield at www.octonautslive.com.au

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Thank you for your response. ✨

*If you can’t see the entry from please go to our website. Some mobile devices and email providers don’t support this media.

Terms and Conditions: Open to Australian residents only.  By entering this competition, you are signing up for the Lifelike Touring Mailing List to receive information on great live shows in your area. You are also agreeing to sign up to the Kidding Around Australia mailing list, if you are not already signed up. 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 29/04/15 5.00pm AEST and notified by email and announced on this website on 01/05/15. Winner will have 7 days to respond or we will redraw. We will try our best to contact the winner but cannot be responsible should the winner not receive the notification within the time frame.

The prize is one Octonauts Prize Pack, which includes the items listed above. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. Prizes will be sent out by Lifelike Touring and neither they or Kidding Around Australia will be held responsible in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST

COMPUTER – To the right of your screen is a heading that says “Subscribe to email to follow us”. Enter your email address and click FOLLOW. You will then get an email from us in your inbox. You need to confirm your subscription (the link will be in the email) and as easy as that you’re done! We promise not to bombard you and take your privacy seriously!

MOBILE / TABLET – You will need to be on the HOMEPAGE, scroll down past the posts and you will see the “Subscribe to email to follow us”. Enter your email address and click FOLLOW. You will then get an email from us in your inbox. You need to confirm your subscription (the link will be in the email) and as easy as that you’re done! We promise not to bombard you and take your privacy seriously!

Kidding Around at … Le Noir – The Dark Side of Cirque

| Kidding Around Australia

We were given tickets to Le Noir – The Dark Side of Cirque for Sunday night’s performance at the State Theatre, The Arts Centre in Melbourne.

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I have been a huge fan of Cirque du Soleil for years, and was really looking forward to seeing Le Noir as many of the performers are from Cirque du Soleil. Tim, on the other hand, has never been to a show like this before. I knew, if Le Noir was anything like Cirque du Soleil then, his mind was about to be blown.

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Photo Credit: Supplied
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Photo Credit: Supplied

There is no doubt about it … these performers are athletes. Most of the acts in Le Noir are outstanding – all included an element of balance and some made us gasp with fear as the performers defied gravity and physics. Not only were acts impressive, we were also entertained by the audience participation sections. The clown emcee Salvador Salangsang did a great job.

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Photo Credit: Supplied
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Photo Credit: Supplied

Even though there were kids in attendance, it is not a show I would take mine too. Every act involved some level of undressing, erotic dancing and an intimate embrace at the end. Between acts you could be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled upon a risqué lingerie show, complete with burley body guards. The act’s themselves may be appropriate, but the costumes were, in reality, saucy and there is a fine line between where it would go over their heads and when you would be answering a LOT of questions as to what the performers are (or more to the point, are not) wearing and some of the dance “moves”.

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Photo Credit: Supplied

So, if you leave the kids at home, know you are going to see performers in next to nothing, and want to be amazed at what the human body can do then you should enjoy Le Noir. We did. To compare it to Cirque du Soleil is not easy, nor fair. Le Noir is dark. It’s sexy. It doesn’t take much to imagine you are in an underground club in Paris, but first I need to go to the gym!

– Georgina

Le Noir is touring Australia – details can be found at http://www.cirquelenoir.com/

MORE INFORMATION

Venue:  State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne

Dates:  Thursday 9 April, 8pm; Friday 10 April, 6pm & 9:30pm; Saturday 11 April, 6pm & 9:30pm; Sunday 12 April, 6pm; Tuesday 14 April, 7pm; Wednesday 15 April,  1 pm and 8pm; Thursday 16 April, 8pm; Friday 17 April, 8pm; Saturday 18 April, 2 pm and 8pm.

Prices: Tickets from $59** (additional fees and charges may apply) Bookings:   http://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

AND THE WINNER IS …

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LE NOIR WINNER

Congratulations to Nancy who has won two tickets to Le Noir – The Dark Side of Cirque. You and a friend are going to have a wonderful night! Enjoy!

We have sent you an email, please reply so that we can get your tickets to you for tomorrow night!

Thank you to everyone who entered – it’s not too late to get tickets for this fantastic show (we saw it last night and the performers are fantastic! You will be laughing one minute and gasping with fear the next!).

TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION – http://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au