ZENOBIA FROST chats with Gangsters’ Ball coordinator and musician GRAHAM COUPLAND and cabaret doyenne LENA MARLENE about the view from the stage overlooking a thousand-strong mob of gangsters and flappers.

ZENOBIA FROST: The Gangsters’ Ball attracted big crowds last year. What’s its origin story?

GRAHAM COUPLAND: The idea was born three years ago. I'd attended several burlesque and cabaret events in Sydney that never really reached dizzying heights, and I felt there was a great opportunity to combine the elements of burlesque, cabaret and vaudeville with a swing sound track to create a fully-themed, authentic 1920s-style event. It's the best value ticket in town! Four hours of non-stop fun, dancing, music and laughter, all set in the class of a bygone era.

ZF: Brisbane’s buzzing with cabaret and burlesque events at the moment. What makes this one different?

LENA MARLENE: The completeness of the theme! From the moment you step in, you’re immersed in the 1920s. The Tivoli is a great venue for that, of course; even the toilets are photographable.

GC: This year's event is burlesque-free, actually. I feel there is already an oversupply of burlesque events in our capital cities at the moment, and my audiences deserve something more exclusive. So this year the Gangsters’ Ball will feature Australia's best cabaret, vaudeville and magicians, doing everything from strong-man routines to aerial trios.

ZF: This is a rare chance to see artists from all over Australia. Who are your picks for the night?

GC: I chose the best performers in each genre for their talent and humour. They are all standout artists in their own right, but who together will create an amazing event. Watch out for The Birdmann (Melbourne), Australia's leading vaudevillian and comedic madman; Circus Trick Tease (Melbourne/Sydney), an amazing circus and comedic trio; Mada Vs Vegas (Melbourne/Sydney), duelling magicians who will wow the audience; Lou Harwood and the Lucky Charms (Byron Bay), three gorgeous aerial performers; and Brisbane’s own Lena Marlene, one of the country’s best avant garde performers, backed by the gorgeous girls from Scoundrelles.

ZF: Lena, what have you and the girls from Scoundrelles Burlesque School got in store for us?

LM: Audiences familiar with our work at the Velvet Follies earlier in the year might be expecting something similar – but we’re putting burlesque aside this time to focus on a more vaudeville routine. It’ll still be cheeky, and it’ll still be cheesy – but it’s definitely different. Only the faces will be familiar!

ZF: The dress code is fairly wide-reaching – 1920s to ‘50s fashions, along with “gangster and flapper fantasies” – but how strictly is it enforced?

GC: The dress code is strict as we want every attendee to help recreate the style of the bygone era. Those who turn up in jeans and sneakers will feel very, very out of place! We don't get the opportunity to dress up very much these days, so the Gangsters’ Ball gives everyone the perfect excuse to go crazy with their outfits! It's an amazing scene, looking out from the stage to see 1000 gangsters, molls and flappers. Every aspect of hair, makeup, clothing and accessories is crucial to get the maximum Gangsters’ Ball experience.

ZF: Describe the sound of live music groovers, The Velvet Set.

GC: The Velvet Set is Sydney's leading swing band and has been filling dance floors for a little over three years. They have a huge, dynamic sound and mix it up with dance hall favourites, crooner classics and the best neo-swing.

ZF: Dancing is one of the focuses of the night. Do you need to be a pro to come?

GC: The dancing contests are very much a show in themselves and showcase the incredible talent of Brisbane’s best swing and rock & roll dancers. But there’s also the Gamblin’ Den, which gives the non-dancers and gamblers alike another place to go, and provides a break from the main show. There’s even a photo booth with multiple backdrops and props to play with.

LM: Many of Brisbane’s swing schools are invited along, so there are definitely dancers who know what they’re doing, but that doesn’t mean beginners are excluded. I was on my feet all night last year; lots of us were thinking, ‘I have no idea how I’m dancing, but boy am I dancing.’ I had the time of my life that evening.

THE GANGSTERS’ BALL whirls through Brisbane’s Tivoli theatre on September 11 before heading to Melbourne. Tickets are $77.20 through Ticketek. www.gangstersball.com.au

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