Hijinks is taking over Madame Tussauds Sydney after a series of Sydney Aquarium parties – what inspired the move?
We take over museums and attractions and reimagine them as after-hours playgrounds and pop-up bars for grown-ups. Moving to Tussauds was always the plan; they’re owned by the same group as the Aquarium. Who can turn down the chance to knock one back with Audrey Hepburn, Barack Obama and Mad Max?
The Festivalists have been responsible for some great Sydney events (before Hijinks it was Jurassic Lounge). What’s the ethos behind the programming?
Many of the spaces we work in, from the Australian Museum to the Aquarium, from Elizabeth Bay House to Goat Island, are fascinating treasure troves. They’re popular with some, yet for a lot of us, they hide in plain sight, taken for granted. Our mission is to throw parties that allow locals to rediscover their own city in a new light, while showcasing some of Sydney’s best emerging artists.
Who are some of the artists and entertainers appearing at the 15 Minutes Of Fame event?
We’re going all out and shamelessly embracing the artifice, the excess and the fun of celebrity culture. Audience members (many in costume) will mingle with C-listers, wax figures, lookalikes and impersonators. Expect a Katy Perry tribute showfrom Pickled Tink,an Elvis performanceby Nick ‘The King’ Nicolas, aMarilyn drag showby Decoda Secret,stand-up by Sam Kissajukian, a BeyoncО dance lesson by Diesel Darling anda chorus girl performanceby the Big Spenders.
There’s also a BeyoncО vs. Madonna sing-along marathon – whose side are you on?
Madonna’s. Wait. 1980s Madonna. She knew how to strike a pose.
Will you be having some fun with any of the wax figures on the night?
That’s a surprise. You’ll have to see for yourself. The wax figures are amazing, by the way. They’re meticulously crafted by master craftsmen, requiring over 800 hours of work each (six weeks just to insert each human hair!). And yet you can touch, kiss and hug them. They won’t bore you with their life story or steal your drink, plus they look hot in pictures.
Hijinks’ 15 Minutes Of Fame party atMadame Tussauds Sydney is onFriday May 29.
