Exhibition Sky Aquarium

Jay Sullivan is the Drunk Monk:

WHO: Local comedian Jay Sullivan
WHEN: Tues-Weds May 1-2
WHERE: Upstairs at Civic Pub

Jay Sullivan is a bald semi-Buddhist and, by his own admission, “has no sex or possessions”. Sounds like a monk to us. Not for the faint hearted but with wisdom to impart, Jay’s new show I Am the Drunk Monk proves why he is not only Canberra’s favourite son, but also one of the most unique comic voices in Australia today. Two kinds of people are willing to try and answer life’s big questions: drunks and monks. Green Faces Winner and RAW National Finalist Jay Sullivan knows lots about both. It’s spiritual, but with a full shelf of spirits, and charts his journey from fundamentalist Christianity to pseudo monk with plenty of laughs along the way. The drunk monk will be performing over two nights and will feature supporting sets from local comedians. Tickets $10 from www.comedyact.com.au .

Les Ballets Eloelle:

WHAT: Men in Pink Tights
WHEN: May 4-5
WHERE: Canberra Theatre Centre

From the thrilling pirouettes of the male dancers (in male and female costumes) with brilliant choreography to the side splitting humour, Les Ballets Eloelle’s new show Men In Pink Tights is designed for young and old. The greatest troupe of its kind around the globe; Les Ballets Elolle features over 50 ballets in its repertoire and an array of the best international professional male ballet dancers from 13 nations.

Combining magnificent dance proficiency, bantering and clamorous wittiness with affected mannerisms, dance misadventures and naturally outrageous hissy fits, Men in Pink Tights produces bang-up amusement and laugh out loud family entertainment for all. Tickets through the venue.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying:

WHO: Phoenix Players
WHEN: May 11-26, Mad Men themed dress up night May 12
WHERE: ANU Arts Centre 

First-time Director Richard Block brings one of the funniest and most-loved musicals of all time to the Canberra stage. New York window washer J. Pierpont Finch believes he can be a business success with just his wits and his trusty self help book How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Pierpont enjoys a quick and riotous climb up the corporate ladder as his chief rival, Bud Frump, plots his downfall. Phoenix achieve a Canberra theatre first – an app complete with backstage scenes and competitions – to give you a theatrical experience like none you’ve ever had before. Come dressed in your 1960s Mad Men best on Saturday May 12 to win great prizes. Tickets available from www.canberrarep.org.au .

Exhibition animal:

WHO: Spiro Miralis
WHEN: Sat May 5 – Sun June 3
WHERE: The Photography Room 

“I felt disgusted with myself and what I was doing. I felt disgusted with photography”. Spiro Miralis shies away from calling himself a photographer. If any definition of him (as an artist) is required, he will give in to that of being an auteur. “The photography just happens. I have no control over that. It’s a time and a place and an experience. Where photography really starts for me, is in the process of editing; that is where the work really comes together.” animal, a series of 24 large format colour photographs, was made mostly in the artist’s apartment. Showing his friends and lovers, soiled sheets and that canary-yellow shower curtain, Miralis’ photographs transcend their subjects and reveal themselves as serious studies of colour, shape and form. www.thephotographyroom.com.au

Sidekicks:

WHAT: Independent comic’s first issue launch
WHEN: Thurs May 3
WHERE: Knightsbridge Penthouse

Sidekicks is an independently published, zine style comic book written by Christian White and drawn by Alice Carroll. After being rejected by several major comic book publishers, Christian penned the first issue of Sidekicks, wherein the central character, Jeff, struggles with the rejection of his own comic book idea, a Punisher/Sopranos crossover. This black comedy follows the lives of three people who frequent a comic book store. Along with Jeff there’s Maggie, who is stuck in a bad relationship with a hipster, and Patrick, a high-functioning autistic man who seems to alienate everyone he meets. After a successful launch in Melbourne, Sidekicks #1 is currently selling in several stores across the city. But now it’s Canberra’s turn. The Sidekicks first issue launch is on at Knightsbridge Penthouse, Braddon on Thurs May 3 from 8pm. Also for sale will be prints of panels from the comic and other artwork by both Christian and Alice.