Out of the Ashes- a new Steampunk Circus Spectacular fires up in Brunswick

Rising from the ashes of lockdown, the home of Brunswick’s famous creative subculture, Rubix Warehouse has been reborn. Just like the famed bird with which it shares a street name, it’s dusting off its feathers to deliver an all-new spectacular dinner show experience. 
 

A pandemic-forced hiatus afforded founder and owner Tanya El Gamal a chance to recalibrate, and the time to curate and collaborate with a number of artists. El Gamal wanted to allow the avant-garde club to mature as she had, finding a solution for supporting artists and a new way to continue to keep this creative venue evolving. 
 

The result is a theatrical Steampunk Circus experience encompassing an award-winning cast who will take up a performance residency at Rubix, backed by live house band The Ruffled Feathers. The inclusive dinner and show experience will deliver some of the country’s best in circus and cabaret performance; a structured arts experience that will surprise, tantalise and tease. 
 

Steampunk encompasses a 19th-century Victorian-inspired industrial fusion of sci-fi and technology; amalgamating fashion, make up, accessories and jewellery. The subculture evolving from the notion that the world would look a little different if the era’s inhabitants had prevailed over technological innovation and escaping to the safe space from the crumbling outside world.

Airmistress Octavia will take you to new heights, while Vera Von Vixen simultaneously plunges you into sexual desire. Be mystified and amazed with the juggling skills of NICA superstar Mistatrix and set your world on fire with brazen burlesque beauty Luna Rouge. All the while be lulled into an alternate world with the chords of singer Madam Phoenix.

Tickets include two-course dinner from the all-new Rubix pizza bar, a complimentary drink on arrival and 1.5 hour Smokin' Phoenix Steampunk Circus show. Up to two shows per evening will run from Thursdays to Saturdays at 6.30pm and 8.30pm until February, see ticket link for shows. 

“Rubix has always supported the fringes of music-loving individuals in a fluidity that transcends all genres. We are so excited to innovate once again with a unique offering that fuses art, live music, theatre and performing arts,” said El Gamal. 

A renowned Melbourne music, arts and community contributor, El-Gamal has two decades of experience in venue operations, event management and community program development as well as being a passionate artist herself.

El Gamal, repurposed materials from her second venture - Our Friends Farm - Victoria’s largest licenced music venue located in Tallarook Victoria. First established by legendary venue operator ‘Bruzzy’ who owned the Provincial Hotel in Fitzroy, Tallarook Hotel and the Royal Hotel in Seymour before setting up this beautiful 221 acre property as a one of a kind entertainment and accommodation park in 1999.

Rubix is now offering seated dining options with the show, or casual dining in the newly renovated front pizza bar- reimagined with beautiful timber bench seating and long timber slab tables, with the antique metal harrows inherited from the farm claiming the centrepiece above the bar. It has been a labour of love with El Gamal and her partner Jay Tiilikka on the tools, spending weekends renovating Rubix, and weekdays working on the farm. 

“I was given a commercial pizza oven, and that was the catalyst – from there we built the pizza bar, using materials from the farm to tie in both of my favourite places, giving Rubix a facelift with a rustic and cosy feel. We have designed a yummy pizza and snack menu to cater for all tastes which will also be available for delivery from Mr Yum soon,” she said.

The show is an ideal outing for lovers of quirky performance, circus theatre, the eccentric at heart, those who love the unexpected. Guest will enjoy the unique and interactive performance, which is ideal for singles, couples group bookings, hens and bucks nights, corporate and group bookings and anyone after a unique post-covid arts extravaganza. 

Additional Info and tickets for Smokin’ Phoenix Steampunk Circus at smokinphoenix.eventbrite.com.au 

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