THE GRAND ELECTRIC: Another Eclectic Season of Spectacle

From viral mentalism to drag royalty, the Surry Hills venue continues its reputation for bold programming.

The Grand Electric is cemented as one of Sydney's premier intimate entertainment destinations with a diverse new line-up that spans mind-reading, musical comedy, and everything in between. Following the success of Titanique and Blanc de Blanc Encore, the Surry Hills venue's latest offerings demonstrate an appetite for the unexpected that has quickly made it a must-visit destination for adventurous theatregoers.

An upcoming headline act is the undoubtable Suhani Shah, India's most celebrated mentalist, making her Sydney debut with four performances in August. With over 6 million social media followers and recent viral appearances on The Project, where she astounded hosts by revealing Georgie Tunny's secret crush and Waleed Aly's phone passcode, Shah represents the kind of contemporary entertainment that bridges traditional performance and digital-age celebrity.

Her show Spellbound promises the kind of mind-bending experience that has made her a sensation across social platforms, though it will be interesting to see how her digital-native appeal translates to the intimate, analog environment of The Grand Electric. The venue's up-close setting will prove ideal for the kind of psychological manipulation that defines great mentalism, where every subtle reaction and micro-expression becomes part of the performance.

Returning to familiar territory is Marney McQueen, whose show-stealing turn as Céline Dion in Titanique clearly left audiences wanting more. Her new solo cabaret promises a more personal showcase, combining showbiz anecdotes with stories from her pub in Wyong, a combination that suggests the kind of authentic Australian storytelling that cabaret does best. McQueen's ability to balance genuine emotion with theatrical flair should serve her well in this more intimate format.

The programming demonstrates The Grand Electric's commitment to supporting local talent while embracing international acts. UK comedian Lloyd Langford brings his acclaimed stand-up to the venue, while rising Australian comic Noah Szto presents his hit show Med School. The inclusion of The Kransky Sisters with Assorted Nuts shows the venue's willingness to embrace cult favourites alongside mainstream acts.

Perhaps most intriguingly, The (Un)Real Housewives of the Gold Coast – The Musical promises to transform reality television into theatrical gold. Creator Trent Owers' decision to celebrate rather than simply parody the Housewives phenomenon suggests a production that understands the genuine entertainment value of the source material. In an era where the line between reality and performance has never been more blurred, this kind of meta-theatrical approach feels particularly timely.

The season's variety extends beyond comedy and cabaret with Trevor Jones' piano bar nights offering a more participatory experience. These sing-along evenings represent a different kind of intimacy, one where the audience becomes part of the performance rather than simply observing it. Such programming speaks to The Grand Electric's understanding that modern audiences often crave interaction alongside entertainment.

The inclusion of Queerstories' 10th birthday celebration, hosted by Maeve Marsden, demonstrates the venue's commitment to diverse voices and community storytelling. As one of Australia's most successful LGBTQI+ storytelling formats, Queerstories has proven that authentic personal narrative can be just as compelling as traditional theatrical performance.

Looking ahead, the announcement of La Ronde opening in October suggests The Grand Electric isn't shying away from more challenging material. Arthur Schnitzler's controversial cycle of sexual encounters has been adapted numerous times, and its inclusion in the season indicates confidence in the venue's ability to handle provocative work.

Since opening in 2023, The Grand Electric has distinguished itself through bold programming choices. This latest season continues that tradition.

The venue's success lies in its understanding that contemporary audiences are hungry for authentic, immediate experiences in an increasingly digital world. By combining viral sensations with established favourites, international acts with local talent, and traditional cabaret with experimental work, The Grand Electric has created a programming model that feels both eclectic and coherent.

More details, show times and tickets: thegrandelectricsydney.com