Altimate Showdown - Heat 5 | Alt Entertainment

All images: Chad St James

All images: Chad St James

What do Jessica Rabbit, a praying mantis with udders, and a lap dancing Gandalf the Grey have in common? All three were featured in heat 5 of Altimate Showdown at The Brightside, and after attending this show, it’s easy to see why this yearly competition is becoming one of the most anticipated alternative events in the Brisbane arts scene.

Altimate Showdown is produced by Alt Entertainment and showcases alternative artforms and performers, running over 6 weeks of heats leading up to the grand-final crowning of the Altimate Showdown Champion. I attended heat 5, which featured cabaret, clowning, burlesque, drag, and spoken word—all from a group of entertainers ranging from newbies on their first stage outing to professional local legends. All of this combined with excellent sound and lighting (Dave Saff) and a true sense of community.

The show was run with military precision, with a fast-paced MC and feedback given by a panel of judges between sets and in the interval. Highlights included the aforementioned lap dancing Gandalf the Grey, brought to life by Lucie mangoes; burlesque duo Roxtara wrecking the room to Miley’s wrecking ball, complete with sapphic tongue licking hammers; and as the finale, drag artist Magenta emerged as a hooved satyr, twirling in a white gown with udders to “Hopelessly Devoted to You”. Many of these acts had to be seen in person to be believed, which is half of the charm of this underground-style show.

The sense of community I experienced, of being a part of something even as an audience member, and watching the judges give kind and constructive feedback, was a highlight of a different kind. The open pride and celebration of the people in these art forms was beautiful to witness, alongside the immense creativity of the acts. Having attended this event before, I knew the heat shows were long and a large investment of time midweek—but after smiling delightedly the whole way home, I’d say it was definitely worth it.

The finale of this annual competition series is coming up on September 18th at The Brightside. With the level of polish, talent and unhinged artistic joy I saw at this heat, I’d recommend checking it out to see a huge cross section of Brisbane’s entire arts community at play, and to be reminded that Brisbane really is a great arts hub to be enjoyed by all.

All images: Chad St James