New look at Agnes

Front Row Theatre at Hamilton is to stage John Pielmeier's famous play Agnes of God. The somewhat controversial three-character play had a successful run on Broadway, and was later made into a movie in 1985, staring Jane Fonda as the court-appointed psychiatrist.
The story revolves around a dead baby being found in a lonely convent inhabited by nuns leading a sequestered life making it virtually impossible for a man to be named as the father.
Sister Agnes is a young simple-minded girl of total naivety and it is very unclear what specific problem she suffers from.
The court-appointed psychiatrist Dr Martha Livingstone finds out quickly that she will learn little from delving into the mind of this deeply troubled and somewhat deranged young nun.
Meeting the Mother Superior for the first time brings back her deep-rooted agnostic feelings towards Catholicism and makes the dialogue between these two characters interesting to say the least.
A chain smoker, Martha is distracted when she is discouraged by the Mother Superior from lighting up, and as such, spars ineffectively on theology and miracles, almost to the point that they seem more interested in justifying their own vocations and points of view as they are about getting to the truth.
This play stars actors well known to Front Row audiences, with Julie Bray as Dr Livingstone and Bernadette Smith as Mother Superior and introducing Nicole Glover as Agnes.
Directed by Christopher Sargent, Agnes of God will open at Hamilton Town Hall on Saturday July 1 and will include after-show drinks and supper.
Bookings: 3861 0455.

Brisbane Festival Theatre Fringe
Metro Arts
Edward Street CBD
July 15-29
Like it offbeat? Off the cuff? Alternative? Funky, fast and flippant? Then head to Metro Arts for a dose of arts without snobbery, hype or hyperbole. Decide on the night to catch an hour or two or three of fresh theatre and performance. Choose from a wide range of performances, 14 in all. All tickets per person per show. Door sales only.

The Courier-Mail Spiegeltent
King George Square
July 14-30
Enter the seductively elegant Speigeltent with thousands of glittering mirrors, velvet and leadlights, private booths and a great dance floor. The line-up of artists, performers and musicians will ensure the Speigeltent is the ever-changing hub for Brisbane Festival entertainment. The Speigeltent transforms King George Square from a dry fountain into an overflowing entertainment venue. Drink up what's on offer with eight events in all.

Powerkidz
Until Sun July 9
Brisbane Powerhouse
These school holidays, pack up the kids and go to the Brisbane Powerhouse. The kids can pack their creativity, unlimited imagination, clever hands and laughing gear.
At Powerkidz catch fantastic children's theatre performances or learn about all types of music making and do workshops on creating everything from kites to puppets to movies.
There will be stacks of free stuff for the kids to do too, including playing dress-ups, drawing, playing music and listening to stories. With 21 events on offer, plan to spend at least part of the holidays getting the most out of this incredibly crafty, creative and cool kids' event.

Constance Drinkwater
Bille Brown Studio
July 5 - August 10
Come and explore north Queensland at the turn of the 20th century, through the eyes of Constance Drinkwater. It's the world premiere, of the Patrick White award-winning production of Constance Drinkwater and the Final Days of Somerset, by Brisbane playwright Stephen Carleton performed by the Queensland Theatre Company. In 1899, Australia is about to become a nation, and the town of Somerset the centre … or so it would be according to Lady Constance Drinkwater.

Agnes of God
Front Row Theatre Company
Hamilton Town Hall, Racecourse Road. Hamilton
July 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 at 7.30pm July 8 at 2pm & July 23 at 5pm
Tickets: $15/$12 (concession)
Bookings: Phone 3861 0455
Web: www.frontrow.org.au

Alice in Wonderland
Fame Theatre Company
1 Hurworth St Bowen Hills
Until Sat July 8
This popular company takes a look at Lewis Carroll's famous children's tale. The Indie has taken in this children's theatre group's efforts in the past and they come highly recommended. Kids love to watch other kids doing their stuff.
All tickets are $13 and bookings are essential to 3252 4806.