The Garden of Unearthly Delights is almost here. For its 21st anniversary it’s bringing an extra special program gleaming in unique immersive experiences and magical entertainment.

This year’s theme is “Come Together”, and there truly is something for everyone, according to co-producer Michelle Buxton.

“The Garden prides itself as a place where people from all ages and walks of life can join in celebration,” Michelle says.

“Over recent years we have all learned of the deep importance of human connection, and we welcome you to join us in The Garden to reconnect with each other and our awe-inspiring arts community.”

“Leave your worries and fears at The Garden gate and step into our magical world filled with wonder and joy at every turn.”

The Garden of Unearthly Delights first set up home in the East End in 2002 as a way to lure Fringe goers across town, at a time when the festival’s entertainment was mainly focused in Adelaide’s West End. It featured 15 performances across two small tents and drew in a few thousand attendees that first year.

In 2023, The Garden is home to over 100 shows spanning across comedy, circus, cabaret and much more with over 750,000 attendees expected to burst through its iconic front gates as they do each and every year.

After a record-breaking 2022 season, The Garden of Unearthly Delights will reignite Adelaide from February 16 to March 19.

Here’s some of the most unique shows and experiences you’ll get to see this season.

Keith Courtney’s Kaleidoscope. Photo: Sam Slicer.

The Party

The Garden’s headliner for this year is the world premiere of The Party, where you can expect a wild evening like no other where there are absolutely no rules.

Produced by Strut and Fret who are the creatives behind Blanc de Blanc and LIMBO, expect an evening of unbelievably talented international circus artists, a thumping music soundtrack and escalating energy within a theatre set unlike anything you’ve ever seen before at Fringe!

Kaleidoscope

A maze of mirrors amongst shifting light and sound, Kaleidoscope is a dreamlike experience.

It’s the new solo project by Keith Courtney, who is the mastermind behind House of Mirrors and 1000 Doors. Kaleidoscope welcomes you to immerse in an artistic illusion, and challenge your perception of space and time.

Roberta’s Italian Disco Diner

What was once found in RCC, Roberta’s Italian Disco Diner has relocated to The Garden to welcome back all pasta lovers.

Experience an Italian piazza dinner within a Tuscan style dining space amongst the excitement of The Garden. Envision spaghetti and a spritz on a warm Fringe night.

Hard Quiz Live  – Hosted by Tom Gleeson

Tom Gleeson, is swapping the studio for a theatre and adding a third dimension to Australia’s hardest quiz. This will be Hard Quiz like you have never seen it, audience members live on stage for a roasting from the most brutal quizmaster since the Inquisition.

Be a part of Hard Quiz Live, an experience like no other.

Abandoman – Discography

If you haven’t experienced Abandoman (aka Rob Broderick) in action before, trust us when we say this is like nothing else you’ll see at the Fringe.

Using his innate ability to craft songs on the spot, Rob creates a full discography for a fictional artist created by you, the audience.

With his trademark razor-sharp improvisation, Abandoman will take you on a magical journey, transforming the audience’s likes, loathes and daydreams into a full discography for an imagined pop star.

Maho Magic Bar

Described as “Part show. Part bar. All magic”, the Maho Magic Bar is a staple at The Garden, returning for another year of splendour.

With a cocktail in hand, be amazing by master Japanese magicians who will perform mesmerising tricks putting a wild contemporary spin on Japan’s magic traditions.

Head through for a pre or post dinner show and a glittery Tokyo night experience.

A loaded comedy line-up

With a line-up of world-class comedians, The Garden is a destination for guaranteed giggles and some guaranteed audience participation (if you dare to try and heckle them).

Check out Best of the Edinburgh Fest, Judith Lucy, The Umbilical Brothers, Arj Barker, Tommy Little, and the incomparable Reuben Kaye, just to name a few.

Smashed – The Brunch Party

Start your day off with a nourishing brunch with a side of drag. Or maybe kick off your weekend with a bit of Smashed Arvo on a Friday afternoon!

Experience the award-winning cabaret and circus variety show hosted by dazzling new host Jazida, all while sipping on mimosas and indulging in a buffet including wattle seed waffles, tomato bruschetta more delicious surprises.

Smashed Arvo is part of The Garden’s first-ever Friday afternoon program along with Best of the Edinburgh Fest and Kaleidoscope, with sessions kicking off at midday each week.

Dulcie’s

Yearly resident at The Garden returning for its 11th season, Dulcie’s supplies Fringe goers with quality vintage threads.

The Dulcie’s Bus is parked within the Found Market joining a collection of other local vintage sellers. Shoppers can find unique pieces, where Dulcie’s raises funds for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

On March 18, Dulcie’s will hold an all-ages Dress-Up Daytime Disco, with prizes for the best dressed.

Found Market

Browse through an array of local businesses in The Garden’s Found Market.

From vintage clothes to stunning jewellery, lose yourself amongst glorious the pieces on offer, and find special gems to add to your collection.

Sideshows

If you’re not one to plan ahead and book a show, there’s plenty of entertainment to see as you wander through The Garden.

Sideshows dot paths and encourage a spontaneous sit in, where visitors can find quirky shows hidden amongst The Garden’s delight.

The Garden Sessions

Musicians will be taking the stage at The Garden Wine Bar at 2:30pm every Saturday.

The curated music program features the best emerging Indigenous SA female musicianswith breathtaking talent you won’t want to miss – Katie Aspel, Vonda Last, Tilly Tjala Thomas, Bec Gollan and Hannah Yates.

Each weekend of the Fringe season, The Garden will also bring a free night-time party with DJs until 3am.  Have an outdoor dance at The Garden to end a glorious night out!

Visit The Garden of Unearthly Delights to find out more and purchase tickets here.

Photo: Andre Castellucci.