Fever Pitch Entertainment

Coral Drouyn looks at the worldwide phenomenon now targeting regional areas.

If you live in one of the capital cities in Australia you have a world of entertainment at your fingertips…everything from live theatre to rock concerts, symphony orchestras and interactive event experiences. We are spoilt for choice.

It’s a different story if you live in a medium sized regional city. There may be a fine local community theatre group producing two or three shows a year, and various artists might include your local arts centre or theatre for a one-off concert, but the pickings are somewhat lean. If you live in a regional town or city, you may not be starved of entertainment, but you are certainly on a strict diet - though that  may be a thing of the past.

Fever started in Spain in 2011, the brainchild of 18-year-old Pep Gomez. Initially it was a way of consolidating various events through one internet platform that promoted and ticketed events in major Spanish cities. The idea quickly exploded to include most of Europe, then the USA and Australia. Fever covers everything from extreme sports, Ballet, Music Festivals and even interactive family experiences (if you haven’t experienced Bubble Planet, you really must).

But by far the most innovative and successful format has been Candlelight Concerts, conceived by Fever back in 2019. The idea was simple and involved little in production outlay - no expensive rehearsals or set designs. No hiring of expensive theatres or individual publicity. Simply choose a theme, select an interesting but non-traditional venue, preferably a little offbeat (an old church or monument is perfect); dress it with thousands of  LED candles to create a once in a lifetime atmospheric experience, and use top-rate local musicians to make it happen. It was an instant success and now plays in over 200 cities around the world on a semi regular basis.

Initially confined to new arrangements of classical favourites - the producers soon realized they could tap a wider audience by including “classic” pop music and even movie soundtracks. Younger people who had never experienced anything other than rock concerts suddenly started discovering the magic and joy of music they recognized played in a way they never imagined in an intimate setting. It really is unique concept that has now been seen in 200 cities around the world by upwards of 3 million people. That’s a success in any entertainment language

Which brings me to the regional aspect. Candlelight concerts are now a fixture in Bendigo, Ballarat (now my home town) and Geelong in Victoria, with more towns to follow. As far away as Toowoomba or Townsville or Cairns, as well as all the major cities you can still access a season of Candlelight Concerts. Whether it’s Vivaldi, or ballet selections, or Coldplay, Hans Zimmer or Queen, there is magic for everyone.

Having experienced Vivaldi on the Gold Coast, this Friday I am seeing a Candlelight Concert tribute to Queen at the Terminus Theatre in the old Goods Shed in Ballarat. I’m looking forward to the magic. Better still, it’s great to know that even if you live outside of the capital cities, in 2025 there is still entertainment magic to be had.