Saucy and sophisticated, the Seymour Center's new partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras presents a smoldering line-up of music, theatre and conversation across February and March 2010.

Direct from the USA the Kinsey Sicks brings Sydney their cracker show Each Hit and I (2-6 Mar); the fabulous Margaritas star in On the Rocks (25 Feb-6 Mar), and a chilling tale of a perfect crime unfolds in Thrill Me (24 Feb-6 March).


Queer Thinking on 26 February brings Sydney the most influential local and international queer thinkers and literary talent, with a range of fascinating events, at the Seymour including an in-conversation with Sarah Waters.

Cheaper than a drag diva's diamantes dare we say, Seymour is Mardi Gras' best valued fun; with a special double bill package to see Thrill Me and On the Rocks for nearly half price, as well as multi-tix discounts for three or more shows booked.

HATS OFF! 2010 THE HISTORY OF SHOWSTOPPERS
(Tue 22 Feb, 7:30pm, $70-90, all proceeds to charity Everest Theatre)

Hat's Off! returns for an amazing 12th year with a retrospective concert featuring a star studded line-up of Australian musical theatre, comedy, dance and cabaret performers all donating their time and talent to help raise much-needed funds for ACON and BGF. Hats Off! is a Mardi Gras Festival highlight featuring classic showstoppers from West End and Broadway musicals over the last century. Hosted by the hysterical Jan Van de Stool with Garry Scale attempting to lend some sanity to the proceedings, book early as this event will sell out! NB: Directed by Margi de Ferranti, produced by Jonathan Mill and Laurence Stark. Presented by New Mardi Gras and Oz ShowbizCares / Equity Fights AIDS Inc.

Relationships can be murder. Thrill Me is the award-winning Off-Broadway musical that recounts the chilling true story of the legendary duo Leopold and Loeb, who committed one of the most infamous crimes of the 20th century. It's1924, and two wealthy University of Chicago students believe themselves to be Nietzschean supermen, superior to the rest of society. But when they forge their dark plans to commit the perfect crime, things don't unfold exactly as they'd planned. NB: Book, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Dolginoff, a Squabbalogic production directed by Jay James-Moody, produced by Jessica Burns and musical direction by Mark Chamberlain

THE MARGARITAS IN ON THE ROCKS (25 Feb 6 Mar Thu-Sat 9.30pm, $18\25, Downstairs Theatre)
Fast becoming notorious for reworking vintage gems from the 60s, 70s and 80s, Sydney's hilarious female trio, The Margaritas, serve up a delicious mix of cabaret and burlesque with a deliciously wicked sense of humour. Tart and complex with a hint of bitterness, these sophisticated temptresses will add some of your old favourites into the blender and serve them up with a twist for Mardi Gras 2010. NB: Creators Jackeline Laso, Nathalie Cotte, Natalie McCormack

QUEER THINKING (Fri 26 Feb, 12.30-10.30pm, $12-15, (for day pass to any event) Seymour Centre)
A fusion of academia, literature and ideas, Queer Thinking brings together the queer community's best creative and academic talent to discuss their work, explore ideas and reflect upon the 2010 Festival theme, Mardi Gras History of the World including Erwin Olaf, Pedro Virgil, Paul Burston and so many more. This full day of talks, panel discussions, book launches and lively debates features sessions programmed throughout the Seymour, with one ticket providing access to the whole day. See below for more details on the individual events