The evening is dark and mysterious, through dangers untold you have made your way to The Goblin Ball. You push your way into the Grand Ballroom, the energy is hectic and the New Orleans Jazz is flowing like sweet bourbon. Once by your side, you turn around to find your love has vanished. Where could they be? Male or female the song spell is strong and hard to resist.

Seriphone the siren has called from the swamplands to draw your one true love to their fate. Do you dare follow and risk being lost in the sirens spell or do you count your losses and find another?

Jas Tavares journeys from Dallas, Texas to bring the bewitching voice of Seriphone the Swamp Siren to life. Oozing a bluesy acapella to entice strangers to the lair of the underworld, Seriphone wanders the world of The Goblin Ball performing for those who dare risk their life. Darko The Ringmaster asks this wandering songstress what guests can expect from this talented creature.

Jas, you are not a stranger to performing and also have had your regular brushes with fame. Share with us some of the most notable moments of your singing career.
Oh I have so many it's hard to chose one, but I do have to say my first real performance is my most memorable. I was still in high school and I had been given a solo performance and hadn't even auditioned. The whole school was there. The moment I walked out and onto that stage, an eruption of cheers rang through the entire performance hall, I had to wait a few minutes to actually begin. I sang at last and, it was dead silent. The moment the song was over, I had my first standing ovation. I was elated. And from then on, I sang at every single event; from foot ball games, baseball games, I played rolls in musicals I hadn't even auditioned for and at the end of the year I was awarded the golden voice award at our prom and it was the most amazing feeling.

I've auditioned for American idol which was the 2nd season, I was given an amazing opportunity to audition for the glee project and sing for some of our radio stations out door concerts, I've even been in documentaries. It's truly been a wonder experience for me. I'm very lucky

As a Ringmaster wandering the worlds of The Goblin Ball, I’m not completely familiar with Swamp Sirens. Tell me about what Seriphone plans on doing for the evening of The Goblin Ball?
Seriphone is after one this and one thing only, the beating heart of love, she needs it to live and to make her grotto the way it truly is. She will do anything to get a heart beating passion. Anything. I will sing to those who seek true love, only to snatch the life force when they are most vulnerable. I will swap a song for a trinket or two, however those without an acceptable offering should beware, a beating heart is the best price. Those without an offering better block their ears.

So Seriphone is not all that friendly?
Seriphone isn't so much evil. her intentions are good, BUT she is tainted, she gets what she wants by ANY means, so yes with that lust for a heart is manipulative and conniving. She's luring people and convincing them she is just wanting what is best, in reality, she has a few tricks up her sleeve and maybe has ulterior motives, but I don't want to give too much away.

Do you have any advice for strangers who seek to explore your territory?
For those who follow her and do her bidding, she has an interesting reward that may just make you want to jump to her aid. You're in for quite a treat. But be warned. Seriphone is a sneaky siren.

Jas Tavares will be appearing at The Goblin Ball as wandering songstress in the Grand Ballroom from 7pm - 12am performing on the spot songs of the swamp. Providing entertainment and enchantment this Siren is not to be missed. Trade a trinket or two for a song on the night and leave with your life in tact.

One shot of fun, two shots of sweetness and a whole lot of sexy; this Blonde Bombshell will tickle your tastebuds with her cute curves and cheeky smile…

Marilyn Mocktail has always loved to dance, and after joining the Bottoms Up Burlesque School in 2012 decided to take that passion to the stage. She debuted her first solo act at the iconic Burlesque Bar in 2013, and since then has been teasing her way onto the Melbourne scene through regular appearances at Club Voltaire, as well as performing in the world first Burleskathon – 24 Hours of Tease.

This year at The Zombie Prom Marilyn Mocktail takes on the role of Zombie Cheerleader for a very special act this Halloween at The Zombie Prom! We caught up with Ms Mocktail and asked her a few questions!

Burlesque is such an amazing and classic form of dance, it’s seen a resurgence since the days of Moulin Rouge the movie and other revivals of style. What attracted you to the performance art form? 

I love the fact that Burlesque allows you to be creative and unique; each piece has its own different story. I think it’s also very empowering, and as someone who grew up with self esteem issues I saw Burlesque as being an opportunity to overcome those issues and really embrace who I am.

Even though you have only started out, what would you say has been your favorite performance so far? 

Definitely the Burleskathon! A large number of Australian Burlesque performers, both new and established, all came together and put on a 24 hour non-stop burlesque show which officially made the Guinness World Records. I performed my “Fireman” routine 6 times between 8:30am and 12pm on a Sunday. It was a very unique experience to say the least, and had a great community feel to it.

Luckily Burlesque is constantly growing in popularity and so many events are coming up that include amazing Burlesque acts. Where would be your ultimate venue to perform?

I think performing in the Las Vegas Burlesque Hall of Fame would be an amazing experience! That would be a dream come true for me.

Zombie Cheerleader is a pretty weird request  (and a far cry from Las Vegas), what has been your weirdest or most unique character up until now?

In my most recent routine I play a 1920’s silent movie housewife who is mourning after finding out her husband has just left her. However as she begins to undress she embarks on a journey of self discovery which involves (literally) finding the colour in her life. I’m also in the process of working on a routine where I will play a Black Widow Spider which I’m very excited about!

A Black Widow Spider would be phenomenally creepy for some people! This year you are a Zombie Cheerleader, what do you think you would do among a room full of Unruly Zombies?

I would teach them how to dance without dropping limbs everywhere, and maybe give a few of them makeovers. Because rotting flesh is SO not in this season.

You can catch Marilyn Mocktail performing her amazing Zombie Routine ONE NIGHT ONLY at The Zombie Prom @ Lucky 13 Garage. Click here for the event page! And Book Tickets Here

ROLL UP! ROLL UP!

The most exciting sale is here!!

Get in fast to get 2 high resolution digital images from the fabulous Goblin Ball for the PRICE OF ONE! 
MADNESS!!
But get in quick, sale ends on the 19th!

Just head to this link: 
http://www.ellenduffy.com/p951120886
Select which photos you want, and select package 
‘Buy One Get One FREE’!

Support your local artists! All proceeds going to Ellen Duffy finally having an photography exhibition at the end of the year, huzzah!


Remember by purchasing photo's of your Goblin Ball experience also helps The Goblin Ball with enticing photographers the calibre of Ellen Duffy back to the next event! We can't wait to bring her back next year!


Click the photo below to take advantage of this phenomenal deal!

The Goblin Ball 2014. What can we say? So many astonishing guests and so many amazing adventures were had on the evening of the 14th of July 2014. The realm of Ember Rule was a far cry from the Ice Kingdom and everything was so different. We offer a reflection on our past and give hint to the future of THe Goblin Ball in 2015.
Photos in this post are on behalf of Ellen Duffy Photography who provided the photoshoot for the evening! Be sure to check your shots here!

The Goblin Ball: Ember Rule was phenomenal all thanks to our guests and the artists involved. Lizzie Sharp provided the makeup crew who created the creatures who inhabited the event and the photographers made all of our guests feel special.

Guests were welcomed to a Goblin Marketplace that had several amazing artisan stalls including Nightshade FX and Roseberry bay soaps.

Pintina arrived, forcefully returned to face a family of Gods who were quick to forgive. Guests were invited to choose her fate - Bless or Damn. In the end Pintina was presented at the end of the Walk of The Gods and Blessed with Demi Goddess status.

Through the evening Animata String Quartet played renditions of songs from Game of Thrones to Labyrinth allowing our guests to be immersed in the romance of the evening. Lamplight Circus and Lee from Melbourne Magic festival provided the wandering entertainment  and Shimmy Bliss once again proved hypnotic. Omega kept the Gods inferno pumping with song requests in a red lit room of DOOM!

The Quests were more popular than we had intended with over 200 quests being completed before 10pm. Next year we will grow this side of our guest experience and maybe making things a little harder and more immersive!

By the end of the evening as guests had grown weary of photoshoots and adventures we closed the doors at 12. Pintina had double crossed Ember Rule by stealing the heart of the God and left  a clue beckoning us to follow her to Terra Bayou.

Next years adventures will surely be interesting as we explore The Power of Voodoo!

Just Who were these Ringmasters who ran around the venue?
You may have seen the 5 Ringmasters running around the venue and sometimes talked to a few. But what were their roles on the evening?
The Ringmasters are actually the production crew who have been working hard (sometimes up to a full 12 months before) to make sure the event runs as best as it can.
The story line of the Ringmasters isn't something that was accidental. The Ringmasters are here by appointment of Jaggies - a mysterious figure who may be revealed in an event or two - but all you need to do is remember to seek them for help and fun on the evening.
The Ringmasters were all amazed by everyones efforts on the evening and we can't wait to see you again next year!

Pintina
Congratulations, thanks to our guests Pintina survived another Goblin Ball. Last year the brat Princess schemed and harassed our guests to make sure they felt uncomfortable. This year with the possibility of being granted Demigoddess status, Pintina grew up a little and with some handy positive PA from the Acolytes from the realm of Ember Rule Pintina reached that goal - only to double cross Ember Rule at the final moment replacing the Gods heart with a Voodoo doll. This could only mean we must follow her to Ember Rule and experience the Power of Voodoo in 2015!


The Acolytes
Our VERY valuable volunteers for the evening were wonderful in supplying help to the guests who were a little lost to find their way! Even the Guards of Ember Rule who provided Fire twirling and Belly dancing made quite the impression. Next year who can we expect to help our guests through Terra Bayou?

The Quest Masters worked tirelessly at taking our guests on adventures and making sure their motives where known.

Hasina made sure her love of Pintina won over the crowd and successfully won over the hearts of the guests.  Would the fact that Pintina double crossed Ember Rule sway her devotion?

Amak from The Ice Kingdom was unsuccessful and grew in anger toward Ember Rule. We wonder if he will attempt to travel to Terra Bayou to gain revenge. 

Bodhisattva was key in gathering guests runes to expose the future and she was able to use this information to expose that Maude was intending to steal the Gods heart - but did she know more than what she was letting on?

Maude - framed or foe? Next year as we travel to Terra Bayou we may see more of what he was attempting to do with the God's heart.

Paiva the Fire Goddess was awaiting the return of not only her God but also of Pintina. When Ebon came with the promise of forgiveness the were able to accept Pintina into her rightful place of Demi Goddess. 
Do they have forgiveness in their heart (the one left between them) to see past Pintina's shortcomings to allow her to reclaim her place in the family at a later stage or has Pintina escaped with the blessings, and the heart?

The Walk of the Gods at 10pm was amazing! There were so many fantastic costumes however Tracy and David (who came as a tree!) were the ones who the Gods bestowed the Title of Gods Honored. They took home a skull from Nightshade FX and double passes to next years trip to Terra Bayou. (Photos of the Tree Sentinel to come!)

So where do we go from here?

Terra Bayou is a world of New Orleans inspired Voodoo where we can be sure to see our Demigoddess Pintina explore and attempt to complete her next ulterior motive, but what could it possibly be?

Next year we bring an authentic New Orleans flavor to the Goblin Ball that includes Voodoo, southern charm and a little touch of death. Lets just say it won't be such a walk in Ember Rule for our dear Pintina. The Swampland of Terra Bayou awaits. Will you be invited to walk the Grand Mardi Gras for the Barons of Terra Bayou?

For updates and news be sure to follow The Goblin Ball on facebook and join The Power of Voodoo event!

We love feedback and it's all been wonderful however if you would like to give inclusions for next year feel free to submit them at The Goblin Ball page and we will do our best to consider your requests.

The Goblin Marketplace is a space for many collectables and trinkets to grab at a special price. We have some amazing Goblin remains from Nightshade FX and some curios that you can only purchase on the night.

We also have vendors who are looking to share their wicked wares and maybe have you leave with a luxury item or two.

We caught up with Mary from Roseberry Bay soaps and asked her a few questions about what makes her magical trinkets so attractive! At a price range starting from $5 there is always the possibility you can leave with a trinket from the market.

How long have you been making soaps and why did you start?

I started making soaps about 5 years ago. I had always seen these beautiful creations at markets and only ever bought handcrafted soaps as I thought they were better than those that you could buy at the supermarket. One day I decided that, as I was creative and loved a challenge, I would give making my own soaps a go - and then I was hooked! I love the fact that I can say what ingredients go into each soap, that I can dictate how they look and how they smell.

Why did you decide to travel all the way to The Goblin Ball to sell your wares?

I decided to try my wares at the Goblin Ball as it seemed to me to be a unique marketplace which will be filled with creative and enthusiastic people. People who will understand my creative processes and appreciate the hard work and soul that goes into each soap I make.

Your soaps and lotions have an amazing blend of ingredients. What goes into such a delightful potion?

Any good soap should have a mix of good quality oils and butters. I don't use Palm Oil in any of my soaps as I care for the world I live in and don't think that it is a necessity. The majority of commercial soaps aren't in fact soaps at all! They, like shower gels, are detergents ... full of harsh chemicals and artificial components that aren't good for the environment or for our skins. I believe that we should only use the purest of ingredients on our largest organ (our skin) so most of my soaps are made using Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil and Cocoa, Shea or Macadamia Nut Butter. I also always add either fresh goats milk or coconut cream for luscious creamy lather.

You have such a large collection of magical soaps and goods, what is your favourite delight and what makes you inspired?

My absolute favourite soap for the Goblin Market is the Ember Rule soap. This is fragranced with Sweet Orange and Chilli Pepper fragrance oil which has a sweet and spicy bite which, to me encapsulates the two sides of the Goblin Realm. I also love the colours - yellow, orange, black and white to me speak of flames and heat.

The Goblin Ball is a weird and wonderful event with so many amazing guests. What are you looking forward to on the eve of The Goblin Ball?

The thing I am looking forward to most of all on the night, is seeing everyone in their amazing costumes. I was supposed to attend last year but had to pull out at the last moment as I was ill. The photos I've seen of the night drove home to me the dedication and passion that those attending have - and I'm excited to see everyone in the flesh.

With The Goblin Ball almost two weeks away we thought we would let you guys in on a few secrets! On the eve of The Goblin Ball, creatures and royalty will be traveling from distant lands to pursue plans and party the night away. A magical night is planned for even the most mortal of creatures.

So if you are planning a night of drunken revelry or a chance to meet some like minded magical mates, The Goblin Ball will be a night where you can explore and take advantage of all the mysterious areas of entertainment.

In The Beginning…
Once upon a time there was a distant land called Ember Rule. The Acolytes of the land were nervous as rumors quickly spread from afar. Was the Fire God dead at the hands of the Ice Princess? Could the dastardly deed executed in The Ice Kingdom mean their most admired leader was nothing more than ashes? What could this mean for Ember Rule and was there any chance that these rumors were nothing but false words spread to cause unrest? The arrival of Princess Pintina is eagerly awaited as questions need to be answered.

A busy marketplace welcomes you…
As you enter the world of Ember Rule, as either a guest or a self made character you will be ushered into the Goblin Marketplace filled with many traders awaiting to eagerly take your money in trade of exclusive goods. Will you choose to take home a potion or magical lotion, maybe a horror replica or new costume is more your style? Perhaps you would like a psychic reading? We have many vendors who are happy to facilitate the removal of cash from your pouch. Don’t forget to cloak your cape!

The story begins…
In the Grand Ballroom the clock strikes 8pm. Pintina is ushered in from The Ice Kingdom after traveling one human year on the road (100 years for goblin kind). She has had a lot to think about before the faces she most scariest creature known to goblin-kind. Her birth mother. The Goblin Ball is officially launched and the revelry will continue till the clock strikes the magical hour of midnight.

Bribes welcome!
Did you come prepared to swap a few goodies? You may find that fellow revelers would be more than happy to help with a few bribes. Feel free to look into what you may want to trade with fellow guests in this post. We find the sweeter the deal, the more favorable the outcome. Who doesn’t love to leave a party with a few trinkets?

A Quest is presented…
The Goblin Ball is in full swing but you wish to assist to show your alliance with a certain realm. In the Goblin Marketplace Quest Masters await your assistance. 

• Amak the guard of The Ice Kingdom is calling for the head of Princess Pintina for the evil she has caused his Royalty. If you would like to wage war at The Goblin Ball Amak can help make those intentions known. 
  
• Hasina Ember Rule’s own High Priestess would love your help with pardoning Pintina and showing great forgiveness. Seek her if your heart is true and compassionate. 
  
• Bodhisattva the seer from Starlantis is seeking psychics to help with acquiring objects of knowledge to help expose a dark secret. If you feel guided by your inherent powers to assist, see Bodhisattva for purpose.
  
• Maude the Poppet Peddler from Terra Bayou is a purveyor of fine keys. If you see yourself as a rogue thief, he could use your assistance. 
  

Every good deed is rewarded with a prize, but will you be valiant or dastardly in your choice?

I’m ready for my closeup.
A selection of 6 professional photographers will be wandering The Goblin Ball ready to take photos of you and your friends.  The hardest choice you will have is who will be bestowed the honor to take your photo and who you would like to be seen with on the evening. The Gods, Acolytes and Quest Masters will be more than happy to oblige you with a pose or two. Ellen Duffy Photography will also be located in The Goblin Marketplace offering a photo shoot experience for those who wish to capture the moment with friends.

Play the song of my people.
The Gods inferno is a DJ room taking requests for the evening of The Goblin ball between the end of the opening show till the wind down of the evening (approx. 8.15pm - 11pm). Light trinkets will be handed out by Acolytes to those who wish to party in the red room including glow bands and finger lights. In The Grand Ballroom from 7 - 11.30 Animata String Quartet will play string renditions of modern tracks including a selection of songs from the movie Labyrinth. What a great opportunity to grab your loved one and waltz “As The World Falls Down”.

Take a walk 
The Walk of The Gods calls those in amazing garb. From 8 till 10pm costume scouts will walk The Goblin Ball handing out tickets to parade for the Gods at 10 pm. If you are lucky enough to be awarded the opportunity seek The Ringmaster Darko or O at 9.30 for instruction on what to do in the main hall. The parade commences at 10pm so be organized early for you may be awarded the prestigious title of best dressed for 2014.

Marvel at Entertainment most amazing.
In the Grand Ballroom we have wandering magicians, jugglers and dancers who dazzle and perform for your entertainment. The style is close up entertainment and you may find your friends lucky enough to be audience to some of The Goblin Balls most magical entertainment. Lamplight Circus, Magicians from the Magic Festival and Shimmy Bliss will all make an appearance at this years Ball.

The Evening draws to a close
Commencing from 11.30 the evenings drama draws to a close and the story ends. You are now welcomed to join in the official dance of The Goblin Ball, “Dance Magic” with all who made it possible and dance to other favorite tracks from fantasy movies until the clock strikes midnight.

We can't wait to have you as guests to Melbourne's very own Goblin Ball. Much fun is to be had for those who seek to party but also for those who wish to play a character. 
Book Now to avoid disappointment