The Impossible Dream Experience

The Impossible Dream incorporates musical theatre and fine dining to create a wonderful experience that you won't soon forget.

Witness the true tale of Jose Paronella, and his quest to build a castle in the rainforest for love.

Your Perfect Night Out

We take care of every aspect of your evening, from the food, to the drinks, to the entertainment, to a free gift for every lady as a memento of your special night.

The History

Philip Witts, Australian Playwright, visited Paronella Park and took a tour. After hearing the true tale of Jose Paronella, Mr Witts was so inspired that he wrote The Impossible Dream, a romantic comedy based on their story. The Impossible Dream was performed first at Jute Theatre in Cairns, as one of the most successful plays they have ever hosted. The play was then taken to Karnak theatre for another successful run.

Mark & Judy Evans, owners of Paronella Park, saw the hilarious production and imagined it being performed in a setting of 5-star luxury, with fine dining, and fabulous actors and singers. 5 years of hard work later, and their vision has come to life in the luxurious surrounds of the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns.

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A Typical Night at The Impossible Dream Experience

From booking your ticket, to being wished goodnight by the actors themselves, The Impossible Dream team is here to make your night special.

When you arrive at Level Two at the Shangri-La hotel, you will be greeted by a staff member, and given your souvenir ticket, and a welcome drink.

Enjoy your drinks in the pre-function area, as the Emcee for the evening circulates, chatting with all guests, and presenting the ladies with a gift to remember their evening.

At 6:50pm, the Emcee will make a rousing speech, and welcome you officially to The Impossible Dream. We enter the grand Ballroom, where your entree will be served by charming waiters in formal attire. Enjoy the delicious anti-pasto platters, served with an assortment of breads. Order your beverages to complement.

Once the anti-pasto platters have been enjoyed and cleared, the waiters will bring out your second course – alternate drop of sensational pan-roasted salmon, served with asparagus, peas, and mint and garlic potato bravas, or delicious chicken with braised rice, chorizo, and mushroom sauce.

The waiters will swiftly remove the plates, and then the magic of Act One will commence! You will laugh, cry, cheer, but above all be thoroughly entertained as our talented actors take you through the tale of Jose Paronella, and has journey to his homeland of Spain, to claim his beloved.

Act One finishes with a promise of the dream to come, and delightful, decadent desserts are served to your table – alternate drop of charming chocolate, or lovely lemon tarts. Once you've finished licking your plates, Act Two will begin...

Act Two shows that sometimes what you wish, isn't always what you get.... Once our wonderful actors have taken you through this touching story, and topped it off with a beautiful rousing song, and our requisite happy ending, we invite you to join us in the prefunction area for coffee, tea, biscotti, and hobnobbing with the cast, who come out still in costume, and in character, to chat, take a photo if you wish, and top off your evening.

Your ticket includes:

• Three course, Five Star Meal, featuring local produce with a hint of Spain.
• Two act musical romantic comedy, starring talented actors and singers.
• Local beers, house wines (red, white, and sparkling), soft drink, and juice.
• A free gift for every lady

Paronella Park

The inspiration behind The Impossible Dream is the beautiful Paronella Park. Set on 5 acres behind Mena Creek Falls, the property features a castle, picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel and amazing gardens with 7,500 tropical trees and plants. Opening to the public initially in 1935, Paronella Park is now one of Queensland's premier tourist attractions, winning multiple Queensland Tourism awards. It is both State and National Heritage listed, and eco-accredited. Open to the public 7 days a week, 364 days a year, Paronella Park is Queensland's Number One Must-Do tourist attraction.

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