With the 2016 Adelaide Cabaret Festival set to jazz square into Adelaide this month we reviewed the impressive and diverse lineup of local and international talent.
Headlined by world-renowned burlesque dancer (and queen of the universe) Dita Von Teese, the exciting program will run from the 10th to the 25th of June.
Co-Artistic directors Eddie Perfect and Ali McGregor will preview their inaugural year as heads of the festival with a night of supercharged cabaret performances by local and international artists at the Variety Gala.
Dita Von Teese and her show Burlesque: Strip, Strip, Hooray! sold out in the first show so quickly a second show was added to allow more of us to be graced by her presence.
Here are our picks of just five of the countless stunning performances coming our way.
David Hobson and Colin Lane in In Tails. Image credit: Adelaide Cabaret Festival
1. David Hobson and Colin Lane
Ever wanted to trade lives with one of your best friends and see the hilarious ramifications? Comedian Colin Lane and opera singer David Hobson have delighted audiences their whole careers but when their roles are switched hilarity is ensured.The pair will sing, dance and make you giggle in this unique experiment sure to delight.
Dates: 16th-18th June
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Paul Grabowsky and Kate Ceberano in Love Songs. Image credit: Adelaide Cabaret Festival
2. Kate Ceberano and Paul Grabowsky – ‘Love Songs’
Former Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director Kate Ceberano and pianist and composer Paul Grabowsky will seduce their audience with some of the world’s greatest love songs in an intimate performance premiering in Adelaide. Kate’s outstanding vocals accompanied by one of Australia’s most distinguished pianists will reinterpret the love songs which have influenced both of their lives.
Dates: 24th-25th June
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Be Mused. Image credit: Lara Merrington
3. Be Mused
Fresh from the 2015 Class of Cabaret, five young upcoming Adelaide artists return to the Festival to reflect on adulthood in this exclusive performance. With a lineup containing the next generation of cabaret singers, the 2015 graduates will discuss grown up decisions and exciting opportunities, which appear during adulthood.
Starring local talents Naomi Crosby, Jemma Allen, Mellie Tantalos, Harry Nguyen and Benji Riggs and coached and mentored by Libby O’Donovan.
Dates: 22-23 June
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Sheridan Harbridge in Songs for the Fallen. Image credit: Louis Dillon Savage
4. Songs for the Fallen
‘Good girls don’t make history’. Travel back in time to Paris, 1847 and join infamous courtesan Marie Duplessis in her decadent final party. Experience the wild and extravagant life of the debt-ridden party girl and cheers to her life as she orders her final bottle of Champagne before her unfortunate death. Written and performed by Sheridan Harbridge, the critically acclaimed musical will premiere in Adelaide and run for two nights only.
Dates: 15-16 June
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Sven Ratzke in Starman. Image credit: Denis Veldman
5. Starman
After the tragic death of beloved and iconic musician David Bowie earlier this year, Starman is the new rock show paying homage to the seventies legend who made his music an art form. Performed by German entertainer Sven Ratzke, Starman will be a night of rock and roll and other madness to remember.
Dates: 22-25 June
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Remember to swing past the Piano Bar Stage during the festival and enjoy a variety of free entertainment hosted by everybody’s favourite piano-man Trevor Jones. You never know which cabaret stars will be making a surprise appearance.
Dates: 10-25 June
