The Adelaide Cabaret Festival brings glitz, glamour and drama to our little city for two whole weeks, running the 9th- 24th of June. With everything from musicals for the whole family to sizzling theatrical drag shows, there truly is something for everyone. Taylah, Kristen and Mel have each picked the top 3 shows they’re most excited to see this year to give you a little insight into this year’s decadent 10th anniversary program.
Taylah’s Picks
Dianne Reeves
For one night and one night only, five-time Grammy Award winning artist Dianne Reeves will enchant Adelaide at Her Majesty’s Theatre. An exceptional jazz and R&B singer with a timeless voice, the critically acclaimed Reeves has had an extraordinary career. With an extensive repertoire, the Adelaide premiere of this captivating and world-class artist is not to be missed.
1hr 50mins
June 12, 2017 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, 7:00PM
Variety Gala Performance
Artistic Directors of the festival Ali McGregor and Eddie Perfect are back for round two – times two! The 2017 Adelaide Cabaret Festival’s opening night is a mixed bag of the brightest stars and best acts the program contains. If life is a cabaret, then make sure you catch the Variety Gala in one of their two performances. If last year is anything to go by, we are in for a night of fun, fabulousness and frivolity.
1hr 30mins
June 9-10, 2017 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, 8:00PM
Michael Griffiths LUCKY: Songs By Kylie
Helpmann Award-winner Michael Griffiths teams up again with writer and director Dean Bryant to do the locomotion. A tribute show for Australia’s pop princess, Kylie Minogue will let you jump back in time to the explore the fabulous life and lyrics of the original Kylie. I know you’ll get to like it if you give it a chance now. (Come on baby, do the Loco-motion).
1hr 5mins
June 9-11, 2017 – Space Theatre, 7:30PM (9-10 June) 3:30PM (11 June)
Kristen’s Picks
Matilda the Musical
The Royal Shakespeare Company brings Roald Dahl’s treasured book about a loveable young girl who takes charge of her own destiny to life onstage. A musical for all ages, this heartwarming story is sure to have you tapping your feet to the music and leave smiling from ear to ear. Matilda the Musical has won over 70 international awards on its tour around USA, London and now it’s headed to Australia, with its Adelaide season starting just before the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in May.
2hrs 40mins
May 21- July 16 2017 – Festival Theatre, matinee and evening performances
Alan Cumming ‘Sings Sappy Songs’
A legend in show business, Alan Cumming is an Olivier and Tony award winning actor, singer and author making his debut at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Sings Sappy Songs is inspired by his infamous Club Cumming, performed in his dressing room at Cabaret on Broadway and promises intimate stories among sassy and witty reinterpretations of pop songs and stage classics. If his intriguing picture has you feeling déjà vu, you may have seen Cumming playing Eli Gold in The Good Wife recently. Experience Cumming’s charm and irresistible presence yourself on one night only, 11 June.
1hr 30mins
11 June 2017 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, 8pm
Backstage Club Week 1: Murray Hill
Known at the ‘hardest working, middle-aged man in show business’, join the New York night-life legend Murray Hill at Backstage Club for three nights only. His comical dialogue and classic showman antics have had crowds laughing and dancing along with him globally, as he tours around the world with his own personal show, as host for Club Swizzle and emcee for Dita Von Teese. We saw him emcee last year the with the queen of burlesque herself, and can’t wait for his return to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2017.
2hrs
June 9-11 2017 – Backstage Club, 10:30pm
Mel’s Picks
BRIEFS: Close Encounters
The Brisbane Briefs boys are always a good time, combining circus, theatre, drag and burlesque into one sizzling, sexy performance that you won’t be able to tear your eyes from. Expect to see a whole lot of glitter and 8-packs as you stare on in awe at the decadent artistry these boys bring to the stage. We’ve seen them once, we’ve seen them twice, and we’ll most definitely see them a third time this year at the Ad Cab Fest.
1hr 10mins
June 9-11, 2017 – Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, 10:30PM
Cabaret Dinner
What better way to enjoy cabaret than to enjoy it alongside a three-course meal of fine food and wine? The Cabaret Dinner will run for a duration of 3 hours and is one-night only, so get your tickets quick before they sell out! Hosted by festival fave Libby O’Donovan, the night will be a fabulous affair with delicious dishes prepared by South Australian chef Simon Burr of award-winning restaurant The Olfactory Inn and paired with Grant Burge Wines.
3hrs
June 14, 2017 – Space Theatre, 6:30PM
Bourgeois & Maurice: How to save the world without really trying
This sparkling pair are a UK smash hit with eyelashes that extend for days on days. Recognised as one of the leading acts in London’s alternative performance scene, Bourgeois & Maurice touch on all kinds of topics with catchy comedic songs you won’t be able to shake for a while. If you’re a fan of dazzling drag and daring social commentary, this might just be the one for you.
1hr 10mins
June 14-15, 2017 – Magic Mirrors, Spiegeltent
To view the full program, click here.
Images: Adelaide Cabaret Festival website
Cover photo: Claude Raschella
