Cabfest '22 Program

TIME TO RESURFACE?

Come up for Art...

Music and Storytelling...

Come up for art at Cabfest ’22!

After years of holding our breath, it’s time to let it all out and come back into the light and onto the shores of creativity, music and storytelling…

Breathing new life into the cabaret canon, Cabfest ’22 calls up from the depths the misfits, the oddballs, the eccentrics… the brilliant, the bright, the beautiful, and bewildering…

Across multiple venues Cabfest ’22 promises to be a breath of fresh air and the coolest place to be this March.

Cabfest ’22 where individuality and uniqueness are celebrated through story and songs… jump on in the water’s fine!

Check out full details inside and on our website

Proudly supported by

So, Between The Waves Keep Calm...

And Cabaret on!

Venue Info:

I AM MARIA Marina Poša

The Latvian House 10 Bank Lane Woolloongabba

QPAC - Queensland Performing Arts Centre Corner Melbourne St and Grey St South Brisbane

Metro Arts 97 Boundary St West End

The Judy - Judith Wright Arts Centre 420 Brunswick Street (Cnr Berwick Street) Fortitude Valley

The Old Museum 480 Gregory Terrace Bowen Hills

Brisbane Powerhouse 119 Lamington Street New Farm

The Triffid 7-9 Stratton Street Newstead

“I look in the mirror and what do I see? A woman, a girl, waiting to be free, of all that they told her she had to be” I am Maria! A story of transformation, empowerment and acceptance. An evening of poetry, music and artwork from around the world. A show that will inspire and move you.

A tribute to women and our multicultural ancestral voices carried from generation to generation. Creator mezzo-soprano Marina Poša and pianist Julian Wade première I am Maria! “soulful and powerful performers”. Farrago Magazine, Melbourne

The Star 1 Casino Drive Broadbeach

The Latvian House Saturday March 5 7:00PM

PHILIP QUAST

LEAH LEVER - SWEET LIFE

Philip Quast, one of Australia’s best loved and most internationally recognised performers is coming to QPAC with his award winning show!

Sweet Life is like a tapas that samples all the ups and downs of romance, blended within a narrative that links each layer together like fresh cream in a black forrest cherry cake.

From a dusty turkey farm near Tamworth to revered stages all over the world, Philip has had a lifetime in the theatre, collecting a wealth of anecdotes on his journey; often hilarious, sometimes outrageous and always from the heart.

Like the lingering drizzle of honey, the warming trickle of sipped wine, and the sensual burst of flavour from the first bite into a strawberry, Leah Lever’s new cabaret Sweet Life will leave you wanting more.

Now in this special performance, he wraps them up in an eclectic blend of songs for the simplest of shows – just him, an armchair and his good friend Anne-Maree McDonald at the piano.

A true star with a four-decade career spanning musicals, plays, film and television.

From the classic Blueberry Hill to Julie Andrew’s iconic rendering of My Favourite Things, the weird and wonderful Summer Wine and the sublime Love Taste’s Like Strawberries, Leah will give you a tantalising taste of all of life’s more intriguing flavours throughout this scrumptious cabaret which reflects all the vulnerable innocence, courage and authenticity of Maria in The Sound of Music.

QPAC

Metro Arts

Sunday March 6

3:00PM

Thursday March 10

6:30PM

The Salty Sirens

‘Twas a damn tough life full of toil and strife for sailors on the high seas. Sea shanties were work songs sung to help them keep in time while performing arduous manual labour. The music served also to provide comfort and entertainment on long journeys across the briney deep.”

Raise up your voices with the beat of the drum, the bellow of the squeezebox, the twiddle of the fiddle, and strum of the guitar.

All voices are welcome! If you’ve never sung a shanty in your landlubbin’ life, not to worry, The Salty Sirens will welcome you aboard and teach you all the important bits.

It’s shore to be a swell night.

“La Voix Humaine” starring Amber Evans

Lying alone in her apartment, a young woman waits for a telephone call from her ex. Several wrong numbers come through first, each time she answers with increasing excitement, until finally she hears the voice she wants to.

La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice) Francis Poulenc’s one-act opera for solo soprano, is an intense retelling of Jean Cocteau’s play of the same name. It offers a pertinent theatrical and musical examination of somebody struggling with their mental health after a difficult break up, and the importance of communication.

So hoist the anchor and limber up those sealegs – these aren’t your grandpa’s sea shanties!

With Amber’s extraordinary gift for passionate and expressive interpretation, she gives a tour de force performance of this singular piece of theatre where opera meets cabaret to tell a deeply human story.

Metro Arts

Metro Arts

Thursday March 10

8:00PM

Friday March 11

7:00PM

You Are Pathetic!

Cabaret De Paris

Sanfeliu

Rhonda Burchmore

The year is 1798. As the century draws to an end, young Ludwig struggles to make sense of the creative process, and of their own artistic and personal identity.

Be transported by the atmosphere and excitement of a Parisian-themed revue with a parade of first-class entertainers and the daring beauty of exquisitely bejewelled dancers.

It is a time of promise, but also a time of fear: Liberty, equality, humanity… but also exploitation, colonisation, industrialisation. As the old world crumbles down, young Ludwig tries to find a way forward through music.

Electro-acoustic troubadour Sanfeliu plays Ludwig’s Sonata Op.13 like you’ve never heard it before in this gripping multi-media stage piece about music, difference, and finding a better fit between humans, nature and technology.

“Sanfeliu brings it all together with a lyrical style of personal intimacy and unexpected humour” – Westender

Metro Arts

Friday March 11

9:00PM

Cabaret De Paris is a stage spectacular celebrating old-fashioned showgirl glamour combined with the skill of adagio dancers, aerial pole artistry, comedy circus performers, quick change performers, illusionists and of course the famous French Cancan Dancers!

Don’t miss your chance to fall under the charm of Australia’s Leading Lady – Rhonda Burchmore, the legendary showgirl and singer has performed all over the world from London’s West End and Broadway, to the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Myer Music Bowl.

QPAC

Saturday March 12

2:00PM & 7:30PM

String: An Odd Evening With Tyrone And Lesley

The Banter Brothers - With Different Mothers

Tyrone and Lesley play light music for dark times, designed to defy the drop-downs, fashioned to fly across the footlights and into your heart. This dashing duo have played their ukulele and double bass at the Sydney Opera House, headlined in the UK, New Zealand, and festivals all over Australia.

Meet Kazman & Dougie aka the Banter Brothers – a cultural collaboration of First nation & Pacific Islander Aussies.

(Definitely not FOB) with an interesting blend of music vocals and banter inspired by their FNQ verandah jam sessions.

Just like their odd combination of instruments, this unlikely pair divine humour and harmony in the highs and lows we reach to grasp that we all belong somewhere – even the odd ones out.

For one night only experience the refinement, alignment and the entwinement of Tyrone and Lesley. Unwinding as a cross between a concert and slide night they’ll make your heartstrings ring as they string together 20 years of hits and premiere songs from their new recording ‘String’.

Metro Arts

Saturday March 12

7:00PM

Kazman at a young age decided that military life was not for him. He foresaw a vision of himself on stage and in bright lights. From that point on he pursued creativity and entertainment. Dougie on the other hand, was at the other end of the scale. At a mature age he decided 24/7 work was not for him. So he picked up a guitar and now he finds himself here.

So sit back relax and enjoy 30 years of friendship and, who knows what the hell will come out of their mouths.

Metro Arts

Saturday March 12

9:00PM

To Sergio With Love

What Would Dolly Do?

Anje West & Her Sensational Super-Swingin’ Band

Megan Cooper & The Polished Flaws

The perfect soundtrack for cocktail party jetsetters! For one night only, To Sergio With Love returns by popular demand to bring you the coolest, Brazil-pop cocktail tunes celebrating the singular artistry of Sergio Mendes and his ’66 and ’77 recordings.

Wondering what’s next, Megan Cooper asks ‘what would Dolly do?’.

From the Beatles and Bacharach to Jorge Ben’s signature anthem Mas Que Nada, parties around the world had his music on high rotation as Mendes released hit after hit, including Watch What Happens, The Look of Love, Chove Chuva, Pretty World, One Note Samba, After Midnight and Daytripper. Get your groovy dancing pants on with some of Queensland’s most celebrated musicians, and party like it’s 1966!

The award winning songwriter shares tales of her own journey, via the stories and songs of her song writing hero, Dolly Parton with just a drop of the polite, sweet, sass. Many artists cite her as an influence but few can illicit the essence of Dolly as well as Megan Cooper. Cooper has a natural affinity with everything that is good in twang and rounding out the mountain sounds is her band The Polished Flaws.

“What Would Dolly Do” features new interpretations of Parton’s hidden gems and classics – and the songs that have taken Megan from her suburban Brisbane kitchen to the Outback… and back.

Your sensational super-swingin’ band features Anje West, Kym Ambrose, Jamie Clark, Peta Leigh Wilson and Helen Russell.

Expect hip shaking, sweet harmony, a good dose of Dolly… and a gosh darn good time!

The Judy

The Judy

Friday March 18

7:00PM

Friday March 18

9:00PM

The Genius of Joni Mitchell

The Clints Come Again Reunion Cabaret

The Genius of Joni Mitchell is a joyful and collaborative celebration of the inimitable beauty and essence of Joni Mitchell – one of the most influential singer/songwriters of the 20th century. Joni has been a universal mentor to so many artists with her unique ability to crossover from folk to pop to rock, classical and jazz.

Ageing is a CLINT. Let’s get on with it.

The Queensland CabFest is thrilled to present 5 distinctive and powerful female vocal artists – Yani Mills, Alison St Ledger, Ingrid James, Karen Anderson and Laura James, who wish to pay homage to the breadth and depth of her illustrious music and life.

Joining them on stage will be John Reeves, Paul Henderson, Owen Newcomb and Paul Hudson.

The Old Museum Saturday March 19

7:00PM

Meet The CLINTS: an all-80s, all-cousin, all-Queensland cover band who have survived many things – the 80s perm, one of their members being incarcerated in Boggo Road Jail, too many Bunnings sausage sizzles, and now the Coronavirus. With this in mind they’re saying F*%$ it, embracing the ‘new normal’, scooping up their lost dreams and aspirations and, through an unexpected opportunity, making a tilt for Eurovision as Australia’s wildcard entry.

The CLINTS Come Again Reunion Cabaret is a rollicking new cabaret work performed by acclaimed Queensland artists Elise Greig, Laine Loxlea-Danann and Lizzie Moore. Full of whip-smart dialogue, powerhouse voices and a banging 80s soundtrack, this is a show that will have you dancing in the aisles and regretting the fashion crimes of your youth.

The Old Museum Saturday March 19

9:00PM

Mark Vincent & Mirusia

Girl & Guitar

Together In Concert

A Tribute to Axe Queens of the Ages

For the first time in Australia, witness two of Australia’s most successful and loved classical crossover artists on stage together with The Australian Symphony Orchestra.

A passionate rock affair featuring our very own queens of the six string Kristy Apps, Pandora Karavan, Sarah Stockholm, Jackie Marshall, Georgie Neilsen & Megan Sarmardin.

Internationally acclaimed sensations Mark Vincent and Andre Rieu’s “Angel Of Australia” Leading Soprano Mirusia embark on an exclusive Australian National Tour performing their brand new show From London’s West End To Broadway Orchestrated.

Mark Vincent and Mirusia will perform songs from some of the greatest musical theatre productions including The Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables, West Side Story, Cats, Evita, Oklahoma, South Pacific and many more.

Each of these artists will take their turn paying homage to the female guitarists and vocalists who’ve blazed the trail and inspired new generations of artists. It is an all too rare thing to see a girl and guitar taking centre stage but when she does, you’re going to listen.

This is one hit musical theatre concert experience not to be missed.

Joined onstage by a full band, expect stories, signature songs and righteous riffs from the likes of Joan Jett, Melissa Etheridge, Courtney Love, Tracey Chapman, Buffy Saint Marie, PJ Harvey and more. Put your fist in the air and brace yourself for an electrifying night of vocals, shredding and renegade women.

QPAC

Brisbane Powerhouse Thursday March 24

Sunday March 20

8:00PM

7:30PM

Babushka Book Club

For Honeyman Street

Darker + Greyer + Shadier

Sean Sennett

Three unlikely bibliophiles deconstruct the classics, try to look smarter than they are and drink a lot of pinot grigio.

After performing to rapturous applause at Queensland Cabaret Festival, Melbourne Cabaret Festival and Adelaide Fringe Festival, the three girls of Babushka want to discuss some serious literature and expand the membership of their bawdy book club.

Accomplished singer/songwriter Sean Sennett is bringing his latest song-cycle “For Honeyman Street” to the Queensland Cabaret Festival.

Be entertained by a wickedly funny cabaret that features the iconic music of Fleetwood Mac and Lana del Rey through to David Bowie and Bananarama, as Babushka turns your best loved novels inside-out and colours them various shades of grey.

These licentious literary critics, (who totally read the book before they saw the movie), demand a fresh look at Jane Austen and some more snacks. Pass the brie!

The Judy

Friday March 25 & Saturday March 26

7:00PM

A sequel to the acclaimed “I Left My Heart In Highgate Hill”, “For Honeyman Street” sees Sean joined by a five piece band that includes Mark Angel, Peta Leigh Wilson, Derek Haas and Joe Darcy with singers Rachael Dixon, Dana Gerhman, Lucinda Shaw and Charlotte Emily.

A prolific writer and collaborator, Sean has released two new works since 2020. ‘The Dangerous Age’ is a collaboration with Kate Ceberano and Steve Kilbey.

The ‘Driver Reviver’ EP was recorded by Sean and Rob Hirst (Midnight Oil). For Honeyman Street features highlights from The Dangerous Age and I Left My Heart In Highgate Hill and other highlights from Sean’s catalogue.

The Judy

Friday March 25

9:00PM

Stop The Clocks

Midnight & The Moody Shoes

Lizzie Flynn

Melissa Western

Isn’t there a moment we all want to hold onto?

WARNING! This little nightcap might give you mysterious dreams.

Sunlight on our face when we were 5.

First kiss in a car that was falling apart.

The dog that seemed to choose us, instead of the other way around.

With original songs by Lizzie Flynn, Stop The Clocks is a join the dots puzzle of the tiny moments that make up our lives.

From the creative mind behind Yours Sincerely, Banana Brain and It Takes a Lot Not to End Up Dead comes a brand new cabaret of original songs, musings and oration on the endurance of memory and the moments that shape us and define us.

The Judy

Saturday March 26

5:00PM

Tapping into her extensive body of work as a darling of the cabaret and jazz circuits both in Australia and abroad, Melissa Western draws from her shadow to deliver aching tales of heartbreak and femme fatale.

Drawing on the cryptic genius of songwriters Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Kirsty MacColl, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Jacques Brel, acclaimed singer/actor Melissa Western reaches for the stormy depths, and then descends some more, emerging with a sensory exploration of a dark dreamworld of obsession, seduction and thrill.

So order a strong drink, slip into the smoky corner bar, and settle in for this offbeat overture to obsession.

The Judy

Saturday March 26

9:00PM

Suicide Country Hour

Hit Me Britney One More Time

Sweetheart Cowboys of Sad

Kirby Lunn

Oh no! Who gave these guys a platform?

Don’t miss the ultimate party experience celebrating the music of Britney Spears!

Expect high drama on low seas as Suicide Country Hour attempt to simultaneously alienate and win the affections of the crowd. There’s a good chance the singers will break up the band on stage. Let’s face it, they’re probably only staying together until the rhythm section moves out.

You will be taken to the dizzying heights of unbridled ego, to the crushing depths of alternative country music. Can they keep it together? Solid maybe.

SCH love to make audiences both laugh and cry, whilst effortlessly drinking away a devastating hangover. With several albums and countless performances under their metaphorical belts, SCH always live up to their reputation of being Qld’s saddest mineral export.

With incredible costumes and red-hot dancers, this is the very best of Britney in a full-scale production that will have you up and dancing all night long!

Britney’s music defined a generation, with hit after hit screaming to the top of the charts and lighting up dance floors across the globe. ​Now, after 100 million albums sold worldwide and multiple Grammy Award wins, all her hits are combined into one high-octane spectacular that defies you not to dance!

Get your tickets now for this unforgettable tribute to the Princess of Pop, HIT ME BRITNEY, ONE MORE TIME. Presented by Quid Pro Co.

The Triffid

Sundays in March

2:00PM

The Star, Gold Coast Saturday April 2 7:30PM

At A Glance SAT 5 MAR Latvian House

THURS 10 MAR METRO ARTS

7:00PM I Am Maria

Note: all dates, times and details are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change

SUN 6 MAR

3:00PM Philip Quast

QPAC

6:30PM Leah Lever - Sweet Life 8:00PM The Salty Sirens

FRI 11 MAR

7:00PM La Voix Humaine Starring Amber Evans

METRO ARTS

9:00PM You Are Pathetic! - Sanfeliu

SAT 12 MAR

2:00PM & 7:30PM Cabaret De Paris - The Encore Tour

QPAC

SAT 12 MAR METRO ARTS

FRI 18 MAR ThE JUDY

SAT 19 MAR The Old Museum

SUN 20 MAR

9:00PM The Banter Brothers - With Different Mother 7:00PM To Sergio With Love 9:00PM Megan Cooper - What Would Dolly Do?

9:00PM The Clints Come Again Reunion Cabaret

8:00PM Mark Vincent & Mirusia Together In Concert

QPAC

THURS 24 MAR

7:30PM Girl & Guitar

BRISBANE POWER HOUSE

FRI 25 MAR The JUDY

7:00PM String: An Odd Evening With Tyrone and Lesley

7:00PM The Genius Of Joni Mitchell

SAT 26 MAR The JUDY

SUNDAYS IN MAR THE TRIFFID

7:00PM The Babushka Bookclub 9:00PM Sean Sennett - For Honeyman Street 5:00PM Lizzie Flynn - Stop The Clocks 7:00PM The Babushka Bookclub 9:00PM Midnight & The Moody Shoes 2:00PM Suicide Country Hour

SAT 2 APR THE STAR

7:30PM Hit Me Britney One More Time

Proudly supported by

Queensland Cabaret Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

queenslandcabaretfestival.com.au