WELCOME
The Hon
Peter Malinauskas MP Premier of South Australia
My government is proud to support the creative arts in South Australia. We are a state that fosters local talent and attracts world class performers and the beloved Adelaide Cabaret Festival — which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year — is a great example of this. We are thrilled to welcome a brilliant lineup of local and international stars to Adelaide this June.
The Hon
Andrea Michaels MP Minister for Arts South Australia
With its eclectic program of classic and contemporary cabaret performances, Adelaide Cabaret Festival has garnered an international reputation as the place to be each June. From the beloved Variety Gala to the multi-Grammy Award winning headliner Jacob Collier, and everything in between, I look forward to celebrating our wonderful cabaret festival with you all this winter.
The Hon Karlene Maywald Chair, Adelaide Festival Centre Trust
Douglas Gautier AM CEO & Artistic Director Adelaide Festival Centre
Welcome to Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2025. We are delighted to welcome back Virginia Gay as Artistic Director for our 25th Anniversary program. Virginia has put together a stellar program for this special anniversary, featuring cabaret icons such as David Campbell, Vika & Linda, and the award-winning, crowd favourite La Clique. We can’t wait to commemorate this milestone with you this June.
Adelaide Festival Centre is located on Kaurna Yarta. We respect First Nations people around Australia and acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains. We honour their spiritual relationship with their country, and we do so in the spirit of reconciliation.
There are a thousand things that I love about cabaret: its wit, its mischief, its innate sense of irreverence, sex and sass. And its jokes, my loves, oh, the wild, glorious jokes. This festival has always had a particular love for performances that pour off the stage and into the foyers afterwards, where they’re met by you, in all your sparkles and finery, drinking champagne like it’s water. My kind of people, and my kind of hydration…
This year, we’re leaning into that, with shows that dissolve the barrier between audience and performer even further. Where the music bubbles up through you as with our headliner Jacob Collier; or where you yourself become the stars of the show, as in Marry Your Friends, or There Is Nothing Like A Game!. As we celebrate our 25th year, we’ll glory in our brilliant legacy acts, and crane our necks towards the electric future of cabaret. But we also wanted to honour the way in which cabaret has always scoffed at those audience/ performer barriers (as anybody who’s had either Reuben’s or Rizo’s head in their lap at previous festivals can attest). Live performance is always for, in service of, and cannot happen without you — our beloved and bedazzled audience.
Cabaret is a magical little art form — I can’t tell you what an honour it is to have helmed this sparkling and outrageous ship for a little while. Thank you for having me, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, and every single audience member who has welcomed me so warmly. You’re a sequin-covered beacon of brilliance in the middle of an Adelaide winter. So come here, let us gather you close to our warm, weird, and wonderful bosom... and let’s parrrrrrty!
Artistic Director
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Scan the QR code on every page if you want to be personally enthused at by me about each of these shows.
From Virginia
Premium Packages
Celebrate 25 years of Adelaide Cabaret Festival in style with these hand-picked packages by Artistic Director Virginia Gay.
With one click you can book Premium tickets to three dazzling shows on the same day, with plenty of time between performances to grab a drink, have a bite, and discuss all things cabaret. Throw in a cocktail or two and we’ll have you partying into the night.
All packages include one drink voucher and must be collected from an Adelaide Festival Centre Box Office.
Check the T&Cs on page 63.
5.30pm Tired Ass Showgirls Seann Miley Moore Brendan de la Hay
7.30pm Davina and the Vagabonds 10.15 Victoria Falconer The Parlour
Adelaide Festival Centre
DP Dunstan Playhouse — ST Space Theatre
AS Artspace – HM Her Majesty’s Theatre
RC Riverdeck Café – LL Lexus Lounge
QB Quartet Bar by Corryton Burge
SKB The Star: Kitchen and Bar
BR Banquet Room
$30 Tickets
Bling on a bargain!
Are you under the age of 30? Spot the sparkling shows with U30s $30 prices throughout this year’s program.
Check the T&Cs on page 63.
7.30pm Bobby Fox Mr. Entertainment 9pm Bullet Heart Club Sugar 10.15pm Gillian Cosgriff There Is Nothing Like A Game! Sat 14 June
6pm La Clique 8pm Festival Statesmen Chorus A Cappella Time Warp 10.15pm 25th Birthday Party Sat 21 June $207
For more information on How to Book, venue details, parking, and getting here see page 63. Map correct at time of printing. Pathways and map subject to change, please scan QR code or check website.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival presents
The 2025 Variety Gala
Hosted by Virginia Gay
Join us for the ultimate 25th birthday bash, hosted by Artistic Director and Chief Mischief MakerTM Virginia Gay.
Expect dazzling performances, delicious indulgence, and (im)pure, unadulterated fun.
Dress to impress, raise your glass, and come celebrate 25 years of Adelaide Cabaret Festival!
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Thu 5 June, 7pm
120 mins
(Includes 20 min interval)
Prem $159
A Res
B Res
$139
$109
C Res
$99
Suitability: 16+
Warnings: Haze effects
Director
Richard Carroll
Musical Director
Shanon D Whitelock
Generously supported by Sam Harvey and the late Frank Ford AM, founder of Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
“It was a laugh 'til you cry, side-splitting humorous rollick.”
The
Advertiser
Photo: Claudio Raschella
Jacob Collier
Experience an evening of totally immersive music magic with the extraordinary seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, composer, and producer Jacob Collier!
Join us for a live performance filled with improvisation, audience participation and never-before-heard arrangements, all delivered with Collier’s joyous spirit and palpable energy. This will be a night to remember.
Two nights only at Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2025.
Her Majesty's Theatre Sat 7 – Sun 8 June, 7.30pm 120 mins (including encore, no interval)
Prem $129
A Res $119
B Res $89
C Res $79
Suitability: All ages
“There’s musicianship and then there’s genius, and then way, way, way above all that, out in the stratosphere, is Jacob Collier.”
Hans Zimmer
Photo: Nicole Nodland 6
Davina and the Vagabonds
If Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse had a baby in the middle of a New Orleans street parade you’d get Davina and the Vagabonds. With unmistakable vintage style, this bandleader extraordinaire delivers a riotous evening of toe-tapping, sequin-shaking covers and originals, where soulful vocals meet high energy musical hijinks.
Dunstan Playhouse
Fri 6 – Sat 7 June, 7.30pm 60 mins (no interval)
Prem $89
A Res $79
Suitability: All ages
“Fun, frisky and alive.”
American Songwriter
Photo: Christi Boudoir
Theatre Co. and Adelaide Cabaret Festival present
Tired Ass Showgirls
Seann Miley Moore & Brendan de la Hay
Discover the naked truth behind two of Australia’s hardest-working showgirls in this real, raw, and effervescently queer cabaret comedy. A glorious celebration of friendship and resilience, spilling showbiz gossip one showtune (and makeup wipe) at a time. Step into the sauna and get ready for some steamy stories.
“Queer, camp excellence.”
Time Out
Space Theatre Fri 6 June, 7pm
Sat 7 June, 5.30pm
60 mins (no interval)
Prem $54
A Res $49
U30s $30
Suitability: 18+
Warnings: Coarse language, strobe lighting, haze effects, adult themes
From Virginia
Photo: Ash Penin
Hayes
Rizo Home
To know her is to love her. To hear her sing, is to become an undying fan. This genre-defying goddess of song returns with a show illuminating the ephemeral nature of ‘home’, proving once and for all that you really can go big and go home.
Space Theatre
Sat 7 June, 8.45pm
Sun 8 June, 5.15pm & 8.45pm 75 mins (no interval)
Prem $69
A Res $64
U30s $30
Suitability: 18+
Warnings: Coarse language, adult themes
“Rizo practically has the word ‘talent’ tattooed on her forehead.”
Wall Street Journal
From Virginia
Photo: Roland Fitz
Michelle Brasier Average Bear
What if you were given less time on earth than ‘the average bear’?
Fresh from a sold-out off-Broadway run, cabaret superstar Michelle Brasier delivers an all-singing, all-joking, all-heartbreaking show, with an impeccable string section. A hilarious, unforgettable reminder that life's too short to waste and too long to take seriously.
Dunstan Playhouse
Sun 8 June, 7.30pm
60 mins (no interval)
Prem $69
A Res $64
U30s $30
Suitability: 15+
Warnings: Adult themes, themes of death/dying
Director: Gillian Cosgriff
“A miracle of a show — Nothing can prepare you for the pure magic of Average Bear.”
The Sydney Morning Herald
Story Baker presents
Clare Bowditch’s Random Creative Adventure
with special guest Aurora Kurth
ARIA award-winner and professional over-sharer Clare Bowditch dissolves the boundaries between performer and audience in this part concert, part creative engagement, part community celebration, joined by cabaret star Aurora Kurth. Reignite your own creative spark in an evening of music, storytelling, surprise special guests, and collective joy.
Banquet Room
Fri 6 June, 7pm Sat 7 June, 3pm & 7pm 60 mins (no interval)
Prem $69
A Res $64
B Res $59
U30s $30
Suitability: 16+
Warnings: Coarse language, adult themes
“...will re-fill your cup and remind you of what it means to be re-enchanted by life.”
Glam Adelaide
Photo: She Is Aphrodite
From Virginia
Carlotta: The Party's Over
The inspiration behind Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Australian icon, political activist, and living legend, Carlotta has led an extraordinary life. As fabulous as ever in her 81st year, Australia's most beloved showgirl traverses the good times, the bum times — she’s seen them all and my dear, she’s still here.
Dunstan Playhouse
Sun 8 June, 4pm 60 mins (no interval)
Prem $69
A Res $64
Suitability: 16+
Musical Director: Michael Griffiths
“Passion, flair, humour and energy…she could do no wrong.”
Stage Whispers
Photo: Carlene
Between the Covers
Cabaret’s favourite book club returns! Curl up with Helen Garner’s funny, electric, and moving Australian classic, The Children’s Bach. Accompanied by jazz renditions of Bach and bangin’ hits from the 1980s Melbourne music scene, join Adelaide darlings Annabel Crabb, Lur Alghurabi, and Virginia Gay in conversation (and cackling).
Banquet Room
Sun 15 June, 3pm
60 mins (no interval)
All tickets $54
Suitability: All ages
“Don’t explain everything. Leave holes. The music will do the rest.”
Helen Garner, The Children’s Bach
Dr Trevor Jones Piano Man
King of the keys, maestro of musical theatre, and star of storytelling, Dr Trevor Jones is the stuff of cabaret legend. Surprise guest stars and spontaneous singalongs erupt in every genre of music imaginable. Come worship at the altar of the baby grand in a cult where the only sacrifice is your inhibitions.
Quartet Bar by Corryton Burge
Fri 6 – Sun 8 June, 9.30pm
Thu 12 – Sun 15 June, 9.30pm
Thu 19 – Sat 21 June, 9.30pm FREE
Suitability: All ages
“One of Australia’s most diverse and in-demand musical personalities.”
Glam Adelaide
Photo: Claudio Raschella
Photo: Claudio Raschella
From Virginia
From Virginia
Adelaide Premiere
Bernadette Robinson DIVAS
A singular star in the Australian theatrical sky, Bernadette Robinson seamlessly transforms into musical icons. This spectacular new work showcases the iconic vocals stylings of Piaf, Winehouse, Bassey, Streisand, Garland, Miley Cyrus, and the diva of DIVAS, Maria Callas, in their own words. A theatrical tour de force not to be missed.
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Fri 13 June, 7.30pm 105 mins (no interval)
A Res $89
B Res $69
Suitability: All ages
Warnings: Coarse language, haze effects, adult themes, themes of death/dying
Devised by Bernadette Robinson & Simon Philips
Directed by Simon Philips
Musical Arrangements
Martine Wengrow and Mark Jones
Musical Direction
Mark Jones
Lighting Design
Matt Cox
Sound Design
Nick Reich
From Virginia
Photo: Jeff Busby
“Bernadette Robinson is a jaw-dropping talent.” The Times (London)
From Virginia
Desert Rose presents Jessica
Mauboy
The Story of Me
A Musical Journey Through My Career
Experience an unforgettable evening with Jessica Mauboy in The Story of Me. Through music and stories, Jessica shares her evolution from Darwin girl to Australian icon, reflecting on her career highs and lows, her journey as a mother, and her resilience as an artist. Don’t miss this intimate look at Jessica Mauboy’s inspiring tale.
One night only at Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2025.
Her Majesty's Theatre Sat 14 June, 7.30pm 90 mins (no interval)
Prem $149
A Res $129
B Res $109
C Res $89
Suitability: All ages
“Her vocals are phenomenal, her banter is hilarious and her stage presence is out of this world.”
Bleached
Mr. Entertainment
Sizzling with flair and old-school cool, this scintillating song-anddance spectacular showcases Bobby’s oodles of charm. Inspired by Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr, and Peter Allen and joined by a six-piece band, this is showmanship of the highest calibre that will knock your (bobby) socks off.
Dunstan Playhouse
Sat 14 June, 7.30pm Sun 15 June, 3.30pm
60 mins (no interval)
Prem $69
A Res $64
Suitability: All ages
Glam Adelaide Bobby Fox
“Bobby Fox is a showman and a world class act.”
Photo: Daniel Enright
From Virginia
An Evening with Vika & Linda
Australian musical legends Vika & Linda make their triumphant return to Adelaide Cabaret Festival. They’ve toured the globe, released multiple charttopping albums, and performed with the likes of Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, and John Farnham, and this intimate concert showcases their lives, their loves, and the extraordinary beauty of their voices blended together.
“These sisters are an incredible duo.”
ArtsHub
Dunstan Playhouse Thu 12 – Fri 13 June, 7.30pm
60 mins (no interval)
Prem $89
A Res $79
Suitability: All ages
Photo: Lisa Businovski
From Virginia
Mitch Tambo
World music star and proud Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo took the nation by storm with his spine-tinging rendition of John Farnham’s iconic You're the Voice in language. Tambo cuts across genres and cultures to produce extraordinary music. Join him as he sings hits you love, as well as his own infectious pop originals.
Space Theatre
Thu 12 June, 6pm
Fri 13 June, 9pm 60 mins (no interval)
Prem $54
A Res $49
Suitability: All ages
“Mitch is a charismatic force to be reckoned with.”
Weekend Notes
From Virginia
Demi Adejuyigbe
Demi
Adejuyigbe
Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip
Best Newcomer Nominee at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, this perfect, insane, hilarious, and genre-defying hour contains original comedic songs, chaotic PowerPoint presentations, and one (1) backflip. The Good Place writer Demi Adejuyigbe delivers a ramshackle, yet impossibly slick show, which will delight, astonish, bamboozle, and reassure you that the future of alternative comedy is in good hands.
Space Theatre
Thu 12 June, 9pm
Fri 13 June, 6pm 60 mins (no interval)
Prem $54
A Res $49
U30s $30
Suitability: 16+
Warnings: Coarse language, themes of death/dying
Directed by BriTANick (Nick Kocher and Brian McElhenney)
“As thoughtful as it is joyously absurd.”
Fest Magazine
From Virginia
Photo: Sela Shiloni
The Smart Girl's Guide to Breaking Up
Joanne Hartstone
Dumped 6 weeks before her wedding, Joanne Hartstone turned her heartache into a step-by-step guide to recovering self-worth and resilience. Together with her newly single friends Annie Slade and Jess Beck, they transformed the guide into a light and lively self-help cabaret with exquisite three-part harmonies.
Space Theatre
Sat 14 – Sun 15
June, 6pm 60 mins (no interval)
Prem $54
A Res $49
U30s $30
Suitability: 15+
Warnings: Sexual references, coarse language
A Frank Ford Commission
From Virginia
Photo: Frank Lynch – Image Construction
Unapologetically Judith Owen
Bodacious, seductive, and joyful, Judith Owen’s electrifying new show celebrates the oft-forgotten badass ladies of 1940s and 50s jazz and blues. With the help of her all-star band ‘The Gentleman Callers’, Owen sizzles with the essence of these risqué trailblazers in a show so hot you’ll need a glass of something to cool down.
Banquet Room
Fri 13 – Sat 14 June, 7pm
60 mins (no interval)
Prem $69
A Res $64
B Res $59
Suitability: 16+
Warnings: Coarse language
“Her soaring voice hypnotises and fits perfectly with the score.”
The Adelaide Review
From Virginia
Australia
Adelaide Premiere
Bullet Heart Club presents
Sugar
Theatrical, outrageous, silly, and sexy, Sugar is a radiantlybeautiful gender-queer twink in a ‘transactional relationship’ (though their primary source of information is Pretty Woman). Superstar in the making Tomáš Kantor sings everything from Kylie to Chappell Roan in this show about luxury, power, and being paid to have sex on a grand piano.
Space Theatre
Sat 14 – Sun 15 June, 9pm
70 mins (no interval)
Prem $54
A Res $49
U30s $30
Suitability: 18+
Warnings: Coarse language, strobe lighting, violent themes/imagery, haze effects, adult themes
Artist Tomáš Kantor
Writer Ro Bright
Director
Kitan Petkovski
Visual Design
Bethany J Fellows
Musical Director & Arranger
Rachel Lewindon
Lighting Designer &
Production Stage Manager
Spencer Herd
“Cabaret veterans might feel as if they're witnessing a baby Meow Meow or Paul Capsis.”
The Age
Photo: Meagan Harding
From Virginia
Australia
Work in progress
PRIMETIME
Millicent Sarre & Joseph Simons
A New Australian Musical
It’s 2005. Everyone’s favourite game show ‘Race Against The Clock!’ has been on air for 40 years. As the anniversary episode draws closer, the former prize models are unceremoniously thrown together, but a longburied rigging scandal might be just the thing to encourage them to step out of the shadows.
Banquet Room
Thu 12 June
6.30pm
70 mins (no interval)
Tickets $39
Suitability: 12+
Warnings: Coarse language, adult themes
“…intelligence, wit and a rare songwriting gift to be celebrated.” Theatre Travels
Music & Lyrics: Millicent Sarre
Book & Lyrics: Joseph Simons
Australia
Adelaide Premiere
Emilie Zoey Baker & Michael Nolan
Marry Your Friends
A celebration of holy mate-rimony
It's often said your friends are your chosen family, so here’s your chance to put a ring on it! Sign your certificate, pose for photos, and throw that bouquet in this joyful interactive ceremony stuffed with live music, celebrity celebrants, and you as our very special guests. To love, honour, and cabaret!
Banquet Room
Sun 8 June, 8pm
90 mins (no interval)
Tickets $49 U30s $30
Suitability: All ages Warnings: Coarse language
Photo: Rhys Graham
Photo: Kieran Humphreys
From Virginia
From Virginia Artistic Director’s Fund
David Campbell
Good Lovin' & More
Adelaide’s favourite son, former Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director, and one of Australia's most beloved entertainers brings his unmatched vocal energy and off-the-charts charisma back to the festival he helped transform. Classics from the 60s and hits by Bobby Darin, Johnny O'Keefe, and from his own multi-platinum albums — it’s the best of David Campbell.
Her Majesty's Theatre Fri 20 June, 7.30pm 90 mins (no interval)
Prem $149
A Res $129
B Res $109
C Res $89
Suitability: All ages
“Is there anything David Campbell can’t do?”
The AU Review
Festival
Late Nights
Welcome to the party!
The nightcap of Adelaide Cabaret Festival isn’t served neat. Oh no, it’s a messy, wild, joyfully chaotic lineup of legends in a never-to-be-repeated shindig. These late night cavalcades of mayhem and mischief are a quintessential festival experience. Let your hair down, and dance into the night as the party continues with our resident DJs. This is your chance for future-you to be smug and say “Oh, I was there when…”
Australia
Victoria Falconer The Parlour
The Parlour is a lush and glittering after-hours playground where cabaret’s most fabulous welcome you to the chaise longue (metaphorically, although literally is also not out of the question).
Hosted by Queen of Camp, Victoria Falconer, The Parlour promises circus, songs, silliness, and seduction in this spectacular late-night salon.
Banquet Room
Fri 6 – Sat 7 June, 10.15pm 90 mins (no interval)
All tickets $39
Suitability: 18+
Warnings: Coarse language, nudity, adult themes
“This is the delight of cabaret bringing the room together with sexy, humour-filled energy.”
Glam Adelaide
Photo: Claudio Raschella
Photo: Claudio Raschella
From Virginia
Gillian Cosgriff
There Is Nothing Like A Game!
Quizzes, puzzles, and scavenger hunts abound in this (optionally) interactive games night hosted by beloved musical comedian Gillian Cosgriff. You, the audience, are the star of this late night chaos, with live music and special guest stars. This riotous evening of fun, frenzy, and slightly-too-competitive shenanigans is not to be missed.
Banquet Room
Fri 13 – Sat 14 June, 10.15pm
90 mins (no interval)
All tickets
$39
Suitability: 16+
Warnings: Coarse language, adult themes
“Cosgriff has an energy that is palpably infectious.”
The Music
Adelaide Cabaret Festival presents
25th Birthday Party
Every festival late night is a party, but this is our actual birthday — and we’re turning 25! Our parents are away, we’ve got the house to ourselves, and we’re having all our favourite people over. There’ll be mischief, mayhem, and cake. And, if she gets her way, Virginia Gay might pop out of it...
Banquet Room
Fri 20 – Sat 21 June, 10.15pm
90 mins (no interval)
All tickets $49
Suitability: 18+
Warnings: Coarse language, adult themes, nudity
“…the exuberant, boisterous, sexy and confident world of cabaret!”
Glam Adelaide
Photo: Claudio Raschella
Photo: Claudio Raschella Australia
World Premiere
From Virginia
From Virginia
Australia
World Premiere and Adelaide Exclusive
WEEK 1
THURSDAY 5 JUNE
7pm The 2025 Variety Gala pg 4 HM 120 mins
CABARET CALENDAR
FRIDAY 6 JUNE
7pm Tired Ass Showgirls pg 10 ST 60 mins
7pm
Clare Bowditch’s Random Creative Adventure pg 13 BR 60 mins
7.30pm Davina and the Vagabonds pg 8 DP 60 mins
9.30pm
Dr Trevor Jones – Piano Man pg 15 QB until late
10.15pm
Victoria Falconer – The Parlour pg 30 BR 90 mins
SATURDAY 7 JUNE
2pm
25 Years in Conversation pg 49 AS 60 mins
3pm
Clare Bowditch’s Random Creative Adventure pg 13 BR 60 mins
5.30pm Tired Ass Showgirls pg 10 ST 60 mins
7pm
Clare Bowditch’s Random Creative Adventure pg 13 BR 60 mins
7.30pm Jacob Collier pg 6 HM 120 mins
7.30pm Davina and the Vagabonds pg 8 DP 60 mins
8.45pm Rizo – Home pg 11 ST 75 mins
9.30pm
Venues
Artspace AS
Banquet Room BR
Dunstan Playhouse DP
Her Majesty’s Theatre HM
Quartet Bar QB Space Theatre ST FREE Event
Dr Trevor Jones – Piano Man pg 15 QB until late
10.15pm Victoria Falconer
– The Parlour pg 30 BR 90 mins
SUNDAY 8 JUNE
2pm
Sonya and Jules Live in Cabaret pg 45 BR 90 mins
2pm Cabaret Life Drawing pg 45 AS 60 mins
4pm
Carlotta: The Party’s Over pg 14 DP 60 mins
5pm
Dr Trevor Jones –Show Tunes Trevia pg 49 AS 90 mins
5.15pm Rizo – Home pg 11 ST 75 mins
7.30pm Jacob Collier pg 6 HM 120 mins
7.30pm Michelle Brasier – Average Bear pg 12 DP 60 mins
8pm
Marry Your Friends pg 27 BR 90 mins
8.45pm Rizo – Home pg 11 ST 75 mins
9.30pm
Dr Trevor Jones – Piano Man pg 15 QB until late
CABARET CALENDAR WEEK 2
THURSDAY 12 JUNE
6pm
Mitch Tambo pg 22 ST 60 Mins
6.30pm PRIMETIME pg 27 BR 70 Mins
6.30pm
Dr Trevor Jones –Show Tunes Trevia pg 49 AS 90 mins
7.30pm
An Evening with Vika & Linda pg 21 DP 60 mins
9pm
Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip pg 23 ST 60 mins
9pm The Burton Brothers – 1925 pg 44 BR 60 mins
9.30pm Dr Trevor Jones – Piano Man pg 15 QB until late
FRIDAY 13 JUNE
6pm
Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip pg 23 ST 60 mins
7pm
Unapologetically
Judith Owen pg 25 BR 60 mins
7.30pm Bernadette
Robinson – DIVAS pg 16 HM 105 mins
7.30pm An Evening with Vika & Linda pg 21 DP 60 mins
9pm
Mitch Tambo pg 22 ST 60 Mins
9.30pm Dr Trevor Jones – Piano Man pg 15 QB until late 10.15pm
Gillian Cosgriff – There Is Nothing Like A Game! pg 31 BR 90 mins EXPERIENCE THE LUXURY OF
SATURDAY 14 JUNE
2pm
25 Years in Conversation pg 49 AS 60 mins
6pm
Joanne Hartstone – The Smart Girl’s Guide to Breaking Up pg 24 ST 60 mins
7pm
Unapologetically
Judith Owen pg 25 BR 60 mins
7.30pm
Jessica Mauboy – The Story of Me pg 18 HM 90 mins
7.30pm Bobby Fox –
Mr. Entertainment pg 20 DP 60 mins
9pm
Bullet Heart Club – Sugar pg 26 ST 70 mins
9.30pm
Dr Trevor Jones
– Piano Man pg 15 QB until late 10.15pm
Gillian Cosgriff
– There Is Nothing Like A Game! pg 31 BR 90 mins
SUNDAY 15 JUNE
1pm LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club pg 46 AS 90 mins
3pm
Between the Covers pg 15 BR 60 mins
3.30pm
Bobby Fox –
Mr. Entertainment pg 20 DP 60 mins
6pm
Joanne Hartstone – The Smart Girls’ Guide to Breaking Up pg 24 ST 60 mins
7.30pm Frankie McNair – Tabitha Booth pg 44 BR 60 mins
9pm
Bullet Heart Club – Sugar pg 26 ST 70 mins
9.30pm
Dr Trevor Jones – Piano Man pg 15 QB until late
Open every night Station Foyer, Dunstan Playhouse #ExperienceAmazing
CABARET CALENDAR WEEK 3
WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE
6pm
Natalie Abbott – Bad Hand pg 42 BR 60 mins
8pm
La Clique pg 36 ST 75mins
THURSDAY 19 JUNE
6pm
Natalie Abbott – Bad Hand pg 42 BR 60 mins
7pm
Trio pg 35 DP 60 mins
8pm
La Clique pg 36 ST 75 mins
8.30pm Rai Thistlethwayte – Reimagining
Stevie Wonder’s ‘Innervisions’ pg 40 BR 60 mins
9.30pm
Dr Trevor Jones – Piano Man pg 15 QB until late
FRIDAY 20 JUNE
6pm
La Clique pg 36 ST 75 mins
7pm
Michelle Brasier’s Comedians On Stage Auditioning for Musicals pg 41 BR 60 mins
7.30pm David Campbell –Good Lovin’ & More pg 28 HM 90 mins
9pm
La Clique pg 36 ST 75 mins
9.30pm
Dr Trevor Jones – Piano Man pg 15 QB until late 10.15pm
25th Birthday Party pg 31 BR 90 mins
SATURDAY 21 JUNE
2pm 25 Years in Conversation pg 49 AS 60 mins
2pm
Class of Cabaret pg 48 DP 70 mins 5pm
Class of Cabaret pg 48 DP 70 mins
6pm La Clique pg 36 ST 75 mins
7pm
Michelle Brasier’s Comedians On Stage Auditioning for Musicals pg 41 BR 60 mins
7.30 pm Reuben Kaye –enGORGEd XXL pg 38 HM 90 mins 8pm
Venues
Artspace AS
Banquet Room BR
Dunstan Playhouse DP
Her Majesty’s Theatre HM
Quartet Bar QB
Space Theatre ST FREE Event
Festival Statesmen Chorus –A Cappella Time Warp pg 43 DP 60 mins 9pm La Clique pg 36 ST 75 mins
9.30pm Dr Trevor Jones – Piano Man pg 15 QB until late 10.15pm 25th Birthday Party pg 31 BR 90 mins
See La Clique until 28 June
Trio
Jess Hitchcock, Fanny Lumsden, and Freya Josephine Hollick
Three of Australia’s most exciting female vocalists are ready to ignite the stage with a vibrant tribute to the iconic album Trio by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. Experience the magic of these classic songs, brought to life with soaring vocals and undeniable chemistry.
Dunstan Playhouse
Thu 19 June, 7pm
60 mins (no interval)
Prem $69
A Res $64
Suitability: 12+
Jess Hitchcock
“Her voice is an instrument of wonder…” The Guardian
Fanny Lumsden “…storyteller at heart…” Rolling Stone Australia
Freya Josephine Hollick
“…Her voice is a timeless beacon…”
Rhythms Magazine
From Virginia
Artistic Director’s Fund
Spiegeltent International and David Bates present
La Clique
The global phenomenon that redefined a genre, with its mélange of cabaret and circus, this Olivier Award winner is not just a show, it’s a visceral sensation. Sexy, funny, dangerous – come celebrate La Clique’s 20th Anniversary and enter a world of pure entertainment.
Space Theatre
Wed 18 Jun, 8pm
Thu 19 Jun, 8pm
Fri 20 Jun, 6pm & 9pm
Sat 21 Jun, 6pm & 9pm
Sun 22 – Sat 28 June see website for times 75 mins (no interval)
VIP Table of 4 $600 per table with wine & cheese preset
Prem $109
A Res $99
B Res $89
Suitability: 18+
Warnings: Coarse language, nudity, haze effects, adult themes
“Cirque de Soleil’s more brash, less inhibited and more naked younger sister.”
The New York Times
Photo: Daniel Boud
From Virginia
Photo: Claudio Raschella
Reuben Kaye enGORGEd XXL
Brutally funny and spectacularlyjawed, our 2024 Cabaret Icon returns with his hit show enGORGEd, only this time it’s bigger, longer, and thiccer than ever. This is what happens when you tell your children they can be anything (and don’t lock the liquor cabinet). Bring eye drops — you won’t want to blink and miss a second.
Her Majesty’s Theatre Sat 21 June, 7.30pm 90 mins (no interval)
Prem $109
A Res $79
B Res $69
Suitability: 18+
Warnings: Coarse language, haze effects, adult themes
Musical Director: Shanon D Whitelock
“Good luck looking anywhere else when Kaye is on stage.”
The Guardian
From Virginia
Rai Thistlethwayte
Reimagining Stevie Wonder's 'Innervisions'
In a thrilling fusion of musical greats, Thirsty Merc frontman and multi-instrumentalist Rai Thistlethwayte pays homage to soul, funk, Motown, and pop icon Stevie Wonder. You’ll hear hits from his game-changing album Innervisions (Higher Ground, Don’t You Worry ‘bout
A Thing) like you’ve never heard them before.
Banquet Room Thu 19 June, 8.30pm 60 mins (no interval)
Prem $59
A Res $54
B Res $49
Suitability: 16+
From Virginia
Michelle Brasier’s Comedians On Stage Auditioning for Musicals
Comedy darlings Michelle Brasier and Ben Russell (Thank God You’re Here) host this cult hit for its third year running. Your favourite comedians audition for a (terrible) community theatre production. Who gets a callback? Who gets a knife in the back? Who will triumph in the world’s worst audition room?
Banquet Room Fri 20 – Sat 21 June, 7pm
60 mins (no interval)
Tickets $49
U30s $30
Suitability: 16+
Warnings: Coarse language, adult themes
“A thoroughly enjoyable hour of comedy and musicals, elevated by incredible talent.” Stage Whispers
Photo: Claudio Raschella
From Virginia
Natalie Abbott Bad Hand
A cabaret about grief, luck, and the unpredictable game of life. With humour, music, and a few poker metaphors, Natalie Abbott reflects on love, loss, and embracing uncertainty. Equal parts humorous and heartfelt, it’s a reminder to play your hand boldly — because no one knows what’s coming next.
Banquet Room
Wed 18 – Thu 19 June, 6pm
60 mins (no interval)
Prem $54
A Res $49
Suitability: 16+
Warnings: Coarse language, themes of death/dying
“never miss[es] a beat…”
Theatre Pass
From Virginia
Photo: Jessie Byrne & Matt Ford
Festival Statesmen Chorus A Cappella Time Warp
After 16 years of a cappella magic, the Festival Statesmen Chorus returns home to Adelaide for a one-night-only celebration. These local legends bring their unique blend of a cappella covers and high-energy entertainment with 80s, 90s, and early 2000s hits (think Pitch Perfect meets Ronan Keating).
Ten voices, boundless energy, and maximum fun!
Dunstan Playhouse
Sat 21 June, 8pm
60 mins (no interval)
Prem $59
A Res $54
Suitability: 15+
“One of the best performances I’ve ever witnessed…”
Michael Kelly, Barbershop Harmony Society, International Judge.
From Virginia
Frankie McNair
Tabitha Booth
Liza fears her. Streisand wants to be her. The woman, the myth, the mania: it’s Tabitha Booth. Brainchild of wunderkind alternative comedian Frankie McNair (Thank God You’re Here), witness Tabitha use her last threads of sanity to sing off-off Broadway hits you’ve never heard of, in keys you didn’t know existed.
Banquet Room
Sun 15 June, 7.30pm
60 mins (no interval)
Tickets $39
U30s $30
Suitability: 16+
Warnings: Coarse language, nudity
“Ridiculously fun and ludicrously over-the-top.”
See Do Eat Review
The Burton Brothers 1925
It's the only sketch comedy show set entirely in the year 1925! Absurd characters populate an insane, yet wildly recognisable world, interspersed with two part harmony jazz standards. The transatlantic accents are impeccable, and the vibes divine in this absolutely bonkers hour — now in technicolour!
Banquet Room
Thu 12 June, 9pm
60 mins (no interval)
Tickets $39
U30s $30
Suitability: 13+
Warnings: Coarse language
“"...our next Lano and Woodley.” The Age
Photo: Simon McCulloch
From Virginia From Virginia
Photo: Rebeka Halls Vanguard Vanguard
Adelaide Cabaret Festival presents
Cabaret Life Drawing
Put the "ass" in Picasso as a sparkling artist strikes their pose. Accompanied by live music and a glass of something beguiling, unleash your inner artist with some mid-afternoon mastery as you sketch, sip, and shade your way into the evening.
Artspace
Sun 8 June, 2pm
60 mins
All tickets $29
Suitability: 16+
ABC Radio Adelaide presents
Sonya and Jules Live in Cabaret
ABC Radio Adelaide’s favourite duo Sonya Feldhoff and Jules Schiller are back with a smorgasbord of your Adelaide Cabaret Festival favourites, packed into one glorious show. Featuring live music, interviews, and unpredictable mayhem with stars from across the program to give you an unmissable festival experience.
Banquet Room Sun 8 June, 2pm 90 mins (no interval)
FREE
Suitability: All ages
Bookings essential Limited capacity
Photo: Claudio Raschella
Adelaide Exclusive
From Virginia
From Virginia
Photo: Claudio Raschella 45
All The Queens Men
LGBTIQ+
Elders Dance Club
The most warmest, welcoming, and downright charming dance event in the queer calendar, LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club is a celebration for the ages (all of them!). Created by All The Queens Men, this six-year festival favourite returns to celebrate community, chaos, and a ceilidh or two. No dance experience necessary, but an open heart required.
Artspace Sun 15 June, 1pm
90 mins
FREE
Suitability: All ages
Free tea and coffee provided by Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card.
“The dance club is a riotous safe space, where all are welcome.”
The Advertiser
From Virginia
Photo: Claudio Raschella
Australia World Premiere and Adelaide Exclusive
Adelaide Cabaret Festival presents
Claudio Raschella
10 years photographing Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Claudio Raschella has been capturing artists at their most relaxed, vulnerable, ridiculous, and chaotic for the last 10 years of Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Don’t miss this peek behind cabaret’s velvet curtain and get a rare (often unfiltered) look at the energy, mischief, and absolute, unstoppable passion of cabaret’s biggest stars.
Ian & Pamela Wall Gallery
Her Majesty’s Theatre Fri 6 June – Sun 31 August Open 90 mins before showtimes and during intervals.
FREE
Suitability: All ages
Photo: Claudio Raschella
Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Adelaide Festival Centre centrED presents
Class of Cabaret
Sixteen school students embark on an extraordinary journey: creating, rehearsing, and performing their own show in just one semester. Watch these brave hearts flourish in the most personal and authentic of artforms. You’ll be entertained, inspired, and wonder why you never got to do anything this cool in school.
“I can go on to create art that is unique and authentic to me while being fierce, unapologetic and unafraid.”
Francesca,
Class of Cabaret 2024
Dunstan Playhouse
Sat, 21 June
2pm & 5pm
70 mins
Prem $49
A Res $44
Suitability: 12+
Warnings: Coarse language
Mentors
Mark Oates,
Millicent Sarre
Director
Brock Roberts
Musical Director
Ciara Ferguson
Vocal Coach
Rosie Hosking
Photo: Claudio Raschella
The Nathaniel O’Brien Class of Cabaret Scholarship is supported by Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation.
From Virginia
Dr Trevor Jones Show Tunes Trevia
Wild about Wicked? Crazy for Chicago? Phanatic for Phantom? Put your showbiz knowledge to the test, led by your favourite sequin-blazered impresario Dr Trevor Jones. Show Tunes Trevia will have you cheering, competing, and desperately trying to remember all the colours of Joseph’s coat.
Artspace
Sun 8 June 5pm
Thu 12 June 6.30pm 90 mins (no interval)
FREE
Suitability: 16+
“Trevor's unique blend of humour, song and irresistible charm guarantee a night you will remember for years to come.”
Fringe World
Adelaide Cabaret Festival presents 25
Years in Conversation
We’re turning 25! Celebrate how this fabulous festival has grown, what the future holds, and what work she’s had done (just a little smoothing across the plaza). Former Executive Producer and cabaret lover Alex Sinclair chats to special guests about memorable moments, iconic identities, and what actually went down backstage that one time with Reuben Kaye.
Artspace
Sat 7, 14 & 21 June, 2pm 60 mins (no interval)
Suitability: All ages
FREE
From Virginia
Photo: Burke Photography
From Virginia
Wine and Dine
Choose from a variety of food and drink options before, between, and after performances.
Scan QR code for more information and pre-show dinner bookings.
The Star: Kitchen and Bar Festival Theatre foyer
A great selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, spirits, and the Cabaret Cocktail. Pre-show dinners available.
Riverdeck Café
Dunstan Playhouse foyer
For coffee, tea, and some quick snacks to refuel in between shows.
Quartet Bar by Corryton Burge Festival Theatre foyer
The bar for all your white, red, rosé, and sparkling needs. Perfect for pre- and postshow mingling and of course Dr Trevor Jones’ Piano Man
Lexus Lounge Station Foyer, Dunstan Playhouse
‘Experience amazing’ this festival in luxurious surrounds with a cool drink, hot beats, and a cozy atmosphere.
Photo: Claudio Raschella
Artspace Bar
Artspace
Open for shows held in Artspace with beer, wine, and soft drinks available.
Space Theatre Bar Space Theatre foyer
Drinks, snacks and coffee will be available at this bar before and between shows.
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Bars are located on every level, serving a great selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, spirits, and the cabaret cocktail. Pre-show dinners available at the Rooftop restaurant (level 3).
Corporate Hospitality
Share an unforgettable experience with our corporate boxes, show packages, private functions, and more. Contact the Corporate Partnerships team to arrange your bespoke event for this year’s festival. Email: corporate.entertainment@ adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au or call 08 8216 8600
Every Lexus is the embodiment of amazing. But we believe that amazing should extend beyond the vehicle. Lexus Encore Platinum 1 gives you access to a suite of exclusive owner benefits that bring amazing to every area of your life. You can embark on a culinary adventure at a Dining Event. Experience an effortless shopping trip with Valet Parking 2 And borrow another Lexus, with Lexus On Demand 3 . Welcome to Encore Platinum, where life meets amazing.
Photo: Claudio Raschella
A STAY AS DAZZLING AS THE SHOW
Just steps from Adelaide Festival Centre, immerse yourself in the spectacle of Adelaide Cabaret Festival—on and off the stage. Sip world-class cocktails, savour exquisite dining, and who knows? You might just share a toast with the incredible stars!
Getting Here
Pedestrian access around Adelaide Festival Centre may be impacted by early redevelopment works. Visit the website before of your visit to plan your journey carefully: https://www. adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/your-visit
Register your contact details in your Ticketek account or with your ticket purchase to receive up-to-date information before your show.
Her Majesty’s Theatre is located at 58 Grote Street, Adelaide
Parking
Adelaide Festival Centre riverbank venues
We recommend the Riverbank Car Park on Festival Drive for convenient festival parking. Located under Adelaide Convention Centre, take the lift to “Promenade” for a flat walk to all venues. Alternative parking is available at Adelaide Oval and on North Terrace.
Festival Car Park access is restricted and may be unavailable for your visit.
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Parking options around the Grote Street precinct include:
• Care Park (6 Pitt Street)
• UPark Adelaide Central Market (60 Gouger Street, entry also from Grote Street)
• Wilson Parking (23 Franklin Street)
Access Services
Accessible facilities include a wheelchair loan service, assistive hearing systems, accessible toilets and seat allocations, lifts, and stair-free drop off/pick up locations.
For more information about access services and getting to Adelaide Festival Centre, scan the QR code on this page.
How to Book
Online: cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au or ticketek.com.au
In person: Ticketek outlets
By phone: Ticketek on 131 246
An on-site box office is open 90 minutes prior to ticketed start times of any performance.
Conditions of Ticket Purchase
Lost or Stolen Tickets
For lost or stolen ticket enquiries please contact Ticketek on 131 246.
Concessions
Pensioners, seniors, patrons experiencing unemployment, and full-time students may be entitled to concession prices.
Proof of entitlement may be requested at time of purchase or at the venue. Please make sure you carry your concession cards.
Under 30s Tickets
Under 30s tickets must be collected pre-show from the box office with photo ID. Note that capacity for Under 30s tickets is strictly limited.
Premium Packages
Premium Packages tickets and associated drinks voucher/s must be collected from an Adelaide Festival Centre Box Office.
For more information on drink voucher/s included, please visit the website.
Transaction Fees
A one-off, non-refundable service and handling fee of $9.55 applies per transaction; this is regardless of the number or value of items purchased. For further information regarding fees, visit our website: adelaidefestivalcentre. com.au/your-visit/how-to-book
For other enquiries, contact: 08 8216 8600 or contact@adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Adelaide Festival Centre respects your privacy and meets government policy requirements. Ticket Pricing on pages is indicative only. Concessions may apply. Eligibility for concessions will vary across events. Artist lineup is subject to change without notice.
Every effort has been made to ensure that performance, dates, times, prices, and other information are herein correct at time of publication.
Refer to adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au for full, updated information and terms and conditions.
Acknowledgements
Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director
Virginia Gay
Executive Producer
Isobel Marmion
Programming
Maddy Warren Senior Producer
Zola Allen Assistant Producer
Michelle Davy Programming Coordinator
Ali Jones Festival Design
Kathryn Sproul Special Events Design
Renee Gibson CentrED Education Manager
Ioanna Salmanidis Learning & Engagement Programming Coordinator
Marketing
Meral Nieman Marketing Lead
Samantha Highcock Marketing Coordinator
Stephanie Rossetto Senior Publicity Coordinator
Gloria-Qing Deng Digital Content Officer
Julie Jensen Graphic Designer
Simon Rogers Visual Content Officer
Customer Experience
Cathy Barrett Retail & Tours Executive
Peter Maddock Senior Ticketing Executive
Heather McGinn Ticketing Coordinator
Jessica Marsh Ticketing Coordinator
Natalie Patron Services
Schwarz-Hancock Coordinator
Tiana Sgarbossa Hospitality Executive
Alex Scott Hospitality Coordinator
Marissa Vorrasi Hospitality Coordinator
Rebecca Thompson Business Development and Events Manager
Hannah Knott Event Sales Executive
Liam Goodwin Event Sales Coordinator
Ryan Willard Head Chef
Production
Françoise Piron Production Coordinator
Michael Roberts Production Coordinator
Amanda Ashley Production Coordinator
Deanna Covino Production Coordinator
Brent Forjosis Production Coordinator
Alex Hadden Production Coordinator
Robert O’Mahony Head of Staging
Jane Rossetto Head of Sound
Martin Howard Head of Lighting
Philanthrophy & Corporate Partnerships
Nicole Cameron Partnerships Account Executive
Sam Diotallevi Philanthropy Executive
Adelaide Cabaret Festival Founder
Frank Ford AM
TV Commercial Talent
Bobby Fox
Lyra la Belle
Luka Sandeo
Adelaide Festival Centre Trustees
The Hon Karlene Maywald (Chair)
Bruce Carter AO (Deputy Chair)
Michael Abbott AO KC
Dr Katherine Tamiko Arguile
Alexandrea Cannon OAM
Penny Griggs
Councillor Phillip Martin
Dr Evelyn Yap OAM
Adelaide Festival Centre Management
Douglas Gautier AM CEO & Artistic Director
Steven Woolhouse Chief Operating & Financial Officer
Christie Anthoney Head of Public Affairs
Renato Capoccia Head of Marketing
Nathan Luscombe Head of Production & Technical
Heather Poole Head of Customer Experience
Alex Sinclair Head of Programming – Commercial & Venue Sales
Susannah Sweeney Head of Programming – Public Purpose
Abbie Taylor Director of Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships
Natalie Adam Manager, Ticketing
Francesca Belperio Manager, Publicity & Content Creation
Bernadette Brennan Manager, WHS & Risk
David Cations Manager, ICT & Cybersecurity
Mark Cullen Manager, Facilities Services
Janine Eckert Manager, Corporate Partnerships
Claire George Manager, Human Resources
Julia George Manager, Digital & Social
Kate Hagan Manager, Patron Services
Jeff Owens Manager, Hospitality
Olivia Power Manager, Philanthropy
Abhishek Shaw Manager, Finance & Business Improvement
Angela Willington Manager, Legal & Contract Management
Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation Board
Miranda Starke (Chair)
Cain Cooke (Deputy Chair)
Ray Dahdah
Georgina Duckworth
Sheryn Foord
Jasmin Shahin
Lauren Zwaans
Lady Joan Hardy OAM (Patron)
Legh Davis (Patron)
We thank all Adelaide Festival Centre staff and volunteers, whose hard work makes this festival possible.
Adelaide Festival Centre is the heart of the arts in South Australia
Established in 1973 and located on Kaurna Yarta, Adelaide Festival Centre is Australia’s first capital city arts venue and hosts more than one million people annually. As well as presenting theatre, dance, music, and exhibitions, Adelaide Festival Centre creates diverse festivals to inspire, challenge, educate, and entertain.