A wave of nostalgia hit me tonight for the Sydney of the early 2000s, a time when it felt as though the city was brimming with cabaret. While perhaps not a nightly occurrence, the scene was undeniably rich.
I have fond memories of the “Hayden Tee Muftee Cabaret,” an upstairs theatre show where, on Friday nights, Hayden would host a talk show-style event with performers from musical productions across the city. My friend Colin and I were regulars, taking in performances by the likes of Lucy Durack and Matthew Robinson.
https://jamesobrien.id.au/tag/cabaret
Fast forward to this past weekend, and my search for a cabaret show initially left me feeling disheartened by the apparent lack of options, aside from burlesque. I was thrilled, then, to discover an evening of original Australian cabaret as part of the Sydney Pride Festival at Qtopia.
The hour-long showcase featured a talented ensemble of seven or eight performers who presented a mix of their own work and songs by Australian composers like Matthew Robinson. The evening was a delightful blend of music and comedy, even including a classic Peter Allen tune, “Tenterfield Saddler.” One particularly memorable act was a comedic song inspired by a photograph of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and an infamous empty fruit bowl.
Given it was a cold Monday night in winter, the audience was intimate, yet the atmosphere was warm and appreciative. This was enhanced by the fact that many in the audience were performers themselves, creating a uniquely supportive and lovely environment.
The show itself, a concept developed by an Adelaide-based couple, is dedicated to fostering contemporary Australian musical theatre. It was heartening to see the stage dominated by a new generation of talent, mostly in their twenties, carrying the torch for original Australian work.
My love for musical theatre stems from its powerful storytelling, conveyed through insightful lyrics and emotionally charged performances. This is why I’m particularly drawn to the raw and intimate nature of cabaret over large-scale productions. Tonight’s show was a perfect example of this.
Tonight’s show was a one-off event. It’s one of a couple of events I’m attending at the Pride Festival at Qtopia, with a comedy show next on my list. For now, I offer a resounding congratulations to the cast and creators of tonight’s wonderful performance. https://www.homegrownaus.com/hedger-and-nicholson
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