Dine on cabaret

Since the Moulin Rouge days of Paris and the Weimar era of Kabaret, people have regarded cabaret as food for the soul. If, indeed, that is the case, you have 16 days over June to gorge yourself.

Welcome to the fourth Adelaide Cabaret Festival, a unique blend of music, dance, arts, and, for the first time, sit-down satire. This amazing collaboration from over 380 artists has, once and for all, put Adelaide on the map.

Allow yourself to be drawn into this intimate world of shared stories and intimate experiences. Laugh, cry, sing and swoon, and enjoy this fantastic festival in all its splendour.

For your chance to win a double pass to one of the following fantastic shows, be one of the first 10 callers to phone Katarina at the Police Journal on 8231 0755.

Patsy Decline – Hobos, Cowpokes and Goddam Horses
Kerry Reid and Nic Hurcombe
June 11 & 12
9pm
Artspace

Patsy Decline is the alter ego of Adelaide’s very own Kerry Reid, the enormously talented actress, singer, songwriter and designer.

Reid has toured extensively with the Vitalstatistix Theatre Company starring in the award-winning cabaret-comedy, Tidbits. And, for years, she has entertained audiences at cabaret festivals, comedy galas and fringes across the nation.

For two nights only, Kerry Reid plays Patsy Decline, a burlesque songstress who has sung her way around the globe with hilarious stories of two-timing cowboys and sleepy one-horse towns.

Born in a railway town called Shangri-La, Patsy, the eldest of 10 children, was left to fend for her brothers and sisters after her mama ran away and her daddy got killed.

Patsy dreamed of fame and fortune. And, at the tender age of 14, she hitched a ride to the bright lights of Nashville, where she won a talent contest. That night, a star was born. Patsy Decline has been captivating audiences around the world ever since.

For your chance to laugh, cry and holler “yee-hah!” with the Queen of Country Corn, read the inset for your chance to be one of the lucky readers to receive a complimentary double pass.

The Rat Pack’s Back
Peter Cousens, Dale Burridge and David Malek
June 15 & 16
7pm
June 17
9:15pm
Dunstan Playhouse

Allow yourself to be taken on a journey by a trio of internationally acclaimed performers, back to the days when the martinis were stirred, chivalry was implicit and Ol’ Blue Eyes was still the chairman of the board.

Peter Cousens, Dale Burridge and David Malek are three of Australia’s most outstanding performers. They have each gained remarkable success as actors and presenters, as well as recording and cabaret artists, in almost every field of entertainment.

Between them, the threesome has starred in nearly every big-budget production to grace the stage. Just some of their credits include: Les Miserable, West Side Story, Miss Saigon, and Phantom of the Opera.

Dress up to the nines, and sing and dance to all of your favourite tunes by Sammy, Frank and Dean, as the Rat Pack reincarnated, joined by a 12-piece band, belt out all the big numbers.

Some of the hits you can expect to hear are: Come fly with Me, The Lady is a Tramp, My Way, What Kind of Fool am I?, Volare, When Somebody Loves You and, of course, New York, New York.

Private Dancer
Wendy McPhee, Richard Vella, Mary Sitarenos, Ina Shahahan, Tim Munro, Myles Mumford and Sandy Campbell
July 22 – 26
9pm
Artspace

Expect the unexpected in this deliciously sensual foray into eroticism starring Wendy McPhee. The internationally commended dancer, director and creator of widely acclaimed performance company, Softcore Inc, will seduce you in this one-woman journey through sexual desire and voyeurism.

Highly anticipated, Private Dancer is a naughty blend of cabaret, sideshow, striptease and burlesque. McPhee pays homage to the female body by shifting the sexual perception and representation of women with risky questions and classic comedy.

With an air of magnificence and mischievousness about her that will tease, please and captivate you, McPhee will prompt you to reveal your inner-most secret lusts and desires. Now, just ask yourself, do you like to watch, or be watched?

Peter Berner ‘Live’
Peter Berner
June 18 & 19
9:15pm
Dunstan Playhouse

Peter Berner is, without a doubt, one of the most popular and respected entertainers and comics to have hailed from Australia.

With a unique style that encompasses satire, social commentary, and observational and whimsical comedy, he is widely regarded as one of the finest stand-up comics. He’s quick-witted and edgy, so, blink and you might miss a dig.

During his 14-year career, Berner has ventured into live theatre, radio and television with great ease. And, for a preview of his outstanding talent, you can see him on the hugely popular Einstein Factor on ABC TV on Sunday nights.

If you don’t like to laugh until you cry, Peter Berner ‘Live’ is not for you. If you do, book early. Berner’s shows always sell out, and with “23 per cent more jokes”, this is sure to be no exception.

Combo Fiasco
Shaun Murphy, Tony McGill and Charmaine McClements
June 11 & 12
9:15pm
Dunstan Playhouse

Since bursting onto the New York cabaret scene in the late ’90s, Combo Fiasco has been performing to charmed audiences all over the world. With its distinct style and delicious close harmonies, this classy collective will ensure its last ever performance will take your breath away.

The trio of outrageously talented stars – Shaun Murphy, Tony McGill and Charmaine McClements – is considered one of the hottest cabaret acts in the world today, and has been nominated for the prestigious MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret) Best Vocal Group Award.

Just some of the productions the three have been involved in include: the Bell Shakespeare Company’s production of For Whom the Bell Tolls, the Queensland Ballet’s The Blue Angel Cabaret, and appearances with the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra.