Adelaide Fringe 2020: Top Picks – Cabaret

All the glitters and gold from Adelaide's shimmering cabaret scene

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Leather Lungs
Photo by Sanjeev Singh
Published 06 Feb 2020

Leather Lungs: Yas Queen!

Photo by Sanjeev Singh

Jason Chasland returns to follow up his hit show Son of a Preacher. Now the Kiwi known as Leather Lungs matches his extraordinary vocal talents and range to classic tracks by the likes of Queen and Prince. And while he's hitting the high notes, he'll also be readying for interludes of delicious low-brow humour. A bohemian night. 

Gluttony, 3–14 Mar, not 4, 9, 11, 10pm

Cabernet Refined

A cabaret as classsy as a fine wine brought to us by nine South Australian performers. Cabernet Refined joins classically trained vocalists and dancers together on stage with acrobatics and improv. This is a bold, sultry speakeasy-style evening best enjoyed with a group of pals. 

The Big Slapple at the Adelaide Convention Centre, 14–15 & 21 Feb, 7:30pm & 9pm

Blunderland

The night out equivalent of queering Alice in Wonderland, Blunderland is a psychedelic trip straight from a tea party with lashings of circus, cabaret and burlesque. A regular and hugely popular night at Brooklyn's The House of Yes nightclub, Blunderland now arrives in Adelaide to take us down to a warren of kaleidoscopic rabbit holes. 

Gluttony, 14 Feb–15 Mar, not 17, 24 Feb, 2, 9 Mar, 9:40pm

Singin' in the Pain: A Disability and Chronic Illness Cabaret

Singin' in the Pain brings together performers with disabilities and those with chronic pain. Hosted and produced by Adelaide's own burlesque star Diana Divine, the night makes for an indiscriminate celebration of the body. 

Nexus Arts, 6–7 Mar, 8pm

The Catchelorette

Carla Mattiazzo is no stranger to bringing a vulnerable honesty to cabaret. Her 2018 show That's Life centred on the disappearance of her mother. In her latest performance she is telling us a love story, lots of love stories, and asking: does there always have to be a catch? 

The Adina Treasury Tunnels, 18 Feb–14 Mar, not Sun/Mon, 8:30pm

After Hours Cabaret Club – LOCK IN

Bring your wild side for a late-night, high-risk drinking session with Tash York and a line-up of her most reckless friends. The debauched and after-hours atmosphere is balanced by the talented accompaniment of a swing jazz six-piece live band. 

Gluttony, various dates between 14 Feb–14 Mar, 10:40pm

Snap Crackle Pop

A heady blend of anthems and live performances, Poof Doof's favourite gay rave Snap Crackle Pop brings all your favourite hits out to play. It's like a remix of your best house party – and where everyone can sing along. 

RCC, 16 Feb, 23 Feb, 1 Mar, 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 9:30pm

Velvet Rewired

It's five years since the original Velvet premiered at Adelaide Fringe and now you can join Marcia Hines and a ten-strong cast of performers as the journey continues. A groovy night of high-wire circus, acrobatics and glitter balls with the ultimate disco soundtrack.  

Gluttony, 13 Feb–15 Mar, not 17, 24 Feb, 2, 9 Mar, times vary