Choose Your Own Variety with Ali McGregor

Arts-Centre-Melbourne-Ali-McGregorArts Centre Melbourne is helping audiences plan for Friday nights in lockdown like no other by presenting Melbourne cabaret queen Ali McGregor in the adventurous, Choose Your Own Variety with Ali McGregor.

Ali will host two fun-filled online performances on Friday 21 and 28 August at 7:30pm in her infamous variety style – but this time with a twist. Much like the Choose Your Own Adventure books of the ’80s, audiences will have the power to choose which act to watch next and access some hidden content.

A top hat icon will appear at various points in the interactive experience, and when clicked on audiences will be able to view encore performances, extra songs, stories and random musings.

Over two episodes Ali will be joined by a top-notch line-up of comedians, cabaret stars and burlesque artists including Sammy J, Cal Wilson, Zoë Coombs Marr, Thando, Gillian Cosgriff, Dane Simpson, Die Roten Punkte, Lily Paskas, Michelle Braiser and Holly Durant.

Episode One: Thando reminds audiences why she is Australia’s foremost soul singer-songwriter; Cal Wilson introduces her comedic character ‘Adele’ coming live from the crawl space in her cousin’s attic; Lily Paskas presents a Girl Guides lesson in magic; comedian and killer vocalist Michelle Braiser treats the audience to songs about the summer of youth and also reveals how to bathe in a bucket; and while Germany’s favourite punk popstar Otto (of Die Roten Punkte) is missing his band-mate Astrid in lockdown, Astrid has just gone missing…

Episode Two: watch Zoë Coombs Marr’s unique take on a TEDx talk; hear Gillian Cosgriff sing an ode to her silent crush; experience Dane Simpson give a tour of his House of Pun in Wagga Wagga; see performance artist Holly Durant share a captivating, ethereal and meditative piece called ‘Chandelier’ from her garage; and last but not least, enjoy musical comedian Sammy J performing original songs, including a special duet with Ali.

Together, they all find a new way to bring the live cabaret experience to audiences from their own homes. With each episode available to stream on demand for two weeks, audiences will love what Ali has in store for them.

Host, Singer & Creative Producer: Ali McGregor Musical Director & Keyboards: Sam Keevers Bass: Tamara Murphy Drums: Hugh Harvey Executive Producer: Wendy Richards Cinematographer: Simon Green


Arts Centre Melbourne, in association with Ali McGregor and Working Management, presents Choose Your Own Variety with Ali McGregor. Streaming on Friday 21 & 28 August 2020 – 7:30pm. For more information,visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.

Image: Ali McGregor (supplied)