Adelaide Cabaret Festival is thrilled to announce the first major headline act for its 2026 program, internationally acclaimed tenor and musical theatre superstar Alfie Boe, alongside the much-loved The 2026 Variety Gala.
With a celebrated career spanning opera, Broadway, and chart-topping albums, Boe is best known for his legendary portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables including the iconic 25th Anniversary Concert at London’s O2 Arena and the global Arena Spectacular Tour. He recently returned to the role for the sold-out 40th Anniversary Gala, earning rave reviews across performances in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Boe will make his Adelaide Cabaret Festival debut on Monday 15 June at Festival Theatre, performing a powerful selection of his greatest hits, fan favourites, and songs from his latest solo album, Facing Myself. He will be joined by Australian American soprano Amy Manford who is renowned for her captivating portrayal of Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End.
The festival will officially kick off with the dazzling 2026 Variety Gala on Thursday 4 June at Festival Theatre, hosted by our charismatic and daring Artistic Director Reuben Kaye. The glittering red-carpet event promises an unforgettable night of music, comedy, and cabaret, with a stellar line-up of local and international talent to be announced soon.
Grab your tickets early because the gala’s going late! We’ve got a free after-party, a piano bar set with Trevor Jones, and a soon to be announced late night show in the Banquet Room waiting for you.
“I can’t begin to describe the joy, the excitement and pure adrenaline of taking the reins of the Festival I love so dearly and to host The 2026 Variety Gala is the cherry on top,” said Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2026 Artistic Director, Reuben Kaye.
“The true night of the festival (bar closing night of course!) this year’s gala promises to be a smorgasbord of outlandish talent and a jewel in the crown of Australia’s artistic calendar. And wherever there’s a crown, this queen is ready and waiting,” said Kaye.
“We’re thrilled to invite audiences back to our refreshed venues in June 2026 for an unforgettable experience led by the incredible Reuben Kaye. We look forward to welcoming our passionate cabaret community once again,” said Adelaide Festival Centre CEO, Kate Gould.
Produced and presented by Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide Cabaret Festival has grown from modest beginnings in 2001 to become Australia’s major winter festival and the largest cabaret festival of its kind in the world.
The 2026 Variety Gala will be presented on Thursday 4 June 2026 and Alfie Boe on Monday 15 June 2026 at Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre. Tickets for both shows go on sale Thursday 30 October at 10.00am.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2026 opens 4 June and runs until 21 June 2026. The full program will be revealed in April 2026. For more information, visit: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Alfie Boe (supplied)