Adelaide has been buzzing all week with the arrival of new Festival Director Alan Cumming, fresh from hotel quarantine and ready to throw the biggest party in Adelaide for the next three weeks. And what a party it’s going to be!
We all masked up, put our sequins and feather boas on, and celebrated the opening night of the 2021 Adelaide Cabaret Festival in style. It felt great to be back in a theatre watching so many amazing performers we have not only in Australia, but the world.
What a star-studded Variety Gala it was with Tim Minchin, Trevor Ashely, Michael Griffiths, Brendan Maclean, Willsy, Bob Downe, Amber Martin, Paul Capsis (Adelaide Cabaret Festival Icon Award Winner) the list goes on!
The Gala was hosted by International Superstar Hans. He did a brilliant job with his quick one-liners and always connects with the audience, no matter what age. Gifted with funny wit, and exceptional comedic timing, he certainly knows how to command an audience.
Paul Capsis demonstrated why he was the 2021 Cabaret Icon Award winner with his incredible vocal range and channeling the late Amy Whinehouse.
The only let down was we couldn’t see Meow Meow in the flesh, she was catapulted onto the big screen, accompanied by the Gala’s Music Director Mark Simeon Ferguson. This was due to the pesky border closure, and this feline was virtually superb!
The Queen (aka Gerry Connelly) graced us with her presence. Gerry has been playing Queen Elizabeth II for over 40 years and still delivers a brilliant, non-offensive performance as our beloved Monarch.
There were so many stand out performances from old acts to new, so many to mention here. It’s up to you now to figure out which show to see. Good luck with selecting just one.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival – The Variety Gala
Festival Theatre – Adelaide Festival Centre, King William Street, Adelaide
Performance: Friday 11 June 2021
Festival continues to 26 June 2021
Information: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au
Image: Paul Capsis (centre) performs at The Variety Gala – photo by Claudio Raschella
Reviewers: Angie McBride and Betty Samis – courtesy of All About Entertainment – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Reviews