The first four shows for 2022’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival are here, as new Artistic Director Tina Arena adds a twist on the Variety Gala and headlines her own show.
Audiences will get a double act of cabaret with the Variety Gala – but things aren’t what they seem. Kicking off the winter cabaret season early, the 2022 Variety Gala will be held in the balmy month of March for a one-night-only show celebrating the launch of the full programme.
Still set to be a glam, red carpet affair loved by cabaret fans, the Gala will be hosted by comedian Paul McDermott and the incomparable Tina Arena, presenting a selection of delights from the upcoming programme. Directed by Mitchell Butel and with musical direction from Mark Ferguson.
Tina will headline and host the world premiere show ‘Songs My Mother Taught Me’, where she’ll bring a touch of her Italian heritage to the programme and welcome guests Lior, Thando, Jess Hitchcock and Sophie Koh. It celebrates culture, legacy and love, and is inspired by storytelling and family.
In an Adelaide premiere, The Shànghǎi MiMi Band featuring award winning singer Sophie Koh will transform The Famous Spiegeltent into a glamorous club, and will bring to life the golden period of 1930s Shanghai. The show tells of how Shanghai became a magnet for foreign musicians in famous jazz venues on The Bund, performing alongside Chinese singers. Set to a score of intoxicating songs from the Paris of the east, and directed by John McAll.
Sophie Koh - Image © Eugyeene Teh
Last, but certainly not least, The Famous Spiegeltent will pay homage to the icons of disco at ‘The Piña Colada Room’. Late night revellers can dance all night to the sounds that moved an entire generation, with a programme of ever-revolving DJs, cabaret stars and mischief-makers. . . No two nights will be the same.
“I cannot wait to return to Adelaide and lead you astray into a decadent world of magic, glamour and unadulterated revelry! Starting with The Variety Gala in March, I hope it is a chance to celebrate and reunite as an audience, as we give you a tease of what’s to come in June next year,” Artistic Director Tina Arena says.
“Join me as I take you back to my most loved childhood songs taught to me by my mother and ask Australian cabaret artists to share their stories and heritage in ‘Songs My Mother Taught Me’. Talented musician Sophie Koh and the band will transport you back in time and The Pina Colada Room will be the place to be, come those cool cabaret nights.
“From intimate evenings with some of the world’s best performers, to wild nights under disco lights – next year’s programme will be bursting with provocation and pizazz. Can’t wait to see you there!”
Tickets for these shows are on sale today.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival is on from 10-25 June.
