Sugar Might Be Addictive…

Sugar

Sugar Rating

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Wow! What a yummy treat this cabaret was. I ate it up and didn’t want it to end! Tomàš Kantor sucked us into the story from the get-go with clever use of current pop bangers that we all know, and love. From Chappell Roan to Gaga, the Sugababes and TikTok hits, the music always encapsulated the story in an interesting and unique way. The rollercoaster of emotions throughout was relatable and we were rooting for the very lovable Tomàš as Sugar. Honestly, in this economy, who hasn’t contemplated taking the “easy way out” and becoming a sex worker after watching Pretty Woman. Especially easy to relate to if you’ve ever been a struggling uni student living in a share house.

Tomàš performance of this (as far as I can tell), true story, was powerful, fun and playful. I loved the use of the poppiest of songs arranged in a cabaret format. I died when Prada played. They gave us clever costume, prop and set use, great vocals, dance breaks and played multiple instruments. What a multi-talented and intelligent performer! The characters were all interesting, well-defined and had a point of view. The story was clear. I feel as if this is a show you could see many times and notice new clever intricacies each time. Tomàš and Bullet Heart Club (Ro Bright – show writer & Kitan Petkovski – director) deserve high praise for this!

 

 

Don’t be distracted by the sparkles though. Not only was it funny, but there were poignant moments as well. These included some insight into why sex work is often not “easy money.” This is a job which requires incredible sacrifice of self and often places the worker into perilous personal situations where they have no power or recourse for wrongs committed. This window into sugar-babying throws light on some inherent class divides and the power imbalance of these transactional relationships. There was subtle commentary on internalised queerphobia too, and I had goosebumps when they started singing the last song.

The show included considerable (optional) audience participation and use of house lights which made for a very immersive theatre experience. This hooked us in for the ride and made us laugh. Word of warning, if you are uncomfortable with descriptions or portrayals of sex on stage this is maybe not the show for you. However, those who are down, you are in for a thrilling collective release. I was unsure how the audience would react at the Hayes, but they loved it! Tomàš is so charismatic and charming that we feel as if we are a friend getting the tea.

Ultimately, such a fun journey, I laughed and sympathised with Sugar. I would heartily recommend going to see Sugar if you get the chance. This debut cabaret has already won multiple awards, and rightly so, Tomàš is a talent to watch. Look out Edinburgh…

To book tickets to Sugar, please visit http://hayestheatre.com.au/event/sugar/.

Photographer: James Reiser

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Skank Sinatra: A Hilarious, Glamorous Night of Drag Cabaret

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Imagine stand-up comedy, but with music, glamour, and a powerhouse voice – that’s Skank Sinatra. Performed by the strikingly beautiful Jens Radda, this drag cabaret show is a witty, melodic, and delightfully cheeky celebration of song and storytelling.

Radda is radiant as Skank Sinatra – her skin flawless, makeup impeccable, and smile utterly disarming. The audience was clearly captivated, not just by her looks, but by her nuanced, hilariously expressive facial gestures and effortless stage presence. She moves with grace and confidence, her costume choices both bold and elegant. A sleek white ensemble showed off her svelte figure, and a clever costume change added to the theatrical flair.

But what truly sets Skank Sinatra apart is her voice. A rich contralto (with flashes of tenor range), Radda reimagines classic Sinatra tunes with clever lyrics that kept the audience highly amused. Her musicality is matched by strong storytelling – tales that span smoky jazz clubs in New York, the underground cabarets of Berlin, the flamboyant streets of Sydney, and even the wild savannas of South Africa – all delivered with charm, humour, and often while accompanying herself skillfully on the keyboard.

 

At times, the backing music could have been slightly louder, but that’s a small note in an otherwise polished, confident performance. She sings on key and with style – an absolute pleasure to listen to.

The intimate Loading Dock at Qtopia adds charm and closeness, though one couldn’t help but imagine how spectacular this act would be in a “Cotton Club”-style venue – a cabaret setting where the audience could dine, sip cocktails, and soak in the ambience. Still, the energy and enthusiasm in the room were palpable. Many in the crowd were return fans; others curious to see if the buzz was justified. It was – and then some.

Skank Sinatra has won Best Cabaret at the Adelaide Fringe two years running. It is excellent entertainment, blending glamour, satire, and musical talent in equal measure. Radda doesn’t miss a beat! Highly recommended.

Qtopia: The venue itself is worth a visit. Located in the heritage-listed former Darlinghurst Police Station, Qtopia is the largest museum and cultural centre dedicated to queer history and culture in the world. With four buildings on site, it’s worth arriving early or staying after the show to explore. A bar onsite offers refreshments, and the audience – an even mix of ages and genders – added to the warm, community feel.

To book tickets to Skank Sinatra, please visit https://www.skank-sinatra.com/.

Photographer: Joel Devereux, MJ Bently

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Australia Really Does Have Talent!

Homo Grown

Homo Grown Rating

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Apologies in advance, I tried to catch as many names of these talented performers as possible but I have definitely missed some and will jumble them up. Homo Grown was an absolute treat! For this queer musical lover, it was like a slice of Heaven.

Host and co-founder of “Home Grown Aus”, Nick Ledger, opened us with Princess by Matthew Lee Robinson. Home Grown Aus, co-founded by Nick and husband Ben Nicholson, is the grassroots movement championing and producing original new works in Australian musical theatre. I actually attended a reading of “Mackenzie” by one my favourite musical theatre writers, Yve Blake, earlier in the week. That was produced by Home Grown and Hayes Theatre.

Our next act was a stunning cameo by Australia’s first female Prime Minister, performed by Mandy Isher. It brought the house down and the energy up to stay.

McBeanie and Hurley then performed a duet based on their musical chronicling the life and times of (very) obscure playwright, Robert Wiseman. This was a cute little back and forth called “The First Time I Met You” and left us with heart eyes for this real life couple.

Powerhouse Carla then took to the stage with “We’ve Got Chemistry” by Jordy Thomas. Those pipes!! Carla has power and presence and a sexy, sultry voice. With this melting “Ooh” that was like liquid chocolate! And I even I understood most of the chemistry puns, despite flunking science! Carla lights up the room and is an artful performer.

Yasheith performed “One Day In September” by Maverick and Cohen, about a closeted football star. Yakeith’s performance was earnest and nuanced, with unique use of dramatic timing. Such a beautiful voice too.

 

Nick Hedger returned to the stage with a love song for the gamers, nerds and misfits. It was a rock opera style ballad that hit the feels.

Robbie Alexander gave us a taste of the opening of their upcoming musical, warning it would be long and referred to it as their “Bohemian Rhapsody”. It was such a wonderful song that leaves me wanting to watch the whole musical. Charlie is the main character, who just can’t make main character status, so “Other Charlie” steals their limelight. The two Charlies and an ensemble of three delivered this number, with Charlie’s therapist’s voice being absolutely extraordinary!

Nick returned for an homage to Peter Allen which was poignant and touching.

The next was from a musical about netball. The names here got quite muddled for me. I think Sophie Davies and Harry Collins may be the composers. Lauren introduced the mother/daughter duo performance of “Married To Netball” which was absolutely hilarious and both Addie Robinson and Sinead Christado nailed the song.

We then finished with an entirely can’t-possibly-be-human performance by Carla once more. As a singer myself, I was left completely at a loss as to how one voice can do so many things and yet make it look like it’s the simplest thing in the world! I told my Plus One that Carla has to be AI!

It was such a wonderful and joyful hour of celebrating queer musical theatre creatives. I am already a big fan of Home Grown and the work they are doing, and I am so excited to see these upcoming new works and more of these incredible performers. Australia really does have talent!

To book tickets to Homo Grown, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/homogrown/tickets.

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Leather Lungs: Shut Up and Sing – Big Boots, Big Hair, Bigger Heart

Leather Lungs: Shut Up and Sing

Leather Lungs: Shut Up and Sing Rating

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It’s September in Sydney – time for the largest arts festival in NSW The Sydney Fringe Festival, to come alive. Over 400 events are being hosted across multi venues. I visited the Village Green Festival Garden at Darling Quarter on a cold evening to watch the cabaret Leather Lungs: Shut Up and Sing. The outside was chilly, but fortunately inside the tent it was warmer and was about to become even more so with the arrival of Leather Lungs.

Bursting onto the stage with bright blue hair, long eyelashes, wearing a sequin dress and a bright pink taffeta coat, Leather Lungs exuded energy and radiance. Their introduction and comedic story telling immediately had the audience cheering. We discovered that although this opening night act was the first time they had performed at The Fringe Festival in Sydney, this New Zealand entertainer has had a full career performing their self written cabaret all over the world. Leather Lungs has sung with Adele and performed for the Beckhams, and has won the Best Cabaret Weekly Awards in 2020 and 2021.

Shut Up and Sing, Leather Lung’s solo show, blends storytelling and song together into a mesmerising walk through some experiences in their life. They begin with an original song which appears to be a dedication to their Nanna Gail and the very sound advice that she had given to them when she was alive. They share this memory as they reminiscence, conveyed in a sweet and gentle song about insecurity and being kind to yourself. Within the small tent, we could almost feel Nana Gail there with us.

Leather Lungs followed with a song that they and Nana Gail had sung when they were out exploring the woods – a cheeky rendition of Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Although this traditional nursery song doesn’t sound like the typical cabaret song, coupled with Leather Lung’s active physicality accompaniment around the stage and a hilarious repetitive impersonation of some farm animal noises, they had us in stitches laughing! This was also one song where we were encouraged to join in singing with them, which delighted the audience. 

Leather Lungs: Shut Up and Sing

Leather Lungs continued to capture the audience with their humour, wit and spectacular four octave vocal range! They had the skill of storytelling, highlighting some important serious themes, ranging from being in an unhealthy relationship and sharing some health issues, to balancing it with tales of growth, self acceptance and love. It was a beautiful mix in the show and Leather Lungs left us with the very real message to not be a bystander, and not to be complacent when faced with difficulties life will inevitably throw at us. Don’t depend on others rescuing you – a reminder as they purposely cut short the song “I Need a Hero”. We can rescue ourselves.

Leather Lungs reminds us via their song lyrics – “Life is no cabaret, but I’m inviting you anyway.. just Sing”.

Go see this show – it was and it wasn’t what I was expecting from a cabaret. Yes it was energetic. Yes there were songs, glitter, fabulously outrageous costumes, fishnet stockings, big boots and an even bigger voice. What I didn’t expect was the cohesive flow of life’s lessons told with tender charm – bravo Leather Lungs!

Leather Lungs: Shut Up and Sing, is playing inside the South Tent at the Village Green Festival Garden.
Dates: 17 – 22 September 2024
Tickets: $23
Duration: 55 minutes
Producer: Ben Anderson
www.sydneyfringe.com/events/leather-lungs-shut-up-sing

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