# Adelaide Cabaret Festival Variety Gala 2025 **Review** — On Your Markus **Rating:** 5 out of 5 **Published:** 6 June 2025 **Author:** Markus Hamence **Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/reviews/adelaide-cabaret-festival-variety-gala-2025/ --- *Review by ****[Markus Hamence](/markus-hamence/)**** – Performance date: Thursday 5 June 2025, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, SA* ## A Glittering Night at Her Majesty’s Theatre: Celebrating 25 Years of Cabaret They say “Variety is the spice of life”, well last night was VERY spicy and everyone single one of those spices in the rack were used to bring the favour-some bling. > “The engaging Virginia Gay (Gay by name and FABULOUS by nature) returning for her second year as Artistic Director, infused the gala with her trademark down-to-earth and approachable, wit and warmth” – ***Markus Hamence*** Last night, **Her Majesty’s Theatre** in Adelaide transformed into a vibrant celebration as the **Adelaide Cabaret Festival** marked its 25th anniversary with the **2025 Variety Gala**. Under the charismatic guidance of Artistic Director **Virginia Gay**, the evening was a dazzling showcase of talent, nostalgia, and forward-looking performances. ![Cabaret performers in vibrant costumes with feathered props pose on stage in an ornate theatre.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/24672/image002-3.png) ![Performer in a black strapless gown poses against a shimmering blue curtain backdrop at Adelaide Cabaret Festival.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/adhoc/9165043a/Screenshot-2025-06-06-at-6.38.28 AM-1.png) ## Virginia Gay: The Heartbeat of the Gala The engaging Virginia Gay (Gay by name and FABULOUS by nature) returning for her second year as Artistic Director, infused the gala with her trademark down-to-earth and approachable, wit and warmth. Known for her roles in *All Saints* and *Winners & Losers*, Gay’s passion for cabaret was evident as she orchestrated an evening that paid homage to the festival’s rich history while embracing its dynamic future. Her presence was both commanding and endearing, setting the tone for a night of celebration and reflection. ![Performer singing passionately on stage, shirtless with light blue trousers, against red theatre curtains.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/24795/viginia-gay-hmt-afc-website-2560x1280-1.jpg) ## A Tapestry of Performances The gala’s lineup was a testament to the festival’s commitment to diversity and excellence. The ‘Welcome to Country’ was done with cheer and joy by the jovial **Jack Bucksin **(with his daughter by his side). He is always a beautiful and embracing way to open the proceedings. THEN we got it, in decadent and delicious abundance… **Act One:** *Get This Party Started* **Virginia Gay** *Start Running* **Davina and the Vagabonds** Show**: ****[Davina and the Vagabonds](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/davina-and-the-vagabonds?dateId=06-06-2025&performanceId=EDUN2025766)** ![Performer in a black outfit and wide-brimmed hat against a library backdrop at Adelaide Cabaret Festival Variety Gala.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/cb60bf86-619a-4285-a736-50301dbf384d/Davina-and-the-Vagabonds-afc-website-2560x1280-1.webp) *Help/Being Alive* **Natalie Abbott** Show:** ****[Bad Hand](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/natalie-abbott-bad-hand?dateId=18-06-2025&performanceId=EAFT2025778BH)** ![Two performers in red jackets featured on oversized playing cards against a green surface.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/b5210d9a-80f0-4f41-913d-5eb444b6ed92/bad-hand-afc-website-2560x1280-1.webp) *Abracadabra* **Tomáš Kantor** Show: **[Sugar](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/sugar?dateId=14-06-2025&performanceId=ESCE2025774)** ![Performer in a bright yellow shirt holds a vintage microphone against a white backdrop, gazing at the camera with theatrical intensity.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/4c8174a9-72f0-4010-892e-2139c8f6c03d/sugar-afc-website-2560x1280-1.webp) *Treasure Hunt* **Victoria Falconer** Show: **[The Parlour](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/victoria-falconer-the-parlour?dateId=06-06-2025&performanceId=EAFT2025766TP)** ![Performer in a sequined black dress and voluminous blonde wig singing into a microphone under pink stage lighting.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/e74daf87-aeca-4f8c-b1be-f080ec0dadd6/victoria-falconer-parlour-afc-website-2560x1280-1.webp) *Song of Freedom* **Rizo** Show: **[Home](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/rizo-home?dateId=07-06-2025&performanceId=ESCE2025767)** ![Performer with red curled hair and red lipstick adjusting her hair against a dark backdrop with framed artwork.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/cf36db4f-2396-4a64-b334-316ca766c0d5/rizo-afc-website-2560x1280-1.webp) **Act Two:** *Feeling Good* **Vika & Linda** Show: **[An Evening with Vika & Linda](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/an-evening-with-vika-and-linda?dateId=12-06-2025&performanceId=EDUN2025772)** ![Two performers in white blazers pose together beside a grand piano during a cabaret gala.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/040946cb-63f3-473a-a593-e0d21e906ab5/vika-and-linda-afc-website-3.webp) *I’m Still Here* **Carlotta** Show: **[The Party’s Over](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/carlotta-the-partys-over?dateId=08-06-2025&performanceId=EDUN2025768CO)** ![Performer in elaborate white wig and black feathered costume against dark backdrop, striking a theatrical pose.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/27eb6542-246f-46fd-8649-0fa5169d5f4f/carlotta-the-partys-over-afc-website-2560x1280-1.webp) *Young Love in the Summertime* **Michelle Brasier** Show: **[Average Bear](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/michelle-brasier-average-bear?dateId=08-06-2025&performanceId=EDUN2025768BE)** Show: **[Michelle Brasier’s Comedians on Stage Auditioning for Musicals](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/michelle-brasiers-comedians-on-stage-auditioning-for-musicals?dateId=20-06-2025&performanceId=EAFT2025780CO)** ![Performer in dark top with styled hair smiles against green foliage backdrop at Adelaide Cabaret Festival.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/84e7106e-62d2-4c9e-b772-cf6d8c13d4a9/michelle-brasier-av-bear-afc-website-2560x1280-1.webp) *Class of Cabaret Medley (2024)* **Noah Byrne** Show: **[2025 Class of Cabaret](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/class-of-cabaret-2025?dateId=21-06-2025&performanceId=EDUN2025781)** ![Ensemble of cabaret performers in formal attire on stage under warm and cool stage lighting.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/af5ff7ae-97e3-4046-ab52-c6cb61deea07/class-of-cabaret-afc-website-2560x1280-1.webp) *That’s Life Medley* **Seann Miley Moore** & **Brendan de la Hay** Show: **[Tired Ass Showgirls](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/tired-ass-showgirls?dateId=06-06-2025&performanceId=ESCE2025766TA)** ![Two performers in elaborate costume and makeup pose together in a wooden-panelled cabaret setting during Adelaide Cabaret Festival.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/a532341b-b839-457b-abf8-a8f92ef3f238/tired-ass-girls-afc-website-2560x1280-1.webp) *Feels Like Home* **Jess Hitchcock** Joined by **Michelle Brasier** and **Victoria Falconer** Show: **[Trio](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/trio?dateId=19-06-2025&performanceId=EDUN2025779)** ![Three performers stand together on stage bathed in warm golden lighting during the Adelaide Cabaret Festival Variety Gala.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/c88ea5c7-4b77-4c1b-b6ae-4c9900e08586/trio-afc-website-2560x1280_2025-04-01-233105_monk.webp) *Ain’t I Got No – I Got Life* Ensemble ## A Few Highlights This just doesn’t seem fair, as all the acts were simply outstanding, BUT, you twisted my arm, so here goes: - Sean Miley Moore and Brendan de la Hay shone like diamonds with their number. Shimmying across the stage like pros, these two are a force and cannot even wait to see their show. Sparkling! - Jess Hitchcock has the voice of a freakin’ angel. I can’t even cope. Give me MORE! - Tomáš Kantor is a total gem and a rising star that will burn so bright you WILL need your sunnies. He gave me Olly Alexander vibes. AND, that’s a massive compliment from me. You a divine as a stage performer Kantor and, I for one, cannot wait to see what you do with this talent. - Noah Byrne, just wow. How on earth have you become so insanely talented at only 18. I’ve wasted my life… waaaaaah!!!!! Again, your future is very appealing. - Carlotta, a brilliant entertainer, we know that. Ageless (except she’s 82) and to see her score the 2025 Cabaret Festival Icon Award and get emotional was extraordinarily humble. The first I’ve seen her tear up on stage and it was lovely. The standing ovation said it all our Queen. Welcome back from retirement – don’t go away again, please xxx ## A Venue Steeped in History Her Majesty’s Theatre, with its recent refurbishments, provided the perfect backdrop for the gala. The venue’s blend of historic charm and modern amenities enhanced the evening’s ambiance, making it a fitting setting for such a milestone celebration. ![Historic theatre building illuminated with warm orange and red lighting against twilight sky during Adelaide Cabaret Festival.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/24794/HMT.jpg) ## Looking Ahead The 2025 Adelaide Cabaret Festival promises a rich array of performances, with 77 shows over 12 nights, including 11 world premieres and 11 Australian exclusives. From international acts to local favourites, the festival continues to be a beacon for cabaret enthusiasts. See you there in your sparkles my friends. Happy 25th Birthday Adelaide Cabaret Festival, wishing you many more glorious trips around the sun. XO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5. For more information on upcoming performances and events, visit the [Adelaide Cabaret Festival website](https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/). [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/embed/_n3-v3TrkT0) ![Four performers in vibrant costumes strike a pose against gold curtains at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/24797/cab25-hero-intercontinental-1500x725-1.jpg)