At times theatre can be misunderstood. Some people don’t get it, but more common than not, it’s because they’ve never really given it a go. Wanting to break down these barriers, as well as present something during their quieter season, Her Majesty’s Theatre is bringing the theatre to the people in the Ballarat Cabaret Festival.
“Not everybody is well versed in theatre attendance and coming to the theatre. By offering cabaret we’re hoping to break that down and make it less mystical to the community that may think twice about coming to a theatre because it’s a more relaxed form,” theatre manager, Graeme Russell says.
“It’s a really fun and enjoyable form of theatre which is in a relaxed environment and very accessible. Even if it’s an artist you’ve never heard of before what they’re doing is likely to be really accessible and something that you’re able to sit there, relax and get involved if you’d like to.”
The festival will showcase the best of the region, as well a two special performances from the events first international performer Alicia Rappoport from Argentina performing Forbidden Tango and Re-born in Buenos Aires.
Also on show will be a variety of one-man comedy shows, a burlesque, variety spectacular in Caravan Burlesque and the one and only Rob Mills in Rob Mills Is…Surprisingly Good.
“I made sure I saw the show when he did it at the Melbourne festival earlier this year and it’s so much fun,” he says.
“He’s very down to earth and honest and quite self-effacing – he really has fun with himself and his media personality and his media profile. Obviously the whole Paris Hilton thing is something that is never going to go away for him, but he had a lot of fun with it and has a real true conversation with the audience in that respect.”
Ensuring the stage is shared with performers big and small, the festival also offers up several places for theatre academy students. This year’s being work from students Ryan Smedley, Adrian Barila, David Sirianni and Nadia Schmid.
“It’s a great way that we can support that with some of the more promising artists to give them that kick along. In the past a couple of artists have gone on to take their show, or more developed versions, to Fringe festivals. At least one from last year is in this year’s fringe festival and for the first time one of our former artists is back in the main show of this festival,” he says.
So whether you’re a first time theatre goer, a veteran to the arts or somewhere in between, head along to the Ballarat Cabaret Festival and enjoy what the region has to offer.
TOP 3 SHOWS FOR NEW THEATRE GOERS
1: Caravan Burlesque: What Finucane and Smith do is absolutely incredible.
2: Alicia Rappoport: Either of the show she’s doing would be incredible because she’s opening you up to a whole new culture as well.
3: Rob Mills of course.
But every show is there because I believe in it. It’s tough to break it down.
Visit www.ballaratcabaret.com or call 5333 5888 for tickets and information.
Written by Amanda Sherring
When & Where: Various venues in central Ballarat – October 6-11