CABARET IN PREVIEW [10:10:07]
YOUR WHO'S WHO & WHO'S HOT AT THIS YEAR'S BRISBANE CABARET FESTIVAL

Arise, Brisburbia and rejoice - the Cabaret's in town! Featuring 'exotic divas, local stars and national sensations to shock and amuse … strut and seduce', this flamboyant buffet promises something for everyone; a self-saucing pudding of panache that will fill the creeping craving for something sexy and sweet that lurks within us all.

Popping up in 5 venues around our fair city, it's only on for four nights, so grab your pen and paper, kids, as Scene gives you the lowdown on the 'who', the 'what' and the 'where' ... the 'how' is up to you!

IN THE Powerhouse Theatre
Martin Martini and The Bone Palace Orchestra - A 'menacingly attractive' collection of mongrels, these musical misfits have been wowing Melbourne audiences since 2005. Inspired by the 'soup-kitchen brain' of their leader, this collection of child prodigies promises both the macabre and the sublime from Australia's darker musical nooks. October 12 &13.

Meow Meow: Beyond Glamour - This 'darling of the dungeons of the Euro jet-set' promises obsessional love songs, tired old tricks and gorgeous suicide ditties in a cocktail of 'kamikaze cabaret, performance-art exotica and karaoke splendour'… what's not to love? She graces our cover this issue to boot! October 12 & 14.

Caroline O'Connor - International star of stage and screen, O'Connor is here to do what she does best; entertain. Whether it's Judy Garland, Ethel Merman, Edith Piaf or a host of other greats, O'Connor embodies the true spirit of the cabaret. A must-see. October 11.

IN THE VISY THEATRE
Harmonie Desastres: Meret & Ars Vitalis - 'Pure magic', says the German press. Ars Vitalis is a mondo bizarro three-piece, Meret is the vocalist and hula-hoopist extraordinaire. Circus-meets-a’capella-meets-heavy-metal-meets-jazz. Can you afford to miss it? October 13 & 14.

Anje West - Cantar Brasileira - Local legend and Latin nut, West is out to show us all that there's a lot more walking to be done after the girl from Ipanema passes by. Sung in Portuguese, her homage to her Brazilian heroes would make even a politician find their hips. October 12.

Scott Spark - With just a Wurlitzer, a piano and his voice, this man conjures up cinematic tableaux from the everyday mundane. Who else has ever explored 'the tragic comedy of full-time employment'? October 12.

Off 42nd Street: David Waugh & Marla Renwick - A street-tour of New York without the airfare, this native New Yorker and ex-pat Aussie introduce you to shady gospel preachers and loveable pan-handlers … and you don't even have to ride the subway! October 11.

ON THE Turbine Platform
After Dinner Mince feat. Polytoxic, Brides of Frank and Amanda-Lyn Pearson - It's circus, it's dance, it's theatre, it's cheese … in short, it’s the ginchiest, baby! Billed as 'a late-night savoury treat of pop-parody, seductive satire and aerial antics', this crazed collective are sure to astound and amaze. October 12.

AT THE West End Club
Lucinda Shaw & the Silver Sircus - A cabaret triple-treat: the wonderful vocals of Lucinda Shaw and her swinging band, the hilarious Simon Chan and lastly, the sensual flamenco of John Rodgers. October 13.

AT Café Caro Mio
Classic Movie Night - Put down your knitting, your book and your broom: Liza's come out to play! Enjoy a 3-course meal as you watch the multi-award winning 'Cabaret', and then cut a rug to the tunes of the restored pianola for dessert. Splendid! October 14.

And that's only the start - there are free cabaret workshops for kids and adults alike, so head to the website … who knows - it may be YOU busting out beneath the bulbs next year!
Ewan Yamates

The Brisbane Cabaret Festival invades the Brisbane Powerhouse (and other venues around Briz-Vegas) from October 11 - 14. For full program details, click www.brisbanecabaretfestival.com. Meow Meow Photography by Karl Giant.
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