Champagne Cabaret

Step right up, step right up, the circus is back in town! Red Canvas Productions and Gasworks (‘Circus Under The Stars’) served Champagne Cabaret, and yes, it was delicious as it sounds! An outrageous adults-only cabaret spectacular performed within the vibrant open-air Gasworks arts precinct, conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from inner-city Melbourne. Here, the crowds were in awe by acts performed by Australia’s top circus and cabaret performers. 

Champagne Cabaret’s ringmaster is none other than the incomparable Valerie Hex (Yummy) who comically greeted the audience with her sage life advice, to “live, laugh and …. lower your expectations” (something which is definitely not required for this show). 

The cast officially opened with a vivacious performance of Britney Spears hit song ‘Circus’ – an act which set the mood for all to come! A mesmerizing Cyr wheel performance, a dynamic juggling act choreographed to Missy Elliot’s ‘Work It’ and a side-splittingly comical ‘magic’ act, which provided a whole new interpretation of the late Prince’s tune, ‘When Doves Cry’. 

Critically acclaimed performer Aurora Kurth absolutely stole the show with her sassy blues rendition of ‘Doctor Long John’, the dentist who is over 7 foot tall and takes care of all your “dental needs”. Her ability to not only hit all the right notes musically but also comically was skilful and impressive. Much to the audience’s delight, Kurth performed a second act later in the show as a mystical force who was NOT to be reckoned with. Having fallen in love with one of the audience members, Kurth showcased her extraordinary stage presence, wit, and improvisation in an unforgettable act that left us all in stitches. 

Up-and-coming circus extraordinaire Leopold Pentland was also a crowd favourite, showcasing enormous skill, strength and talent using the aerial straps and slackwire. Pentland’s performances were awe-inspiring, particularly the contemporary finale for the show which featured him hanging 20 feet above the ground, with no safety harness, whilst being doused in a rainstorm. 

From Hula Hoops to Heels, Champagne Cabaret had something for everyone! 

Gasworks have an impressive line-up of events and shows to see. Check out what’s on offer here.

Champagne Cabaret
Gasworks, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park, 3206
gasworks.org.au

Images: Rob Blackburn