Ballarat Cabaret Festival returns

THE Ballarat Cabaret Festival will return next month, celebrating all things cabaret and all things Ballarat.

The four-day festival will be held at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.

“Feast your eyes on a delectable bevy of talent, with something for everyone in the 2025 program,” festival director Issie Hart said.

The festival centrepiece, the Cabaret Gala, is a brand-new show curated by Hart exclusively for the festival.

“We have an outrageously talented word-class cast,” Hart said.

“Adore Handel, an incorrigible, 18th century, time-travelling songbird and raconteur whose whimsical drag cabaret blends opera, pop classics and original songs, all with fanciful narratives sure to enchant and amuse.

“Andi Cooper, who is fresh from a national tour with Briefs Factory and will soon hit the road with Hot Brown Honey.

“Andi specialises in double bass, rhythm guitar and acrobatic Cyr wheel.

“Cousin Tara is a Melbourne-based musical comic, writer and cabaret artist, and one of the hardworking team at Ballarat Cabaret Festival.

“Her musical releases have been lauded by Hobart Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival.

“Patrick Bath is a beloved Ballarat local and internationally acclaimed writer, director, actor, musician, teacher and clown.

“He has worked professionally worldwide for over 20 years and is a member of The League of Sideshow Superstars and a regular performer with The Australian Shakespeare Company.

“Bede Nash studied for five years at the National Institute of Circus Arts specialising in hula hoops, tumbling, handstands and pitching.

“He is now a cheeky regular in high-profile cabaret and circus shows touring across Australia.”

Hart is a multi-award-winning opera singer and cabaret artist of international esteem who resurrected the Ballarat Cabaret Festival in 2021, and continues at the helm in 2025.

Other shows include Mama Alto Transcendent; Julie Peters Identity Quest, a trans existential drama and Circus Dreams presented by Curbside Carnies.

“This one is for the kids,” Hart said.

“It is guaranteed to bring laughter, joy and inspiration to children and parents alike with a circus play space, mini workshops and special guest performances.

“Come and experience the gorgeous Ballarat Mining Exchange, the festival’s key venue provided through its partnership with the City of Ballarat.

“Watch as we transform this historic building into a cabaret wonderworld, with a hazy speakeasy bar and a stage adorned with stunning, custom-made velvet drapes.

“Gather those who make your heart sing and come join us at Ballarat Cabaret Festival 2025.

“We can’t wait to see you there!”

For further information visit facebook.com/ballaratcabaretfestival or email [email protected] .

Tickets are available now at ballaratcabaretfestival.com .