Review by Markus Hamence – 2026 Adelaide Cabaret Festival Opening Variety Gala. Performance date: Thursday 05 June 2026. Adelaide Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.
The opening night of the 2026 Adelaide Cabaret Festival didn’t arrive quietly, shy or even well mannered. It exploded onto the Festival Theatre stage in a shower of sequins, sass, skin and glorious unpredictability as Artistic Director Reuben Kaye threw open the doors to his “Delicious Revolution” with a Variety Gala that was equal parts celebration, statement and spectacular circus of talent. The sold-out audience wasn’t simply attending a gala; they were witnessing the opening chapter of a bold new era for one of Australia’s most beloved arts festivals. Bang, this Revolution arrived.
“Reuben Kaye’s opening night gala wasn’t just a festival launch – it was a glitter-soaked declaration that cabaret’s revolution has arrived.”
Markus Hamence
As host, Reuben Kaye was in blistering form. Sharp, fearless and gloriously outrageous, Kaye prowled the stage with the confidence of a ringmaster who knew he had assembled one of the strongest opening night line-ups in recent memory. Every introduction landed with bite, every transition crackled with energy and every appearance reinforced his vision for a festival that celebrates diversity, individuality and artistic rebellion.
The performance was not complete with an outrageous ‘Fashion Parade’ too. Kaye dazzled in gowns loaned to him via his friends including Rhonda Burchmore (Her sparkly red dress ‘fitting like a glove’). But it was Ursula Martinez’s (Google Ursula’s Red Hanky Routine) costume that was the show-stopper 😉 (See below image)
The evening showcased a dazzling cross-section of cabaret’s many flavours. Bettie Bombshell brought old-school glamour wrapped in modern confidence, while Dylan Adler delivered an infectious blend of comedy and musical brilliance that had the audience instantly on side. Em Rusciano was, unsurprisingly, a force of nature, commanding the room with her trademark fucking honesty, powerhouse vocals and unfiltered charisma.
“Bold, brilliant and bursting with talent, the 2026 Variety Gala served up exactly what great cabaret should: heart, humour and a healthy dose of beautiful chaos.”
Markus Hamence
One of the night’s joys was the variety itself. Frankie McNair offered beautifully crafted chaos, while Gillian Cosgriff reminded everyone why she remains one of Australia’s most accomplished cabaret storytellers, effortlessly balancing humour, intelligence and musicality. Javon King delivered a performance brimming with soul and theatrical presence, while Mahalia Barnes unleashed vocals so rich and powerful they seemed to shake the walls of the theatre.
The international flavour of the festival shone brightly through Tara Tiba, whose performance carried both emotional depth and stunning artistry. The 2026 Adelaide Cabaret Festival Icon Award Winner, Ursula Yovich, was magnetic, bringing warmth, strength and an unmistakable connection to every note with a rendition of Nina Simone’s ‘Four Woman’. Breathtaking and heart wrenching. Vidya Makan delivered one of the evening’s most memorable vocal moments, while emerging talent Baylie Carson proved more than capable of holding their own amongst such esteemed company. Love. Love. Love.
What made the evening truly special was its refusal to settle into a predictable rhythm. Cabaret at its best thrives on surprise, and this gala continually found new ways to delight. One moment audiences were laughing uncontrollably, the next they were witnessing moments of vulnerability, brilliance or pure theatrical spectacle. The pacing was relentless, yet never rushed, creating an atmosphere where anything felt possible.
By curtain call, the audience rose in a deserved standing ovation, not simply for the performers but for the promise of what lies ahead. If this gala is any indication, Reuben Kaye’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival is set to be fearless, provocative, joyful and gloriously alive. This performance was pure joyous infectious energy.
Wrap up message: The 2026 Adelaide Cabaret Festival opened with a bang, a wink and a standing ovation, proving that under Reuben Kaye’s fearless vision, cabaret remains one of the most vibrant, daring and joyfully unpredictable art forms on the planet. Get on the Revolution!
2026 Adelaide Cabaret Festival
4-21 June 2026
Adelaide Festival Centre
Tickets
Photography Credit: Credit Claudio Raschella
