Review by Markus Hamence – Alfie Boe. Performance date: Sunday 07 June 2026. Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.
There are some good voices, and then there are great voices that seem to arrive from somewhere beyond the stage. Alfie Boe’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival debut was one of those rare evenings where technical brilliance, emotional honesty and sheer star power combined to create something unforgettable. The moment he stepped into the spotlight at Festival Theatre, the acclaimed tenor held the sold-out audience in the palm of his hand, delivering a performance that felt as intimate as a lounge room conversation and as grand as the world’s biggest concert hall. Joined by special guest Amy Manford, the evening showcased why Boe remains one of the most celebrated performers in both musical theatre and classical music.
With a pared back, behind the glitz, stage fit-out and casual attire, Boe made it real for us. And we loved him for that.
Best known to many as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Boe possesses a voice of extraordinary range and power, yet it was his warmth and authenticity that elevated the night. Whether delivering soaring musical theatre favourites, heartfelt ballads or selections from his latest album Facing Myself, every song was infused with genuine feeling. His effortless ability to move between genres highlighted a performer completely at ease with his craft.
“Alfie Boe fills the room with stories, cheeky banter, emotion, fine musicianship and pure vocal magic”
Markus Hamence
Amy Manford proved the perfect musical partner. Her crystalline soprano brought elegance and grace to the evening, while the chemistry between the pair created some of the concert’s most memorable moments. Their duets were beautifully balanced, blending two distinctive voices into something rich, powerful and deeply moving. Manford’s own solo moments were equally captivating, confirming her status as one of Australia’s finest vocal talents.
What made the performance particularly special was its balance. There was grandeur, certainly, but also humour, storytelling and a refreshing lack of pretence. Boe connected effortlessly with the Adelaide audience, sharing anecdotes and reflections that made a world-class performer feel remarkably approachable. Every note, every phrase and every pause felt purposeful. His engagement with the audience between songs was authentic. Poking fun, stealing phones, sharing tambourines, embarrassing latecomers, Boe was relaxed and there to give us a good, solid fun night out accompanied with his smashing voice.
In a festival renowned for celebrating artistry in all its forms, Alfie Boe delivered a masterclass in vocal performance and stagecraft. It was a night of soaring melodies, heartfelt connection and breathtaking musicianship – the kind of concert that reminds you why live performance remains such a powerful experience.
Wrapping it up: A world-class voice, an irresistible stage presence and a standing ovation that felt inevitable from the very first note. Let’s do it again soon please Alfie.
