Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Sunday 7 June 2025, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Adelaide Festival Centre, South Australia
A Glittering Farewell from Australia’s Queen of Cabaret
Sunday, June 8, 2025, the Dunstan Playhouse in Adelaide shimmered with sequins and nostalgia as Carlotta took the stage for The Party’s Over, marking her final performance at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. At 82, Carlotta – Australia’s beloved showgirl, trailblazing transgender icon, and cabaret legend – delivered a performance that was both a heartfelt farewell and a vibrant celebration of her extraordinary life.
A Journey from Kings Cross to Cabaret Royalty
Carlotta, born Carol Spencer in 1943 in Balmain, New South Wales, began her illustrious career in 1963 as a founding member of the groundbreaking Les Girls revue in Sydney’s Kings Cross. Known as the “Queen of the Cross,” she captivated audiences with her charisma and talent, eventually becoming the show’s compere and star attraction. Her performances were not just entertainment; they were acts of defiance and self-expression during a time when being openly transgender was fraught with challenges.
In 1973, Carlotta made television history by portraying Robyn Ross, a transgender character, in the Australian soap opera Number 96. This marked the first time a transgender actor played a transgender character on TV, breaking new ground for representation in media. Beyond the stage and screen, Carlotta has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using her platform to champion inclusivity and acceptance.
The Final Bow: A Night of Music and Memories
The Party’s Over wasn’t only a show; it was a tapestry of songs and stories that encapsulated Carlotta’s six-decade career. Accompanied by a three-piece band led by Helpmann Award winner, Adelaide’s own and incomparable, Michael Griffiths, she performed classics from Peter Allen, Kander & Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, and Barry Manilow. Each song was interwoven with candid anecdotes, offering the audience a glimpse into the highs and lows of her journey.
Opening (in a fabulously feather outfit with a diamonte wig piece) with ‘When You’re Good To Mama’ and swiftly into ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’, Carlotta’s presence was felt. And 100% engaging, reeling us all in with the old-school camp jokes that are cheeky, highly naughty and mostly self deprecating. Carlotta is a STAR!
The Lady Is A Tramp, I Am What I Am – Carlotta served them all up with twisted lyrics to reflect her life. The costume changes occurred flawlessly and they were BIG costumes with hair that got even BIGGER. Not bad for an old broad!
Michael Griffiths and co, entertained during the quick changes, first up with a mad Peter Allen tribute with ‘Quite Please, There’s A Lady On-Stage’ and ‘Rio’ which saw Carlotta coming back on to join in complete with maracas. Then ‘Love Is In The Air’ for the next change. Exceptional. Michael is brilliant at what he does, he KNOWS cabaret like the back of his hand.
The banter was sincere and showed us glimpses into her crazy life and exceptional world. With regular strolls through the audience, Carlotta ensured she connected with everyone in the audience. A true performer and artist.
Further, Carlotta’s rendition of ‘I’m Still Here’ (the closing number) resonated deeply with us all, serving as both a personal anthem and a testament to her resilience. With her signature wit, she quipped about her longevity in showbiz, leaving the audience in stitches and awe. Bravo.
Honoring a Living Legend
In recognition of her monumental contributions to the arts, Carlotta was awarded the 2025 Adelaide Cabaret Festival Icon Award. Festival Artistic Director Virginia Gay lauded her as a true icon, stating, “She hosted Les Girls and held Kings Cross in the palm of her manicured hand. She was the inspiration for the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. She is 82 and just as fabulous as ever.”
Carlotta’s influence extends beyond the stage. Her life and career have been immortalized in the 2014 telemovie Carlotta, and she has been a regular presence on Australian television, including appearances on Beauty and the Beast and Studio 10. In 2020, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the performing arts and the LGBTQ+ community.
A Legacy That Shines On
As the final notes of The Party’s Over echoed through the Dunstan Playhouse, the standing ovation that followed was not just for the night’s performance but for a lifetime of breaking barriers, challenging norms, and dazzling audiences. Carlotta’s farewell was a poignant reminder of the power of authenticity and the enduring impact of a performer who has truly seen it all.
Though the curtain has fallen on her stage performances, Carlotta’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike. The party may be over, but the celebration of her life and contributions is far from finished.
A cabaret queen that shines brighter than the sun.
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