Review by Markus Hamence – Casey Donovan: This Is Me. Performance date: Friday 20 June 2026. Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Adelaide Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.
Casey Donovan is a force of nature. Returning to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival with This Is Me, Casey delivered a performance that was an open-hearted celebration of one-hell-of-a remarkable career. Marking 22 years in the spotlight, the proud Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti artist took audiences on a journey through the songs, stories and moments that have shaped her life, all wrapped in a voice that remains one of the most powerful in Australian entertainment.
She stepped onto the Festival Theatre stage and Donovan effortlessly commanding every inch of the room. Her trademark warmth, quick wit and infectious humour created an immediate connection with the audience, making a venue of this scale feel surprisingly intimate. Whether revisiting Australian Idol favourites, Amy Winehouse bangers, musical theatre showstoppers or introducing original material, every song was delivered with authenticity and conviction. Few performers can move so effortlessly between genres, but Casey has long mastered that art, shifting from soaring ballads to playful crowd-pleasers with remarkable ease. AND her confidence is heart warming.
“Casey Donovan performs the songs vocally wonderful and all the while filling them with heart, soul and a lifetime of stories.”
Markus Hamence
A highlight of the evening was the festival-exclusive tribute to Amy Winehouse. Rather than simply recreating familiar hits, Donovan approached the material with deep respect, allowing Winehouse’s vulnerability and soul to shine through while still making each song her own. Her rich vocal tone proved a perfect match for the emotional depth of the repertoire, drawing out nuances that reminded audiences just how timeless these songs remain. Kicking off the night was haunting Back To Black and the rest followed including a crowd rousing Valerie toward the end of the night.
A special mention to the Mamas and the Papas medley too from when Donovan played Mama Cass in a stage msuical a few years back. Make Your Own Kinds Music, was a thoughtful and important highlight.
Yet what makes Casey Donovan such a compelling performer is not just her extraordinary vocal ability. It is her generosity. Throughout the evening she invited the audience into her world, sharing stories of resilience, growth, success and self-discovery. The show’s title, This Is Me, was more than a statement – it was an invitation to embrace authenticity, individuality and the joy of standing proudly in your own story.
Backed by a superb band, two backing singers and elevated by slick production values, the concert balanced spectacle with sincerity. Every note felt purposeful, every anecdote genuine. It was a reminder that great cabaret is not about perfection; it is about connection. Donovan has that gift in abundance.
By the final standing ovation, there was little doubt that Casey Donovan remains one of Australia’s most versatile and beloved entertainers. This Is Me was uplifting, funny, heartfelt and vocally breathtaking – a celebration of a performer who continues to evolve while staying true to exactly who she is.
Wrapping it up: A triumphant celebration of authenticity, powerhouse vocals and one of Australia’s most captivating performers.
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