Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: 7 June 2025, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Adelaide Festival Centre, South Australia
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival’s 25th anniversary has delivered a glittering array of performances in just the first weekend, but none quite as audacious and heartfelt as Tired Ass Showgirls. Written and Directed by the acclaimed and slick talents of Jared Jekyll, the show stars the magnetic Seann Miley Moore and the visually arresting Brendan de la Hay. This cabaret comedy is a raucous celebration of friendship, resilience, and the unvarnished truths behind the sequins.
“The show is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the queer community, celebrating identities and experiences with unapologetic pride…” – Markus Hamence / On Your Markus
A Dynamic Duo with Unstoppable Chemistry
When Seann Miley Moore and Brendan de la Hay take to the spotlight together, the result is pure magic. Their friendship sparkles just as brightly as their sequins, creating a dynamic energy that is as infectious as it is heartfelt. With Seann’s powerhouse vocals and Brendan’s striking visual artistry, the pair complement each other in perfect harmony – balancing humour, honesty, and dazzling stagecraft. Their easy rapport invites the audience into their world, making Tired Ass Showgirls feel less like a polished performance and more like an intimate night of shared stories, laughter, and unapologetic celebration. Together, they prove that cabaret is at its best when it’s rooted in authenticity and connection.
A Dazzling Dive into Showbiz Realities
The minute Moore and de la Hay step onto the Space Theatre stage, the audience is enveloped in a whirlwind of glitter, glam, and raw emotion. Their chemistry is palpable, drawing us into a world where backstage tales and onstage personas intertwine. The show’s narrative unfolds through a series of anecdotes and musical numbers that are as revealing as they are entertaining.
Behind the Curtain: Stories That Stick
What sets Tired Ass Showgirls apart is its unflinching honesty. The performers peel back the layers of their showbiz lives, sharing stories that are both humorous and poignant. From the challenges of maintaining appearances to the personal sacrifices made in the name of art, Moore and de la Hay offer a candid glimpse into the realities of life under the spotlight.
Musical Moments and Memorable Highlights
Musically, the show is a tour de force. Moore’s vocal prowess shines in renditions that range from soulful ballads to high-energy numbers, while de la Hay complements with his own unique flair. The musical direction by Benjamin Kiehne ensures each piece resonates, enhancing the storytelling and emotional depth of the performance. From Kylie’s ‘Locomotion’, ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ and ‘Oops, I Did It Again’ – all the numbers were nailed with dynamic performance skills from the pair, BUT, it was their BRILLIANT self-penned songs that grabbed us by the heart strings all including some personal and very touching stories.
A Celebration of Queer Excellence
Being described as “queer, camp excellence,” Tired Ass Showgirls doesn’t just entertain – it empowers. The show is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the queer community, celebrating identities and experiences with unapologetic pride. It’s a performance that resonates deeply, leaving audiences both moved and invigorated.
More Seann Miley Moore
Seann Miley Moore is a fearless force of nature in the world of music and cabaret. With a voice that soars and a style that defies convention, Seann first captured the world’s attention as a finalist on The X Factor UK in 2015. Drenched in glitter, confidence, and raw emotion, Seann’s performances are equal parts theatre and heartfelt confession, drawing on his rich background as a queer, Asian-Australian artist. Born in Indonesia and raised in Sydney, Seann brings a global perspective to his craft, blending pop, soul, and cabaret with a striking visual aesthetic that celebrates identity and self-love.
Beyond the cabaret scene, Seann has made waves on the musical theatre stage, most recently starring as the Engineer in Cameron Mackintosh’s Australian revival of Miss Saigon—a groundbreaking casting that brought fresh perspective and power to the iconic role. Whether commanding the stage in a major musical, touring internationally, or dazzling on festival stages, Seann’s artistry is always bold, unapologetic, and brimming with heart. In Tired Ass Showgirls, his magnetic presence and powerhouse vocals once again remind audiences why he remains one of the most exciting voices in contemporary cabaret and theatre.
More Brendan de la Hay
Brendan de la Hay is a visionary theatre-maker, costume designer, and cabaret performer whose work defies categorisation and bursts with creativity. Brendan brings a unique blend of visual artistry and fearless performance to the stage. With a background spanning fine art, fashion, and live performance, he has become renowned for creating elaborate, gender-expansive costumes and evocative stage imagery. His boundary-pushing style reached a national audience when he wowed viewers as a finalist on Australia’s Got Talent, where his breathtaking costume designs and bold theatricality left an indelible mark.
As a performer, Brendan’s storytelling is layered with humour, vulnerability, and theatrical flair. His stage presence commands attention, blending movement, costume, and narrative to create unforgettable moments. In Tired Ass Showgirls, Brendan steps into the spotlight not just as a designer but as a performer in his own right – offering audiences a rare glimpse behind the glitz and into the heart of an artist. Paired with Seann Miley Moore, Brendan’s artistry adds texture and depth to the show’s celebration of queer resilience and camaraderie, making him a vital and captivating presence in the cabaret world.
Final Thoughts
In a festival brimming with talent, Tired Ass Showgirls stands out and was a must-see. It’s a masterclass in cabaret that combines humor, heart, and a hefty dose of sparkle. For those that were seeking a performance that challenges, charms, and celebrates in equal measure, this show delivered on all fronts. The run is over BUT fingers-crossed we see this back soon on our stages.
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