BALLARAT’S Mining Exchange has been transformed into a luxurious tent as part of the city’s fourth Cabaret Festival.
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With yellow and blue velvet drapes, the historic building now boasts an all-enveloping canopy set to play host to a stellar line-up of acts.
Ballarat Cabaret Festival artistic director Graeme Russell said Tuesday’s Opening Gala, held at the Mining Exchange, provided audiences with a glimpse of what was to come as part of this year’s event.
“It’s all about giving people a taste of what to expect through the festival,” he said.
Mr Russell said the decision not to erect the Spiegeltent this year came about for a number of reasons.
“The Spiegeltent was so much work and was subject to the elements,” he said.
“With this canopy, we are still getting the feel and ambiance without the risk of being outdoors and we are giving the Mining Exchange a whole other life.”
Local performer Luke Tonkin took to the stage at the opening gala as part of his first gig at the Ballarat Cabaret Festival.
The artist gave audiences a taste of his show There Is Nothing Like A Dame, which he said celebrated the brilliance of pantomime.
He described the show as a naughty, tongue-in-cheek salute to panto.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever done a one-man show,” Tonkin said.
“I wrote it in about a week at the start of September and have been putting together costumes and bits and pieces ever since.
“It was inspired by my love of pantomime and my want for Ballarat to produce full-scale pantomime.
“I can’t wait.”
Local performer Sophie Livitsanis, who took on the role of Liza Minnelli for the gala, said she was excited to finally showcase Liza to Ballarat audiences.
Throughout the festival, the Ballarat Mining Exchange will also play host to the shows Caravan Burlesque and Rob Mills is...Surprisingly Good.
Shows will also be staged at PO Box Theatre, Helen MacPherson Smith Theatre, and Craig’s Royal Hotel.
The six-day event will see returning cabaret artists including Michael Griffiths and Amelia Ryan as well as a range of other acts from across the country and overseas.
“The artists are different every year and we have a different flavour every year. This year we have our first international artist, new shows and some returning artists.
“We are showcasing the talent in this country to everyone.”
The Ballarat Cabaret Festival will run until October 11. For more information and tickets, visit www.ballaratcabaret.com
