While unveiling the line up of acts at the Lost Ones Gallery, Artistic director Fiona Scott-Norman said she was very proud to be involved in the festival. 

“I think it’s a very good time for cabaret in Ballarat. Because it’s in transition.It’s both heritage and it’s the future together. And that’s kind of what cabaret is all about. It’s about looking at tradition and taking people who have contributed and have a great history and also the edge, thrusting forward. Maybe a little bit of disruption. It can be comfortable and dangerous at the same time,” she said. “What I’d like to go for with the cabaret festival going forward is excellence. All the performers are at the top of their game. An arts festival should show people who are trying new things, who are established and pushing themselves in new directions or established performers doing what they do best and also introducing new performers to the people.”

The Aspie Hour will see Sophie Smyth and Ryan Smedley delve into the world of Asperger’s Syndrome through musical theatre. Dolly Diamond will star as a comedic game show hostess in the show Bl*ankety Bl*nks. Federation University Art’s Academy will bring their take on the future of cabaret in Cabaret Neu while pianist Trevor Jones will be featured in the Key Party Piano Bar. Debra Byrne will bring old classics in Songs of my Youth, while singer-songwriter and comedian Jude Perl’s At the Piano will feature some soulful, original tunes. A fusion of jazz and a dj can be found in the performance of the Bachelors from Prague and Yana Alana while Paul McDermott and Steven Gate’s Go Solo will showcase their songs and voice. Musical comedian Gillian Cosgriff will perform eight songs she wrote in a period of eight weeks while Carlie D. Barkle and Oliver Clark will focus on all things Bond in Shaken. 

“The festival will bring enormous economic benefit to the community. It’s about making sure our streets are alive and active and there’s plenty for people to come along to see and enjoy.” Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said. The Ballarat Cabaret Festival will begin at the Ballarat Mining Exchange on October 5 and will continue at various venues across the city until October 8. For more information and to book tickets, visit balaratcabaret.com.