Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2026: 5 Must-See Shows

The Adelaide Cabaret Festival returns from 4 to 21 June 2026 at the Adelaide Festival Centre, curated by Artistic Director Reuben Kaye under the theme 'delicious revolution'. The program spans showtunes, burlesque, jazz, comedy, and French chanson, with a closing party by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox aimed at younger audiences. Executive Producer Isobel Marmion highlights the artform's versatility. Five standout shows include: Baylie Carson's autobiographical 'Baylie Carson Is Handsome(ish)' (11-12 June, Space Theatre), supported by the Frank Ford Commission; 'Homecoming: Class of Cabaret Graduates' (18-19 June, Space Theatre), featuring alumni of the education program; Lincoln Elliott's work-in-progress musical 'Artefact (or, Repatriation: The Musical)' (11 June, Banquet Room), about repatriating stolen cultural items from the British Museum; Iranian-Australian jazz singer Tara Tiba's 'Omid (Hope)' (14 June, Banquet Room), drawing on Persian and Latin traditions; and Ursula Yovich's 'Ursula Yovich Sings Nina Simone' (5-6 June, Banquet Room), a personal conversation with the activist artist. The festival also features Alfie Boe, Amy Manford, Bettie Bombshell, Vince Jones, Po Co Mo Co, and Lou Blackwell & The French Set.