Artistic director Kate Ceberano’s first Adelaide Cabaret Festival has claimed the highest box office ever in the event’s entire 12 year history, smashing all previous records, including the 2011 Festival’s record by 12 per cent.
With more than 30 sold out performances, Kate said she was humbled by the obvious love South Australians and its visitors shared for the cabaret genre and the passionate feedback audiences gave to the more than 300 performers across the Festival during the 16-day event.
“We have been blessed with an exceptional line-up of performers this year, we were so fortunate to see them perform live and some on our shores for the first time," Kate said.
She also acknowledged festival designer and Australian artist, David Bromley, for creating an inviting and warm Festival atmosphere.
“He was instrumental in transforming the look and feel of this year’s Festival, from marketing collateral such as the program and posters, right through to the Festival’s highly successful late night club Backstage and his amazing Bromley Gallery."
2012 Adelaide Cabaret Festival highlights included:
- Mary Wilson’s debut at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival performing in Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Project
- The musical improvisational genius from spellbinding cellist Zoe Keating
- Musical theatre legends including the last song and dance man Ben Vereen and Disney princess Lea Salonga
- Exceptionally talented vocal chameleon Bernadette Robinson paying tribute to some of the greatest 20th Century singers in Songs For Nobodies
- Cabaret kings, Kim Smith in Misfit and five times Festival crooner Mark Nadler who took up residence and wowed audiences for the event’s entirety
- Sassy, sexy Australian ex-pat glamazon Nadeah, who brought Adelaide audiences to their feet
- The mesmerising Irish chanteuse Camille O’Sullivan in her show Feel
- Acclaimed UK comedian, actor, writer, TV & radio presenter Lenny Henry
The Festival returns next year with Kate back at the helm as artistic director from 7 to 22 June.